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Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1838 will honor the life and legacy of General Alfred M. Gray, Jr. (1928–2024)—the 29th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps,  —at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Spring Lake Manor (415 NJ-71, Spring Lake, NJ). The event commemorates the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps, founded on November 10, 1775, and will spotlight General Gray’s enduring impact on Marine warfighting doctrine, leadership, and professional military education.

“General Al Gray embodied the very best of the Marine Corps—humility, grit, and uncompromising devotion to his Marines,” said Robert Beavis, member, VFW Post 1838 and Jersey Shore Marine Corps League. “As we celebrate the Corps’ birthday, we also celebrate the leader who modernized our warfighting philosophy and reminded us that every Marine is, first and foremost, a rifleman.”

General Gray served as Commandant from 1987 to 1991, institutionalizing maneuver warfare through FMFM-1: Warfighting and establishing Marine Corps University to strengthen professional military education across all ranks. Known as the “Marines’ Marine,” he emphasized people over hardware, decentralized leadership, and readiness—principles that continue to guide the Corps and inspire leaders in every field.

“General Gray’s legacy is more than history—it is a living doctrine,” said Colonel R Beavis, USMC (Ret.), Ball Chair. “We’re proud to honor General Gray and the Marines who carry his standards forward every day.”

Event Highlights:

• Date/Time: Monday, November 10, 2025, 17:00 (5 PM) – 21:00 (9 PM)

• Location: Spring Lake Manor, 415 NJ-71, Spring Lake, NJ

• Ceremonies: Traditional cake-cutting, reading of General Lejeune’s and CMC’s message, tribute to General Gray, colors & honors. Music provided by JSOUL

• Tickets/Sponsorship: 80.00 per person; donations/sponsors desired. Venmo @colbeaver

• Attire: military dress/ suit or sport jacket with collared shirt.

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1838, 30 Ridge Ave, Manasquan, serves veterans, service members, and families, providing camaraderie, advocacy, and support programs that honor service and empower successful transitions.

• Pay by Venmo to:  @colbeaver

• All payments due by 1 November 2025

• Advise by email the full name of attendees to: 250usmc@gmail.com

• Invitees: USMC and USN Corpsman

250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball

Below are the scheduled dates for our upcoming in-person Department meetings, all of which will be held at the Sea Girt Facility. The start time has changed to 9:30AM. Please note that we might be in a different room depending on the date.

Meeting Schedule 2025-26

• September 7th in Auditorium
• November 23rd in Auditorium
• January 25th in Auditorium
• March 8th in Auditorium
• March 14th – Leadership School (Room Location TBD)

Below are the scheduled dates for our upcoming in-person Department meetings, all of which will be held at the Sea Girt Facility. The start time has changed to 9:30AM. Please note that we might be in a different room depending on the date.

Meeting Schedule 2025-26

• September 7th in Auditorium
• November 23rd in Auditorium
• January 25th in Auditorium
• March 8th in Auditorium
• March 14th – Leadership School (Room Location TBD)

Below are the scheduled dates for our upcoming in-person Department meetings, all of which will be held at the Sea Girt Facility. The start time has changed to 9:30AM. Please note that we might be in a different room depending on the date.

Meeting Schedule 2025-26

• September 7th in Auditorium
• November 23rd in Auditorium
• January 25th in Auditorium
• March 8th in Auditorium
• March 14th – Leadership School (Room Location TBD)

Our next Four Chaplains Award Ceremony will be held on June 20th at 10:00 am.

The annual Father Washington – Four Chaplains Award Ceremony is being hosted by Father Washington’s parish, St. Stephen’s Church, located at 141 Washington Avenue in Kearny (corner of Kearny Ave and Washington Ave).

If you haven’t seen the Four Chaplains Award Ceremony, it’s worth coming to support the winners and learn more about the program.

This is a great opportunity to recognize those in our community who do so much to help others!

I hope to see you there.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Paul Thompson at (201-320-3210) or email paulcfp@aol.com.

Join us for a festive mid‑summer celebration supporting the Toys for Tots Foundation, because “Every Child Deserves a Christmas.”

This special Christmas in July event brings together great food, music, dancing, and community spirit—all while helping ensure children in need receive a joyful holiday season.

Buffet Dinner Menu

Enjoy a full buffet featuring:

• Ravioli in vodka sauce
• Kielbasa & kraut
• Chicken Francese
• Sausage, peppers & onions
• Roast beef
• String beans almondine
• Tossed salad
• Rolls & butter
• Beer, wine, soda, coffee, tea, and dessert

Entertainment

• Oldies from the ’50s & ’60s
• DJ music and dancing from 7–10 PM

Reservation Deadline

All reservations must be received by July 10, 2026. Make checks payable to: Toys for Tots Foundation Mail to: c/o 55 Gordon Ave. Fords, NJ 08863

Join Us for a Night of Holiday Cheer in July!

Come out for great food, great music, and a great cause. Ho‑Ho‑Ho! Ooh‑rah!