April 2018 Meeting Notes

The April meeting with Tolling the Boats lost in April, followed by birthday wishes for our members, and introductions. We followed that up with the Officer Reports, introductions, and then our business items.

Old and New Business:
Cabela’s Tulalip Armed Forces Day – We are planning another event at the store on Armed Forces Day weekend, May 19 and 20. This will be a combination of showing off to the public, trying to find new members, and fund raising for the base. We are looking for volunteers to help take the float to the store and talk with people at the store.

American Submarines Throw Raffle – Bill and Diane Giese are donating an American Submarine throw to Seattle Base and we voted to use it as a raffle prize. Raffle tickets will go on sale now and run throughout the year, with the drawing to be done at the Holiday Luncheon on December 8. Raffle tickets cost $1 per ticket.

Bill and Ric holding the submarine throw

Smokey Point Rest Stop Event Reminder – We will be manning the coffee booth at the north-bound Smokey Point rest stop on June 1 – 4. Steve Shelton gave us a quick tutorial on brewing coffee and brought the sign-up sheets. There will be one more chance to sign-up at the May meeting. We hope you’ll take some time to help out with this important fund-raising event.

Steve Shelton gets us qualified on the coffee pot

Summertime Base Picnic – We are planning a Seattle Base picnic at the Redmond VFW post for the second or third Saturday in July. The current plan is to switch the July meeting from Wednesday to Saturday, have a very short business meeting, and then on to the picnic. There will be a grill going and everyone should bring their own main course and one dish to share with the group. We want to encourage you to bring friends and family to the picnic.

Salmon for Soldiers Donation – In the past few years, Seattle Base has supported the Salmon for Soldiers event and we donated $100 to the event. This year Salmon for Soldiers is set for September 15, 2018. All veterans are welcome at the event and you can find more information about the event at salmonforsoldiers.com.

2018 Activities Calendar – Be sure to check the 2018 Seattle Base Activities Calendar for other 2018 events, such as the Tolling Ceremony and Holiday Luncheon. We are always on the lookout for additional things to do as a base. So, if you have suggestions and ideas, please bring it up at the next meeting or contact one of the officers.

Other Fundraising Opportunities – We are looking into a couple fundraising opportunities at the Monroe Race Track and a Breakfast 50/50 at Appleby’s. We are getting more information on these ideas and will share then at future meetings.

2018 USSVI National Convention – The 2018 National Convention is a Caribbean cruise on October 21 – 28, departing from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Be sure to check the convention website for more details, including the list of boat reunions.

April Program:
April’s program was a presentation by Steve Lewis on his time in Vietnam as a Marine. Steve was stationed at Da Nang, working as mechanic. He arrived just before the 1968 Tet Offensive.

Steve Lewis talking about his time in Vietnam

Steve had pictures, film, and mementos from his time in Vietnam. He talked about the airfield at Da Nang and showing the different planes that he filmed. He also had photos and films from the areas around Da Nang, including China Beach and Monkey Mountain. Steve talked about the different things he did as a mechanic and while on guard duty.

A photo of Steve Lewis outside a bunker near Da Nang

It was really interesting to see and hear about Steve’s experiences in Vietnam. Thanks to Steve for sharing his story with us.

Good of the Order:
Leillah Smith, wife of Horton Smith (Eternal Patrol), passed away on March 15, 2018. There will be a remembrance service for her on April 28 at Evergreen-Washelli. We will have more information at the next meeting.

We hope to see you at the next meeting!