MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- In support of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s Active Duty Fund Drive, service members aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, participated in a basketball tournament inside the IronWorks Gym sports courts, to raise funds while giving back to the organization who’s mission is providing aid to Marines and sailors in need.
Since 1904, the NMCRS has provided help to service members and their families worldwide when the unexpected happens.
The NMCRS aboard station takes part in events throughout the year to raise funds that will ultimately be used to help Marines and sailors.
“Basketball is a pretty universal sport that’s why we chose it as one of our fundraisers,” said Capt. Karl Bronk, a comptroller with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadrons and the station military representative for the NMCRS. “I know an abundance of Marines and sailors that love the game and with a great venue in the form of the IronWorks Gym it was a pretty clear choice.”
Bronk added that with the hype of March Madness coming to an end, multiple units aboard station were more than willing to come out and not only support the NMCRS with donations but also attempt to imitate their favorite college teams as they play against each other for a good cause.
“I’m always glad to see the amount of support the air station provides to the (NMCRS),” said Deanna O’Neal, director of the Iwakuni NMCRS. “I’m glad to see that the service members on station are looking out for those Marines and sailors to the left and right of them because all the funds we raise go back into providing assistance to service members.”
According to O’Neal, each year thanks to the donations of the service members aboard station, the Iwakuni NMCRS has raise more funds from previous years adding she is looking forward to continuing working with the service members in future events.