MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Camp Lejeune is home to many costly supplies, vehicles and equipment. The abuse of these things is costly to the tax payer and most importantly — the mission. Fortunately, there is a way to combat this threat.
The Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline is available for reporting such crimes to the proper authorities without going through the chain of command, said Maj. Lou Maida, deputy command inspector general for Marine Corps Installations East and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
“Fraud, waste, abuse and related improprieties, such as theft or misuse of government resources or conflicts of interest, are serious matters, which can significantly increase the cost of government and reduce available resources needed to support Marine Corps operating forces,” according to Marine Corps Order 7510.5A.
Examples of such abuse may include theft of supplies, driving a government vehicle for non-work related activities, using government property for personal use or even reporting a hostile work environment, said Maida.
For those thinking their problem will not be addressed, don’t doubt the hotline.
“This hotline never turns away a complaint,” said Maida. “We go right to the order to see whether or not we can investigate a claim, but it is up to the commanding officer or commanding general to prosecute depending on what level it is.”
According to the Department-of-Defense-wide Hotline website, this service work – receiving more than 228,000 calls and letters has led the government to save or recover $425 million.
Service members, family and personal aboard Camp Lejeune are encouraged to report these abuses to keeps tax payer’s money where it belongs – with the tax payers and the mission moving forward.
To report an act of impropriety, or to ask questions regarding fraud, waste and abuse, contact the Marine Corps Base hotline at 451-3929 or the DOD hotline at 800-424-9098.