Fair Winds Commander Tracie Smith Yeoman, USN (ret) was Senior NJROTC training instructor at MAST, although she had known the last Commissioner for many years as an active historian and family friend. Retired in January, Commander Smith-Yeoman’s fondest memories of Commissioner Lillian G. Burry focus on the important role she played in the lives of cadets at MAST
The retired Naval officer, a native of Highlands who lives in Bayville in Ocean County, wrote:
It is difficult to capture the many ways Commissioner Burry has touched the lives of so many people. I first met her when she became a Monmouth County Freeholder and I quickly learned of her deep commitment not only to Monmouth County, but also to preserving American history.
I truly came to know Commissioner Burry, however, during my tenure as Senior Naval Science Instructor at the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) at Sandy Hook. She was a steadfast supporter of MAST, often calling it “her” school. She attended countless events, congratulated the cadets, and consistently reminded them of the value of their education and the opportunities available to them as students at such a prestigious and historic campus. Commissioner Burry tirelessly championed the ideals of MAST and the excellence of its Naval Science program, taking every opportunity to highlight the cadets’ accomplishments and to share her pride in them with the wider community.
When the Monmouth County Vocational School District began exploring the possibility of restoring two historic Fort Hancock buildings for MAST’s Naval Science department, it was Commissioner Burry who brought the idea forward and fought determinedly for the funding to make it a reality. Thanks to her leadership, one of the buildings was rebuilt and today serves as the NJROTC supply storage and issue facility.
Unfortunately, after her time as commissioner ended, momentum for completing the second building — intended as an indoor space for cadets to drill, march, and present programs — stalled. This was especially heartbreaking as the project combined two of Mrs. Burry’s passions: preserving history and supporting the military, even at the NJROTC level. She often spoke of MAST as part of her legacy, and it is tragic she did not see this vision fully realized.
Unlike the historic building that still waits to be restored, Commissioner Burry’s graciousness, vision, and unwavering dedication to the United States — both its past and its future — remain unshakable. Her faith in a strong and bright future lives on in the students of MAST, who continue to benefit from her passion, leadership, and belief in their potential. I am honored to be able to say that I knew Lillian Burry, and the impact she has had on me and countless others is immense. Her dedication to service, her love of community, and her deep appreciation for history have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her. Lillian was more than a public servant—she was a mentor, a supporter, and a friend whose influence will continue to be felt for generations.
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