JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society honored the dedicated service of one of its most faithful Charleston members during a retirement ceremony at the Red Bank Club on Joint Base Charleston-Weapons Station Oct. 28.
Joy Wilson, former director of the NMCRS office in Charleston, retired after 40 years of proudly helping Sailors and Marines in the Charleston area by providing them financial services.
"It has been a wonderful experience to help these service members," Mrs. Wilson said. "You walk out everyday knowing that you have made a difference."
Her tenure with the NMCRS lasted four decades, but her beginnings came almost by accident when she found out she'd been signed up as a volunteer worker.
"My husband, who was in the Navy at the time, came home one night 40 years ago and told me unexpectedly that he signed me up to volunteer for the NMCRS," Mrs. Wilson said. "I'm glad I didn't tell him no ... When I started volunteering, I liked it so much I did it twice a week."
Eventually working her way to becoming the NMCRS director, Mrs. Wilson helped give service members and their families financial advice, loans, money through grants or scholarships, and she made the final decision concerning each case, said Geoffrey Gibson, chairman of volunteers for the NMCRS Charleston, who is constantly on the lookout for good volunteer help to keep the operation running.
"She had a soft spot in her heart for helping people and always had a positive attitude," Mr. Gibson said.
The NMCRS's mission is to provide financial help and education to members of the Naval Military services of the United States, eligible family members and survivors in need. The NMCRS office in Charleston is unique in that it offers services to members of the Army as well.
"We are trying to teach service members and their families [in need] to become self sufficient," Mrs. Wilson said.
One of many ways the NMCRS provides help, Mrs. Wilson said, is the Quick Assistance Loan Program. QALs are need-based, interest-free loans available to active duty Sailors and Marines. The maximum loan available is $300 and is repayable within 10 months. Besides the QAL program, the NMCRS offers services such as scholarships and grants to those who qualify.
"The QALs has turned into one of our most popular programs," Mrs. Wilson said. "As a result of them, we have not had one active duty service member go to a pay-day lender."
Upon her departure, her successor, David Hastings, will take up the reins to continue supporting Sailors and Marines in the Charleston area.
"I'm looking forward to helping out these Sailors and their families," Mr. Hastings said. "I have some big shoes to fill and my goal is to do as well as Mrs. Wilson did."
For the last 40 years the Charleston NMCRS has depended on Mrs. Wilson, but also on those like her - willing volunteers from the local community. To make the NMCRS mission a success, volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis, Mr. Gibson said.
There is currently a need for case workers and budget counselors. Positions are open to anyone who would want to volunteer and develop new skills by serving Sailors, Marines and families in need, Mr. Gibson said. To volunteer, contact the Charleston office at 764-7662.