In 1904, several Naval officers, wives of Naval officers, and civilian friends saw the need for more formal and organized assistance. Initial funding came from the proceeds of the 1903 Army-Navy Football Game held at Franklin Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In its first year, the Society gave $9,500 to widows and families of enlisted men. During World War I, military pay days were often delayed
. To help cover the gap, the Society began an interest-free loan program for Navy and Marine Corps personnel. Eventually, this financial assistance expanded to help with other needs, such as medical bills. Anticipating the personal needs of those serving in the U.S. military during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized a public appeal for support to benefit the military relief associations. This national fundraising effort helped establish the Society’s Reserve Fund in 1942. This fund provides a rainy-day means of support and relief assistance not covered by other revenue streams, especially during catastrophic natural disasters that affect Navy and Marine Corps members and their families. The Society has expanded its financial assistance programs several times to meet new and growing needs. In 1964, the Society began an education assistance program. In the early 1980s, the financial assistance and counseling program was created to help service members better manage their money. In 2006, the Society expanded the traditional Visiting Nurse Program to include those returning from Iraq with physical injuries and traumatic stress disorders. The Combat Casualty Assistance Visiting Nurse program provides resources and support to Marines and Sailors who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation New Dawn (OND), as well as their loved ones.