April was a busy month for the Sarasota-Manatee Navy League Council, filled with events recognizing service members, supporting youth development, and engaging with national defense leaders.
On April 24, council members were warmly welcomed aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Resolute (WMEC 620), pier side in St. Petersburg. Commander Ian Starr provided a briefing on the cutter’s recent deployment and preparations for its next mission. During the visit, Council President Gene Moran, Ph.D. presented Sailor of the Quarter awards to Fireman Borey Pin (Q4 2024) and MK3 Jarrod Moffatt (Q1 2025), while Commander Starr also recognized MK1 Bradley Fox as Coast Guard District Seven’s Enlisted Person of the Year. Guests enjoyed a BBQ with the crew on the flight deck and toured the ship.
That same day, Council Board Member Steve Bartek and Member Matt Woodall visited Pinellas Park High School’s Coast Guard Junior ROTC unit, where they presented a $1,000 donation to support unit sustainment. The cadets proudly showcased their impressive program, which recently placed second nationally in the CGJROTC Academic Competition despite being established only in 2021.
The council also made its voice heard on a national level. On April 17, The Bradenton Times published an op-ed by Council President Gene Moran, Ph.D., titled “We’ve seen what an underfunded Coast Guard looks like. Let’s imagine—and fund—the one we actually need.” Drawing from insights at Sea-Air-Space 2025 and highlighting the Coast Guard’s critical missions and growing challenges, the piece called for stronger investment in the Coast Guard’s future.
Earlier in the month, on April 15, the council hosted its Annual Youth Awards Ceremony at Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice, Florida. With Vice Admiral Doug Crowder, USN (Ret.) in attendance, the event celebrated outstanding cadets and Young Marines from across the region. Highlights included the presentation of Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medals, scholarships to the National Flight Academy, and $1,000 unit donations to participating NJROTC, MCJROTC, and Young Marine programs.
Finally, from April 7–9, three Sarasota-Manatee Council Board Members—Gene Moran, Ph.D., Jared Sweetser, and Andre (Andy) Morabe—attended Sea-Air-Space 2025. The annual event, hosted by Navy League Headquarters, brought together leaders from the defense and aerospace communities to explore new technologies, strategies, and the future of national security.
The Sarasota-Manatee Council’s deep engagement locally and nationally reflects the spirit of the Navy League’s mission: to educate, advocate, and support the sea services.
Follow the Sarasota-Manatee Navy League on Facebook! To visit the councils website, click here. To become a member and join their council, click here and select “Sarasota-Manatee” during the sign-up process. For any questions on how to become a member, please email membership@navyleague.org or call 703.312.2880 to speak to a Member Engagement Representative.
