Navy Wives Clubs of America facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | NWCA |
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| Formation | June 3, 1936 |
| Founder | Mary Paolozzi |
| Founded at | Long Beach, California |
| Type | Non-Profit |
| Purpose |
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Membership
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Spouses of Enlisted and Officer personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Associate Membership is given to other branch spouses and civilian members. |
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National President
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Cris Icenhower |
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National Vice President
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Darlene Carpenter |
| Affiliations | United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard |
| Website | Twitter: Website: |
The Navy Wives Clubs of America (NWCA) is a national group that helps military families. It is a non-profit organization, meaning it doesn't aim to make money. Its main goal is to support the families of people serving in the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The NWCA also does many good deeds to help military families and their communities.
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History of the NWCA
The Navy Wives Clubs of America started on June 3, 1936, in Long Beach, California. It received a special federal charter in 1984. This charter officially recognized the group and its important work.
In 2017, the members of NWCA made a big change. They voted to allow male spouses of military members to join as regular members. This made the organization more inclusive for all military families. In 2018, members also voted to use the name Military Families Worldwide as another name for the organization. The NWCA's official motto is: "They also serve, who stay and wait." This motto honors the families who support service members from home.
Who Can Join the NWCA?
Joining the NWCA is open to many people connected to the military.
Active Membership
Active membership is for spouses of enlisted personnel. This includes those serving in the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. It also includes spouses of those in the active reserve units of these services. Spouses of enlisted personnel who have honorably left the service or retired can also join. Widows of enlisted personnel from these services are also welcome.
Associate Membership
Associate membership is for spouses of people in the Army or Air Force. It is also open to spouses of officers. People who share the goals of the NWCA but do not fit the active membership rules can also become associate members.
Volunteer Activities
NWCA groups across the country do many helpful things. One important event they take part in is Wreaths Across America. During this event, thousands of wreaths are placed on graves at veterans' cemeteries. This is a way to honor and remember those who served our country.
Scholarship Opportunities
The NWCA offers several scholarships to help students and members continue their education.
NWCA National Scholarship Foundation
Each year, the NWCA gives out thirty scholarships. These scholarships are for the children of Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine personnel. They help young people pay for college or other schooling.
Mary Paolozzi Member's Scholarship
This scholarship is only for members of the NWCA. It helps members who are continuing their education.
NMCCG Scholarship
This scholarship is specifically for spouses of enlisted Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard members. It helps them pay for their education.
Judith Haupt Member's Child Scholarship
This scholarship is for a child of an NWCA member. It is for children who might not have a military ID card, often because they are adults.
Pauline Langkamp Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is also for a child of an NWCA member. It helps children who do not have a military ID card, perhaps because they are adults or have gotten married.
