By MC3 Brian H. Abel

NPS students, faculty, staff and family members participate in the annual Military Saves 5K fun-run in front of Herrmann Hall, Feb. 26. Naval Support Activity Monterey's Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) hosted the event to raise awareness of the importance of financial stability for service members and their families.

"This entire week, the 22nd through the 26th of February, is military saves week," said Vanessa Anderson, a Work and Family Life Specialist at FFSC. "We try to focus a lot on savings, versus spending our money on frivolous things."

Upon completing the 5K, participants were rewarded with prizes, giveaways and treats, but Anderson stresses that the event isn't about the goodies … It's about raising awareness of how critical it is to have healthy finances.

"This is a great opportunity, I see a lot of service members who come in to FFSC and think they have their financials figured out, but once we get to talking, they realize that they could be doing things better to save for their financial future," said Anderson. "My hope for this entire campaign is to raise the awareness that we are here to support anybody who is a part of our military family."