By EMILY HALL
ehall@soundpublishing.com
BREMERTON — Although by name it appears to be a support group for those whose active-duty spouses are away on deployment, there is much more to the Navy Wives Club.
In recent years, the Navy Wives Club of America has evolved into a significant source of assistance to the military community of Kitsap County.
The club is a nonprofit educational and charitable foundation with branches all across the United States.
These chapters, most prominent near military installations, routinely hold fundraisers to provide active duty, veterans and spouses with needed resources, such as counseling, financial assistance and referrals, as well as opportunities to build relationships and get involved in the community. Members, generally spouses of active-duty service members of all military branches, conduct business meetings monthly to plan volunteer projects and other community service efforts. Despite the name — which at one point was to be changed “Navy Spouses’ Club” — the club is open to everyone regardless of marital status and branch affiliation.
“We’re here to help in all ways,” national vice president Joey Price, a member of the Navy Wives Club’s Bremerton chapter, said. “Diversity is great because it brings new ideas.”
Founded five years before the onset of World War II, the Navy Wives Club is committed to giving. The club was founded to help form bonds, and to support sailors’ families and spouses while they were underway. The members hold the belief “They also serve, who stay and wait” (this later became the club’s motto), and originally comprised of Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps wives.
The club has adopted six resolutions that advocate support of our military; caring for the blind; supporting the flag; and deterrence of drug, spousal and child abuse.
The club’s scholarship program was started in the 1950s, offering students of military families assistance in obtaining a college education. Each year, 30 scholarships of up to $1,500 each are made available for dependents, representing one of the many services the club provides.
Each autumn, club members from across the United States convene to decide on a national project. These projects involve partnering with other charities to provide services to those in need. This year, the club has decided to join “K9s For Warriors” to provide wounded warriors with service dogs.
For those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, the Navy Wives Club pays honor by participating in Wreaths Across America. Taking place on Dec. 12 each year, this event salutes veterans who gave their lives to protect America’s freedom by placing wreaths on their graves at the Arlington National Cemetery. The Navy Wives Club is a major supporter of this event; members nationwide spend all year fundraising in order to purchase supplies to make wreaths for the fallen.
Price said of the club’s principles of dedication and commitment, that nobody in need of assistance gets turned away.
Throughout the year, the Bremerton chapter donates blankets and footwear to local fire departments and provides support for misguided youth who have been incarcerated.
During the holiday season, the club works with the YWCA to provide gifts during the holiday season. Price said the club derives great satisfaction from making a difference in other people’s lives.
The local branch of the Navy Wives Club of America meets at the Jackson Park Chapel Fellowship Hall in Bremerton at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month. The next meeting is on Oct. 10. All are welcome to attend.
The Navy Wives Club of America offers more than just support for military wives and a shoulder to cry on. For many people, it offers a new lease on life.
Info: Joey Price, 360-779-6191, jjprice@embarqmail.com.
