September 2014 Meeting Notes

The September meeting had a full agenda with lots to cover. We started off the September meeting with Tolling the Boats lost in September, followed by birthday wishes for our members, officer reports, and introductions.

Old and New Business
Seattle Base Tolling the Boats Ceremony – The Tolling the Boats ceremony and picnic was a big success. We want to thank everyone that helped make out. Special thanks go out to John Roberts for organizing the event and Lois Mezek for working with the special guests. Lois also read letters from the guests thanking us for their inclusion in the ceremony.

Cabela's Weekend – Doug Abramson told us about another good weekend at Cabela's Tulalip store. He also passed along Cabela's thanks for our efforts.

2014 Holiday Luncheon – This year's Holiday Luncheon is set for December 20 at the Meydenbauer Bay Yacht Club. The club recently finished renovating its kitchen, so we are looking forward to a good lunch there. Details on the menu, prices, and time will be available soon.

National Awards – Seattle Base and a number of base members were earned USSVI National Awards this year and we were able to distribute them during the September meeting. First up, Seattle Base earned the Golden Anchor Award for large bases (bases with 100 or more members). 

Seattle Base Commander Dick Gonzales accepts the award on behalf of Seattle Base

This award is presented to one Base in each class that best demonstrated a leading role in developing and promoting creative membership renewals, and has developed successful recruiting tools, programs and ideas. Winning this award allows Seattle Base members to wear the Golden Anchor Award patch. Patches can be purchased from the Base Storekeeper for $4.

Next, Pat Householder was presented with an individual Meritorious Award. This award is presented to a Member or Base that exemplifies the Motto, “Pride Runs Deep “, who, by the efforts and involvement of an individual Base Member, or if a Base Award, by a group of Members within a base, promote a positive image of the US Navy Submarine Force and/or the US Submarine Veterans through participation in local Veteran affairs, parades, school activities, and presentations to Civic, legislative, Veterans, patriotic, and other local area organizations.

Pat Householder accepts his Meritorious Award

Next, Don Ulmer was presented with a Robert Link National Commander's Award. This award is the USSVI version of a “Letter of Commendation” from the National Commander.

Don Ulmer accepts his Robert Link Award

Finally, Dave Schueler was presented with the Newsletter of the Year, First Runner Up Award.

Dave Schueler accepts the Newsletter Award

Good of the Order:
Annual Dues are coming soon - Annual members are reminded that annual dues are coming up at the end of the year. In addition to paying annually, there other options. Be sure to talk with Pat Householder or Jim Harper about what would work best for you.

Earl Greening let us know that he participated in a recent Salmon for Soldiers event, where he took several wounded soldiers out for salmon fishing. He said he had a great time with this worthy event and recommended the program to anyone that has a boat.

Robert Shay, from VFW Post #2995, provided us with information about a project to restore a memorial to the Bellevue soldiers that died during World War I. Seattle Base will be donating $150 to the effort. If you would like to donate or get more information about project, contact Robert at 206-478-0505.

Lois Mezek, with help from several base members, provided a short explanation on POW-MIA Recognition Day, which is always the third Friday of September.

The Empty Setting to remember POWs and MIAs

September Program:
This month's program, by base member Dave Schueler, was on the Imperial Japanese Navy's submarine force during World War 2.

Dave Schueler taking questions at the end of the program

The program gave a brief history of the Japanese submarine force from its start in 1905 to the beginning of World War 2. Then covered Japanese strategy, the submarines available at the start of the war, followed by Japanese submarine operations during World War 2, and information on what the Japanese could have done differently. After the presentation, Dave answered questions and provided some more background about the Japanese forces. It was an enjoyable program that provided some good information about a little known aspect of World War 2.