SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes
Transcription
SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes
SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Issue 2007-04 In this Issue Groton Base Officers and Committee Chairs 2 Our Creed 2 US Submarine Force Losses 2 On Eternal Patrol Sept/Oct 2007 Upcoming Events September 2007 (Sign your Shipmate up as a new member!) 7- 9 Sea Scout Ship Dragon Caribbean Weekend 3 Sat 8 Steak N’ Lobster Dinner 5:45 – 8:30 pm Commander’s Corner 4 Sun 9 Brunch 10 am-12 pm Base News 5 Mon 10 Monthly Business meeting 6:30 pm Clubhouse Cleanup 5 Tue 11 SUBVETS WWII Social & Luncheon 11:30 am USSVI Wall of Honor 6 15-22 National Convention aboard HOLLAND AMERICA OOSTERAM Building Committee 6 Sun 16 Brunch SubVettes 6 Mon 17 Board of Trustees Meeting 6:00 pm Sea Scouts Activities 6:30 pm 10 am-12 pm Khaki and Navy Birthday Balls 6 GB Westport Satellite group meeting 7:00 pm Secretary’s Notes 7 Tue 18 Holland Club Luncheon & social 11:30 am Vice Commander’s Drawer 7 Fri 21 New Chief Petty Officer Pinning SUBASE NLON Various Times Small Stores 7 Sun 23 Brunch 10 am-12 pm House Committee 8 Mon 24 E Board Meeting 6:30 pm The Well-Connected Bubblehead 9 Sea Scouts Activities 6:30 pm National Submarine Memorial East 9 Sat 29 Khaki Ball (Groton Inn & Suites) 6:00 pm Color Guard 9 Sun 30 Brunch 10 am-12 pm SFLM Docents 10 Chaplain’s Offerings 10 Red, White, and Blue Mass 11 Submarine School Graduation Program 11 Westport Satellite Base 11 Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Support 12 USS Piper Reunion 12 Annual Yankee Baseball Game 12 Club News 13 USSVI National News 13 Fourth of July Parade 13 Submarine Qualification Recognition Program 14 VJ Day Parade 14 Gumba’s Thank You Party 15 “Silent Service” Plates Committee 15 HOLLAND CLUB Report 16 Membership Listing 16 Newsletter Donations 17 Boat Sponsorship Program 18 National Data Base Update The Fleet Reserve Association October 2007 (Yes, it’s TIME TO RENEW your dues for 2008!) Mon 1 Monthly Business meeting 6:30 pm Sun 7 Steak & Egg Brunch 10 am-12 pm Tue 9 SUBVETS WWII Meeting & Luncheon 11:30 am Sun 14 Brunch 10 am-12 pm Mon 15 Board of Trustees Meeting 6:00 pm Sea Scouts Activities 6:30 pm GB Westport Satellite group meeting 7:00 pm Tue 16 Holland Club Luncheon & Social 11:30 am Fri 19 232nd Navy Birthday Ball (Mohegan Sun Uncas Ballroom) 6:00 pm Sat 20 Steamship Round Dinner 5:45 – 8:30 pm Sun 21 Brunch 10 am-12 pm Mon 22 Sea Scouts Activities 6:30 pm Sat 27 CO/XO/COB Dinner 6:00 pm Sun 28 Brunch 10 am-12 pm Mon 29 Joint E Board Meeting 6:30 pm LONG RANGE PLANNING Fri 9 Nov Pasta Dinner 5:45 – 8:30 pm 20 Thur 22 Nov Thanksgiving Dinner 12:00 pm 21 Sun 9 Dec Annual Family Christmas Party WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT IS NOT A MEMBER? SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER TODAY. Page 2 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Issue 2007-04 Sept/Oct 2007 Issue 2007-04 US Submarine Veterans, Inc. Groton Base, 40 School Street Groton, Connecticut 06340-3940 Groton Base Officers and Committee Chairs Base Commander Mike Munhall Secretary Paul Orstad House Committee Keith Seeley Vice Commander Buck-o Padgett Treasurer Doug Bennett Chaplain Tom Russell Boat Sponsorship Ralph Rosado Bldg Maint Mike Hubbard Color Guard Charles Starratt Publicity Theresa Starratt Memorial Ed Childs Scholarship John Truman Holland Club Phil Marshall Webmaster Robert Perritt Membership Buck-o Padgett License Plates Carl Hochstetler Newsletter Hope Maruzo Ladies Auxiliary Rita Kreul SFML Docent Gary Schmid Sea Scouts Paul Orstad/Marshall Parsons Past Base Commander John Carcioppolo Our Creed To perpetuate the memory of our Shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States government. US Submarine Force Losses for Sept/Oct SEPTEMBER USS S-51 (SS162) was lost on 25 September 1925 with the loss of 32 officers and men when it sunk after collision with SS City of Rome off Block Island. USS Pompano (SS-181) was lost on 1 September 1943 with the loss of 76 officers and men when it was sunk off the northeast coast of Honshu. USS Grayling (SS209) was lost on 9 September 1943 with the loss of 76 officers and men when it was sunk in or near Tablas Strait, PI. USS Cisco (SS-290) was lost on 28 September 1943 with the loss of 76 officers and men when it was sunk in Sulu Sea west of Launching of USS Dorado (SS 248) 23 May 1943 at Electric Boat, Groton, CT. Mindinao, 9 47N 121 44E OCTOBER USS O-5 (SS-66) was lost on 28 October 1923 with the loss of 2 officers and men when it was sunk after collision with SS ABABGAREZ (United Fruit) off Panama Canal. USS S-44 (SS-155) was lost on 7 October 1943 with the loss of 56 officers and men when it was sunk on 5th patrol off Paramushiru, Kuriles (northern) one day out of Attu. Two men were taken prisoner. Both survived the war). USS WAHOO (SS238) was lost on 11 October 1943 with the loss of 79 officers and men when it was sunk in or near La Perouse Strait. USS IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO RENEW OR PAY YOUR DUES IN ADVANCE. Issue 2007-04 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes DORADO (SS-248) was lost on 12 October 1943 with the loss of 78 officers and men when it was sunk in Western Atlantic, possibly near Cuba. USS ESCOLAR (SS-294) was lost on 1 October 1944 with the loss of 82 officers and men when it was sunk somewhere east of 33 44n 127 33E heading for 33 44N 124 06E. USS SEAWOLF (SS-197) was lost on 3 October 1944 with the loss of 102 officers and men when it was sunk just north of Montai, be- tween PI and Indonesia, by USS ROWELL 02 32N 129 18E. USS DARTER (SS-227) was lost on 24 October 1944 when it became grounded on Bombay Shoal off Palawan and then was destroyed. All the crew was rescued by USS DACE. USS SHARK (SS-314) was lost on 24 October 1944 with the loss of 90 officers and men when it was sunk in channel midway between Hainan and Cashi Channel at 20 41N 118 27E. USS TANG (SS- Page 3 306) was lost on 24 October 1944 with the loss of 83 officers and men when it was sunk in north end of Formosa Strait in vicinity of Turnabout Island. Nine of the crew were taken prisoner and survived the war. The ultimate sacrifice that our forgone shipmates have given is our freedom today; Lest we forget....remember them! Please spend a moment in prayer for our shipmates on eternal patrol. On Eternal Patrol The gift for which our departed Shipmates laid their lives on the line is our freedom today. We express our gratitude for their service by our remembrance of them. Take a moment now . . . and in silence breathe a prayer for our absent Shipmates. Paul W. Gruber, age 77, passed away on 2 June 2007. Paul qualified in submarines onboard USS Odax SS 484 in 1949. He also served aboard USS Hardhead SS 365, USS Irex SS 482, USS Cavalla SS 244, and USS Diablo SS479. Paul retired from the U.S. Navy as EN1(SS) after a 20 year career. He joined SUBVETS Groton Base in 2000 as a Life Member and was inducted into the Holland Club in 2001. Stanley H. Robinson, age 71, passed away on 7 June 2007. Stan qualified in submarines onboard USS Runner SS 476 in 1956. He also served aboard USS Sailfish SS 572 and as COB aboard USS Sirago SS 485. Stan retired from the U.S. Navy as TMCM(SS). He joined SUBVETS Groton Base and was inducted into the Holland Club in 2006. Raymond C. Boswell, age 78, passed away on 9 June 2007. He qualified in submarines aboard USS Blueback SS 326 in 1948. Ray also served aboard USS Sennet SS 408, USS Sea Cat SS 399, USS Argonaut SS 475, USS Sabalo SS 302, USS Nautilus SSN 571, USS Tang SS 563, and USS Gudgeon SS 567. He retired from the U.S. Navy as STSCS(SS). He joined SUBVETS Groton Base as a Life Member in 2001 and was inducted into the Holland Club in 2002. Wallace F. “Wally” Krupenevich, 76, passed away on 11 June 2007. Wally initially qualified in submarines onboard USS Trumpetfish SS 425 in 1950. He also served aboard USS Irex SS 482, USS Pickerel SS 524, USS Bluegill SS 242, and USS Triton SSN 586. Wally joined SUBVETS Groton Base in 1997 and was inducted into the Holland Club in 2000. An active SUBVETS member, he was in the SUBVETS Docent Program and Basic Submarine School Graduation Program and was the Coordinator for the SUBVETS License Plate Program at his time of passing. Although he lived 55 miles from Groton, Wally was a dedicated attendee at every significant SUBVETS event. Daniel W. Cooper, age 84, passed away on 21 July 2007. He qualified in submarines aboard USS O-6 SS 67 in 1944. Dan also served aboard USS Tench SS 417, USS Grouper SS 214, USS Sea Owl SS 405, and USS Abraham Lincoln SSBN 602. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1970 as ENCM (SS). Dan joined SUBVETS Groton Base in 2002 and was inducted into the Holland Club in 2003. Joseph E. Marmaud, age 75, passed away on 10 August 2007. Joe qualified in submarines aboard USS Sea Poacher SS 406 in 1954. He also served aboard USS Piper SS 409. Shipmate Marmaud served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years and retired as ENC(SS). His last year of naval service was aboard river boats in Vietnam. Joe joined SUBVETS Groton Base as a Life Member in 1994 and was inducted into the Holland Club in 2004. Peter DeVallee passed away on 30 August 2007. He qualified in submarines aboard the USS CERO (SS-225) in 1960 and was accepted into the SEAL program, where he was awarded the Purple Heart. He was a SKCM(SS) when he retired from the Navy. He joined Groton Base in 1994 as a Life Member and was also a Life Member of the Submariners Assoc. of Canada in Halifax. ”There is a port of no return, where ships may ride at anchor for a little space. And then some starless night the cable slips, leaving only an eddy at the mooring place. Gulls veer no longer, Sailor rest your oar. No tangled wreckage shall be washed ashore.” Lost Harbor – Leslie Nelson Jennings Shipmates Gruber, Robinson, Boswell, Krupenevich, Cooper, Marmaud, and DeVallee - Rest Your Oar! WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT IS NOT A MEMBER? SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER TODAY. Page 4 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Issue 2007-04 Commander’s Corner It has been a busy couple of months since I took office as your Base Commander and I have met many of our members and their families over the summer, but I have not reached everyone. I would like to take this opportunity via our newsletter to introduce myself and say thank you to all the members who selected me to be our new Base Commander. I have been a member of USSVI for over 10 years and I have volunteered and helped where and when I could. I am at a point in my career where I can give more back by taking on the position of Base Commander and helping our organization continue on and grow into the future. I am a native of Albany, New York and I joined the Navy in November 1981. In February 1983 I reported to my first boat, the USS GRAYBACK (LPSS 574), homeported in Subic Bay, Philippines. My other sea duty assignments include the USS DARTER (SS 576), the USS DALLAS (SSN 700), where I was initiated as a Chief Petty Officer; USS GATO (SSN 615); USS KAMEHAMEHA (SSN 642), where I was advanced to Senior Chief and I was the Chief of the Boat aboard the USS LOUISVILLE (SSN 724), Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. I am presently serving as the Master Chief Petty Officer In Charge of the Pre-Trial Confinement Facility at NAVSUBASE Groton. My wife Donna and I reside in Gales Ferry with our son Billy. I have worked with John C. since he was my COB on the USS DALLAS (SSN 700) and he has left me some big shoes to fill. I know with the support of all the new officers and our 2300+ members we will continue to be the “First and Finest.” I am looking forward to serving as your Base Commander and continuing our submarine legacy. The biggest thing that the fall brings to USSVI is our highlight on membership renewals for the new year. Our focus shifts from bringing in new members to pushing our membership renewal campaign for 2008. It’s also the time of the year when the Base Officers are involved with many things which consume vast lots of time: the RedWhite-Blue Mass, CO/XO/COB Dinner, Thanksgiving, Veterans Day Ceremonies, and planning for the annual Christmas party. Thankfully, the Membership Committee makes the job a lot easier. Our first priority between now and 31 December is membership renewals. After 31 Dec, if you have not renewed you are considered a member not in good standing or “YOU’RE DINK.” We put great effort into making sure that members are reminded to send in their renewals; this prevents us from losing many members, including Life Members and Dual Members, who also need to renew their Base dues. As you will see in the membership section, we have many shipmates who have already renewed. Our 4th of July and VJ Day parades were great successes. Well done to all who participated. Thanks to all who supported us both at the parades and back at the clubhouse. Through the summer Stan Mathis and his House Committee have maintained their tradition of excellence and provided us with great brunches and dinners. Special thanks to everyone who made the annual Family Picnic a big success. Mixed in with all of this you have been working on recruiting new members for our base. We are up over 2,339 members for 2007, and 1,032 members for 2008. Wow! That's great work. New members you sign up from Sep–Dec get the benefit of 2008 membership as well. Your involvement with the organization really helps us. There are so many ways that you can help us to be better… attending meetings, recruiting new members, participating in Base events and cleanups, making scholarship and newsletter donations, and bringing forward your ideas all help to make us a better organization so we attract more submariners. If you want to help out in any way contact one of the Base Officers. Looking through the periscope, coming at us at a very high speed are many important events scheduled between now and November. We have our House Committee, working on some events to please the palate and have our CO/XO/ COB dinner, our annual tribute to the leadership in the Submarine Community here in Groton. All area Commanding Officers, Executive Officers and COBs/CMCs and their spouses or guests are invited to join us for dinner on October 27th. Groton Base committee chairs and their spouses are also invited to attend. Right behind that are the Red, White, and Blue Mass, and our Veterans Day memorial service on 11 Nov at 11am. Also there is a Base Field Day, and our Ladies Auxiliary will be working on a new Care Package project to take care of local sailors deployed to Iraq. Out there on the horizon is our Thanksgiving Dinner for single sailors. SUBVETS Groton Base continues to make many strides, but we always have room for improvement. I hope that your Executive Board has performed as you have wanted us to. We have tried to keep you informed about your organization and recognize all those who continue to help us out. Groton Base has established ourselves as a leader in USSVI. We didn’t get that way because of a few people but because everyone does their part when needed. We are the best because of our members and our teamwork. We could not be as successful as we are without each member’s individual support and contributions. Groton Base sets the standard! Again, it is a great honor to have been selected as your Base Commander and I will do my best to support all of the members and to live up to our creed and our Base motto the “First and Finest.” Your Shipmate, Mike Munhall IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO RENEW OR PAY YOUR DUES IN ADVANCE. Page 5 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Issue 2007-04 Base News Speaker Dinner, Steamship Round Dinner, CO/XO/COB Dinner, Base Field Day, Veterans’ Day, and the annual Red, White, and Blue Mass. We are also starting preparations for another holiday season which includes our Thanksgiving feast and our Caring and Sharing drive. For Thanksgiving again we are planning to feed many of our single sailors and single SUBVETS/SUBVETS WWII. We will need a lot of support from the membership. Our Caring and Sharing program helps our married shipmates at Christmas. There is no donation too small for these programs. When was the last time you checked out the Groton Base Web Page at http://subvetsgroton.org ? Webmaster Robert Perritt has worked hard throughout the year formatting the web page. Committee Chairs are encouraged to use the extensive capabilities Robert Congratulations to all of our members who were recently selected for Chief Petty Officer. You certainly have a lot to be proud of in achieving this significant milestone. We had many shipmates move away this summer with the homeport change of the USS SEAWOLF (SSN 21) and USS CONNECTICUT (SSN 22). We wish them all “Fair Winds and Following Seas” and thank them for all their support while they were with us. Best of luck in Washington. We’ve had a very busy summer with the July 4th and VJ Day parades, our annual Family Picnic, dinners, and other events. We now move into the busiest time of the year. There are a lot of exciting things planned at Groton Base in the next few months. We are preparing for some major events like Steak & Lobster Dinner, Guest has provided. As you will read in many places, our biggest focus right now is 2008 Membership Renewals. Please get yours in as soon as possible. Life, regular, and associate members: The earlier you get your membership renewals in, the easier it is for all of us. Enjoy this edition of Boat Notes which includes all of the things we’ve mentioned above and many more. When you are done reading it, then pass it on to a shipmate who isn’t a member and recruit him to join SUBVETS Groton Base. If you get an opportunity, come down and visit your club. In closing, the members and volunteers of SUBVETS Groton Base are the finest folks around. Three words can be used to describe SUBVETS Groton Base "First and Finest." Clubhouse Cleanup Thanks to our shipmates on the Saturday Morning Cleanup Crew who clean our clubhouse, keeping it looking good for our members and guests. We have several longstanding volunteers, including Tom Connors, Rob Davis, Carl Dahlman, Marty Glavan, Walter Grant, Ray Nott, Ed Russell, Mark Stern, and John Wagner, who clean our club each Saturday. I am very grateful to these members and others who have helped them. Finding volunteers to do Saturday morning cleanups has never been something the Base Officers have had to worry about. Additional help is always welcome. Cleanup starts around 7am and is usually completed by 9am. You don’t have to be there every Saturday, just whenever you can. Starting that early ensures that everything is done by the time the club opens at 10am. You don’t have to be there every Saturday, just whenever you can. Your support would be greatly appreciated. A couple of extra bodies are needed to maintain consistency in cleanliness. We are the only Base with our own clubhouse and are envied by most other bases. The club belongs to all of us. We're open for any suggestions on how to do this better, smarter, or more efficiently. Please continue to pitch in and help keep your club clean and looking good for all to enjoy. USSVI Wall of Honor The USSVI Wall of Honor Project was headed up by Mr. Art Randall, the USSVI Awards Committee Chairman. He designed the plaques and sent them to the Groton Base for proofreading and John Carcioppolo and John Wynn reviewed them for them for accuracy from our original documents that reside in a safe deposit box in Groton, CT. They requested some changes that would make them absolutely correct based on our National Archives documents. The Wall of Honor Plaques are now proudly displayed along with the Lost Boats of WWII plaque in a large single picture frame with a royal blue felt background with high intensity direct lighting. Mr. Jim Leonaitis was the design engineer on this very appropriate memorial to the Lost Boats of WWII and our USSVI History. WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT IS NOT A MEMBER? SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER TODAY. Page 6 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Issue 2007-04 Building Committee You the membership of Groton Base are the owners of the clubhouse, and you provide the donations, time and effort to maintain our clubhouse. Just like your home, our 112 year old building needs constant work and maintenance. The caring and generosity of the membership pays for the work and maintenance that has been accomplished at the clubhouse. Our membership has invested a lot of money and effort to keep our building safe, to maintain it, and to keep the appearance up. Volunteers with the necessary skills help keep down costs and stretch out donations for maximum use. We could not get by without the donations and the volunteer efforts of the membership and are very appreciative of all of your support. Thank you all. In the last month we have recovered the pool table ($330), repaired the ice machine ($310), repaired the dishwasher ($237), and sanded, primed and painted the pantry shelves ($79) with free labor thanks to Brett & Mark from NR1. Some of the projects still to be done are repair of the rear wall of the Clubhouse, pointing and sealing the bricks on the rear and east side of the building, repainting the Men’s Room, installing new lighting over the bar, refinishing the cutting table in the galley, and replacing the front door. This is just the short list. Many thanks to all of you and especially Tom Connors for his steadfast efforts in coordinating fundraising as well as tracking and coordinating building maintenance and restoration projects. We have our new coin for 2007, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the SEA DRAGON class submarine and the 40th Anniversary of the 637 class submarine. The coin is pictured here. A better view of the front and back of the coin can be viewed at http://subvetsgroton.org/ Base% 20Documents/2007_coin.doc The cost is $5. We also have our HOLLAND CLUB coin. On one side is the USSVI Logo and on the back is the HOLLAND CLUB logo. It is a beautiful keepsake for both present and future HOLLAND CLUB members. The cost for this coin is also $5. Either can be purchased at the club or mailed for an extra $2. You can buy it now to have just in case we aren’t selling these any more when you do go in the HOLLAND CLUB. Another item that we have for sale that supports the building fund is a wine glass with dolphins, also pictured here. The glasses are $5 each or 4 for $15. They can be bought at the clubhouse or by mail. There is an extra cost of $7 to have them shipped to you. SubVettes The SubVette ladies will soon start another round of fund raising for Operation “SS” Care Package for the Individual Augmentee sailors from Subase Groton stationed abroad to support the Global War on Terrorism. As usual we ask for your support and assistance. I know the SUBVETS community won’t let us down. We are still collecting grocery store coupons for the Overseas Coupon Drive that we send to Navy commands in Sasebo, Japan. As always we extend an invitation to all wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and granddaughters of Qualified Submariners to join our organization. We are a support or- ganization for the goals, objectives, projects and activities of SUBVETS for the present day submarine and the submarine veteran. We meet on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 pm at SUBVETS Groton Base. For more information please call Rita Kreul at 401-792-0237 or email ladiesaux@subvetsgroton.org Khaki and Navy Birthday Balls Attention all Chief Petty Officers: the 2007 induction season is moving along swiftly and we will have a new group of Chiefs to welcome into the brotherhood very soon. The Khaki Ball is being held at Groton Inn & Suites on 29 September at 6pm. The tickets are $40 and will be available at the Clubhouse or you can contact me at commander@subvetsgroton.org The 232nd Navy Birthday Ball is being held at the Mohegan Sun Resort Casino in the Uncas Ballroom on 19 October at 6pm. The tickets are $40 and will be available at the Clubhouse or you can contact me at commander@subvetsgroton.org IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO RENEW OR PAY YOUR DUES IN ADVANCE. Issue 2007-04 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Page 7 Secretary Notes: Paul Orstad Shipmates of Groton Base, it is a pleasure to be voted in as your Base Secretary for the next term. I hope I will live up to the expectations of the person who saw fit to nominate me for the position and those who voted for me. Right now, as I learn my duties as Base Secretary, I will tell you that I will not be going to the National Convention (cruise) this year, as I need to get my knees replaced. One was done in early May and the right knee will get its total replace- ment done on 17 September to match the left knee. With all the problems I’ve had I look forward to the replacement as my left knee feels just like new. If I can be of assistance to any member who might need my help please feel free to ask or call me. Filling the shoes of Steve Jackson won’t be easy but I figure I can handle it if given the opportunity to do. I will still be the USSVI National Scholarship Chairman for the next year, and depending on who will be the next National Commander I’m sure I will be asked to stay on if I so desire. I hope you all had a safe summer and will continue to the same this fall. All of our shipmates who will be heading South for the winter months, make sure you contact me so I make sure your winter address is going to be used for newsletters and anything else that we might mail out to you. Also, it would be nice if you made sure your dues are paid for 2008. Thanks again for making me your Base Secretary. Respectfully, Paul Wm. Orstad TMC(SS)USN Ret Vice Commander’s Drawer: Bud Atkins This is the first newsletter since the election and installation of officers, so therefor it is my first column as Vice Commander. I would like to start by saying thank you all for electing me as you new Vice Commander; I will do the best job I can to serve the membership properly and honorably. Secondly I would like to thank all of the outgoing officers as they did a great job with all that they did. And believe me they did a lot. They left some pretty big shoes to fill. The new list of officers may not do things exactly the way the old did, but know that we will always make every effort to do things right. Please feel free to let us know if you think we are not doing a good job. My number one job as Vice Commander is membership; that is why I keep the position as Membership Committee Chairman. I have a great committee working with me, and I challenge you all to try and SWAMP US! I say it can’t be done. Can you all prove me wrong? Re- new your dues for 2008 and beyond now and/or bring in some new members. I will also be continuing with all the other commitments I have made with the Club in the past, i.e. Color Guard, Honor Guard, Docent, cooking Steak & Eggs Brunch for the winter months, and selling 50/50 tickets with my dad on monthly meeting nights. So if you don’t see me around you are not coming to the Club enough. We do have a lot more than cheap beer and good chili!!!! Small Stores Our Small Stores have many items in stock, including sweatshirts in many sizes, SUBVETS Groton Base logo patches and stickers, membership longevity pins, calculators, drink glasses, beer mugs, license plate holders, hats, jackets, and bumper stickers. Items for sale are displayed in the showcase at the bottom of the stairs at the club. We are the only supplier of USSVI Stores items can be purchased from the bartender at any time or be shipped at additional cost. logo welcome mats, car mats, and truck mats made of heavy black rubber that will outlast your vehicle. The welcome mats run $25, car mats are $35, and truck mats are $40. Prices do not include shipping. Our Small WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT IS NOT A MEMBER? SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER TODAY. Page 8 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Issue 2007-04 House Committee: Stan Mathis, Supporting I have been relieved by Keith Seeley as House Committee Chairman. I will continue to work with the Chairman and support him as his scheduler. This has been a great experience and I hope that Keith will enjoy it as much as I have over the last few years. Events of the summer: 08 Jun: Steak dinner prior to the Holland Club Induction Ceremony 09 Jun: The Holland Club Induction Ceremony reception was held on a damp, rainy day but the inductees and their families really seemed to enjoy this event. With the help of the Sea Scouts most of our guests stayed dry. 04 Jul: Our parade group enjoyed a well put on reception in Higman Hall. It was a great day for a parade. 21 Jul: Normally we have a July barbeque of some kind but we felt that our membership was getting burned out. It was cancelled and House concentrated on our annual Family Picnic. 05 Aug: An invasion as our comrades from Albany-Saratoga Base descended on us for a Steak and Egg Brunch and Groton Base bused it to New York City for our Yankee game. Joe Radecki and his Septic Joe crew put on a great brunch assisted by member Bob Scent, his wife Linda, and daughters Minna DeGaetano and Donielle Zolkowski. It was a great brunch and a Yankees’ day at the ball game. 19 Aug: Carl Hochstetler and his brunch crew came early to support the USS PIPER reunion brunch and continued to serve our regular membership. It was a busy brunch day just like the first of the month. 26 Aug: The Bill Popp Crew have insisted on putting on a brunch with Mayor of Groton City in the scullery. Boy, I cannot wait to see those pictures. The House Committee’s volunteer crews have continued their standards of great, affordable meals and fine service. We continue with our year round brunch service, and it appears to be a huge hit for our membership. In order to continue our brunches it is necessary for all of us in the immediate area to step up to the plate and volunteer several times a year to balance out our time. I know that many of us have other projects, but setting aside once a quarter or twice a year as your volunteer day for a brunch or dinner, parade/color guardsman, graduation or field day, would help those that appear to be carrying the load for all of us. The scheduling of the kitchen crews is very flexible for the special event dinners and Sunday brunches. We will accommodate you if you are able to help us in the kitchen. If you would like to help out, please contact me. Many thanks to our members on both sides of the table; to our volunteers who put on the brunches and dinners, and to our members who continue to support our functions and make them successful. Coming dinners: Come in and join us. Advanced paid reservations are required with all dinners and special events. 08 Sep: Steak and Lobster Night in three sitting, 5:45, 7:00, and 8:15 PM 20 Oct: Steamship Round dinner 27 Oct: CO/XO/COB Night for EBoard and Committee Chairs and their spouses/significant other 09 Nov: Pasta dinner 22 Nov: Thanksgiving Celebration for Sub School sailors, other submarine veterans, and sailors that cannot get home for Thanksgiving 09 Dec: Annual Family Christmas Party Brunches: Our brunches continue to do well. Thanks to our members in Western Connecticut area we have an additional brunch crew, GB Westport Satellite Group. They come in on second Sunday to maintain our fine brunch service for the membership. We provide a great meal at a very affordable price. If you plan on having a large group come in for brunch please let us know in advance so we can plan. Contact me, or the club manager. We are still looking for a Spring/ Summer Steak and Eggs Brunch crew to continue the brunches throughout these months. If you would like to sign up a crew to do brunch, there is a sign up list posted at the club. If you would just like to volunteer to help out, please contact me or leave a message at the club. Please provide the name of the crew chief/point-of-contact and phone number/email address. Contact: If you need to contact me for any reason, to volunteer for a brunch or dinner, to make suggestions, or complaints, or to just talk about House Committee events, you can leave a note at the Club with your name, contact phone number/ email address, call the Club at 4455262 (other than 1100–1300, weekday lunchtime) or email me at house@subvetsgroton.org. Emergency Recall: We have an Emergency Recall List to ensure that all our scheduled events have personnel to support the event. Our volunteer network is what keeps things going and if you would like to place your name on the list please contact me with your name, phone number/ email, and any restrictions (i.e., only here in spring/summer, need two days notice, etc.). Volunteers: Our Saturday morning cleaning crew is running out of steam and we need to have a fresh set of volunteers to take over. They meet every Saturday about 0700 and clean the common areas in the bar, dining room and galley, and the heads. We also need a couple of volunteers to police around our Clubhouse for the coming week’s events. We cannot keep our Club ship-shape without additional volunteers to spread the tasks over the entire membership. And lastly, I thank you for helping to make our Club a place to come and enjoy with the events that you have attended and help others enjoy. I will still be around in some capacity in this great organization somewhere helping to improve and stay great. See you around the Clubhouse. IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO RENEW OR PAY YOUR DUES IN ADVANCE. Issue 2007-04 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Page 9 The Well-Connected Bubblehead EMAIL ADDRESSES We provide a lot of information about SUBVETS Groton Base and about the organization by email. Emails bounce if addresses are not correct or legible or if members change Internet Servers, resulting in changes to their email addresses. Be sure to keep us informed of your correct email address. Garbage in, garbage out! GROTON BASE WEB PAGE Thanks to the efforts of Shipmate Robert Perritt, the Groton Base Web Page is located at http://subvetsgroton.org Take a look and send us your recommendations. Anyone with any questions or wanting to learn how to use it should contact Robert at webmaster@subvetsgroton.org GROTON BASE NEWSLETTERS: Boat Notes is posted on the Groton Base web page under the Documents and Lists tab and Boat Notes tab. USSVI NATIONAL http:// www.ussvi.org Visit the new National web page. It has lots of information about the USSVI organization and many new features. Check it out and pass it on to shipmates in other areas who might be interested in joining. AMERICAN SUBMARINER http:// americansubmariner.us CONTACTING THE BASE OFFICERS Base Officers and Committee chairs can be contacted at the email addresses listed on the web page http://www.subvetsgroton.org under the Base Information tab or the following addresses: BASE COMMANDER Snail Mail U.S. SUBVETS Inc; Attn: Base Commander; 40 School Street; Groton, CT 06340 Email: commander@subvetsgroton.org Phone: Club: (860) 445-5262 (Leave a message) VICE COMMANDER vice@subvetsgroton.org BASE SECRETARY secretary@subvetsgroton.org HOUSE COMMITTEE house@ subvetsgroton.org LADIES AUXILIARY Rita Kreul (401)792-0237 or ladiesaux@subvetsgroton.org National Submarine Memorial East: Ed Childs Our next Memorial Service will be on Veterans Day Sunday 11 November 2007 at 1100. All are invited to attend. This is truly what being a member of SUBVETS is about. The Memorial Committee that maintains the National Memorial East is a hard working committee. The following are the other members on the Committee: Deen Brown, Carl Hochstetler, Bruce Lee, Jack Lemke, Dick McGirr, Charlie McMullin, Fred Stafford, Leroy Webb, and Warren Wildes. We could always use some additional members for this worthwhile committee because we have an aggressive maintenance schedule through the fall. If you are interested on serving on the Memorial Committee please contact me. We would encourage you to continue to use your Memorial as a great place to hold your re-enlistments and retirement ceremonies. If you would like to reserve the Memorial, please contact me for scheduling. The Memorial Committee also runs the Grave Marker project. We sell the grave markers as a service to our submarine veterans of WWII. If there is enough interest generated from the members of USSVI we will investigate the feasibility of getting them for other submarine veterans. Finally, the raffle drawing for the Annual Appeal to support the maintenance and upkeep of your National Submarine Memorial was held during the July Meeting. The winners were as follows: $1000 - Mr. & Mrs. Lawrance Bielea, Broad Brook, FL $500 - Mr. & Mrs. Alton, Seamann, Orlando, FL $350 - Gerry Connelly, Muskegon, MI $250 - Carl E. Mitchell, Pawcatuck, CT $150 - Jack Temple, Groton, CT $150 - Mike Parrey, Glendwin, MI This appeal is our only fund raiser for the work of the Memorial Committee and as usual the membership came through with wonderful donations. Thank you very much to all who contributed to the appeal and throughout the year. Color Guard We are always looking for additional members to expand the Color Guard. A few more members would allow us more flexibility to support our events. Requirements are that you have the Groton Base Vest, Garrison Hat, and Dolphin Tie sold at our base. Upcoming events include the Red White and Blue Mass on 04 Nov and the Veterans Day Memorial Service 11 Nov. We are looking for a big turnout for both events. If you are interested in joining the Color Guard, please contact Charlie Starratt at (860) 859-0583. WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT IS NOT A MEMBER? SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER TODAY. SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Page 10 Issue 2007-04 SFLM Docents The SFLM Docent Program is in its second year of operation. SUBVETS help to man the watch. Many thanks to all of our shipmates who volunteer in supporting this program. The SFLM Docent program lets members of SUBVETS Groton Base assist the SFLM on Fridays– Mondays by providing information to people who tour the Museum and Historic Ship Nautilus. The duties of the Docents are simply to be a friendly face at the entrance and provide general information about the Museum, the Historic Ship NAUTILUS or the Submarine Force. It is a great opportunity for us to help out the SFML, to bring your submarine history and heritage to the community, and to boast about what you did in the Submarine Force and what the Submarine Force has contributed to the defense of our country. As a bonus it helps those who may not be aware of SUBVETS to see us and maybe get a few more members. With the help of our volunteers, this program will continue to grow. Keep up the great work. Keep submitting your ideas for improvement, keep spreading the word and bringing in new members to help out as docents. Our goal for 2007 is for each present docent to bring on one additional docent this year to double the number of docents. Above all, we want our volunteers to have fun doing it. Relive those years on the boats. They were the best years of your lives. Docents can be members of SUBVETS, but membership is not required. Active Duty shipmates may also be docents. If you are interested in being part of the SFML Docent program or for additional information, please call Gary Schmid at cell (860) 823-9806 or home (860) 245-0418 or email him at docent@subvetsgroton.org Chaplain’s Offerings: Tom Russell, Base Chaplain I hope all of you had a chance to enjoy the summer weather, get to the beach, and catch some fish or whatever you like to do best. As you may have noted in the On Eternal Patrol listing, we lost six Holland Club members over the summer, three of whom we held Honors Services for in June. The service for Paul Gruber was held on 5 June at the Buckler Johnston Funeral Home in Westerly RI with Ed Childs, Carl Dahlman, Joe Degnan, Joe Katusic, Joe Kabulis, Charlie McMullin, Durell Rader, and Chaplain attending. Charlie McMullin served as bugler . . . still flawless. The Honors Detail gathered again for Stanley Robinson’s service on 10 June at the Dougherty Brothers Funeral Home in Plainfield. This is more of a journey and thanks go to John C., Jack Gallimore, Allen Polhemus, Otto Welper, and George Williams who made the trip along with Chaplain. This time, Jack Gallimore was the bugler and he did a fine job, especially since it was his first time. The Honors Service for Wally Krupenevich was another difficult duty to perform this year not only because he was such an active and dedicated member, well known and highly respected, but because his passing was so unexpected. We had just seen him at the Holland Club Induction on 8 June and had no idea he was hurting. Almost forty members and wives attended Wally’s service on 13 June at the Rose Hill Funeral Home in Rocky Hill CT. Honors Detail attending were, John C., Bud Atkins, Ed Childs, Jack Gallimore, Ken Vining, Allen Polhemus, Charlie McMullin, Charlie Starrett, Bill Welsh and Chaplain. Charlie Starrett served as bugler for the service. Thanks to all you additional members who were there for Wally and his family. Your presence is your gift to them. The other difficult times were in March at Chuck Emerson’s service for many of the same reasons and at Don Wilson’s service, recognizing his spirit and strength in carrying on to the very end. Once again I need to pass the word on getting in touch with Mike Munhall and/or me when there is a death or illness or hospitalization that we should respond to. We really need members to step up and get on the phone to Base Commander, Chaplain at 860-536-7733, or Sub Vets Club at 860-4455262so we can respond in a timely fashion. Email is just not assertive enough to get the job done promptly – I only hit it in the evening. Please don’t wait to see me at a Club meeting. By then, I don’t have a chance to respond. Thank you for reading this, Shipmates. Not many of us speak about the spiritual part of our lives, but caring for each other is the real truth. Bless you all and remember that the Higher Power is within each of you and is waiting for your request for guidance or assistance. As ye believe, so it shall be done unto you. Belief is the key. IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO RENEW OR PAY YOUR DUES IN ADVANCE. SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Page 11 Issue 2007-04 Red, White, and Blue Mass The 2006 mass will be at 10:30am on Sunday, November 5, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Norwich, CT. The mass will honor the Veterans of All Services. For those of you unfamiliar with the Red, White, and Blue Mass, it is a special mass done in honor of our military personnel. Our SUBVETS WWII used to perform the duties as ushers for this event. SUBVETS Groton Base relieved them of this responsibility several years ago. It is a nice event and if you have never been there before, it is certainly worth your time. I am requesting Groton Base members either in SUBVETS vest or in uniform to participate as ushers. I will need at least 15 shipmates; as of August I have five shipmates that have volunteered. You do not have to be Catholic to participate in the mass as an usher or Color Guard Team member. All ushers should be at the cathedral hall beneath the church no later than 0945 to be briefed on responsibilities. For additional information or to volunteer, please contact Doc McCance, Groton Base Red, White, & Blue Mass Committee Chairman at (860) 464-6758 or (860) 8230323 or via e-mail at 11doc@tvcconnect.net. Submarine School Graduation Program Our Submarine School Graduation Program continues to run well for both the enlisted and officer graduations, as well as TM “A” School graduations. Every time Naval Submarine School graduates a class of Basic Enlisted Submarine School, the Submarine Officer Basic Class, or the Submarine Officer Advanced Course, SUBVETS Groton Base is an active participant. Our part of the graduation is to conduct a Tolling of the Boats so that the students and future submariners are exposed to this time honored ceremony of the submarine force. Upon completion of the Tolling of the Boats, the designated SUBVET for that week has a brief opportunity to talk to the students to tell them the significance of this ceremony, what SUBVETS is about, and why, once they are Qualified in Submarines, they should become a member of our organization. We also provide the guest speakers for TM “A” School. These programs are very important for us as an organization and for the students learning an important piece of their heritage. We would like to thank Captain Daniel P. Forney, CMDCM(SS) Wes Koshoffer, and Master Chief Eric Antoine for their support of this program. Thanks to the following shipmates who have been recent participants in the Tolling of the Boats: Al Butters, Joe Flasco, Jack Gallimore, Paul Orstad, Tom Russell, Red Padgett and Brian Turley. Through the support of our volunteers we continue to be able to man the watchbill and provide this service to Submarine School. The Submarine School Graduations are usually every other Friday at 9am at Wilkinson Hall. We have a schedule for TM “A” School Graduations. If you are interested in being involved with the Tolling of the Boats or being the guest speaker for one of these graduations please contact Jack Gallimore at 860-464-8367 or graduation@subvetsgroton.org to be put on the schedule. There are many openings that need to be filled and new faces are always welcome. Westport Satellite Base Our Westport Satellite Group is doing well. A Satellite Base is a group of members of SUBVETS Groton Base who live in the southwest corner of the state. Because of the distance these members are not able to participate as members of Groton Base, but they still wish to get together and share submarine camaraderie without the administrative burden of forming their own separate USSVI Base. They are strongly committed to supporting Groton Base. The group meets regularly on the third Monday of the month at the Westport VFW at 7pm. They have even put together another brunch crew as a group, helping us out there. They are putting together an honors detail to support Groton Base with honors details in that part of the state. They have even attracted new members from that area. Their whole objective is to just enjoy each other’s company as submariners and enjoy being members of Groton Base. If you live in that area of the state you are welcome to join them for their monthly meetings. For directions or additional information please contact Bill Hall at william_s_hall@ml.com or call 203-341-4950 or Bill Andersen at andersen.wc@pg.com or call 203-869-7487. WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT IS NOT A MEMBER? SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER TODAY. Issue 2007-04 Page 12 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Support Co-Chairpersons Karen Torkelson calgalsd@aol.com and Alina Saffell club-manager@subvetsgroton.org. Although it is still 70 degrees outside and at the end of the summer season, at SUBVETS Groton Base we have already started thinking about the holidays and helping to make a difference for our submarine sailors for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Over the last 6 years we have hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner at the clubhouse o feed many of the single sailors, elderly submarine veterans with no families, and local policemen. Last year we fed 800 people including take out orders, donated food to local churches, and supported the SUBASE and SUBVETS Caring and Sharing programs for Christmas. This is an enormous effort that involves many volunteers and donations from the membership and the local community. Again, we need your help to pull this off. The Upcoming Events section of this newsletter has the dates and times of our planning meetings. If you would like to join up with us please contact Co-Chairpersons Karen Torkelson at calgalsd@aol.com or Alina Saffell at club-manager@subvetsgroton.org or House Committee Chairman Keith Seeley at (860)694-4738 or house@subvetsgroton.org. If you would like to help us with donations they will be graciously accepted at any time at the club or by mail to the club, marked attention Thanksgiving Dinner Program. There is no donation too small for this effort. Donations may also be by preparing a turkey to be delivered to the clubhouse Thanksgiving morning. These should be coordinated with House Committee Chairman Keith Seeley. Thanks to these individuals or groups who have already donated towards this effort: The Law Offices of Chris Albanese, LLC; EG&G Technical Services, Inc; O & G Industries, Inc.; General Dynamics-Electric Boat Corporation; Progeny Systems Corporation; The MJ Sullivan Automotive Corner; In Memory of Joseph E. Marmaud; William & Elaine Andersen; Lawrence & Joan Bielen; Vern & Rose Marie Brasel; Bill & Scotty Breed; Glenn & Jeanne Brewer; Michael & Mary Brown; Arthur & Margaret Callahan; Donald Cameron; James Campbell; Robert Conner; John & Elizabeth Craggs; Carl & Linda Dahlman; Charles & Jennie Dotts; Barbara Lee Franciosi; Richard & Linda Geschrei; Joseph & Carol Hawkins; Kenneth & Colleen Henry; Frank Hill; Marguerite Hilt; William & Shirley Jacobsen; David Katusha; Margaret Kennedy; Ronald & Ruth Kimmel; Hugo & Judy Klungler; Frances Krupenevich; Allen & Janet Levin; Murray Lewis; Peter & Maryan Lockwood; Francis, Helen & Jeanine Maranda; Melquiades Mares; Maureen McLarrin; Thomas & Giovanna McNulty Jr.; David Nicholls; Dennis O'Keeffe; Eugene & Veronica Peterman; Warren & Teiko Sasser; Ralph & Virginia Schmidt; Gilbert Shaddock; Thearo Snider; Ralph & Marjorie Tacey; Harold & Barbara Tarbox; Walter Wadja, Jr; William & Ruth Welsh Jr.; Frank White; Ray Williams; Patrick Wood; Raymond & Joan Zujus; c/o John J. Hoenes, Treasurer, USSVI Cod Base; POC: Steve Jackson, USS ARCHERFISH Reunion Committee; POC: J.P. Sandell, Madison Rotary Foundation; POC Alvin Butters, Peter Gallan American Legion Post 104; POC: Dennis Mathers, Montville Police Union Local 2504; POC: Gary E. Kaiser, Treasurer, USSVI Bremerton Base; "Bill" Popp, The Bill Popp August 26, 2007 Brunch Crew; USS Hardhead Alumnae Assn., USS Hardhead Alumnae. Funds received above what is required to put on this Thanksgiving Dinner will again be equally divided and donated to SUBASE New London’s Caring and Sharing Program and SUBVETS Caring and Sharing Program. Both of these programs help provide Christmas meals to needy submarine sailors and their families. Groton Base sets the standard for making a difference for our sailors during the holidays. With your support and donations, this year will be no different. Thank you for your help, donations, support and for caring and sharing. USS Piper Reunion Friends, Thank you so very much for your contributions to the grand success of our recent USS Piper Reunion. Rumor has it that everyone felt it was even better than 2001 and 2004. In fact, our attendees voted to do it all again in two years, so you'll be hearing from me late next year as I begin to put the pieces together. Our shipmates truly appreciate all that you contribute. Regards, Frank Whitty, PNC President USS Piper Association Annual Yankee Baseball Game Our trip to Yankee Stadium was a big success. The weather was hot and our seats were in the sun, but as ingenious submariners found some shade and enjoyed a great game. IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO RENEW OR PAY YOUR DUES IN ADVANCE. Page 13 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Issue 2007-04 Club News: Club Manager Alina Saffell Lunches at the club are always very popular. The lunches are tasty, filling and very reasonably priced and are served from 11am to 2pm Mon–Fri. We can give you chili to go, or if you call in advance we’ll have your lunch ready for pickup. Usually there is a weekly special served on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Soups are back! The lunch specials and the soup of the week are posted on the Groton Base web page on the Calendar of Events and they come up on the home page under Upcoming Base Events. Just click on Lunch Specials and open the attachment. If your galley is down, why not come down for lunch? If you need a place for an off-site meeting or working luncheon, your club is available for those purposes. We are always happy to have you. Don’t forget about Membership Mondays. If you bring someone to lunch on Monday and he signs up as a member during lunch, you will get your lunch free. This helps both our lunches and our membership as well. It is finally football season, so come on down to the clubhouse, enjoy your favorite cold adult beverage, and watch your favorite professional or college team play. The clubhouse will also be serving chicken wings during the season. If you are planning on bringing a group for lunch, advance notification allows us to plan properly and ensures enough food is available for your group. Give the club a courtesy call at 445-5262 so the staff can anticipate your needs. Remember, SUBVETS isn’t a professional restaurant with professional cooks, so please be patient with the kitchen when it’s crowded and they are backlogged. Please stop in and say hi and tell me what you are thinking and maybe we can implement those ideas. If you can’t stop in, you can email me at clubmanager@subvetsgroton.org USSVI National News NATIONAL CONVENTION The 2007 convention is scheduled for 15–22 Sep 2007 aboard a cruise departing from Seattle aboard Holland America’s ms Oosterdam. Information can be found at http:// ussvi.org/reunioninfo.asp. Don’t forget to bring your passports. AMERICAN SUBMARINER The national magazine is now available on the internet in its entirety at http:// americansubmariner.us Members may elect to get the American Submariner from the internet only, saving the organization printing and mailing costs. If you would like to get the magazine online only, contact Mike at subvetseditor@yahoo.com NEW NATIONAL WEBPAGE The national webpage for USSVI is at http://ussvi.org. There members can update personal information quickly and easily by logging in, reviewing the information in the national database, and making updates as required. Another feature is a member locator. Contact information is blocked for all USSVI members until you choose to make it public so that others may contact you. Blocking prevents spammers and other undesirables from contacting you and lets you decide if you want your information made public. Other members can see who you are but cannot contact you unless you unblock your info. If you want others to be able to contact you, you will have to go to the USSVI webpage and personally unblock your information. If you need help or you don’t have internet capability you can contact one of the Base Officers, or the members of the membership committee. Fourth of July Parade Special thanks to Chief Eric Auglis, the Silver Dolphins, and the Sailors of Sub With John "Gumba" Carcioppolo leading the way as the Grand Marshall, SUBVETS Groton Base and SUBVETS WWII again participated in the Town of Groton 4th of July Parade. I would like to personally thank every one who walked smartly and rode in the parade. during the parade. They marched all the way. Following the parade we had a fantastic reception back at the clubhouse, and again my personal thanks to Stan Mathis, Dee Carcioppolo, Carl Hochstetler, Tom Connors, and everyone else that helped out or donated food. School, who carried the Lost Boat Flags and ran water WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT IS NOT A MEMBER? SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER TODAY. Issue 2007-04 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Page 14 Base News Submarine Qualification Recognition Program As members of U.S. SUBMARINE VETERANS Inc., we constantly note the significance and importance of being designated Qualified in Submarines. This is demonstrated at our HOLLAND CLUB CEREMONIES where we pay recognition to those shipmates who have been Qualified in Submarines for over 50 years. For all of us who wear silver or gold dolphins, the day that we received our dolphins from the Captain and became a Brother of the Phin was a milestone. It was the day that we were accepted by our crew as a true submariner. We know that dolphins are not given away but are earned as the result of hard work, studying and demonstrated performance. The prestige of being designated Qualified in Submarines is no different today then it was when Submarine Dolphins were first authorized. Whether on a Smoke Boat during WWII, on an FBM during the heat of the Cold War, or on a 688 class Fast Attack Submarine today, the prestige and recognition amongst our peers when we are Qualified in Submarines is the same. SUBVETS Groton Base uses SQRP to recognize those shipmates on submarines home-ported in Groton, CT who complete their Submarine Qualifications and have been awarded their silver or gold dolphins. We invite these shipmates to our monthly meeting with their CO and COB and recognize them for the completion of this process in front of our membership as we welcome them as Brothers of the Phin. This program cannot be successful without your help. We need those of you serving on boats to let us know when you have a newly Qualified Submariner onboard. If you let us know when an Officer or Enlisted Shipmate Qualifies, we will take care of the rest. We just need the full rate/rank, correct spelling of first and last name, and the boat that he qualified on. This information can come from any member and should be passed to the Base Secretary by email at secretary@subvetsgroton.org or by dropping off a note at the club. If deployed, drop the information in the mail at the first opportunity. The information will be listed in the next edition of the newsletter and those shipmates will be recognized at our next meeting. The success of this program depends on the accurate and timely input from our members on the waterfront. Please let us know of your men who have reached this milestone so that we can recognize their efforts and welcome them to the “Brothers of the Phin.” VJ Day Parade With Charlie Starrett and the SUBVETS Groton Color Guard leading the way, SUBVETS Groton Base and SUBVETS WWII participated in the Town of Moosup, CT VJ Day Parade. Again I would like to personally thank everyone who walked smartly and rode in the parade. Special thanks to Master Chief Eric Antoine, the Silver Dolphins, and the Sailors of Sub School who carried the Lost Boat Flags and ran water during the parade. As in the Fourth of July parade, they actually marched the whole way. After the parade a fantastic reception was sponsored for us at the American Legion Hall in Moosup, CT. My personal thanks to Charlie Starrett for putting this all together. IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO RENEW OR PAY YOUR DUES IN ADVANCE. Page 15 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Issue 2007-04 Gumba’s Thank You Party E-mailing Invitations without Gumba finding out = $5 Decorations for the Hall = $15 A Thank You Cake = $25 GUMBA Speechless = PRICELESS Shipmates, Last night I attended what I thought was an engagement party for our PAO Theresa Starratt and Sean Farrell. When I entered the hall at 40 School St. it turned out that the party was a Thank You party held in my honor. Thanks to the efforts of Mike Munhall, Theresa Starratt, my wife Dee, and Stan Mathis, they pulled off this wonderful surprise and I was very overwhelmed. I have to tell you that when I walked into the room, for the first time in a long time, I was completely speechless with absolutely nothing to say. As I looked at the full room of familiar faces, some from as far away as NC and FL, as well as from RI, NH, ME, upstate NY, and Long Island, and many local members, the enormity of the overwhelming support and recognition poured out from the attendees. Present were so many friends, shipmates, supporters, and wives. The well wishes from friends and members like past National Commander Frank Whitty, Admiral Kenny, Admiral Konetzni, Admiral Haney, and Bob and Rita Lindsay, all of whom were unable to attend because of other commitments and the short notice in putting this party together, mean a lot to me. There were many presentations, and a ton of food was all brought by the attendees. As I listened to Mike's remarks and other people's email and comments there were a lot of emotions running through me. When it was my time to talk, I related how I had first come to SUBVETS and talked to Joe Negri. I didn't think that I wanted to be a member of what I saw as an Old Man's organization. He impressed upon me that SUBVETS was all about remembering those who had given their lives while serving in submarines. I told the audience their belief and support for me and their following my leadership and what I believed in for the organization in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice gave me a lot of pride. All in all it was a great day, and even though you couldn't all be there, you were all still a part of it, and I hold the memories of your recognition very dear. I just wanted to take a few minutes to say thank you to all of you for such a wonderful sendoff and recognition of my service as Base Commander. Thank you also for keeping it all a surprise. It was great. Special thanks to Theresa Starratt, Mike Munhall, Dee Carcioppolo, and Stan Mathis, who made this day possible. Special thanks also to Tom Connors, who volunteered his time in bartending for the event. Seeing all of those people at the party, as I worked through the crowd and acknowledged everyone's presence, made me truly realize how fortunate I am with so many friends, and supporters. To quote a great man, "Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth.” Lou Gehrig 4 Jul 1939. Always be the best! Why? Because Groton Base is the best and you always have to work to maintain that standard. Respectfully and Fraternally, John Carcioppolo USSVI Eastern Region Director “Silent Service” Plates Committee: Carl Hochstetler Since taking the post as License Plate Liaison for Groton Base, I’ve processed 5 requests for new Subvets plates. First in line was mine! I went to the state website and determined my choice for my Ranger pick-up hadn’t been taken so I locked it in. Everybody has a story; the following is mine about my vanity plate. In the course of my U.S.N. career I was MDivision leading first class on my first “Nuc” boat. The next three boats I served as M-Division LPO. The arbitrary decision I made those years of service qualified me as a Leading Mechanic, one of many to be sure, but since I got my request in before all those other guys, it became my plate ID. Since you only get 6 alphanumeric characters it was shortened to LD.MECH. Since my truck plate is a combination plate the COMB is the separator between the two parts. Long explanation, I know! I include it because I thought it might trigger your memory about who and what you were then. Our goal is to get as many Subvets plates on the street as possible. Each of you has made a statement of pride in your submarine service just by being a member of Subvets. Make it a matter of public display by putting it on your license plate. I will be traveling through 26 September. PW Louthain has agreed to carry out License Plate duties. To complicate matters, he is traveling part of the time. I can check email at plates@subvetsgroton.org. I'll have my cell phone with me so phoned inquires will be covered. Apologies to all for any inconvenience! WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT IS NOT A MEMBER? SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER TODAY. Issue 2007-04 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Page 16 The HOLLAND Club Report - Phil Marshall The HOLLAND Club is a prestigious group within SUBVETS. To be in the HOLLAND Club, one must be Qualified in Submarines for a minimum of 50 years. One also must either be a life member of the organization or a regular member with continuous membership for at least five years. 50 Years Qualified in Submarines is a very significant milestone and our members of the HOLLAND Club are our heroes. We proudly salute them and recognize them for their contributions and sacrifices for our country and to the submarine force. They are a huge part of our proud submarine force heritage. The HOLLAND Club Wall of Honor is located in the dining room of our clubhouse. If you are not aware of the prestigious recognition of the HOLLAND Club, please contact me so I can go over this with you personally. As members of the HOLLAND Club we don’t have to wait until the HOLLAND Club ceremony to get together. We have been running a monthly program for the Groton Base HOLLAND Club members to get together to share camaraderie. We have had several of these luncheons and they have been good, affordable meals and good times for those who attend. The luncheons are held every month on the third Tuesday of the month. The next three HOLLAND Club luncheons are scheduled for: 18 September, 16 October, and 20 November. For menu information and to let us know you will be attending, please contact me 1 week before the scheduled luncheons. The cost will be around $5 each. All HOLLAND Club members, prospective HOLLAND Club members, wives and guests are welcome to attend. Our HOLLAND CLUB Ceremony for 2008 will be Saturday 7 June 2008 for those who Qualified in 1958. Mark it on your calendars now. An initial look at who Qualified in Submarines in 1958 indicates approximately 39 members will be inducted into the HOLLAND CLUB next year. Letters to notify these members have been sent out; if you received one, please fill in the requested information and send it back to the clubhouse. If you think you should be inducted next year and did not receive a letter, please call me at (401)-7834525 or email holland@subvetsgroton.org or contact the Base Commander at commader@subvetsgroton.org. We look forward to welcoming you into this prestigious group. Membership Listing: Changes Since the April/May Edition of Boat Notes (as of 9/01/07) Many thanks to all who renewed and for staying with us another year. To all new members of USSVI Groton Base, welcome aboard!!! Don’t wait. Pay your dues in advance. MEMBERSHIP STICKERS: To save money and to reduce manpower requirements, when you renew by mail you will not be mailed a sticker. If you renewed and have not received a sticker for 2007, don’t worry. If you want a sticker, when you are at the clubhouse you can always to get your sticker. If you are unable to get to the club and you really Life/ Regular Associate Total want your Holland sticker you can contact 2007 1223 933 183 2339 me. 797 177 58 1032 2008 RENEWAL NOTES: * At KEEP BRINGING IN THOSE NEW MEMBERS—IT’S TIME the bottom TO GET THE JUMP ON 2008 MEMBERSHIP DUES! of your adfrom 2009–2020, and annet. The biggest advandress label it shows when other 300 members paid tage to you personally in your dues are paid for 2008 already. The receiving the newsletter through. Please take a few more that pay in advance, online is that Boat Notes seconds to look at your the better off we are and can be received at the label. If it says paid the easier it is for you and same time that we send through May 2007 you us. The table shows the it to the printers, which is need to renew. prices for multiple year at least 2 – 3 weeks ADVANCE DUES: It’s renewals. Thank you to ahead of those receiving never to early to pay your our over 600 members it via the Postal System. dues in advance and get receive Boat Notes by It's also an easy way of off the annual dues merryemail only and not via the letting other potential go-round. We have guys U.S. Mail. Imagine the new members see what like Doug Bennett (paid cost savings to the base if SUBVETS Groton Base out till 2032), Ray Kreul over half of our members is all about. and Brendan McGuirk who have internet capabilThe newsletter is (paid out beyond 2020), ity received it via the interposted on our web page and 300 members paid out IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO RENEW OR PAY YOUR DUES IN ADVANCE. Page 17 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes LIFE MEMBERSHIP Multiple Year Renewals Under Age 45 $500 Age 46 – 55 $400 Age 56 – 65 $300 Age 66 – 75 $200 2 years - $60 Age 76 and above $100 3 years - $85 Dual Members Life Members $10 a year $10 a year Associate/Regular Members 1 year - $30 5 years - $140 *Base dues of $10 each year still required. as a pdf file. Many more people have taken advantage of the smaller file and shifted to email only. Receiving the newsletter online is strictly voluntary. You can help us out at SUBVETS Groton Base if you receive your newsletter online only and not receive a mailed copy. The newsletter is posted under the documents and lists tab of our webpage at http:// subvetsgroton.org. Give it a try and check it out. All you have to do is download it or you can read it right from the internet. You can print what pages you need or print the whole thing. If you like it and decide to receive the newsletter online only and not have us mail you a copy of the newsletter, all you need to do is complete the fol- Issue 2007-04 lowing and email the Membership Chairman Bucko Padgett at membership@subvetsgroton.org. Thank you to over 600 members who receive the newsletter online from the internet without a mailed copy, further reducing the cost of printing/mailing. LIFE INSTALLMENT PLAN: Because of the numerous problems, National decided to do away with the Life Installment Program. With the high prices of National Life Membership, we felt that buying Life Membership with installments is a viable process. We have developed a Groton Base Life Installment Program for Groton Base members to continue to get National Life Membership without having to put all the money upfront. For information on this program please contact the Membership Chairman at membership@subvetsgroton.org NEW MEMBERS: Dennis Burrows David Jackson George McLaughlin Rob Davis Mark S Ginda Frank Cook Sr. John Trevor Marrazzo Stephen L. Williams Adam Toepper Herbert H Hawes Justin Dunkle Kyle C. Spaniel Steffan Gilmer John A Theotonio Travis Loyd Thomas R Shannon Alex J. Sember Robert E Law Ryan Kostritza Kurt Uhl George Bowns Everett L Gould Jr Jan Stiffey P.J. Minnick Albert Dube Bruce Butters Janet Parody Creg L Hatley Reinhard Sponseller Larry Yaeger Bradley J Coleman Joseph C Holmes Aaron J Lott David Wolrer Jeff McGregor Philip G Noland Virginia W Roby Steve Kahn Lawrence Martin Jason Avin John Fallon Tawn W Tipsword Derek Hall Richard W Collins Wes Johnson REINSTATED MEMBERS: Douglas Head Bruce Derenski Jeffrey D. Henry John P. McGrath Gerald C. Williams Brian E. Mason Dana T. Eng Mike Osborn Harland J. Wilson Edmundo Pinedo Willoughby C. McCance Art Hampe Randy Huckaba Chris Strohl Norm (Stretch) Lazzara Jonathan Hardin Richard A. Nickell Jerry A. King James Scalzo Michael T. Wiemann Robert Smith Morris Pollard James M. Blanch III Newsletter Donations Paul F. Dillon Michael Bullinger James E. French William A. Schofield Kathleen Clapp Robert A. McMullin George H. Smith Bernard De Leon, Sr. Paul J. Skahan Dana T. Eng Thank you to all those listed above who've made recent donations to the newsletter fund since the last newsletter. Newsletter donations are always appreciated, as they defer the cost of Merlin L. Evered Linda Wagner Richard Aiken Donald Fox Patricia Wagner printing Boat Notes. Dues paid by Holland Club members and associate members are considered newsletter donations. Newsletter donations can be made at any time ei- Frederick W. Becher Robert C. Freeman Ralph Wagner ther at the club or by mail. Why not mail in a donation when you mail in your dues the next time? WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT IS NOT A MEMBER? SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER TODAY. Issue 2007-04 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Page 18 Boat Sponsorship Program as of 9/01/07 Hi, I’m Ralph Rosado. I’m the Boat Sponsor Coordinator and I coordinate the sponsorships to the boats for our newsletter. Our program gets our newsletter to our shipmates on the waterfront to help them in finding out about our organization without cost to the base. This has been a very successful program. Our goal is to maintain 6 copies of every edition of Boat Notes delivered to every boat homeported in Groton, CT. Other boats Command may be sponsored, but the boats and commands here in Groton are our primary focus. At present there are 191 copies of our newsletter sponsored by the membership. The cost to sponsor a command for 1 years worth of our newsletter (5 or 6 editions) is $10 for each copy. Our heartfelt thanks to all who are supporting this program. Six copies provide four for the crew, one for the CPO Quarters, Sponsor/# of copies Expires Command Sponsor/# of copies USS Augusta SSN 710 Michael B. Brown (1) Stan Mathis (2) 2/1/2008 6/1/2008 USS City of Corpus Christi SSN 705 Raymond L Nott (1) Don Bonn (2) Maureen McLarrin (1) Edward Johnson (1) Grant Day (1) 10/1/2007 6/1/2007 2/1/2008 4/1/2008 4/1/2008 Mike Hagerman (1) John Casey (1) Fred & Reisa Pentz (4) Mike Hubbard (1) Larry Mireles (1) David (Red) Padgett (2) John & Dee Carcioppolo (3) John Casey (1) James J. Wallace (1) Michael B. Brown (1) Wally Krupenvich (1) David (Red) Padgett (2) Rocco Arturo (1) Michael B. Brown (1) Charlie McMullin (2) Doug Bennett (1) Raymond L Nott (1) Robert A. Perritt (1) Michael B. Brown (1) Joe Damm (1) David T. Cornell (1) Jack Casey (1) PW Louthain (1) 12/1/2007 12/1/2007 Historic Ship John Casey (2) 10/1/2007 Nautilus SSN 571 Elmer Flanagan (2) David T. Cornell (1) 2/1/2008 4/1/2008 SUBDEVRON 12 Submarine Group Two Robert A. Perritt (3) John Casey (1) Connie McPherson (1) Claude Lemoi (1) Otto Welper (1) John Casey (2) James J. Wallace (1) Dean Brown (1) John Casey (2) Jim McElroy (1) 1/1/2008 10/1/2007 2/10/2008 1/1/2008 2/1/2008 10/1/2007 1/1/2010 3/1/2008 8/1/2007 9/1/2007 Robert A. Perritt (3) Doug Bennett (2) Robert A. Perritt (2) James N. Horne (6) 1/1/2008 11/1/2007 12/1/2007 12/1/2007 Submarine School New London Submarine Squadron Four Naval Submarine Support Facility Submarine Squadron Two USS Albuquerque SSN 706 Robert A. Perritt (3) Claude Lemoi (1) Larry Crowley (1) 1/1/2008 2/1/2008 3/1/2008 Raymond E. & Rita Kreul (1) 6/1/2007 Raymond L Nott (1) Maureen McLarrin (2) 10/1/2007 Maureen McLarrin (1) Michael B. Brown (1) Raymond L Nott (1) Doug Bennett (3) 2/1/2008 2/1/2008 10/1/2007 5/1/2007 USS Annapolis Michael B. Brown (1) 2/1/2008 SSN 760 Edward E. Berry (2) Raymond L Nott (1) 4/1/2008 10/1/2007 Ronald E Wert (2) 10/1/2007 USS Alexandria SSN 757 and one for the Wardroom. Once a command is sponsored, a letter is sent to that command letting the CO know that you are sponsoring them, and a little bit about you. Six copies is the minimum number. As you can see sponsoring boats not homeported in Groton is also good. Contact me for additional information or to sponsor a boat/command. 6/1/2007 USS Connecticut SSN 22 USS Dallas SSN 700 USS Hartford SSN 768 USS Hawaii SSN 776 USS Jimmy Carter SSN 23 USS Kentucky SSBN 737 Charlie McMullin (1) IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO RENEW OR PAY YOUR DUES IN ADVANCE. Expires 1/1/2008 2/7/2008 2/1/2008 3/1/2008 7/1/2007 1/1/2008 1/1/2010 2/1/2008 6/1/2007 3/1/2008 1/1/2008 2/1/2008 4/1/2008 8/1/2007 10/1/2007 4/1/2008 2/1/2008 1/1/2008 4/4/2008 8/1/2008 8/1/2008 4/1/2008 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Page 19 Command Sponsor/# of copies Expires USS Louisiana SSBN 743 G Barry Hammond (2) 3/1/2008 USS Louisville SSN 724 Raymond Pollick (2) Randal M Kurtzman (2) Marty Glavan (2) 5/1/2008 6/1/2007 6/1/2007 USS Maryland SSBN 738 (G) Joe Maruzo (2) 12/1/2008 USS Memphis Robert A. Perritt (1) 2/1/2009 SSN 691 John P. Held (1) Fred & Dolly Stafford (4) Larry Mireles (1) Charlie Starratt (1) Nate Isenhour (1) Robert A. Perritt (1) John P Held (1) 6/1/2008 USS Miami SSN 755 7/1/2007 2/1/2008 6/1/2007 6/1/2007 3/1/2008 4/1/2008 Command USS San Juan SSN 751 USS Seawolf SSN 21 USS Springfield SSN 761 Issue 2007-04 Sponsor/# of copies Expires John Casey (1) Michael B. Brown (1) Phillip L. Marshall (1) 1/1/2008 2/1/2008 8/1/2007 Rocco Arturo (1) Edward Johnson (1) Mike Hagerman (1) 4/1/2008 4/1/2008 12/1/2007 Jose Vincente (1) David T. Cornell (1) Ronald E Brewer (1) Phillip L. Marshall (3) Robert A. Perritt (1) Grant Day (1) 1/1/2008 4/4/2008 8/1/2007 3/1/2008 2/1/2008 3/1/2008 6/1/2007 USS Michigan SSGN 727 Alexander M Hay (1) 1/1/2008 USS New Doug Bennett (2) 10/1/2007 Hampshire SSN 778 USS Hardhead Alumni Assn. (1) USS Toledo SSN 769 Doug Bennett (1) Bill Katt( In Memory) (3) Raymond Knott (1) USS Hardhead Alumni Assn. (1) Ron Wert (4) SABLEFISH Reunion Association (6) 11/1/2007 Raymond L Nott (3) 10/1/2007 USS Virginia SSN 774 Robert A. Perritt (1) Phillip L. Marshall (1) 2/1/2008 8/1/2008 USS Montpelier SSN 765 USS Oklahoma City SSN 723 Chuck E Harrison (1) David T. Cornell (1) 8/1/2007 4/1/2008 PW Louthain (4) 10/1/2008 Paul Dillion (2) 12/1/2007 USS NR 1 Bill Katt (In Memory)(1) Robert A. Perritt (1) 6/1/2008 2/1/2008 Joe Degnan (2) Barry Hammond (2) 3/1/2008 3/1/2007 John P. Held (3) 4/1/2007 USS Philadelphia Phillip L. Marshall (1) 2/7/2008 SSN 690 Rocco Arturo (1) Grant Day (1) 4/1/2008 4/1/2008 Maureen McLarrin (2) 10/1/2007 Doug Bennett (1) Doug Bennett (3) Raymond L Nott (1) Phillip L. Marshall (2) John Casey (2) Doug Bennett (1) Ralph Tacey (2) Jose Vincente (1) Jim N Horne (1) 2/7/2008 2/7/2008 10/1/2007 3/1/2008 1/1/2008 1/1/2008 3/1/2008 2/1/2008 10/1/2007 USS Pasadena SSN 752 USS Pennsylvania SSBN 735 USS Pittsburgh SSN 720 USS Providence SSN 719 USS Texas SSN 775 WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT IS NOT A MEMBER? SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER TODAY. 6/1/2008 10/1/2007 11/1/2007 10/1/2007 9/1/2007 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Page 20 Issue 2007-04 National Data Base Update The below information is contained in the USSVI National Data Base. You may review, and update if necessary, your information by going to the USSVI Web Page at http://ussvi.org, logging in, and updating your profile. You may also complete the attached form and return it to us and we will update it for you. USSVI uses this information for multiple purposes. Having the most up to date information is very important as it impacts many things such as mailings, statistical information, and obituary information in the American Submariner (in the unfortunate event that you pass away). The USSVI database holds up to 12 boats. Members are urged to provide the Name, Hull Nr and years on board for all your boats to the National Data Base. This data is mostly for reunions. If you're unsure of what is in the database for you, please either look it up online or ask the Vice Commander or the Membership Committee for that information. Please mail your information as indicated below to the club marked Membership Info. U S S V I MEMBERSHIP BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION NAME____________________________ HIGHEST RATE_____________ Primary Mailing ADDRESS__________________________________ CITY___________________________STATE_______ZIP__________-_______ PHONE #_________________________Applicable Dates (i.e. Nov – May)_______________ Secondary Mailing ADDRESS (Snowbirds)__________________________________ CITY___________________________STATE_______ZIP__________-_______ PHONE #_________________________Applicable Dates _______________ EMAIL_______________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH M/D/Y____________ Retired Navy YES____NO____ SPOUSE/NOK CONTACT INFORMATION NAME___________________________________ SPOUSE/NOK Mailing ADDRESS__________________________________ CITY___________________________STATE_______ZIP__________-_______ PHONE #_________________________ Type Member: Regular_____ Associate_____ Life_____ QUALIFICATION DATE____________QUAL RATE_____________ Qual Boat: _________________________Hull #__________Year FM______TO______ ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ONLY Military Veteran _____(Y or N) Other Boats Served on: Boat Name/Hull# Dates Onboard (Yr) Boat Name/Hull# Dates Onboard (Yr) ______________________ ______TO______ ______________________ ______TO______ ______________________ ______TO______ _______________________ ______TO______ ______________________ ______TO______ _______________________ ______TO______ ______________________ ______TO______ _______________________ ______TO______ ______________________ ______TO______ ______________________ ______TO______ ______________________ ______TO______ ______________________ ______TO______ ______________________ ______TO______ ______________________ ______TO______ ______________________ ______TO______ ______________________ ______TO______ Use additional lines/paper as necessary. Up to 12 boats may be entered in the database. IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO RENEW OR PAY YOUR DUES IN ADVANCE. Issue 2007-04 SubVets Groton Base Boat Notes Page 21 The Fleet Reserve Association Have you heard of the Fleet Reserve Association or how it actively lobbies to preserve the benefits of enlisted personnel of the Navy? Many of you probably don't even know that you are eligible for FRA membership. Below are listed some frequently asked questions regarding the Fleet Reserve Association: WHAT IS THE FRA? The FRA is a nonprofit organization, fully chartered by the federal government. It is the oldest and largest professional military association exclusively serving and representing the enlisted men and women of the three sea services, whether they are active duty, active reserve or retired. There are currently over 300 local branches world-wide. Each shipmate upholds an 82-year tradition of loyalty, protection and service. The FRA is also a founding member of the "Military Coalition," which is an umbrella organization made up 33 military and veteran organizations formed to support legislation protecting quality of life and entitlement issues. HOW LONG HAS THE FRA BEEN IN EXISTENCE? The FRA is currently celebrating its 82nd year. It was founded in 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by a YNC who was concerned about pro- tecting the pay and benefits of the enlisted sailor. WHAT PRINCIPLES DOES THE FRA UPHOLD? The three cardinal principles of the FRA are loyalty, protection and service. Loyalty: The loyalty one owes to God and country, loyalty to sea services and the loyalty one owes his/ her shipmates. Protection: Protection of one's country and the protection of shipmates by sponsoring measures beneficial to all. Service: The rendering of service to our shipmates and their dependents in every possible way. WHAT DOES THE FRA DO FOR ME? Many of the benefits and entitlements you are taking for, or took for, granted during your tour of duty came about due to years of effective lobbying by the FRA. A few examples include increased pay for active duty and retired personnel, protection of Sea Pay Allowances, normal policy of rotation from seato-shore duty, Uniform Clothing Allowance, originating the Survivor Benefit Plan, originating the Armed Forces Bill of Rights, dependents' quarters allowance, dependents' travel allowance, shipment of household goods at government expense, Family Separation Allowance, Survivor Benefits, Com Rats for the enlistee, Peace Time GI Bill, annual funding of the "Sailor of the Year" program and establishment of the FRA Scholarship program. The FRA was the first enlisted military association to testify before a congressional committee. Continuing to this day, the FRA continues to actively lobby on Capitol Hill and maintains continual communication with members of congress. The FRA is constantly battling on your behalf for better pay and benefits, but we need your help! The greater our numbers, the more strongly our voice will be heard on Capitol Hill! WHO CAN JOIN THE FRA? FRA membership is open to all active duty, active reserve and retirees of the sea services - USN, USMC and USCG. Just one day of enlisted service, resulting in a DD214 under honorable conditions, including medical discharges, is required. If you are interested in learning more about the FRA, the many additional benefits of membership or how you can help preserve your entitlements, please contact the local Branch Home at 445-0731 or write to FRA Branch #20, 242 Thames Street, Groton, CT 06340 WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT IS NOT A MEMBER? SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER TODAY. US Submarine Veterans Inc. 40 School Street Groton CT 06340-3940 Return Service Requested Read inside how you can get this plate. Visit us online: www.subvetsgroton.org Check your address label above to verify paid till date NOTE: HELP GROTON BASE. SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER OR RENEW YOUR DUES EARLY. Sep/Oct 2007 UNITED STATES SUBMARINE VETERANS, INC. GROTON BASE APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP UPDATE THIS RENEWAL FORM AND ENCLOSE IT WITH YOUR DUES (AND DONATION IF DESIRED). FORM CAN ALSO BE USED FOR NEW MEMBERS , TO PAY IN ADVANCE, OR FOR ADDRESS OR INFORMATION UPDATES. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY! Name: Present/Highest Rank/Rate (i.e. TM2, LCDR, etc.): Address: Qualification Rate (i.e. MM, ET, EN, etc.): City: State: Zip: Active Duty or Retired: Email: 1st Boat Qualified in Submarines: (Name; Hull; Date) Name of Spouse/NOK: Boat Name: Phone: Date Qualified in Submarines (mm/yy): D.O.B. (mm/dd/yyyy): Document Proof or Sponsor's Name: Prospective Associate Members: Are you a Veteran: Y/N Circle Year(s): 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15) Hull Number: *If you served on additional Submarines, please list all Boat Names/Hull Numbers/Dates Served on separate paper. I subscribe to the creed of the U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc. and agree to abide by all laws and regulations governing the U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc. so long as they do not conflict with my Military or Civil obligations. I will furnish further proof of my eligibility for membership if required by proper authority. Signature:______________________________Date:_______________________ ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES New/Renewal NATIONAL LIFE MEMBERSHIP COST National Dues $20 Age 76 and up *$100 Groton Base Dues $10 Age 66-75 *$200 Total $30 Age 56-65 *$300 Age 46-55 *$400 MULTIPLE YEAR RENEWALS 2 YEARS NATIONAL/BASE DUES - $60 3 YEARS NATIONAL/BASE DUES - $85 5 YEARS NATIONAL/BASE DUES - $140 Under Age 45 *$500 *Plus Annual Groton Base Dues of $10 RENEWALS FOR LIFE MEMBERS $10 TOTAL AMOUNT PAID: $________ Includes $_________ Donation for: Building, Memorial, Newsletter, Scholarship, Thanksgiving (Circle appropriate) Other: (Please Specify):_____________ IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO RENEW OR PAY YOUR DUES IN ADVANCE.