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Volume 1, Issue 2

Page 3
 

 

Central Jersey Council Goes To Washington DC

In April, members of our Council headed to our Nation's Capital. During the four day visit, Council members Dan Dermer, Dick Ehlert, Frank Greco, Steve Hutton, Andy Madajewski, Neil Gallo, Ed Troche, Chris Troche and Monty Zaks visited the Pentagon, U.S. Coast Guard HQ, Navy League HQ and Arlington National Cemetery. The tour of the Pentagon and Coast Guard HQ was arranged and led by Cmdr. John Hooper, USCG. During the visit to the Coast Guard HQ, members were able to stop in and visit the Council's dear friend, Admiral Joel Whitehead. While visiting and touring the Navy League's National HQ, Council President Dan Dermer met with National Executive Officer Steve Pietropaoli to discuss important Council business. Prior to leaving Washington DC, LCDR Ed Troche, NSCC, a former Air Force Honor Guard member stationed at Arlington National Cemetery took his fellow members on a personalized tour. The Council was able to pay their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and at President John F. Kennedy's grave.

GOODBYE DEAR FRIEND

On June 28, 2006, the Council said goodbye to our dear friend Nancy Eldridge, Public Affairs Officer at NWS Earle. Council Members Stu Chalkley, Dan Dermer, Frank Greco and Paul Syers attended the retirement dinner held at the Windjammer Club on NWS Earle. Together with family, friends and a large contingent of Navy personnel, Nancy's career was highlighted and admired by all. Council President Dan Dermer said a few kind words as he presented Nancy with a beautiful water colored painting of NWS Earle by Nate Ostrow. The Council wishes both Nancy and Les the best of luck as they start the next phase of their lives.

 

 

Fleet Week 2006

This year the Central Jersey Council had the opportunity to be onboard the USS Kearsage during the Parade of Ships in New York Harbor. Captain Robertson, CO of NWS Earle invited Council Members Dan Dermer, William Aitken, Dick Ehlert, Frank Greco and Monty Zaks to take part in this event During the visit, the members were able to meet many U.S. Marines and Navy personnel and see all of their equipment

The Council was also treated to a full tour of the Marine Corps amphibious assault aircraft carrier. They also had the opportunity to meet and have their pictures taken with other special guests onboard the ship. These guests were actress Halle Berry and actors Hugh Jackman and Kelsey Grammar. All three VIP's were there to introduce their new movie, X-Men 3 to our military folks. The movie premiered to only an audience in Cannes France and onboard the USS Kearsage. After a wonderful lunch onboard, all guests were invited topside to see flyovers of various aircraft While viewing the flyovers, our members were astounded and humbled to see Halle Berry greeting as many members of the crew as she could while they were manning the rails. It was a pleasant surprise to see her take so much time with our sailors and marines, signing autographs and taking pictures with all of them. A heartful Bravo Zulu to her for that kind gesture. .

 

Memorial Day 2006

On Saturday, May 27, 2006 the Council presented a wreath during the remembrance ceremonies held at the Brigadier General Wm. C. Doyle National Military Cemetery. This yearly event is attended by many important public figures as well as many military personnel. The keynote address was given by State Assemblyman Jack Conners in lieu of Governor Jon Corzine. Afterwards, the Council President Dan Dermer and Tim Szymborski, presented a wreath on behalf of all New Jersey Navy League Councils. Other members who attended this annual event were Steve Hutton and Greg Varga. The On-wreath was donated to the Council by Dan and Jack Dermer.

 

FAREWELL TO CAPT. WILTSHIRE

June 15, 2006, Council President Dan Dermer and Vice President Dick Ehlert bid farewell to Captain Glenn A. Wiltshire, CO of CG Sector NY. the change of command and retirement ceremony was a great experience as they saw the official close of an outstanding 34 year Coast Guard career. Flanked by his officers, friends and his wife Stella and their two children, Captain Wiltshire's final remarks were warm, sparse and moving The CJNLUS wishes him fair winds and following seas as he enters a well deserved retirement His relief and the new standard bearer is Captain Robert O' Brien. He is a 36 year veteran of the USCG. He has indicated a strong desire to strengthen and expand the friendship of Sector New York and the Council. We welcome him and his family to Northeast and wish him well in his new assignment

 

NWS EARLE TOUR

This year's June meeting was quite a change from years past The Council took a tour on a Navy Bus of NWS Earle. A nice ride down Normandy Road to the end of the pier was some of the highlights of this meeting. Public Affairs Officer Nancy Eldridge talked about the history of NWS Earle. Captain Robertson was also onboard and helped not only to provide security clearance but to also add levity to our bus ride. A buffet dinner followed at the Windjammer Club. The tour was coordinated by Mary Borre of NWS Earle MWR. Her attention to detail from decorations to placemats were superb. We are very grateful to Mary and her staff for a wonderful job well done. Kudos to Nancy and Capt Robertson and the Bus driver.

 
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