It was a privilege and an honor to be invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Navy SEAL Foundation (a 501c3 organization) office in Coronado, as well as learn more about the foundation. In speaking with CEO Robin King and Chairman of the Board, Rear Admiral (ret.) Garry Bonelli, I discovered how important the services are that the foundation provides to so many of our community members. The event was well attended by community members, civic leaders and Gold Star families, which are families who have lost a loved one in service.
The purpose of the foundation is to honor our warriors and support their families. The Navy SEAL Foundation provides immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community. They support over 9000 active-duty members and their families along with SEAL and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) veterans around the world, which brings the number supported by the foundation up to almost 30,000 people.
There are five pillars of support the Navy Seal Foundation provides the NSWC :
- Pillar One: Warrior & Family Support programs provide needed support in times of achievement and during times of adversity. SEALs spend an average of 270 days per YEAR away from their families and in harm’s way. They are either fighting, training to fight or training others to fight.
- Pillar Two: Educational Opportunities are supported for the pursuits and professional development of the NSW community.
- Pillar Three: Tragedy Assistance & Survivor Support provides a wide range of services for warriors and families who have sustained injuries, illnesses or catastrophic loss. It is their mission to help in a time of need. In 2017 41% of the $12.9 million dollar budget was directed to this pillar.
- Pillar Four: Warrior Transition from active-duty service to life in the private-sector is challenging, which is why they work to provide extraordinary opportunities and connection points for the NSW community as they navigate evolution.
- Pillar Five: Legacy Preservation because the warriors of the NSW community deserve to be remembered and recognized for their tremendous contributions to our nation’s safety and freedom. Never to be forgotten.
King has served as the CEO of the organization for 5 ½ years, although she has been with them since its inception in 2000. It is important to know that the foundation is fully funded by public donations and 94 cents of every dollar goes to the services offered. The foundation is served by a 21 person volunteer board which is lead by Bonelli, who has served our country in active duty and reserves for 45 years.
Several members of the current city council, as well as some of the candidates, attended to show their support for this important organization serving community members of Coronado.
The foundation is excited to have a physical office location here to better serve those they support. The community is welcome to stop by the new offices, upstairs at 1033 B Avenue, Ste 201 for a tour. The staff is happy to show you around, answers your questions, and if you are a warrior or supporting family, assist you in any way they are able; and also share with you how Coronado as a community can support their efforts. Fundraising is done through galas, relationships with companies and the online donate button on their website:
