NMCRS Recognized Again by Charity Navigator

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society pic

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Image: nmcrs.org

During his leadership as a Navy Region Commander, Rear Admiral Rick Williams was responsible for overseeing an energy team that made use of solar, wind, and hydrogen sources to set up an expeditionary operations outpost. In addition to his service, Rear Admiral Rick Williams is a longtime supporter of other military-related organizations, such as the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

For the third year in a row, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) has been named a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, a watchdog organization that rates the transparency and efficacy of charities throughout the United States. It’s a rare distinction to be named a four-star charity for three years in a row, as only 14 percent of organizations achieve that milestone. By earning such a consistently high rating, the NMCRS shows that it’s a trusted charity and handles its donations with care, using the money to support both active-duty and retired military personnel.

Renewable Energy and the U.S. Military

 

Rear Admiral Rick Williams

Rear Admiral Rick Williams

A Navy veteran who earned the rank of rear admiral, Rick Williams commanded Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific. While leading Navy Region Hawaii, Rear Admiral Rick Williams implemented initiatives to reduce costs and improve efficiency through the use of renewable energy.

As the nation’s largest government consumer of energy, the Department of Defense (DoD) is working to increase the use of renewables across all branches of the military. Between 2011 and 2015, the U.S. armed forces nearly doubled the amount of renewable power it generates and nearly tripled the number of projects focused on renewables.

To help meet a DoD mandate that requires military facilities to draw at least 25 percent of their electricity from renewable sources, the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force have all launched internal energy initiatives. The initiatives aim to increase the use of alternative energy sources at bases and other facilities while improving the military’s capability to use green energy in the field.

In addition to reducing operations costs, the use of renewable power in the military has the potential to save lives. It reduces the need for fuel-delivery convoys, which are common targets for enemies. Energy-efficient ships and vehicles can also travel farther with fewer stops, making them less vulnerable to attacks. Moreover, mobile solar panels give soldiers the ability to quietly power radios and other equipment while in the field.

NMCRS Supports Education for Navy and Marine Families

 

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society pic

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Image: nmcrs.org

Rear Admiral Rick Williams led a number of operations during his time in the US Navy, where his accomplishments included overseeing Carrier Strike Group training and averting crises as a deputy Fifth Fleet commander. In addition to his work in the navy, Rear Admiral Rick Williams supports the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, which administers the Education Assistance Program for the children and spouses of active-duty, retired, and deceased sailors and marines.

The program distributes interest-free loans and grants toward the pursuit of a postsecondary education at an accredited technical, vocational, or educational US institution. Interest-free loans and grants range between $500 and $3,000 per academic year and cover costs for tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Eligible applicants include spouses of active-duty or retired sailors or marines, MECEP/MECP students, and children of active-duty, retired, or deceased sailors or marines, provided the child is under the age of 23 prior to the application deadline.

Students must register for the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System and make plans to enroll as a full-time student for the following school year in pursuit of an initial undergraduate degree. In order to qualify for a loan or grant, they must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or better and demonstrate proof of financial need. Institutions must be participants in US Department of Education Title IV financial aid programs.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Assistance Program is accepting applications for the 2018-2019 school year. All supporting documentation must hold a postmark of no later than May 1, 2018.

Combat Casualty Assistance Nurse Program Offers Post-Combat Relief

Combat Casualty Assistance Nurse Program pic

Combat Casualty Assistance Nurse Program
Image: nmcrs.org

Rick Williams spent more than two decades as a Rear Admiral in the US Navy, leading complex operations and managing multifaceted organizations. Today, Rear Admiral Rick Williams supports the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, which operates the Combat Casualty Assistance Nurse Program to assist sailors and marines adversely affected by combat.

Combat experience can significantly change a person, with effects ranging from long-standing physical injuries to emotional duress that persists long after leaving the military. The CCA Visiting Nurse Program employs a team of skilled nurses who make personal visits to sailors and marines, their families, and their caregivers and provide them with the necessary resources to effectively deal with the aftermath. Nurses help clients understand injuries received during combat, resulting diagnoses, and recovery or rehabilitation processes. In addition, nurses can discuss reoccurring issues and available resources.

The program is open to individuals who served in the US Navy or Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, or Operation Enduring Freedom. Individuals seeking assistance do not need to show ID and may request a visit at any time, regardless of current military status.

Red Cross Receives Record Donation for Benefit of Military Families

 

Red Cross pic

Red Cross
Image: redcross.org

A graduate of the University of Maryland with a master of business administration, Rear Admiral Rick Williams is a five-time Legion of Merit medal recipient who served as a leader in the United States Navy in various positions, including Deputy Fifth Fleet commander and eventually the commander of the Navy Region Hawaii. In addition to dedicating over 20 years of service to his country, Rear Admiral Rick Williams also serves his fellow man through the support of nonprofits, such as the American Red Cross.

Recently, the American Red Cross published a press release outlining the details of a record-breaking donation designated to benefit members of the military, veterans, and their families. French philanthropist and business professional Bernard Darty made a donation of $500,000, which will be applied toward the work of the Red Cross’s Hero Call Center, the provision of community services to current and retired military members, and the development of new programs that aim to meet the needs of people within this demographic. Darty was inspired to make the donation out of gratitude to the United States Armed Forces for saving his family when it liberated German-occupied France during World War II.

Support of current and retired military members and their loved ones is one of the primary missions of the Red Cross, which has provided services to over 1 million military families in the last 16 years.