Gunnery Sgt. Michael Nastasi, the communications chief and Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) active duty fund drive coordinator for Marine Special Operations Support Group speaks to a crowd of Marines, sailors and civilians of the MARSOC headquarters, explaining to them the many benefits of contributing to the NMCRS. “Many moons ago when I was a PFC stationed in Okinawa, my grandfather had passed away. At that time I couldn’t afford the $1,800 plane ticket from Naha to the U.S., explained Nastasi. “The NMCRS stepped in when I really needed them the most, and helped me pay for the ticket. To this day I am grateful for their service and the assistance they provided me.” This year's drive will continue through April 15, and there is still time to donate. Allotments are the preferable method of contributing; however, cash donations are also accepted. To find out more about the NMCRS or for additional information about the drive, contact Jesey McManus at (910) 451-5584. Also, Maj. Kevin Kratzer, the 2014 NMCRS coordinator for MARSOC, can be reached at (910) 440-2733.