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:
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Date/Time: Monday, November 10, 2025, 17:00 (5 PM) – 21:00 (9 PM)
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Location: Spring Lake Manor, 415 NJ-71, Spring Lake, NJ
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Ceremonies: Traditional cake-cutting, reading of General Lejeune’s and CMC’s message, tribute to General Gray, colors & honors. Music provided by JSOUL
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Tickets/Sponsorship: 80.00 per person; donations/sponsors desired. Venmo @colbeaver
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Attire: military dress/ suit or sport jacket with collared shirt.
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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.
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Pay by Venmo to: @colbeaver
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All payments due by 1 November 2025
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Advise by email the full name of attendees to: 250usmc@gmail.com
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Invitees: USMC and USN Corpsman
250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 6PM-11PM
Cocktail hour from 6PM-7PM
Cost $75 per person / Open to the Public!
Razberry’s Banquet Center
834 NJ-12, Frenchtown, NJ 08825
Join the Hunterdon County Bulldogs Marine Corps League for our 250th Marine Corps Birthday Formal Ball with cocktail hour, plated dinner, birthday ceremony, dessert, DJ, dancing & open bar. Backdrop available for taking pictures in your formal wear! Please note, this event is open to all, not just Marines!
All tickets are first come, quantities are limited.
Ball ticket deadline: November 8, 2025
Email birthdayball@hcmcl.org with any questions.
Birthday Ball Celebration Program “AD” Book Advertising Details:
Inside Cover $150.00
Back Cover $150.00
Full Page $100.00
1/2 Page $50.00
1/4 Page $25.00
Business Card $20.00
Booster Name $5.00
NOTE: Inside cover, back cover, first and last page are first come first served so reserve your ad ASAP! Please email first to see if they are still available or if you have any questions or need assistance with your ad.
Please send your “Ad” via email to Chris Soldano at: christopher.soldano@hcmcl.org
Adbook deadline: November 1, 2025
1900-2300 dinner and program
Red blazer is the uniform requested.
Online registration is now available for the Department of New Jersey 22nd Annual Leadership School to be held on Saturday, 14 March 2026. This year we will be following a new format whereas the course materials are to be downloaded from the Department website prior to attending the class. The materials will be under the Leadership School Tab. It is advisable to bring your laptop/tablet for reference.
The course will be conducted at the NJ National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ and will begin at 0800 and conclude at approximately 1630.
Our course outlines and curriculum will facilitate a greater understanding and working knowledge for the attendees while covering general and operational aspects of the Marine
Corps League and its members.
It is strongly encouraged and recommended that all newly elected and or appointed officers attend. The deadline for application is Friday, 6 March 2026.
The Cohort will be limited to 40 members. Should an opening become available, accommodations will be made on a first come first served basis.
It is advisable to register early as the class fills up quickly.
The cost is $40.00 and is Non-Refundable upon commitment.
Register Online here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dept-of-nj-mcl-leadership-school-application
Or Download the application below and mail in your payment.
Download announcement:
Download application: