Past State Projects

Theme

"SALUTING The Drillmaster of the Revolution"

Project

The State Project for 2023-2024 is to raise funds to restore and maintain the original condition of the Monmouth Battlefield during that pivotal battle on June 28, 1778, for the purchase and building of snake fencing. Snake fencing is a prominent feature of the battlefield and can be described as a zigzagging fence made of rails, which provided cover for American troops and slowed the movement of the British Army.

Before the Battle of Monmouth, the Continental Army was in need of discipline, training, and basic hygiene. Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a skilled Prussian officer, was introduced to General George Washington by Benjamin Franklin and recruited to train, prepare and bring order to the troops. On February 23, 1778, von Steuben arrived at Valley Forge. General Washington was impressed by von Steuben’s experience and knowledge and made him acting inspector general. As inspector general, von Steuben reorganized the camp for sanitary purposes and introduced training of soldiers in proper battle techniques and bayonets. Von Steuben worked with Alexander Hamilton and Marquis de Lafayette to write a training manual for the Continental Army, known as the “Blue Book,” which was used by the American Army through the War of 1812. Von Steuben’s training was tested at the Battle of Monmouth when the techniques were successful as the troops fought the British. General Washington did not forget von Steuben’s contribution to the revolution; he wrote to him in his final letter before resigning as commander, thanking him for his “faithful and meritorious Services.”

Preserving and restoring the Monmouth Battlefield is vital for its historical significance, cultural heritage, and educational value. This project will ensure that future generations have the ability to learn from and appreciate this critical moment in American history.

Theme

Remember Their Sacrifice ... one seat at a time

Project

2021-2022 N.J.C.A.R. State Project honors veterans and their service to our country and the sacrifices they have made. This project illuminates the Missing In Action - Prisoners Of War (MIA - POW). The project would include the placement of a black POW/MIA chair that remains empty to remember that while not here, there is a space for them.

These chairs would be placed in public settings all around New Jersey, sites may include a stadium, ballpark, arena, a Veterans facility or park.  This ‘Chair of Honor’ is made by Hussey Seating Company based in North Berwick, Maine. There are two models of this chair, Portable and Fixed, at a cost of $100 plus $35 shipping and handling or $200 plus $200 shipping and handling, respectively.

Statistics reflect that there remain over 80,000 American soldiers still missing, which includes, but is not limited to, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.  The seats are typically meant to sit empty which serves as a poignant tribute and a reminder that they are ‘gone but not forgotten’.

2020-2021

“Serving Those Who Served Us ”

I hope this finds you and your families healthy and adjusting to this new world we are a part of.  COVID-19 has brought so many challenges to our country and our global community.  We know this year will give us additional challenges, but with ingenuity, perseverance, and heart, I know we will get through this together.

Serving Those Who Served Us is my project for the 2020-2021 year.  Together, we will be able to work to bring smiles to the residents of the Menlo Park Veteran's home.  Rather than raise money as has been done in the past, we will be working to brighten the days of the residents of Menlo Park.  Each month, CAR members will have the chance to do a small act of kindness to benefit the residents.  Here are the activities for each month:

October: Write a letter to a resident to brighten their day.  All letters should be addressed to "A resident of Menlo Park" and mailed to the state president's home NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 20.  I will deliver all letters, as well as some pumpkins and Halloween decorations, to the home.  (the state president's home address is listed in the state roster, ATTN: CAR Project)

November: Anyone submitting a letter will be mailed a Thanksgiving Day craft. This craft should be completed and mailed BACK to me NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 10.  I will deliver them all in one package along with some seasonal decor.

December: All societies and individuals are encouraged to make a video of themselves singing, dancing, or sharing message of holiday cheer to the residents of Menlo Park.  These videos should be uploaded and shared to my email address NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 10.  I will put these videos together into a movie that I will share with Menlo as a form of entertainment for the residents.

January: Anyone who wrote a letter in October will have received a winter craft as well.  This craft should be mailed to my home, and I will deliver them, along with some season decorations, to Menlo Park.

February: All societies and individuals are encouraged to make a video of themselves performing a talent of some kind to share with the residents of Menlo Park.  These videos should be uploaded and shared to my email address NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 10.  I will put these videos together into a movie that I will share with Menlo as a form of entertainment for the residents. 

March: We are HOPEFUL that we can have an in-person MINI GOLF event.  Mini golf is a wildly popular activity among the residents at Menlo, and served as the inspiration for this project.  If we are not able to gather in-person, we will host a virtual mini golf tournament before the end of my CAR term ends.

I would like to thank the JERSEY BLUE DAR for agreeing to finance the materials and postage for my project so that we could continue to work together to make this year productive.