VIRGINIA BEACH , VA--(Marketwire - March 15, 2011) - The SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Foundation and the Navy SEAL Warrior Fund have combined to form the Navy SEAL Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides support in times of celebration and hardship to U.S. Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, Naval Special Warfare support personnel and their families. The merger, which took place Jan. 1, 2011, is a natural extension of the two groups' longstanding and close relationship, according to Vice Adm. Albert "Bert" Calland, III, USN (Ret.), chairman of the Navy SEAL Foundation.
"We've brought together two very successful organizations dedicated to supporting the Naval Special Warfare community," said Calland. "The merger makes it easier for families to come to one place for assistance and support, while enabling the Foundation to respond rapidly to their needs."
Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va., at the SEAL Heritage Center, Joint Expeditionary Base, Little Creek, the Navy SEAL Foundation's mission is to provide assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community during times of tragedy, as well as to provide special events, educational opportunities and projects that honor warriors.
Since 1962 when the first SEAL teams were commissioned, Navy SEALs have distinguished themselves as a highly skilled maritime force capable of conducting clandestine sea, air and land missions. The training required is considered by many military experts to be the most grueling in the world.
Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen are Special Operations Forces who operate and maintain an inventory of state-of-the-art, high-performance boats used to support special operations missions, particularly those of the U.S. Navy SEALs.
Today, there are approximately 5,400 total Naval Special Warfare active-duty personnel, including 2,450 SEALs and 600 Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, operating in locations throughout the world.
"These warriors are at the tip of the spear in the Global War on Terror, exhibiting extraordinary skill, courage and commitment. It's paramount for the Foundation to support their families and support staff here at home," said Calland. "When a warrior falls, the whole idea is to take the burden of the cost away from the families and help them with planning. They have enough to concern themselves with during this time."
Calland is the former Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, and Commander, Special Operations Command, Central within the U.S. Central Command. He concluded his active duty career as Deputy Director of the CIA and he is presently Executive Vice President for security and intelligence integration at CACI International Inc.
The Navy SEAL Foundation helps the Naval Special Warfare community by:
* Providing tragedy assistance for families who have lost a loved one in training or combat.
* Supporting family events to uphold morale and camaraderie.
* Awarding scholarships and providing educational assistance to active duty personnel, their spouses, and children.
* Preserving the rich history and heritage of the Naval Special Warfare community.
In addition, the Foundation serves as the fundraising arm to support these services. The Navy SEAL Foundation offers numerous giving opportunities including online donations, planned giving and an endowment fund. Donations are tax deductible, and 90 cents of every dollar spent by the Navy SEAL Foundation supports its mission program and services. Information is available at www.navysealfoundation.org