Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. — At the recent annual conference of the Naval Civilian Managers Association in Alexandria, Va., the Naval Air Systems Command Lakehurst chapter was honored with being named the nation’s best NCMA chapter for the second consecutive year.

Competing with chapters from across the country, Lakehurst’s NCMA chapter was once again singled out for their proactive involvement with the surrounding community, their support to base leadership and their service to the NAVAIR employee population at Lakehurst.

Established in 1947, the NCMA is a management organization of senior civilians in naval activities dedicated to the principle that the interests of America can best be served by a strong Navy. They try to promote efficiency and effectiveness of naval installations and foster their standing within the community through the activities of chapter members.

In 2012-2013, the Lakehurst chapter continued to facilitate educational partnerships with several area universities, colleges, technical schools and school districts. They sponsored career days, science fairs and symposiums, robotics competitions, and mentoring and shadowing programs.

They also provided $2,100 in scholarship money to science contest winners, students from the Ocean County Vocational Technical School and a student from Manchester High School. The chapter contributed an additional $2,000 to support STEM development at the Lakehurst Elementary School, sponsorship of the Navy Ball and Combined Federal Campaign support.

Additionally, chapter members served as first aid and fire company volunteers, worked to send care packages to troops deployed overseas and participated in Thanksgiving and Christmas food and gift drives.

This year, the Lakehurst Chapter established a Public Affairs committee that created a quarterly newsletter for its membership and a tri-fold explaining the purpose and vision of NCMA. Chapter leadership also now holds membership on the New Jersey Governor’s Council and they hosted visits to the base by local mayors, freeholders and government officials.

According to chapter president John Schmelzle, “it is very exciting to be selected for the second year in  a row as the outstanding NCMA national chapter. Our members continue to do a splendid job as volunteers, role models and educators. They are an involved and exuberant group who are always looking for ways to contribute both on base and in the community. It is an honor to work with them throughout the year.”

With the addition of 30 new members, the chapter has managed to increase membership by over 25 percent in the past year. With the enthusiastic support of its members, the Lakehurst NCMA chapter has done an exceptional job promoting understanding and respect for the Navy mission at Lakehurst.