President’s Report February 2025
February 2025 Presidents report
On Feb. 1, we introduced “The Right to Fight” program to honor Black History Month at the Burlington County Historical Society. Bob Von Bargen and Ron Hathaway spent thousands of hours putting the program together based on a presentation and idea presented by Kelly Atkinson, USMC retired. Kelly highlighted that the Montford Point Marines were the first Blacks allowed into the Marine Corps in 1942. They had to train at a whole different basic training base because the Corps was segregated at the time. The weekly release of two interesting, impactful new segments will continue throughout the month. The rest of the programs will be completed so next February there will be a new segment every day.
We were pleased to have Senator Troy Singleton with us that day to give us his thoughts on the program and its meaning to him. In my opinion, and from the comments of others, this is one of the greatest programs the AFHM has put together so far. Congratulations to all involved!
On April 12, we will have our next Saturday Speaker event. Dr. Colin Zimmerman will give a presentation on the Revolutionary War and how it affected our local area. With the 250th Rev. War celebration coming up next year, this will be a great kick-off event.
Golf outing update: I had a preliminary meeting with the event manager and discussed prices and plans to make the event go smoothly. The tournament will be held June 25 at Cream Ridge Country Club. We need our members to start thinking about hole sponsors from businesses you frequent. The rain date is July 9 just in case we need it. Mark your calendars because we will need help on the day of the event.
Plans are underway for the Veterans Breakfast Club out of Pittsburgh to come here on April 4, 2025, for a presentation. Todd DePastino brings a show that draws in the audience. We will have an announcement that we can distribute inviting attendees. Please help us get the word out.
We have a Membership meeting on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Town and Country Diner at 1000. We would like a great turnout for our guest speaker Commander of the Atlantic Strike Force US Coast Guard, Allison Cox. Her team has unique duty assignments you will be amazed to hear about. Please try to attend.
Our plan for the March 21,2025 meeting speaker is Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, Majority Whip of the NJ Assembly. We will get an update on the State from her perspective.
For April 18,2025 I have asked Commander Jim Howell, Deputy Joint Base MDL Commander and Commander of Naval Support Activity Lakehurst. There is a lot of research being done at Lakehurst and he will bring us up to date with what he can share with the public.
I have asked a small group of the members to join me in an information session about upgrades to the Mobile Museum for the celebration of the 250th reunion of the Revolutionary War. Roy Plummer applied for a grant that we were awarded to help with the project. The upgrades will be installed for the 2026 Summer season.
Roy Plummer and I met with the Burlington City Chamber of Commerce about their general meeting being held in the Lawrence House in April. More to come on that.
Thank you,
Bryan Branson, President
Armed Forces Heritage Museum
