CAPE MAY COUNTY COAST GUARD COMMUNITY GUIDE Message from the Foundation Board of Trustees 3 Message from the Captain 5 Who We Are 6 Hereford Inlet Lighthouse 11 Showing Our Pride 15 What is a Coast Guard Community? 18 Sunset Parades 24 Good Neighbors - Nature Center of Cape May 30 Hometown Hero Award 35 Regional Presence Map 36 Past Recipients of the Foundation Awards 41 Training Center Cape May Fact Sheet 49 Economic Impact of Training Center Cape May 50 Thank You to Our Community Partners 52 US Life Saving Station #30 55 Naval Air Station Wildwood 58 Partner Spotlight: OceanFirst Foundation 62 Cape May County is one of only four places to hold the title “Coast Guard Community”! There are also currently 25 Coast Guard Cities. 1 COASTGUARDCOMMUNITY.ORG
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A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Greetings Friends and Neighbors, Cape May County is designated as a “Coast Guard Community,” one of a select number of cities and counties in the Nation. This honor is reserved for communities that show special support and consideration for the Coast Guard and was awarded to Cape May County in 2015 after approval by the United States Coast Guard and an act of Congress. The County was renewed as a designated Coast Guard Community in April of 2021. The Foundation partners with the County of Cape May, its 16 municipalities, and community organizations throughout the year to present activities that educate about the deep connections between the Coast Guard and the region. Founded in 2015, the Foundation’s mission is to nurture strong relationships between the Coast Guard members, their families and the community by developing programs, supporting efforts of other organizations, and facilitating active engagement between the Coast Guard and Cape May County. We are guided by our desire to be accountable, dependable and trust-worthy and our drive to deliver excellence because of the value we place on the service to the country of Coast Guard personnel and their families. Our Foundation strives to mirror and honor those we serve. We are thrilled to welcome you back to our signature event, the 6th Annual Cape May County Coast Guard Community Festival on May 7, 2022. The Festival celebrates Cape May County’s designation as a Coast Guard Community and honors Coast Guard personnel, their families and recruits for the extraordinary role they play in our nation. We are also planning an exciting new event in the fall of 2022. The Always Ready 5K will take place throughout the scenic City of Cape May and flow through the US Coast Guard Training Center. Our Foundation has also provided a variety of programs that have had a positive impact on Coast Guard members, their families and recruits within our community. We will continue to strive to meet those needs when they are identified. Please visit our webpage www.coastguardcommunity.org for more information about our upcoming events and programs. It is our hope that you will continue to celebrate and honor the men and women of the United States Coast Guard and their importance here in Cape May County throughout the year. Sincerely yours, Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation Board of Trustees Jeffrey Pierson Vicki Clark Elias Massood, Jr. Barbara Sharp Jeffrey Pierson, Chairperson Vicki Clark, Vice Chairperson Elias Massood, Jr., Treasurer Barbara Sharp, Secretary Mike Couch Jacob Cuomo Trina McSorley Bob Montgomery Mike Couch Jacob Cuomo Trina McSorley Bob Montgomery Will Morey Edward Savino Zach Mullock Will Morey Edward Savino Zach Mullock 3 COASTGUARDCOMMUNITY.ORG
A MESSAGE FROM THE CAPTAIN Greetings Cape May County Community, I want to offer my personal gratitude to all the local government leaders, individuals, families, organizations, and businesses that have shown tremendous care and generosity for their Coast Guard and specifically for your support of Training Center Cape May throughout the last year. Our staff and their families will not forget your commitment to our service. Your willingness and enthusiasm to champion our Coast Guard men and women is a shining example of South Jersey’s commitment to both our service and our nation. We are extremely grateful for everyone who offered opportunities to our families. We also recognize the efforts of the Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation in maintaining the legacy and designation of Cape May County as an official Coast Guard community – something we are all very proud of and are confident will continue to thrive. As we look forward to 2022, with anticipation for the waning of the COVID pandemic, we are excited for a return of treasured events such as the Cape May Coast Guard Ball, the Coast Guard Community Festival, and our Sunset Parades, where we have the chance to engage the public in the most meaningful personal interactions which make living in our community great. The Coast Guard is truly a global force with its personnel conducting dangerous frontline missions in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Whether conducting search and rescue operations, counter-drug missions, ice-breaking, cyber security, Arctic service, aids to navigation or other critical assignments, the Coast Guard men and women who graduate from Training Center Cape May all have one thing in common – they remember the love and support demonstrated by the community of South Jersey as they start their careers across our country and beyond. We share a deep-rooted connection with more than 100 years of history built on trust and sustained by an invaluable sense of community. From starting my assignment as Commanding Officer in 2019 to nearing the completion of my tour this summer, it has been my personal mission to proclaim emphatically that Cape May County is the Coast Guard’s hometown! This could not be said without the dedication every one of you has shown in ensuring that the men and women who serve here feel like family. All of you have embraced our service and supported our members through a myriad of individual and organizational outreach efforts that offered not only kind words, but also kind actions. Thank you again for your generosity and compassion; and thank you for your enduring support. Semper Paratus, Captain Kathy Felger Commanding Officer Coast Guard Training Center Cape May 5 COASTGUARDCOMMUNITY.ORG
WHO WE ARE: THE CAPE MAY COUNTY COAST GUARD COMMUNITY FOUNDATION In early 2015, County government and community members COMMUNITY FESTIVAL joined forces to form the Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation, an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit The Foundation’s premier event is the annual Coast Guard organization. Their goal was to form an organization that would Community Festival which takes place on the first weekend of create a stronger bond between the U.S. Coast Guard and the May. We are excited to welcome this family friendly community community. event back after a 2-year hiatus. Upwards of 20,000 people have The mission of the Foundation is to nurture strong relationships attended the Coast Guard Community Festival over five years it between Coast Guard members, their families, recruits, and the has been held. Festival activities include: community by developing programs, supporting the efforts of other organizations, and facilitating active engagement • Search & rescue demonstrations, courtesy of nearby between the Coast Guard and Cape May County. Our vision is to create and maintain a “vibrant and welcoming “hometown” Air Station Atlantic City for the Coast Guard personnel and their families.” • Educational trolley tours of the base • Ship tours of cutters homeported at TRACEN, plus visiting craft • Interaction with Coast Guard recruits and personnel stationed at various Festival activities • Food, music, vendors and games. As well as providing an educational opportunity for residents, the Festival is intended to celebrate Coast Guard members and families. To this end, the Foundation provides free lunch vouchers to all active military and dependents that attend the Festival. COAST GUARD BALL The Southern New Jersey Coast Guard Ball is another event that initiates the bond between Coast Guard members and the community. Since its inception in 2017, the Ball has been open to members of the general public and is supported and hosted by the Foundation. This is another event we are excited to welcome back in 2022! FOUNDATION PROGRAMS Not only do we support our mission with community-based events, we also have developed programs that meet the needs of our active-duty families and recruits. COAST GUARD COMMUNITY GUIDE 2022 6
Our charter program, the Community Activity Program The Foundation donates to important Coast Guard causes, reimburses Coast Guard families for registration fees for including: community-based activities such as dance, gymnastics, and sports. The purpose of this program is to give back to Coast • Contribution to the commissioning celebrations for new Guard families and to help them feel welcome and supported by the community. Fast Response Cutters that are homeported in Cape May, including the USCGC Lawrence Lawson, Rollin Fritch, and The Hometown Hero Award Program which recognizes (1) Angela McShan. the contributions of Coast Guard members to the community, and (2) local businesses and individuals whose actions help to • Donation to support the construction of the U.S. Coast connect the community and Coast Guard members. Guard Enlisted Memorial at Training Center Cape May. The Seamanship Award Program was formed in partnership While the Foundation is supportive of the Coast Guard and with U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 08-02 in Cape May to participates in many activities at Training Center Cape May, it provide funding for the Marlinspike Rigging Knives that are is not part of the Coast Guard or U.S. Military, but rather is a presented at each graduation to the recruit who demonstrates private non-profit organization that works in partnership with the highest degree of proficiency during the Seamanship phase the Coast Guard and other local organizations. We are proud to of training. be just one part of our vibrant Coast Guard Community! Sponsorship or partnership in community events that raise DONATE ONLINE AT the profile of and/or educate the community regarding the COASTGUARDCOMMUNTY.ORG Coast Guard, including: • “Salute to the Coast Guard” at the Mudhen Brewing Company in Wildwood with the release of a Coast Guard themed beer. • Work with and support the Jersey Cape Military Spouses Club to hold their annual Baby Shower and provide Holiday meals to Active-duty families. • Provide food vouchers for Active-duty families at the annual Coast Guard Community Festival. • The Back-to-School Brigade - A developing partnership with Operation Homefront to provide back to school supplies to active-duty school age children. 7 COASTGUARDCOMMUNITY.ORG
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HEREFORD INLET LIGHTHOUSE The US Coast Guard’s involvement in North Wildwood began Team (ANT) installed in 1850 when the Coast Guard was still called the Life-Saving a new VRB-25 beacon Service and North Wildwood was still called Anglesea. The in the Lighthouse. building of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in 1874 brought the ANT continues to US Lighthouse Service into the area as well. maintain the Hereford When the Life-Saving Service and the Revenue Cutter Service Inlet Lighthouse as an merged in 1915 to form the US Coast Guard, the Anglesea Life- active aid to navigation. Saving Station became the Anglesea Coast Guard Station. The US Coast Guardsmen Coast Guard’s Hereford Inlet Life-Boat Station, built in 1938, is have been guest speakers now used by the New Jersey State Police Marine Division. When in North Wildwood on the Lighthouse Service was merged with the Coast Guard in National Lighthouse Day and 1939, the Coast Guard took over the operation and maintenance in 2018 ANT arranged to have of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, with keepers living in the the old DCB-24 placed on a lower Lighthouse until 1963. An automated DCB-24 beacon was floor of the Lighthouse for public display. placed on a tower in the backyard of the Lighthouse in 1964 The City of North Wildwood is proud to have a continuing and was transferred to the restored Lighthouse tower in 1986. association with the United States Coast Guard and its When the DCB-24 failed in 2018 after 54 years of serving predecessor organizations for more than 170 years. Learn more mariners in Hereford Inlet, the Coast Guard’s Aids to Navigation about us on our website at herefordinletlighthouse.com. 11 COASTGUARDCOMMUNITY.ORG
411 Beach Ave. Cape May, NJ | (609) 884-4424 13 COASTGUARDCOMMUNITY.ORG
SHOWING OUR PRIDE: COAST GUARD COMMUNITY SIGNAGE Have you seen Coast Guard Community signs throughout your travels around Cape May County? These signs are one way that we show our pride for our Coast Guard Community designation. The County of Cape May led a signage program that culminated in production of 4’ by 6’ road signs placed at all entry points to the County, as well as two signs for each of the County’s sixteen municipalities. The signs bear the Coast Guard crest and read “Welcome to Cape May County: A Proud Coast Guard Community,” or include the municipality name and the phrase “a Coast Guard Community Member.” These 35+ signs remind our visitors and residents alike of our Coast Guard connection as they go about their daily lives. Each of the County’s component towns were enthusiastic to place the signs and proud to display their “Coast Guard Community Member” title. See how many signs you can spot in your travels! Three Fast Response Cutters (FRC’s) are homeported in Cape May. These 154’ ships pursue various missions including coastal security, defense operations, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, marine safety, and environmental protection. 15 COASTGUARDCOMMUNITY.ORG
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WHAT IS A COAST GUARD COMMUNITY? “Coast Guard City” or “Coast Guard Community” is a special Cape May County initially received the designation in 2015 designation that communities apply for, which is approved by and was re-certified in 2021. Examples of how the community the US Coast Guard and US Congress, and which recognizes supports the Coast Guard can be found throughout this the special relationship between the Coast Guard and a packet. We are proud to be a Coast Guard Community! particular place. The Coast Guard City designation is used for municipalities, and the Coast Guard Community moniker is Community leaders attend a Sunset Parade at Training Center Cape May used to recognize Counties or wider regions. with CO CAPT Kathy Felger Taking nothing away from the significance of the City of Cape May as home to Training Center Cape May, it was important to local stakeholders that Cape May County apply for the regional “community” designation in order to recognize the deep ties that the Coast Guard holds throughout the area, including the historic nature of Lifesaving Stations that dotted our barrier islands, as well as the Coast Guard Uniform Distribution Center located in Woodbine, and the Coast Guard families that live in all of Cape May County’s towns during active duty or as a popular retirement destination. To date, twenty-five cities and four counties across the country have received this designation. Materials submitted by applicants focus not on how important the Coast Guard is to the community, but rather on what the community offers to celebrate and support Coast Guard members and their families. The designation must be re-certified every five years, with communities showing how they continued support during each five-year period. COAST GUARD COMMUNITY GUIDE 2022 18
All 29 cities and communities that have currently been designated through this special program, and when they were approved, are listed below. Location (City and State) Date Designated Grand Haven, Michigan Nov. 13, 1998 Eureka, California June 3, 2000 Mobile, Alabama July 4, 2002 Wilmington, North Carolina July 25, 2003 Newport, Oregon Mar. 28, 2005 Alameda, California Apr. 14, 2006 Kodiak, Alaska Sept. 15, 2007 Rockland, Maine June 16, 2008 Portsmouth, Virginia Nov. 17, 2009 Traverse City, Michigan Apr. 7, 2010 Astoria, Oregon May 1, 2010 Sitka, Alaska Feb. 14, 2011 Clearwater, Florida Dec. 23, 2011 Newburyport, Massachusetts Dec. 23, 2011 Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Jan. 23, 2014 Camden County, Georgia Jan. 23, 2014 Cape May County, New Jersey May 8, 2015 Hull, Massachusetts May 11, 2015 Ketchikan, Alaska May 11, 2015 Elizabeth City, North Carolina May 29, 2015 New London, Connecticut May 24, 2015 Carteret County, North Carolina July 7, 2015 San Diego, California Feb. 23, 2017 Florence, Oregon May 20, 2017 New York, New York Feb. 4, 2018 Chatham County, Georgia Oct. 18, 2018 Cordova, Alaska Sept. 30, 2019 Westport, Washington Sept. 30, 2019 Valdez, Alaska Apr. 7, 2021 19 COASTGUARDCOMMUNITY.ORG
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SUNSET PARADES 2022 SCHEDULE Sunset Parades are colorful, inspiring military ceremonies SECURITY AND WEATHER featuring the Recruit Precision Drill Team, marching troops and cannon fire. They take place at sunset on the Training Center’s Visitors should expect increased security screening for the Parade Grounds and are open to the general public with no event, and guests are not permitted to bring bags of any kind to admission charge. Children are welcome to attend but should the seating area including purses, camera bags, and backpacks. be accompanied by an adult at all times. Sunset Parades are Photography is permitted and encouraged, but cameras must held as operations permit and are dependent on fair weather. be removed from their bag prior to arriving at the seating area. In the event of a foul weather cancellation, we will put out a Guests are encouraged to leave bags in their vehicles during public notification. the Parade. If the parade is cancelled due to inclement weather Typically, gates open an hour before the event. a message will be left on the phone number (609) 898-6700. The Sunset Parade schedule for 2022 is as follows: OBSERVANCE DATE GUESTS ESTIMATED SUNSET TIME SEATED BY START TIME 8:18 p.m. Memorial Day May 29 7:38 p.m. 7:48 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 8:04 p.m. Independence Day July 3 7:50 p.m. 7:34 p.m. 7:25 p.m. 6:55 p.m. Coast Guard Day August 7 7:24 p.m. Labor Day September 4 6:55 p.m. COAST GUARD COMMUNITY GUIDE 2022 24
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THE DEFINITION OF GOOD NEIGHBORS BY GRETCHEN WHITMAN, NATURE CENTER OF CAPE MAY DIRECTOR Nestled amongst Coast Guard housing the Nature Center of Cape May is situated on the southern shoreline of Cape May Harbor outside of the gates to TRACEN Cape May. For more than 25 years we have had what one could call the epitome of the Good Neighbor relationship. Highlighting just a few of the many partnerships will provide evidence of this good neighbor bond. CLEAN-UP DAYS: At least twice each year recruit companies join Center staff and other community volunteers for a clean- up day at the Nature Center, the Fisherman’s Memorial and Harborview Park. Tasks have included landscaping projects, marine debris collection on the Harbor, planting of marsh grasses on the beaches, minor building maintenance, etc. This assistance helped to not only spruce up the Nature Center property, but the entire Cape May Harbor conservation area. OTHER SPECIAL PROJECTS: Coast Guardsmen have assisted the Nature Center over the years in more than just our annual spring and fall clean-up days. We have been blessed with active-duty personnel from Station Cape May, the CPOA, It was a very good day at the Center. Thanks to US Coast Guard recruit company Romeo-200 the staff feels so much better about being ready for Summer Camp 2021. We love our Coasties! Semper paratus COAST GUARD COMMUNITY GUIDE 2022 30
the Enlisted Association and shipmates from the various cutters Coast Guardsman of the Year largely because of his individual stationed here completing a wide variety of community service community service hours spent working at the Nature Center. projects. Such tasks have included painting buildings, erecting Most recently, Station Cape May was awarded national tents, and even helping decorate our Welcome Center with recognition of the Coast Guard’s Best Unit in the Partnership in holiday lights which led to winning a “Best Display” award. Education program, again for their work at the Nature Center GOOD NEIGHBOR FUND: This annual summer camp and community. scholarship fund is the Nature Center’s way to give back to GOOD NEIGHBORS: An essential part of making a wonderful our Coast Guard neighbors. Over $200,000 in tuition has community – a proud Coast Guard Community! been awarded to Coast Guard families to be able to send their children to nature-based programs and fishing camps over the last 20 years. PROGRAMMING SUPPORT: Over the years the Nature Center staff have provided programming for children at the Training Center’s Child Development Center. In addition, we are community partners with Cape May Elementary School where many U.S.C.G. children attend. Likewise, Station Cape May personnel provided education programs for summer camp participants on what it means to be a Guardian of the Sea. STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS: Three of our former part-time employees have been wives of Coast Guard personnel, while countless volunteers (and good friends) have also come from our neighbors in Coast Guard housing. AWARDS: These above noted partnerships have not gone unnoticed. In 2015, I was honored as a Hometown Hero at the very first Cape May County Coast Guard Community Festival. Two years later MK1 Lantz Bowman was named the Festival’s 31 COASTGUARDCOMMUNITY.ORG
COAST GUARD COMMUNITY GUIDE 2022 Recruits go through an 8-week training cycle at Training Center Cape May, including classroom as well as hands-on training. 32
HOMETOWN HERO AWARDS PRESENTED TO LOCAL COAST GUARDSMEN, SUPPORTERS Each year, the Cape May Country Coast Guard Community Foundation carefully identifies those who have shown support, dedication and made a difference in unique and memorable ways within the Coast Guard Community by soliciting awardee nominations from Coast Guard personnel and command, and from the community at large. These awards recognize (1) people or organizations active in the Cape May County community that go above the call of duty to embrace the Coast Guard as part of the community and (2) United States Coast Guard members or family members whose actions help to connect the Cape May County community and the United States Coast Guard, exemplifying courage, kindness, and unselfish character which contribute significantly to the betterment of Cape May County. Please visit our website to nominate deserving community members or Coast Guard members at: coastguardcommunity.org/foundation/programs/hometown-hero. SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION 35 COASTGUARDCOMMUNITY.ORG
REGIONAL PRESENCE OF UNITED STATES COAST GUARD (USCG) IN CAPE MAY COUNTY, NEW JERSEY COAST GUARD COMMUNITY GUIDE 2022 36
PAST RECIPIENTS OF CAPE MAY COUNTY COAST GUARD COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS 2015 AWARD WINNERS: 2018 AWARD WINNERS: Hometown Heroes (from USCG) Hometown Hero Gretchen Whitman, Nature Center Cape May Brewing Company Mark Kulkowitz, Carroll Villa Hotel & Mad Batter Coast Guard Community Spouse of the Year Gregg Coffey, C-View Janelle Quiqley Patricia Marten & Ms. Kelley Helbig, 2019 AWARD WINNERS: Cape May City Elementary Coast Guard Community Spouse of the Year Coast Guard Community Spouse of the Year Kathy Gibbons Jill Simcox Community Coast Guardian Hometown Hero Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence P. Antonucci Jr. Crest Savings Bank Coast Guardsman of the Year 2016 AWARD WINNERS: Kellie Dean Hometown Heroes (from USCG) Nelson Brown, Coast Guard Auxiliary 2020 AWARD WINNERS: Anna Shustack, Teitelman Junior High School Coast Guard Community Spouse of the Year Hometown Heroes Jason Ruffenach Kristen Gallego Caleigh Vazquez Community Coast Guardian La Mer Beachfront Inn TC Robert Hasty 2021 AWARD WINNERS: 2017 AWARD WINNERS: Hometown Heroes Hometown Hero (from USCG) Dr. John Burns, Aux CG Auxiliarist Tony Kupstas The C-View Inn Coast Guard Community Spouse of the Year SKCM Ileana M. Ortiz, USCG Tracy Grant Cape May Coastie Send-Off Attendees Community Coast Guardian MK3 Lantz Bowman 41 COASTGUARDCOMMUNITY.ORG
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CAPE MAY MARITIME MUSEUM Seventy years have passed since petty officer/coxswain Bernie The CMMM restores or donates maritime vessels. Restoration Weber and his crew of three rescued thirty-two crewman from tours and lectures are readily available. The Cape May Maritime the broken stern section of the SS Pendleton during a ferocious Museum partners with the most prominent historical and Northeaster off the Chatham, Massachusetts coast in February maritime restoration museums. 1952. Several members of the rescue crew trained in Cape May. Thanks to all who have supported this mission as volunteers This remains as the greatest, successful surface rescue in USCG and benefactors. This is a noble mission. All branches of our history. Disney’s movie “The Finest Hours” recalls the heroic military are actively engaged in the restoration. However, event. The USCG Cape May Training Center, Seamanship training additional volunteers and donors are needed to meet the facility honors BM1 Bernard Weber. goal to “Float the Boat” in 2023! Please consider joining the The Cape May Maritime Museum (www.cmmaritime.org), CMMM crew as a volunteer or donor. Details can be found on a 501C charitable organization, is restoring and close to www.cmmaritime.org, Facebook and GoFundMe. launching an identical CG 36-foot wooden motor lifeboat in Let us all continue to celebrate the legacy of our nautical past, the Cape May Harbor, as a unique floating museum. The USCG- present, and future. Let us honor our USCG and maritime history. 36538, one of the last of the wooden life-saving boats, will honor and benefit all who serve, work, live and visit Cape May County. Join our There are only three known restored/seaworthy USCG-3600 GoFundMe series lifeboats in existence. Once restored, the USCG-36538 will be registered on the National Landmark of Historical Places. The USCG-36538 was based in CG Rescue Station - Ocean City from 1962 -1973 as a rescue vessel resource, and when needed it served the Cape May County coastal area. Wayne Adams, Ret. USCG Master Chief Boatswain Mate, a CMMM member, was the last officer in charge before it was decommissioned and replaced by a 44-foot steel frame motor lifeboat. COAST GUARD COMMUNITY GUIDE 2022 44
COAST GUARD COMMUNITY GUIDE 2022 www.twistiestavern.com 236 Bayview Drive, Strathmere, NJ 08248 46
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