FOUNDATION UPDATE

INVEST IN NATION'S YOUTH

A generous contribution to the Naval Sea Cadet Corps is an investment in the nation's youth and the future of our country.

By VERONICA BRANDON
Executive Director, Navy League Foundation

"The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps has fostered a tradition of patriotism and responsibility among our youth." These words were written by Secretary of the Navy, Gordon England, to honor the Sea Cadets 44th Anniversary last year.

The Navy League of the United States established the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) in 1958 at the request of the Navy to educate the nation's youth about maritime issues. The NSCC is designed to ingrain in its member cadets a sense of personal honor, patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and confidence, which will mold good character and citizenship.

"The future lies in the hands of our youth, and numerous parents have thanked the Sea Cadet Program for the guidance that the program has given their sons and daughters. By helping young Americans understand the importance of our maritime services, the Sea Cadet Corps has instilled in these young people a sense of pride and professionalism rarely seen at this young age," said Navy League member Morgan Fitch, who recently announced a gift of $1 million to the Sea Cadet Corps program from him and his wife, Helen.

Morgan Fitch, who is the founder of the NSCC and a past National President of the Navy League of the United States, stated, "this gift is to ensure that the Naval Sea Cadet Corps program continues to give our youth the most significant experience, enabling them to grow into future leaders of this great nation."

NSCC training includes naval history, customs and traditions, basic seamanship, water safety, first aid, and leadership. Classroom instruction is supplemented by tours of military installations, ships, and other places of interest. In addition, emphasis is placed on military drill and physical fitness programs. The NSCC allows young people to sample military life without any obligation to join a branch of the Armed Forces. Should a cadet decide to enlist in either the Navy or Coast Guard, his or her cadet record may permit enlistment at an advanced pay grade.

"Many Sea Cadets have entered the Armed Forces including the Naval Academy and the NROTC programs. A recent survey indicated that some eleven percent of the Midshipmen at Annapolis were Sea Cadets. Sea Cadets have enjoyed cruises aboard Navy ships and some have traveled abroad to train with foreign Sea Cadets," said Fitch.

James Ward, past National Chairman of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, said, "The Sea Cadet programs provide thousands of our nation's youth with a patriotic, gang-free, drug-free, alcohol-free disciplined path. It helps them prepare for their future leadership roles and introduces them to numerous future educational and vocational opportunities."

Fitch's charitable donation is the largest gift recorded in the history of the Navy League of the United States. "We are extremely privileged to have received this generous contribution," stated Ward. The NSCC receives various grants from foundations and corporations to help offset the costs for cadets, and provide scholarships to underprivileged youth to attend the training programs. In addition, the NSCC provides financial assistance to deserving cadets who wish to further their education at the college level.

The NSCC seeks the support of individual and corporate donors. A contribution to the Sea Cadets is making an investment in the youth and future of this country. The NSCC National Headquarters is a non-profit charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions are tax deductible.

If you would like to contribute to the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, please contact Mike Ford at (703) 243-6910 or mford@navyleague.org.