DOD, Armed Services YMCA sign support agreement Published Dec. 8, 2004 By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- An organization that began supporting the military during the American Civil War will continue to do so under an agreement signed Dec. 7 at the Pentagon.Armed Services YMCA officials began serving servicemembers and their families in 1861. Now, for the first time, the relationship between the organization and the Defense Department is governed by a memorandum of understanding rather than a simple agreement. "The (agreement) just spells out the relationship and clarifies some of the gray areas that existed before," a YMCA official said.Charles Abell, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, and retired Navy Rear Adm. S. Frank Gallo, Armed Services YMCA's national executive director, signed the memo during a ceremony here. "(This) recognizes the mutual support and cooperation (between the organizations)," Mr. Abell said. "Armed Services YMCA has and continues to provide great support for our service men and women and their families."The nonprofit organization has branches around the world. It offers programs and services for families and spouses, a full line of health and fitness programs, and after-school and enrichment programs for military children.Its officials work closely with the United Service Organizations and other military support groups. There are 16 branches of the organization in the United States, six affiliated organizations and 10 affiliates overseas.The Armed Services YMCA organization serves all servicemembers, but concentrates on those in grades E-6 and below. "As we tax our force more and more each day, whether they are deployed into one of the combat zones or standing up at home taking up the slack, we look for ways to make their lives easier and better, and the Armed Services YMCA is a key piece in doing that," Mr. Abell said.The Armed Services YMCA is able to move quickly to provide services, Admiral Gallo said."For example, we're into the Christmas season now. I can tell you that over the last month, we (have delivered) in excess of 35,000 toys to Reserve and Guard families around the country. We have provided food baskets to some of the lower-(ranking) enlisted people who may not have the best of holidays without them," he said.The organization also has a major fund-raising effort under way with Woman's Day magazine, the admiral said. That drive has raised more than $190,000 for the Armed Services YMCA. "This last weekend, they received more than $14,000 alone," he said. "The American people are so very generous, and it all benefits the troops who are out there."