Your Turn Guest Column Charles H. Walker Jr. Curator urges involvement, patronage in local projects I would like to take a moment to draw attention to five projects I am involved with which are significant to our area: the North Atlantic Maritime Foundation, to be located on Sandy Hook, the Sandy Hook Military Museum, Middletown Bicentennial Park, Middletown town square, and the potential relocation of the USS New Jersey battleship to the waters off Sandy Hook. I believe these projects are worthy of your attention, involvement and future patronage. In my opinion, each would greatly benefit our community. In addition, these projects commemorate the rich history of our region. The North Atlantic Maritime Foundation was founded by Tom Gorman, retired navy commander and former director of Sandy Hook’s Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST). The foundation’s goal is to teach paraplegic and wheelchair-bound young people to navigate a specially equipped, full-masted schooner, and foster a unique sense of accomplishment and enjoyment of the sea. A handicap-accessible pier will be built near the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and instruction will be offered free of charge. The Sandy Hook Military Museum will also be located on Sandy Hook. It will showcase war-related memorabilia and artifacts from all branches of the military. I will serve as museum curator and liaison to district, state and national branches of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Navy League, etc. Please contact me if you would like to donate war memorabilia. The USS New Jersey is the nation’s most highly decorated battleship. Currently docked off a depressed and high-crime area in Camden, it has few visitors and is near bankruptcy. In my opinion, this historic ship should soon be moved to the waters off Sandy Hook and New York City — a location that will easily attract tourists and provide educational opportunities for area students. As current chairman of the Bicentennial Park Commission, I am in favor of developing a Middletown town square. Bicentennial Park is located directly across Route 35 from the proposed town square site. Beautifying the park and developing the town square would enhance this area esthetically and aid it economically. A town square would draw attention to the park, which commemorates the history and future of our country. I am 80 years old, and have lived in Lincroft for the past 45 years. I am a former World War II U.S. Marine Corps staff sergeant (1943-46); a former first sergeant, 50th Armored Ordinance Maintenance Battalion of the National Guard (1947-48); a 35-year member, current historian and past senior vice commander (1968) of Middletown VFW Post No. 2179; co-chair of the 1976 Middletown Bicentennial Park Commission; past master (1961) of the Masonic Lodge; current chairman of the Middletown Bicentennial Park Commission, and curator of the Sandy Hook Military Museum. I am also a member of the Shriners and Lions Club, and am a 20-year member of both the Navy League and the American Legion. In addition, I currently serve on the board of directors of the North Atlantic Maritime Foundation. I have great respect for our country and for the contributions made by New Jersey residents. I am acutely aware of the history and sacrifices that have earned us the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. I — along with many others — have spent many years working to ensure current and future generations remember this as well. To request further information, or if you would like to become involved with or support Middletown town square, the North Atlantic Maritime Foundation, the Sandy Hook Military Museum, Bicentennial Park, or the USS New Jersey relocation project, contact Charles Walker at (732) 747-5966. Charles H. Walker Jr. is a resident of the Lincroft section of Middletown