Presidents Corner

Message from our President

Greetings and welcome to the website of the Sarasota - Manatee Council of the Navy League of the United States. Our Council is entering its 66th year of supporting the Nation’s sea services this year.

2022 brings a renewed effort on the part of our Council to continue our strong support for our Youth Programs (Venice HS and North Port HS Junior ROTC Units, Venice Middle School and North Port Imagine School Young Marines, and the Maritime Eagles Sea Cadets), College Scholarship Program for deserving graduating high school seniors, and annual National Flight Academy Scholarships for middle-age students. Additionally, we will continue to support our Adopted Units (Coast Guard Station Cortez and Coast Guard Cutters Brandt and Resolute).

Our ability to support our future and current leaders through the aforementioned programs is only made possible through the funds donated directly to our Council. This year our goal is to increase our fundraising efforts in order to enhance the support we provide on a yearly basis. We will, once again, participate in the Giving Challenge conducted by the Community Foundation of Sarasota on April 26-27, and regenerate our annual Charity Golf outing post-COVID. Also, we look to add additional fundraising efforts throughout the year.

I hope as you peruse the website you will see how the actions of our volunteers benefit the leaders of tomorrow, today and decide to become an active member of the Sarasota-Manatee Council of the Navy League. Individual and Corporate memberships are available. If you desire to simply provide a charitable donation, know that your dollars will go directly to the many important programs mentioned earlier.

Our Council membership makes every effort to meet monthly, typically at a luncheon or dinner, to recognize the outstanding performance of local sea service personnel and to hear from leaders in the sea services on current issues they are facing. Hopefully you will become a member and join us for these events throughout the year to enjoy the camaraderie, make new friends and assist us in supporting the efforts of our Council.

I look forward to an exciting year!

Carl Cramb 

2022 and 2023 President