Inspiring Stories

Captain Peter S. Swanson always looked at the bright side of things and found humor in everything around him. But if he is to be remembered for anything, it was for his love of the Navy, the enlisted men and women who serve in it, and his family’s dedication to the sea service and its community.

Helen Maznio and Donna Clark lived across the street from each other in San Diego for nearly four decades. Helen, a retired Navy nurse, was a private person but she liked to garden, and Donna would often see her in the garden and stop by to chat.

It was when he was walking along the street in a small farming town in rural Illinois at the height of the Great Depression that Glenn Ellis saw the Sailor in his white uniform.

How one gift speaks to the legacy of CAPT and Mrs. Charles Martin USN – and to the spirit of giving that lives on through their children.

Vice Admiral Dan McCarthy devoted 38 years to the Navy, and he's just as devoted to the Society. He's given a very generous gift that will have an impact for years to come.

As an extremely sharp, humorous, and charismatic individual, one would be astounded that Captain Walter Beam, USN (Ret.) celebrated his 100th birthday in August 2020. With 33 years dedicated to the U.S. Navy, Captain Beam has an honorable and admirable story leading up to his generous donations to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

He was on the USS California in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean when Commander Ron Ritter got word about the emergency back home. His youngest daughter had suffered a severe eye injury. Ron had to get home fast. 

“ I know that the money goes to the Sailors and Marines who need it.”