THE ANCHOR "Weighing In At The Heart of New Jersey" Navy league of the United States Central ]ersey Council - Founded in 1902

President's Message by Dan Dermer

In this my final president's message I'd like to reflect on the Council's accomplishments of these last three years. Thru the efforts of many officers and members, we have touched the lives of hundreds. Our efforts and support to the Coast Guard has expanded ten fold. Where we once had only supported the USCGC Katherine Walker, that support has now expanded to the USCGCs Bainbridge Island and Sailfish. In years past our association with Sector New York was brief and intermittent and only during special functions. That association has blossomed into a deep and committed friendship and working relationship. With this new relationship and through the Central Jersey Council's Angel Program we have distributed close to 1,000 gifts to children of Sector New York's cutters commands and stations. Additionally, hundreds of prepaid telephone calling cards go to those same enlisted folks. As our commitment to the U.S. Coast Guard has expanded, it has also increased dramatically to the U.S. Navy at Naval Weapons Station Earle. Where we once were regarded as friends and supporters to be called upon as a "last resort" to help out, we are now constant supporters and sponsors without question. Our friendship with all of the Base Officers and personnel is at an all time high. This friendship, open lines of communication and dedicated support is unprecedented in our Council's history. Through this deep and mutual friendship, we have been able to donate hundred's of Angel gifts, turkey's, phone cards and literally thousands of dollars in donations. We have helped fund Earle's swimming pool, command picnic, holiday village as well as other seasonal events, if this list of accomplishments at home seems impressive, let us not forget that through the efforts of Rob Hooper, we have sent over 5,000 pounds of supplies to our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan Both near and abroad, our list of accomplishments is wonderful. But let us not forget that we have built and remade our council internally.

As our focus on family has grown from within, formally active members have returned. As those whose efforts on self aggrandizement have left, those whose focus is on selfless giving have filled that void. We have changed the venue of where we hold our meetings and how we govern ourselves. Our new Constitution and By-Laws are a model for a 21st century non profit and gentle organization on every level. We have done well these last three years and for that I am grateful to all of you. For those officers and members who have stood the watch and have manned the stations,to this end, I salute you. I am honored to have served as your President and that honor only dims to the awe that I have at your efforts and accomplishments.

My final thoughts are those of the dedication of Stu Chalkley. His passing will not allow him to see the full accomplishments of my term of office. But if I have fulfilled all that he would have wanted in a Central Jersey Council President, than I am content that I have done my best.