October 2017 Meeting Notes

The October meeting started off with Tolling the Boats lost in October, followed by birthday wishes for our members, and introductions.

After the introductions, Ric Hedman was inducted into the Holland Club. The Holland Club is named after John P. Holland, designer of the first US Navy submarine. It is an exclusive group within the US Submarine Veterans organization, where the core requirement for eligibility is the designation “qualified in submarines” for a minimum of fifty years.

Congratulations to Ric!

He also showed off the new Holland Club challenge coin.

Holland Club challenger coin front

Holland Club challenger coin back

Old and New Business:

December Holiday Luncheon – Our annual Holiday Luncheon will be at the Cascade Club at Trilogy at Redmond Ridge on Sunday, December 10. The registration form for the event can be found at this link and it will be included in the next newsletter. Remember, the number of spaces available will be only 65 people, so be sure get your registration form to Jim Harper as soon as possible.

Auburn Veterans Day Parade – Seattle Base, Bremerton Base, and the Silent Service Motorcycle Club will be participating in the Auburn Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 11. We will meet near the junction of Main and K Streets in Auburn. There is free parking at the transit center. Please arrive between 10 – 10:30. The parade will start at 11:00. You can see more about other parade and Veterans Day events on the City of Auburn website. Additional information will be posted on the blog and newsletter.

Veterans Day at Tahoma National Cemetery – If you can’t make it to Auburn, you can consider going to the Tahoma National Cemetery for their Veterans Day ceremony. It will start at 11:00.

Seattle Base Elections – The nominations committee turned in their recommendations for Seattle Base officers for our January elections. Here is the list of officer nominees:

• Base Commander – Ric Hedman 
• Sr Vice Commander – Larry Abbott 
• Jr Vice Commander – Earl Greening 
• Secretary – shared by Bill Giese and Lois Mezek 
• Treasurer – Jim Harper 

Committee Chairs:

• Chief of the Boat – Ralph Sterley 
• Membership – Kerry Ryan 
• Base Chaplin – Andrea Geisler 
• Storekeeper – Ralph Sterley 
• Webmaster – Steve Shelton 
• Newsletter Editor – Dave Schueler 

If you would like to throw your hat in the ring or nominate someone for a position, please contact Larry Abbott or Kerry Ryan with the information.

October Program:
The October program was a presentation by Greg Emerson on life during the American Revolution and how young Americans helped change the world. Greg is the Color Guard Captain for the Cascade Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and was dressed as a colonial militiaman for the presentation.

Greg Emerson

Greg started off by talking about life in the colonies in the 1770’s and how most Americans lived outside of cities. He talked about general trade and commence in the colonies. He then continued with information on why the British imposed taxes on the colonies, the formation of the Continental Congress to address the taxes, and the declaration of independence by the colonies.

Greg showing a replica Continental dollar

With the revolution underway, Greg talked about how families participated in the war, with many families following the fathers to war. He also covered the uniforms and weapons used by both sides.

Greg showing a Continental Army uniform

Greg finished up by recounting stories of young people that helped out during the revolution, including Sybil Ludington, Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, and Alexander Milliner.

The presentation was an interesting and enjoyable look back at early America history.

Binnacle List:
• Tim Floersch is still recovering from his back surgery and hopes to be at the next meeting.

We hope to see you at the next meeting!