NLUSNJ.org

President’s Message

A big "THANK YOU" to Eric Miller for arranging the recent cruises on the Sturgeon Bay. Lt. Burns and his crew once again were gracious hosts to many members and guests who cruised Upper New York Bay, the East River and the Hudson River. Navy League members who sailed on July 3 had an opportunity to see the Queen Mary II docked in New York. This magnificent ship stretched out well beyond the pier and dwarfed the USS Intrepid.

Let's all keep in mind how hospitable the Coast Guard has been with us. I am hoping that I can count on many of you to participate in the "Freedom Day" activities that are being planned for September 24 or 25 at Staten Island. The crews of the Sturgeon Bay and the Penobscot Bay are scheduled to play a softball game. Here we will need some loud voices for cheering. We will also need some helpful hands to serve the lunch. Navy League members as well as Sea Scouts are invited and encouraged to attend. We want to make this a memorable day for the Coast Guard crew members who protect our waterways. Read the Highline and attend the meetings to get updated information on "Freedom Day".

We are organizing the purchase of turkeys to distribute to our Coast Guard friends during the Thanksgiving holiday. As usual we are accepting your donations to help purchase the turkeys. We have also contacted major super markets and asked them to donate turkeys. This request has either been turned down or ignored. Treasurer Angelo Scalo has made some contacts that may help reduce this expense. However, we need your help to purchase these turkeys for the coasties who protect us each day. Please make your check payable to USNL North Jersey Council and send to me, Paul Greff, at 50 Beech Terr., Wayne, NJ 07470. Thanks!

During the next few weeks we will organize a committee to approach our local Congressmen/women to bring before them the US Navy League's legislative agenda. We also need to organize a speakers bureau to help get our agenda before other service organizations. We now have excellent materials, including a PowerPoint presentation, that anyone can use to bring our message to the public.

Our next meeting is AUGUST 1 at the Bonfire Restaurant. Look forward to seeing you there!

Paul Greff