United States Submarine Veterans
Mid-Atlantic Base
November Regular Meeting
November 21, 2009
Sheraton Hotel, Dover, DE
The Commander welcomed everyone in attendance, then in the Chaplain’s absence, Bill Gallaway gave the Invocation.
CDR:
“Those who have served and those currently serving in the uniformed services of the United States are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. Please direct your attention to the chair to my right, a physical symbol of the thousands of American service men and women still unaccounted for from all foreign conflicts. The chair is empty, as they cannot be with us today. Let us always keep them in our memory and our prayers.”
COB Ed Simpson read the creed.
“To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of duties wile 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 of America and its Constitution”
COB Ed Simpson and COB Chuck Walker conducted the Tolling of the Boats Ceremony:
The following Boats and men were lost in November:
USS Corvina - (SS-226) – 16 Nov 1943 – 82 Men Lost
USS Sculpin – (SS-191) 19 Nov 1943 – 63 Men Lost
USS Albacore (SS-218) – 7 Nov 1944 – 86 Men Lost
USS Growler – (SS-215) - 8 Nov 1944 – 85 Men Lost
USS SCAMP – (SS-277) – 9 Nov 1944 – 84 Men Lost
400 Men Lost in November
Sailors, Rest Your Oars
COB Chuck Walker Sounded Dive.
The Commander recognized the war veterans and Holland Club members in attendance by asking them to stand.
World War II veterans
Korean War Veterans
Vietnam War Veterans
Veterans of the Gulf Wars and the War on Terror
Holland Club Members
COMMANDER asked if there were any new members or guests in attendance or if there is anyone who has not been to a meeting in a while. Jim Wallace, said he cannot make meetings on mostSaturdays because of work. He and his wife are celebrating their first Anniversary today. Meryl Kretschmann, her husband Fred, granddaughter and her boyfriend are also in attendance today.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: The Minutes of The October Meeting were on the tables and a motion to bypass and approve them was passed.
Reports from the Officers.
The Binnacle List:
The Chaplain Roy Anstead had an accident in his home and says that he is doing fine. Charlie Cooper is recuperating in the Intermediate Ward at the General Hospital. Joe Roche who suffered a stroke is tired but is home recuperating. Jim Harlan is also on the sick list.
Veteran’s Day Ceremonies: The State of Delaware and the Department of Veterans Affairs hosted the Annual Veterans Day ceremonies at Veteran’s Memorial Park in New Castle, De on Veterans Day. The ceremony commenced at 10:30 with a flyover. Mid Atlantic Base was well-represented at the event. Roy Anstead, Phil Puschel, Frank Pollock, Roger Reeves, Walt Rutter, Chuck Walker attended. Ron Elliott and George “Smitty” Smith of the Delaware Valley Chapter of the USSVWWII was also there. Chuck and Smitty performed the floral tribute, getting a warm reception from those in attendance when they went forward to do the honor. After the ceremonies, many scattered to some of the local Applebee’s Restaurants for the free entrée provided to veterans.
UNO 20% Night: Mid-Atlantic Base hosted another UNO Night at the UNO Chicago Grill here in Dover on Friday, November 13, 2009. Attendance was good given the short notice.
2009 Christmas Social: The 2009 Christmas Social will be held on Saturday December 19, 2009 at 11:30. Our very own DJ, Base Member Darren Mazyck will be providing the music again this year. We will also be inducting one member in the Holland Club and recognizing another who was inducted at the National Convention earlier this year. There will also be a buffet meal, door prizes and a special event. Bring a wrapped Christmas present. The cost is $25.00 per person., paid in advance.
VICE COMMANDER’S REPORT: John Ludwig explained about the Veterans Stand down which helps veterans find jobs. Haircuts, clothing, etc. were available and job seeking workshops were set up at the NUR Temple on 13, near the WalMart in New Castle.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Bill Kraus reported that Wachovia Bank had a total of $2,837.02; Peoples Bank had a total of $996.31; with a total Amount of $3833.33. These checking account reports were distributed to each table for each member to view.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Secretary’s report was also distributed to each table and a motion was carried to approve the report.
STOREKEEPER’S REPORT: Phil Puschel reported $119.00 on Coast Day; and the store Sales were $231.00 for last month.
CHIEFS OF THE BOAT’S REPORT: Chuck Walker mentioned that he and others attended the Memorial services at Kings Bay and that there will be a third 50/50. He also announced that he was doing good on Chemo therapy; another scan in two weeks and hopes to attend Kings Bay and Bridge Ceremonies.
CHAPLAIN’S REPORT: No report.
MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: There are are 85 members present. Meryl Kretschmann, Her Husband, granddaughter and boyfriend are also attending today.
The Commander’s Submarine Force News for October: The USS Missouri will be christened at Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut on December 5, 2009. See the Commander to make sure attendee’s name is added to the mailing list.
Bill Gallaway gave the Benediction.
The Christmas Social will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2009 at 1130 hours here in the Sheraton.
The Commander Lead those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegience.
COB Chuck Walker Sounds Surface.
The Guest Speaker was Meryl Kretschmann, daughter of Carson R. Martin, Chief Motor Machinist Mate, who was lost at sea July 30, 1942 along with his shipmates aboard USS Grunion (SS-216) near Kiska, Alaska. She represented the USS Grunion Team, a group of volunteers who have worked continuously over the last several years to find the boat and the families of the crew. She was born in Honolulu Hawaii in 1936 while her father was stationed at Pearl Harbor. She then lived in Groton, CT. with her family while her father was at New London Sub Base. Mrs. Kreschmann is the President of the on-line company KennelVet. Com and Petmarket.com. She and her husband Fred bought the company, in business since 1971, to Delaware 12 yrs ago from Long Island. They now live in Laurel, Delaware. She opened her presentation with a short introduction and a very interesting movie of the account of how the Grunion was found near Kiska and the fate of her father and rest of the crewmates on the Grunion.
ATTENDANCE LIST:
Bill and Mary Kraus
Bill Galloway
Bill Hadden
Carol Mooney and Guest
Chuck Walker
Darrill Miller
Dave and Mae Napier
Denny Nield
Ed and Nancy Simpson
Frank Pollack
Frank Sklodowski
George Hunt
Glenn and Joan Bilger
Jack Stawicki
Jim and Kathy Wallace
John J. Grohowski
John Ludwig
Karen Engeseth
Phil Puschel
Roger A. Reeves
Ron and Marilyn Olson
Scott Todd