The terms "military spouse" and "volunteer" are almost synonymous. Spouses serve as ombudsmen and take on responsibilities in family readiness groups. They step up in their parent teacher organizations, in groups like Navy Compass, and in positions all around military bases, but they don't do it for pay or for any type of recognition. Military spouses volunteer and serve because an attitude of service seems to come naturally to those women and men who remain on the home front while their husbands and wives defend our country. The Navy Wives Club of America is a shining example of military spouses stepping forward and making a difference.

Incorporated in 1936, the Navy Wives Club of America (NWCA, Inc.) is the Nation's only nonprofit organization of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard enlisted spouses, and is the only such organization recognized by the United States Navy. Its membership is open to all enlisted spouses (not just wives) of the sea services and includes active-duty, retired, widowed and reserve spouses. The main purpose of the organization is to unite spouses in a community of service. Their mission is to promote relationships among enlisted sea service spouses and extend relief to needy families of the members of the services and in the civilian community.

The Navy Wives Club of America also serves as a Scholarship Foundation. What began as two single $250 scholarships in 1953 has grown to an array of 30 scholarships granted annually with values of up to $1,500. Scholarships are available to children and spouses of enlisted members of the sea services.

The Kitsap area NWCA chapter (Kitsap #46) was founded 73 years ago and boasts a strong tradition of volunteerism in our community. NWCA Kitsap members routinely reach out and provide donations for the Alive Shelter for Battered Women, Kitsap County Fire Department, Kitsap County Juvenile Detention Facility in Port Orchard and Holly Ridge in Bremerton. Earlier this year Kitsap #46 hosted the annual National Convention of the Navy Wives Club of America for the first time in nearly 30 years, and recently two local members, Joey Price and Liz Roscoe, were elected to positions on the NWCA National Governing Board. Mrs. Price will serve as the 2016 National President, and Mrs. Roscoe will serve as the 2016 National Patriotism and Education Chair.

In the coming months, NWCA Kitsap #46 will cap off another service-filled year by participating in two events at Ivy Green Cemetery, the site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Bremerton. On Nov. 8, in preparation for Veterans Day Ceremonies, NWCA members will take part in a Flag Laying, in which flags will be displayed on the graves of each servicemember buried there. On Dec. 12, members will participate in Wreaths Across America, a national campaign to honor fallen servicemembers by laying fresh wreaths on their gravesites.

For more information about the Navy Wives Club of America organization, visit www.navywivesclubsofamerica.org.