Shipmates from Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch 208 celebrated the 247th Birthday of the United States Navy. The Continental Congress established the Continental Navy, which later, on October 13, 1775, became the United States Navy. When the infant Navy was first formed, it consisted of just two armed vessels – tasked with disrupting munitions ships supplying the British Army in America. Yet over the past nearly two and one-half centuries, our Navy has grown to become the largest, most advanced, and most lethal fighting force the world has ever known.
Members from Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch 208, participated in the City of Jacksonville, NC Adopt-A-Street program. Members met Saturday September 17, 2022, to clean Anne Street in Jacksonville, NC (L to R) Shipmates Graham Luby, Paul Miethker, Raymond Applewhite, Joe Speranza, Jerry Gray, and Tim Manchester. Upon completion of the clean up Shipmates enjoyed breakfast and camaraderie at Angie’s Family Restaurant in Jacksonville, NC.Members from Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch 208, participated in the City of Jacksonville, NC Adopt-A-Street program. Members met Saturday September 17, 2022, to clean Anne Street in Jacksonville, NC (L to R) Shipmates Jerry Gray, Raymond Applewhite, Tim Manchester, Joe Speranza, Graham Luby, and Paul Miethker. Upon completion of the clean up Shipmates enjoyed breakfast and camaraderie at Angie’s Family Restaurant in Jacksonville, NC.
2021 Americanism Essay Contest Winners
Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch 208 welcomes aboard the newest member, Shipmate M. Kenyatta Euring Sr. Shipmate Euring was welcomed aboard at the monthly meeting held on 8 February 2022.Shipmate Alex “Gunner” Nevgloski Sr. reads the names of out fallen shipmates during the “Two Bell” Ceremony held at the monthly meeting of the Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch 208 8 March 2022. Shipmate Secretary Paul Miethker rings the bell during the “Two Bell” Ceremony conducted for: Herbert L. Brennan MGySgt USMC (Ret), Calvin A. Melvin Jr. SSgt USMC (Ret), Hoy J. Burns HMC USM (Ret), and Donald R. Shipley GySgt USMC (Ret) during the monthly meeting of the Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch 208 on 8 March 2022. “The toll of the ship’s bell reminds us of the reverence we owe to our departed shipmates and to those who guard the honor of our country upon the sea, under the sea, in the air and upon foreign soil. Let it be a reminder of the faith they confide in us. Let us who gather here not forget our obligations and in silence breathe a prayer for our absent shipmates.”
Veterans Day at The Landings of Swansboro 11 November 2021
Navy Birthday Cake Cutting at The Landings of Swansboro Assisted Living Home
Shipmate President Raymond Applewhite (right) presents Shipmate Paul Miethker (left) a Life Member Certificate at the monthly meeting held on June 17, 2021. The certificate recognizes Shipmate Levesque as a Life Member of the oldest, largest and most effective military association, exclusively devoted to the Sea Services community. Because of this Shipmate’s involvement, the Fleet Reserve Association continues to directly improve the quality of life and well-being of military personnel and their families, and our nation, through Loyalty, Protection, and Service.
Shipmate President RaymondApplewhite (left) presents Shipmate Chaplain Alexander J. “Gunner” Nevgloski Sr. (right) a Life Member Certificate at the monthly meeting held on April 13, 2021. The certificate recognizes Shipmate Nevgloski as a Life Member of the oldest, largest and most effective military association, exclusively devoted to the Sea Services community. Because of this Shipmate’s involvement, the Fleet Reserve Association continues to directly improve the quality of life and well-being of military personnel and their families, and our nation, through Loyalty, Protection, and Service.
Shipmate President Raymond Applewhite (center) stands with Shipmate Treasurer Joe Speranza (left) and City of Jacksonville Neighborhood Improvement Services Coordinator Ms Pamela Trafton (right) at the Freedom Fountain in Jacksonville, NC. Fleet Reserve Association Branch 208 was awarded the Clean & Green Jacksonville Star Award for their passion and personal commitment to helping make Jacksonville Clean and Green by volunteering forty-eight hours with the Adopt-A-Street Program. The award was signed by Mayor Sammy Phillips and presented October 20, 2020.Congratulations to Shipmate Alexander “Gunner” Nevgloski Sr. for being selected as Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch 208, 2022 Shipmate of the Year.
Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch 208, Shipmate Alexander “Gunner” Nevgloski Sr. is a lifetime member of the Fleet Reserve Association Camp Lejeune Branch 208 and has served as the Chaplain for the past four years. He has coordinated numerous veteran events to honor both World War II and Korean War Veterans, often using personal funds. He continues to lead the Annual Association Americanism Essay contest and his dedication to the veteran community is shown through his continued effort in initiatives and services.
The Fleet Reserve Association is a congressionally chartered, non-profit organization that represents the interests of the Sea Service community before the U.S. Congress, the Association’s membership is comprised of current and former enlisted members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. FRA was chartered as the Fleet Reserve Association in 1924 and, after more than 80 years, FRA remains dedicated to its primary mission of serving the interests of current and former enlisted Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel.
In addition to its legislative advocacy efforts, FRA assists its members with career problems by maintaining close liaison with the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, and other government agencies. FRA continues to educate members of Congress, many of whom have little or no military experience, on the challenges facing career personnel.
FRA presents a strong, unified voice to ensure that enlisted issues are heard by Congress and urges support for legislation to increase pay and benefits.
Click the FRA logo to go to the FRA National website.
