Welcome to the Navy League of the United States, Orange County Council
Founded in 1964 in Tustin, California, we are proud to be “Citizens in Support of the Sea Services.” Our mission is to advocate for our nation’s Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Marine Corps, and Navy through nonpartisan initiatives. We strive to educate the public about the vital national security and humanitarian roles played by our Sea Services. Our council is committed to supporting the brave men and women of the Sea Services and their families. We actively engage in programs that benefit youth, such as the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Junior ROTC, and Young Marines, instilling the values and traditions of our Sea Services in the next generation.
Additionally, we provide crucial support to nearby active-duty Navy and Marine units through the adoption of ships, installations, and units. Our efforts include award programs, financial assistance, and various recognition initiatives. You are welcome to join us. Our regular meetings are typically scheduled for the second Saturday of each month at the American Legion, Post 291, located at 215 15th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663. However, please note that meeting dates may occasionally shift to the third Saturday due to scheduling conflicts. We recommend checking our website or contacting us for the most up-to-date information regarding meeting dates.
Our Challenge Coin: The John Wayne Connection
John Wayne (1907-1979) was one of the most beloved film actors of the 20th century, renowned for his iconic roles in classics such as True Grit and The Alamo. Born Marion Robert Morrison in Winterset, Iowa, Wayne moved to California as a child and developed a passion for performance during his high school years. He won a football scholarship to the University of Southern California but transitioned into the film industry, where he received his first leading role in The Big Trail (1930). His career took off with the collaboration with director John Ford in Stagecoach (1939), establishing him as a major star.
Wayne's rugged persona and strong moral character resonated with audiences, earning him admiration across generations. He embodied the spirit of America, reflecting values of courage and perseverance in films that celebrated both the Wild West and American patriotism. His impressive body of work garnered multiple accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in True Grit (1969) and a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal in 1980. Throughout his life, Wayne was an ardent supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces, engaging in USO activities from World War II through Vietnam. His dedication was recognized with prestigious honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980 and the Naval Heritage Award from the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation in 1998.
Our Council's Challenge Coin features a likeness of John Wayne from the bronze statue "The Duke," sculpted by Robert Summers in 1979. This statue stands proudly at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, honoring the late actor's legacy as a true patriot and a Citizen in Support of the Sea Services. John Wayne's commitment to American values and his support for the military perfectly embody the mission of the Navy League.
The History of the Navy League of United States
Founded in 1902 with the enthusiastic support of President Theodore Roosevelt, the Navy League of the United States has been a steadfast advocate for American sea power. Roosevelt, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy and a recipient of both the Nobel Peace Prize and the Congressional Medal of Honor, recognized that superior sea power not only sustains peace but also serves as a deterrent to conflict. He asserted, "It seems to me that all good Americans, interested in the growth of their country and sensitive to its honor, should give hearty support to the policies which the Navy League is founded to further. For the building and maintaining in proper shape of the American Navy, we must rely upon nothing but the broad and farsighted patriotism of our people as a whole, and it is of great importance that there should be some means by which this patriotism can find an effective utterance. Your society offers just the means needed."
From these foundational principles, the Navy League has evolved into a national organization with over 37,000 members dedicated to advocating for a strong, credible United States Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine. It is best described as "a civilian organization dedicated to the education of our citizens, including our elected officials, and the support of the men and women of the sea services and their families."
Vision Statement
The Navy League seeks to build a strong maritime nation where citizens recognize the vital role of sea services in safeguarding national security, promoting economic prosperity, and ensuring freedom of the seas. We strive to foster a community that understands the importance of a robust maritime presence and invites grassroots supporters to join us in advocating for the critical needs of our sea services. Together, we will enhance morale, inform stakeholders, and support youth development, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for all Americans.
Mission Statement
The Navy League of the United States is dedicated to enhancing the morale of sea service personnel and their families through comprehensive national and council-level programs. Our mission encompasses three core objectives: 1. Enhancing Morale: We uplift the spirits of active-duty personnel and their families with supportive initiatives that demonstrate our appreciation and care. 2. Informing Stakeholders: We provide a powerful voice to educate Congress and the American public on the critical importance of strong sea services for our nation’s defense, well-being, and economic prosperity. 3. Supporting Youth Development: Through programs such as the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Junior ROTC, and Young Marines, we instill the values of our sea services in young people, preparing them to become future leaders.
As the nation's watchdog for the sea services, we closely monitor issues related to military preparedness, modernization, and the maintenance of U.S. strength at sea. Our educational programs highlight the needs of America’s maritime services and those who serve in them. We advocate for a safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sound U.S. maritime transportation system, recognizing its essential role in national security and the well-being of all Americans. With over 200 councils and more than 37,000 members worldwide, we support active-duty personnel and their families through ship adoptions, awards, recognition programs, and community events. Our commitment to initiatives like the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, established in 1962, underscores our dedication to training future leaders. Together, we embody values of teamwork, integrity, commitment, courage, excellence, and respect, ensuring that we effectively support our sea services and contribute to the American way of life.
Meet Our Board
Duties & Responsibilities Of Board Members Officer
The Board of Directors is the governing body of a nonprofit. Individuals who sit on the board are responsible for overseeing the organization’s activities. Board members meet periodically to discuss and vote on the affairs of the organization. At a minimum, an annual meeting must occur with all board members present.
Joseph Greco
- The President directs the activities of the Corporation (NLUS-OC).
- Presides at Council and Board of Directors meetings and appoints committee chairmen.
- Assures compliance with National Bylaws and regulations governing local councils.
- Submits the Corporation’s annual report and other reports as request.
- Represents NLUS-OC in public affairs and in national, region, state organization activities and various functions.
Jay Richardson
- Maintains Corporate records such as Bylaws, minutes of meetings, election results, correspondence as requested by the President, and provides
- appropriate notice of meetings.
- Makes up the agenda for the monthly Board Meetings.
- Receives and processes Event Reports from the various Board members (SOQ, SOY and other functions.)
- Prepares the NLUS-OC Annual Report for NLUS.
- Keeps NLUS-OC By-Laws current and send them to NLUS
Mike Neel
- The Treasurer, who is the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, maintains all financial records of Corporate funds.
- Establishes the Corporate bank account(s) and serves as co-signor with another co-signer (where this is practical) on checks for all disbursements .
- Prepares and oversees the Corporation's budget.
- Submits a monthly report to the Board of Directors and an annual report to the membership.
- Prepares the financial section of the Corporation’s annual report.
- Prepares the Monthly Financial Report for Board meeting.
- Writes the checks to pay NLUS-OC expenses.
- Prepares and submits the Annual Federal and California’s Tax forms to the proper authorities.
- Works with the NLUS-OC Accounting Firm.
John Gates
Vice President, and Funding Co-ChairJim Bras
Legislative Affairs Chair, and Vice President of Legislative Affairs NLUS PSW RegionJames Suzuki
Speaker and Events ChairJeannine J. Jackson
Social Media ChairJeff Gottfredson
Membership ChairVincent Brink Van Den
DirectorEric Curtis
DirectorZack Stangle
DirectorSally Nockold
DirectorBob Dickie
DirectorDavid Fitzpatrick
Honorary DirectorCameron Cook
Honorary Director
Contact Us
Contact us in two ways. You may contact any board member by email.
Write to:
NLUS Orange County Council
Navy League of Orange County
215 East 15th Street
Newport Beach, CA 92663
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We are citizens in support of our Marines and Sea Services.