Operation Jingle Proceeds Donated to NMCRS

U.S. Navy Releases

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA) Rear Adm. Rick Ruehe presented a $3,750 check to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Feb. 2 at Naval Station Norfolk's Fleet and Family Support Center.

The check represented donations collected by the Operation Jingle program, which allows Sailors and Marines living aboard ships or in barracks who are unable to make it home for the holidays to obtain free hotel rooms for visiting family members with a reservation fee of $10 per room, per night.

"This is a great product that allows Hampton Roads to help and support our Navy. As a benefit we had 27 hotels participate and sponsor more than 118 Sailors and their families," said Ruehe.

The presentation ceremony recognized the various Hampton Roads visitor's bureaus and hospitality organizations for their support in the event.

"Norfolk Convention and Vistors Bureau is proud to once again join forces with the Norfolk Hotel and Motel Association and other local partners to support this worthwhile program," said Tony DiFilippo, president and CEO of the Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We welcome the opportunity to support our Navy personnel and their families."

"Navy-Marine Corps Society is very thankful [for] the hotel association because they donated the cost of the rooms to the society to help support the Sailors and Marines again next year," said Christina Murray, director NMCRS at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek.

Overall, the proceeds allow NMCRS to continue its mission helping and supporting Sailors and Marines in Hampton Roads.

For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.

Story Number: NNS070206-02 - Release Date: 2/6/2007 8:15:00 AM