Naval Institute Foundation

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In Her Own Words: Ruth Ann Raup

As he was growing up, my son Joshua and I would occasionally talk about the U.S. military, what our Soldiers do, and if our presence around the world makes a difference. After the events of 9/11, these conversations came more frequently and grew more serious. His paternal grandfather and step-grandfather were both career military, and Josh started saying he wanted to join the Marines when he graduated from high school. He was prepared to take on hard challenges. I wasn't against Josh enlisting—I'm still not.

While I respect Josh's decision, that doesn't necessarily mean I am in favor of everything our military and government are doing. Now, more than ever, there is a critical place for an organization such as the Naval Institute that encourages debate on all sides of an issue. I decided to further support Josh's career choice in one of the few ways available to me—by making a gift to the Institute. I am not from a service background nor knowledgeable about military matters, so adding my voice to the Institute's forum would be so much hot air. What I can bring to the mix is my ability to make a financial contribution to keep the forum viable. By strengthening the Institute, I am, in turn, deepening my commitment to my son.

Last summer I read somewhere that Americans who choose to make charitable contributions donate, on average, 5 percent of their gross annual income. I decided I would shoot to surpass that mark and that I would do it by making a few substantial contributions to organizations I admire rather than by dribs and drabs to a lot of places. I plan to increase my charitable gifts every year from now until I retire.

As I've gotten older, I find I have very few wants. (Several pairs of comfortable shoes would be nice, but I can't get motivated to go buy them.) At this point in life, I am fortunate to say there is truly nothing I need. I am, of course, responsibly saving for my future, but as retirement nears, this doesn't give me the thrill it once did. Meaningful contributions to—investments in—nonprofit organizations I believe in—now that is satisfying!

For all these reasons, I am proud to make my gift to the Naval Institute in honor of my son, Private Joshua K. Raup, USMC.

Help Us Complete Admiral "Beetle" Forbes' Oral History

Work continues on Vice Admiral Bernard B. "Beetle" Forbes Jr.'s oral history project as contributed funds allow. Before his death in June 2002, this colorful and popular aviator recounted his life story during interviews with Naval Institute historian Paul Stillwell. Donations are needed to underwrite the substantial costs of footnoting, proofreading, indexing, and binding the transcript. Tax-deductible contributions of all amounts by check or credit card are appreciated, and can be mailed to the Naval Institute Foundation, 291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402. Those who donate $1,000 or more to the Forbes project will be recognized in the bound volume. If you can help, please contact Sue Sweeney at (410) 295-1054 or at ssweeney@usni.org [5] .

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