On Monday December 3rd, Zellner’s President and CEO, Jeff Spadafora, the Senior Personal Lines Agent, Karalee Sievert, and VP, Xiomara Spadafora, had the privilege to meet 1Sgt. Michael Lippencott and Ramonia Diallo, Combat Casualty Visiting Nurse, at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) in Jacksonville. 

Before Thanksgiving, Karalee–a Navy veteran herself–met Ramonia at a charity event at the NAS Jacksonville and learned about the non-profit organization

Touched by the stories of veterans in hardship, Karalee shared the information with the agency staff. Shortly after, we created a small fund to which all the employees contributed. 1Sgt. Michael Lippencott was the service man we chose as the recipient of our donation.

Sgt. Lippencott is a father of four and he is planning his retirement for June next year after almost twenty-three years of service. He joined the Marine Corps in 1996 and since then, he has completed seven tours to Iraq and Afghanistan in the operations Iraq Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. 

Needless to say, the wounds of his sacrifice to defend our country’s freedom are not only the visible ones, but also the ones on his soul.

The struggle of many service men and women to reenter civilian life is an ordeal that nobody prepares them for. Their homes change in their absence and when they have to adjust to the new lifestyle, it may very well become the most challenging mission of their lives.

This is where the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society plays a remarkable role. The Society provides financial assistance and education, as well as other programs and services, to members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, their eligible family members, widows, and survivors across the nation.

Furthermore, the Society has an amazing component called Combat Casualty Assistance (CCA) Nurse Program. In their own words, their mission is to help Marines and Sailors heal, both body and mind, after their wartime service.

The CCA Visiting Nurses is a program that helps closing the loop with medical staff and case managers, providing face-to-face contact to wounded warriors and their families at inpatient, rehabilitation, or outpatient facilities, and even their homes.

They customize their support to the needs of the service member for as long as they desire. This includes reinforcing the existing medical plan, medicines review, wound care, and education about the resources and agencies available to meet their goals.

NMCRS is a non-profit organization. Therefore, donations like Zellner’s are never expected, but greatly appreciated.

In my 22 + years of being in uniform, never has it been me that has been assisted with anything. I know that sounds weird, but it is the truth. It has been a long road, and a new beginning is around the corner for me; I look forward to seeing it, I am ready for it! I want to thank your company for making me realize that not everyone forgets about the sacrifices that are made…… “, wrote Sgt. Lippencott in a thank you note to Zellner. 

As an organization, Zellner Insurance Agency values and supports our troops. And as fellow Americans, we thank them for their service and pray for their safe return to their families, especially during the upcoming holiday season.

If you are interested in donating to this incredible cause, visit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society website, or contact us if you want more information.