For sailors and families alike, serving in the Western Pacific Area of Operation comes with unique responsibilities and enormous opportunities. Among these opportunities includes service at preeminent nonprofits in the region.
Two judge advocate spouses were recently recognized in an awards ceremony in Yokosuka for their monumental leadership and service through one of these organizations, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). Mrs. Mandy Seeley and Mrs. Jill Warning play key roles at NMCRS Yokosuka.
Seeley runs the NMCRS Yokosuka Thrift Shop and, among other things, was responsible for the distribution of items donated to the USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) this past year. Seeley oversaw transformation of an MWR common space into a command center for multiple organizations to maintain contact with the USS Fitzgerald Sailors, and managed NMCRS Yokosuka’s uniform and civilian donations from that space. She led dozens of volunteers who helped distribute thousands of pounds of donated items and thousands of dollars of donated gift cards, then she moved the operation back to the Thrift Shop where the Society offered all USS Fitzgerald Sailors no-cost shopping into August 2017. She also provided oversight, support, and advice to the collection and distribution of donated items to USS John S. McCain Sailors who were in Singapore following the August 2017 collision at sea.
Warning is the Director of NMCRS Yokosuka and one of the most recognizable leaders on base. Under her leadership, the NMCRS Yokosuka contributed over 7,000 thousand hours of volunteer service in Yokosuka and Atsugi in 2017 and contributed over $600,000 in interest free loans and grants, while also arranging for visiting nurse appointments, and financial/budget counseling. In addition to her role as the Director of NMCRS Yokosuka, Warning co-led a symposium called Carrying Your Career OCONUS, and Co-led efforts to start a local chapter of Hiring our Heroes Military Spouse Chapter. The NMCRS Annual Volunteer Recognition annual awards ceremony was attended by nearly every commanding officer on base.
"Here in Japan, our spouses are as much a part of the base support mission as our active duty members” said Capt. Dom Flatt, Region Legal Service Office Japan commanding officer. “Jill Warning and Mandy Seeley are not just leaders in the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, but are recognized by fleet commanders and commanding officers as leaders in the larger base community. Their commitment and service enhances the regard for our larger JAG community. We are very proud to serve alongside them."
The NMCRS Active Duty Fund Drive (ADFD) is going on now through March 30, 2018. Active Duty are encouraged to connect with their command’s key person to learn more about NMCRS’ services and how to participate in this year’s ADFD.
Civilians who are interested in making a contribution can make their contribution online at
www.nmcrsfunddrive.org/yokosuka.