Department of New Jersey Events

The 2026 South Jersey Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Awards honors individuals whose selfless service reflects the courage and compassion of the Four Chaplains.

The award recognizes those whose service is “above and beyond the nominee’s vocational responsibilities or service to a civic or volunteer service organization.”

Community members, organizations, and Marine Corps League detachments are encouraged to submit deserving candidates for one of the following award levels:

• Junior Legion of Honor (for youth under 18 or grade 12)
• Legion of Honor
• Humanitarian
• Lifesaving
• Bronze
• Gold

All nominating statements must be typed and accompanied by no more than two pages of supporting documents. Nominations must be submitted no later than September 2nd, 2026.

Completed nomination packets should be mailed to: Paul Thompson 929 Franklin Ave. Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

This annual ceremony is a meaningful opportunity to recognize individuals who embody the Four Chaplains’ legacy of sacrifice, unity, and service to others.

Help us honor those who uplift our communities—submit your nominations today.

Download the nomination form here:

https://dnjmcl.org/download/13254/?tmstv=1781831260

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

We have a new location for our first Department meeting for this fiscal year.  Our normal location of Sea Girt was not going to work for us for September. It is unfortunate, but we are at the mercy of their scheduled events and the holidays.

Marine Corps League – West Hudson Detachment Shooting Team

The Marine Corps League West Hudson Detachment Shooting Team proudly presents the 2026 Carlos Hathcock Match, a 300-yard precision rifle competition at Cherry Ridge Range.

Event Details

• Match Name: Carlos Hathcock Match

• Date: October 18, 2026

• Time: 0830 hours squadding | 0900 hours firing

• Location: Cherry Ridge Range – 300 Yard Range
  100 Range Rd, Highland Lakes, NJ

• Cost: $35.00

• RSVP: ategge@hotmail.com

  • Everyone who RSVPs will receive a 2025 Participant Patch

Who May Compete

• All Marines

• Marine Corps League members

• Invited guests

• Members of the Cherry Ridge Range and their guests

Match Format

• Type: Precision Rifle

• Distance: 300 yards

• Target: Speedwell Press TQ-20 (14” x 20” with 2½” x 4” bull)

• Rounds: 20 rounds for record, plus sighters

Equipment Rules

• Firearms: Any rifle legal in the State of New Jersey (bench rest rifles not permitted)

• Sights/Support: Any sights allowed. Bipods and non-commercial rests permitted.

• Ammunition: No incendiary, tracer, or armor-piercing rounds allowed

Course of Fire

• 5 minutes for sighters (coaching allowed)

• 20 minutes to fire 20 rounds for record (no coaching allowed)

• No radio communication between line and pits

• No butt rests

Scoring

All scoring will be conducted in the pits, with each round individually scored:

• Head (marked area): 10 points + 1 bonus point (11 total)

• Chest (marked area): 10 points

• Grey area: 9 points

• Outside black area: 8 points

• Outside black: Miss

Awards

Lewis System Awards:

• Individual Marine: 1st & 2nd place in Class A, B & C

• Individual Civilian: 1st & 2nd place in Class A, B & C

Important Requirement

All shooters are required to perform butt duty. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

Download flier:

The Marine Corps League and community partners are proud to host a Marine Corps Birthday Block Party on Saturday, November 7, 2026, celebrating 251 years of honor, courage, and commitment. The event will kick off at 12:00 PM at the Bogota VFW, located at 241 West Shore Ave., Bogota, NJ 07603.

This family‑friendly celebration will honor the legacy of the United States Marine Corps—from its founding in 1775 to the Marines who continue to serve today. Attendees can expect a patriotic atmosphere filled with camaraderie, tradition, and pride in the Corps’ enduring motto: Semper Fidelis.

Marines, families, and friends are all welcome to join in marking this milestone and celebrating the world’s finest fighting force. Whether you’re a Marine, a supporter, or a member of the local community, this event offers a chance to come together and honor the values that define the Corps.

Join us as we celebrate “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” and pay tribute to 251 years of service and sacrifice.

Celebrating the 251st Birthday of the United States Marine Corps & the 25th Birthday of America’s 25th USA

Join us for an unforgettable evening of tradition, honor, and celebration as we commemorate the 251st Birthday of the United States Marine Corps and the 250th Birthday of America. This formal event features a full ceremony, dinner, dancing, and a night dedicated to supporting Toys for Tots.

Attire: Black Tie or Dress Uniform (optional) Guests are welcome.

Evening Highlights

• Formal Birthday Ceremony & Cake Cutting
• Guest of Honor
• Four‑Hour Open Bar
• Cocktail Hour with Hors d’Oeuvres
• Full Dinner Service
• Dancing and Entertainment

Dinner Menu

Salad:

• Caesar Salad

Pasta Course

Entrée Selections (choose one):

• Pan‑Roasted Salmon with Champagne Butter Cream Sauce, Wild Rice Pilaf & Vegetables
• Roast Prime Rib of Beef with Roasted Potatoes & Vegetables
• French Chicken Breast stuffed with Boursin Cheese, Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Vegetables

Beverages: Coffee, Tea, Soda, Dessert

Reservations

Standard Reservation: $140 per person Early Bird Rate: $120 if paid by August 31, 2026

RSVP Deadline: October 10, 2026 Contact: Janet Misak — 732‑738‑4694

Reserve online: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/central-nj-toys-for-tots/central-nj-toys-for-tots-251th-marine-corps-birthday-ball

Program Book Ads & Table Sponsorships

Ads and sponsorships are currently being accepted.

Payment by Check

Make checks payable to: Marine Corps Birthday Ball Fund c/o 55 Gordon Avenue Fords, NJ 08863

Join us for an unforgettable evening of tradition, camaraderie, and celebration as we honor 251 years of the United States Marine Corps.

Evening Highlights Include:
Cocktail Hour
Plated Dinner (Beef, Chicken, or Vegetarian)
Traditional Marine Corps Birthday Ceremony
Dessert & Birthday Cake
DJ & Dancing
Open Bar
FREE Photo station with instant digital sharing

Whether you’re a Marine, a family member, or a supporter of service and tradition, this will be a night to remember.

Questions? Email us at birthdayball@hcmcl.org

Ball ticket deadline: November 4, 2026

Register online

Sponsorship Opportunities

Event sponsor – $500.00
Logo featured on all marketing materials and signage at the event.

Birthday Ball Celebration Program “Ad” Book

Promote your business, honor a loved one, or show your support in our commemorative Ad Book, a keepsake distributed at the event.

Ad Placement Options

Inside Cover $200.00
Back Cover $200.00
Full Page $150.00
1/2 Page $100.00
1/4 Page $50.00
Business Card $20.00
Booster Name $5.00

Inside cover, back cover, first page, and last page are first‑come, first‑served — reserve early!

Please email first to confirm availability or request assistance.

Adbook deadline: November 1, 2026

Please send your “Ad” via email to Chris Soldano at: christopher.soldano@hcmcl.org

Thank you for supporting our celebration and helping make this event a memorable success!