Frank Greco and Sea Cadet Chris Voss. Thanks to all of you and to Bill and Paula Voss, Chris' parents.

Special thanks also to ShopRite of Hillsborough for allowing our council to conduct this fund raising event and also to all the kind people of Hillsborough who donated so generously.

Second Fund Raising Event Planned at Clark ShopRite: As a follow up to the first successful event in Hillsborough we are working with the ShopRite in Clark NJ (Central Avenue right by exit 135 on the Parkway) for a June 12, 2004 fundraising event, pending, confirmation from this ShopRite locations parent company. The plan is to be there from 9am to 4pm to raise funds and generate interest in our organization.

If you'd like to participate and "shake the can" please contact Steve Hutton at sjhutton@cjnlus.com or by phone at 908-334-0341 Its an easy way to help raise funds and create some interest.

STATUS OF THE FLEET!

The fleet as of 8 February 2004
Active Duty: 377, 639
Officers: 54,743
Reservists on Active Duty:2,678
Selected Reserves: 84,999
Enlisted: 318,658
Ready Reserve: 149,567
Ships: 295
Ships Deployed: 95
Subs Deployed: 9

Operation Iraqi Freedom casualty totals as confirmed by US Central Command for the period March 19, 2003 thru April 8, 2004:
Killed: 642
Wounded in Action: 2,988

ADOPTION CEREMONY
PLANNED!!

On Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at 1 1 am, the Central Jersey Council, NLU S. will formally adopt the USCGC Bainbridge Island (WPB-1343). The ceremony will take place at Sandy Hook Station and will be followed by a light lunch. For information or directions please contact Dan Dermer. All members are encouraged to attend and welcome the officers and crew into the Central Jersey Council's family.

Pre-registration is required for this event. Please contact Dan Dermer at 732-257-7999 if you wish to attend.

RENEWED SUPPORT FOR NWS
EARLE!!

Council President Dan Dermer and Sr. VP Jane Niedzwiecki recently met with NWS Earle Officers including CO Capt. Barbara Scholley, XO Steven Steuer, Senior Chief Rhodes and their JAG officer to discuss how Central Jersey Council can assist the base through sponsorship of events, etc.. The meeting was arranged and also attended by PA Officer Nancy Eldridge. There are many events and activities throughout the year whereby Central Jersey Council can assist the base's MVR fund and in the purchase of needed equipment. etc. The group discussed the fact that our council's underwriting could provide support for the base's annual Command Picnic in July, Halloween and Christmas events, equipment for their proposed recreation center to be located in the former officers club building (Windjammer Club). and a host of other possibilities for our support. The Board of Directors met on April 26 to discuss the council's ability to support NWS Earle in the future.

CALL TO ACTION COMMUNITY AFFILIATES!
Steve Hutton, VP of Community Affairs

First, what are Community Affiliates? Community Affiliates are local businesses that show their support for the men and women of our Maritime Forces by becoming members of the Navy League. Each Community Affiliate gets four full individual memberships for the local council, representation and recognition on our web site, a Community Affiliate plaque that can be awarded at the event of the company's choice, and the pride of knowing that they are supporting some of the finest young men and women our nation has to offer.

I need to ask for the support of all our council members as we seek out and recruit new Community Affiliates. To make this program successful we need your contacts and your efforts. Each new member benefits our council and brings new opportunities for us. If you know of someone who might be interested, then please let me know about the potential member so we can follow up. Give me as much information as you can! If you can take the lead yourself in recruiting them - even better! You can use the form included in this newsletter.

You can reach me by phone at 908-369-6903 (evenings), or by fax at 501-643-9289, or by e-mail at sjhutton@cjnlus.com

DUES ASSESSMENT!

2004 Membership assessment dues can be paid to our Council Treasurer, Mr. William Aitken at 2 Hampton Road, Monroe, NJ 08831. The Council President asks that your dues are paid promptly to offset the costs of an expanded number of newsletters to be distributed this Year. Current Council Assessment clues are $5.00 per year. (Use coupon on last page)

CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM!

If you have moved or are planning a move, kindly fill out the Change of Address form included with this newsletter and send to our Council President at the address on the form.

A LETTER FROM THE NAVY BALL COMMITTEE!!

Dear Friends of the US Navy

On Friday, October l. 2004. the Navy Ball Committee will host its 7th annual New Jersey Navy Ball at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. New Jersey. This event is expected to attract between 1300 and 1600 dedicated military and civilian worker,.

Ad space is available in our NewJersey Navy Ball program for a nominal fee of $500.00 for a full page. $250.00 for a half-page, $150.00 for a quarter­page, $100.00 for a business card size and $25.00 for name listing on Patron Page. All proceeds will benefit the 2004 New Jersey Navy Ball.

This is a great opportunity for local businesses to support the community and develop product awareness and promote lifetime consumer loyalty. If your business is interested in purchasing ad space, included in your newsletter is an Ad Placement form. Should you require further information, please contact me at 732-323-7961 or Mary Jo Disharoon at 732-323-2681.

Ad space is available through August 31, 2004. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely

DeWayne Conley
Chairman
Navy Ball Committee