NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES

The San Diego Council of the Navy League has served the region and its sea service members for over 83 years. Our ongoing programs are more fully described in the "Programs" section. The Council's most recent (2024) accomplishments include:

1. Our recognition program supported 24 sea service commands, ranging from the Marine Recruiting District to the Commander Naval Air Force, in recognizing their outstanding performers on a quarterly and annual basis. Our Council presented recognition awards (plaques and token gift cards) to over 200 sea service members in 2024.

2. The Council's scholarship fund provided over $180,00 in 2013 tuition assistance to 12 deserving sea services students.

3. Council volunteers greeted dozens of ships and squadrons coming home from deployment. Our volunteers provided banner materials and refreshments to the waiting families, creating a festive atmosphere in keeping with the joyous occasion.

The Council's goals for 2025 include:

1. Awarding as many new scholarships to deserving high school seniors as funding allows.

2. Expanding the number of volunteers willing to participate in the Council's special events.

3. Ensuring that the families of every ship and squadron coming home to San Diego from extended deployment are assisted in staging a joyous and meaningful event.

4. Present the 10th consecutive Navy Region Southwest Navy Birthday Ball.

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Needs Statement
List your organization's top 5 most pressing needs. Needs can relate to programs, volunteers, management, and/or finances. Be specific with dollar amounts and cost, if known. Character limit of 1,300, including spaces.

1. Sponsorships for the recognition and Sea Cadet programs are increasingly difficult to obtain because our traditional corporate donors are reducing their general community giving. The Council must expand its community affiliate and outside donor base to reverse this trend and generate $15,000 in new revenue.

2. More volunteers with the time, energy and experience to assume critical positions managing the Council's ongoing programs and special events. The Council must focus on recruiting volunteers with business experience.

Background Statement
History and overall description of organization. Character limit of 2,500, including spaces.

The San Diego Council of the Navy League of the United States was founded in December of 1941, just after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Much of the energy and effort behind the council's creation came from Mouney C. Pfefferkorn, our first President. Known as “Pfeff” to those with whom he worked and to those he served, he was nicknamed “Mr. Navy” by the Secretary of the Navy during the 1950s.

For over 80 years the Council has devoted time, money and energy to support and improve the well being of sea service personnel and their families. The Council supports family members left behind when spouses and parents are deployed; helps families welcome ships returning from deployment; recognizes and honors enlisted personnel singled out by their peers and leaders; hosts commemoration events for military personnel; and provides college scholarships based on financial need. The Council directly sponsors the local Sea Cadet program, as well as providing support for local high school and college Navy ROTC programs.

Statement from the CEO/Executive Director
Opportunity to add or emphasize information about the organization, such as what is important and distinctive. To give donors an insider's perspective about an organization's uniqueness. Character limit of 2,600, including spaces.

It is important to understand the sacrifices our young military and their families endure, especially in this time of need cannot be repaid, but can be lessened by our help. Our goals are to say thank you by appreciating their commitment to duty and assisting in making their separations manageable and developing good citizenry through our youth programs.With your help we can achieve these goals.

Programs:

Recognition Program - The Council continues to perform the traditional Navy League function of recognizing sea service members who have made significant contributions to their service and country. Recognition is based upon the selection of outstanding contributors by their chain of command. The San Diego Council is one of the few Councils that extends its recognition charter to include sea service spouses. The recognition program extends to sponsoring formal celebrations of the sea services, such as the Navy birthday and Marine Corps birthday, as well as the presentation of a sword to outstanding NROTC graduates.

Welcome Program - Another traditional Navy League function is the welcoming home of ships and air squadrons returning from deployment. Homecomings after lengthy deployments are among the most emotional events experienced by sea service members and their families. The Council's program coordinates with local commands to provide materials and labor for making welcome home displays and to provide the festive atmosphere that a homecoming deserves.

Sea Cadets - A national program sponsored by Navy League of the U.S. teaches basic seamanship and leadership, leading to the opportunity to be exposed to a military-oriented training program. The goal is to familiarize youngsters with the sea services and to teach them the fundamentals of citizenship and responsibility. There is no requirement to join the armed forces after completing the program. The San Diego Council sponsors the "Challenger" Division for 13-to-18 year-olds and the "Training Ship Columbia" Division for younger aspiring cadets. Total membership is about 75.

Krieglowa College Scholarship Program - The Council manages a college scholarship program endowed by Alex Krieglowa, a Navy veteran. The goal is to provide the opportunity to pursue a college education to the sons and daughters of sea service families that would otherwise not be able to afford it. The program focuses on the children of enlisted personnel and provides for a tuition/books/fees grant of up to $15,000 a year.