THE ONE MC. Volume 11, Issue 10 PRIDE RUNS DEEP October

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1 United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. Volume 11, Issue 10 PRIDE RUNS DEEP October OUR CREED To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation towards greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States Government. MEETINGS THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 1030 AT THE LORTON AMERICAN LEGION POST 162, 8210 LEGION DRIVE, LORTON, VA WARDROOM Base Commander: Ray Stone: (703) , cdr@ussvinova.org Vice Commander: Tom Perrault, (703) , vcdr@ussvinova.org Secretary: Mark Riethmeier: (703) , secretary@ussvinova.org Treasurer: Steve Jaeger: (703) , treasurer@ussvinova.org Chaplain: Tom Phythian: (703) , chaplain@ussvinova.org Storekeeper & Veterans Affairs Officer: Lou Maruzo: (540) , Lou@subshipstore.com Chief of the Boat (COB): Dex Armstrong, cob@ussvinova.org

2 Greetings fellow shipmates, As we move into fall, our base budget is in the process of being finalized and should be ready for your review at the November meeting. In addition to the budget review, we will also be closing the window for nominees to base officer positions and will be conducting a vote. Therefore, this will be a VERY IMPORTANT meeting, so please try to attend, if at all possible. Just a reminder that our meetings start time has been moved ahead to 1100 instead of The reason for the change was to better accommodate the normal working hours of the post, since the social quarters don t actually open officially until Take care, and I look forward to seeing you all at the November meeting. Cheers mates, Ray Chaplain s Corner 1 Chronicles 12:32 (New International Version) The men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do 200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command; Shipmates, our day in the election booths is just around the corner, be like the men of Issachar and understand the times and VOTE! Tom Phythian Page 2

3 MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 2006 The Base Commander, Ray Stone, called the meeting to order at 10:48 AM, 14 October, held at the American Legion Post 162, Lorton, Virginia. The Base Chaplain, Tom Phythian, gave the invocation. The Base Commander read the names of the boats lost in the month of October which were: USS O-5 SS October 1923 USS S-44 SS October 1943 USS Wahoo SS October 1943 USS Dorado SS October 1943 USS Seawolf SS October 1944 USS Escolar SS October 1944 USS Shark II SS October 1944 USS Darter SS October 1944 USS Tang SS October 1944 The Acting Base Chief of the Boat, Tim Shannon, led all hands in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Base Historian, Mark Riethmeier, read a passage of the loss of USS Escolar Loss of USS Escolar (SS-294) Escolar was launched 18 April She was the second of 14 submarines built by Cramp Shipbuilding Co., Philadelphia, Pa. She was commissioned 2 June 1944, Commander W. J. Millican in command. Escolar had her final training for combat at Pearl Harbor, from which she put out for her first war patrol on 18 September After topping off fuel at Midway, she joined Croaker (SS-246) and Perch (SS-313) for a coordinated war patrol in the Yellow Sea. Commander Millican was in command of the attack group which was designated Millican s Marauders. On 30 September, she engaged a small craft in a surface gun action, and reported to her sisters that she was undamaged, without mentioning what her gunfire had done to the enemy ship. Her last communication was with Perch on 17 October when she transmitted her position. She was never heard from again. Japanese records consulted after the war show no antisubmarine action at that time in the area where Escolar is believed to have Page 3

4 been. There were mines in the general area where Escolar was patrolling, so it is assumed that she struck a mine and sank with all hands. Source: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships United States Submarine Losses World War II Members and Guests in Attendance: Rena Adcock, Arline Blanke, Alan Brodie, Howard and Cathy Chatham, Debbie Davis, Roger Hall, Susan Heflin, Steve Jaeger, Mike LaMont, Richard Laulor, Lou Maruzo, Richard McSpadden, Paul Nelson, Benny Parker, Tom Perrault, Joe Phoenix, Tom Phythian, Mark Riethmeier, Tim Shannon, Art Smith, Ray Stone, Mike Varone, Ron and Peggy Williams and Reb Wootten. Committee Reports: Meeting Minutes: The September Newsletter has been posted on the Base Web Site: It was read to the membership by the base secretary. A motion was made to accept the September Newsletter as posted. The motion was seconded and passed. Treasurer s Report: The Base Treasurer, Steve Jaeger provided a report for the month of September: Account #: Cash (As of 9/6/06) Checking Account $ Savings Account $ 6.77 CD (9/30/06) $ 1, Total Cash as of $ 1, Receipts Dues 2A Brodie A 2007 EB Base Dues $ A Davis D 2007 National Dues $ A Phythian T 2007 EB Base Dues $ Sub-Total Dues: $ Interest/Dividends 4 Sep 2006 Bank Statement $ 0.43 Sub-Total Interest/Dividends: $ 0.43 Fund Raising Page 4

5 6R Raffles (50/50) $ Sub-Total of Fund Raising $ Other 30 Donation, Other $ Other, HC Dinner Ticket $ I Fund Raising, Sale of Items $ Other, HC Dinner Ticket $ Other, HC Dinner Receipts $ 1, Xfer from Savings for HC Dinner Expenses $ 1, Sub-Total Other $ 2, Total Receipts $ 2, Disbursements 13 HC Dinner Ticket Refund $ Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant for 13 HC Recognition Dinner $ 3, HC Dinner Expenses $ O Mbrship Drive Winner Trophy $ 9.55 Total Disbursements $ 3, Accounts Payable None Total Accounts Payable $ - Ending Balance in Checking $ A vote on the 2007 budget will be required at the November meeting. The treasurer provided detailed expenditures regarding the Holland Club banquet. Discussions provided by Paul Nelson suggested the possibility of charging more for the dinner to offset the cost. Peggy Williams suggested having the banquet at a different time of the year as Ken Carr is up north at the scheduled time. A motion was made to accept the treasurer s report. The motion was seconded and passed. Executive Committee Report: The EXCOM met at the American Legion Post 162 on 4 October, The meeting was called to order at 1906 by the Base Commander. Attendees: Ray Stone, Tom Perrault, Steve Jaeger, Ron Williams, Tim Shannon, Debbie Davis, Alan Brodie and Mark Riethmeier Items discussed were: 1) Ray Stone provided a certificate, program and challenge coin from the Fisher House Volunteer and Donor Appreciation Day held 13 September. 2) 1MC: Need a drop dead date to provide the secretary with inputs in order to assemble and post in a timely manner. All inputs should be received by the Saturday after the meeting. It was suggested that we include a bio of a member in the 1MC. Members are encouraged to provide such to the base secretary. Page 5

6 3) Holland Club Dinner: Lessons learned on the expenditures were discussed as well as planning for next year. It was originally thought to have the dinner next March, but in order to rebuild the treasury; it was determined to have it a regular affair around the September time-frame. Alan and Debbie suggested getting Paul Rice to do his John Holland presentation. 4) It has been requested that Smokers sit at the table under the smoke-eater. 5) Alan Brodie suggested selling White House ornaments as a fund-raising effort to help replenish the treasury. 6) It is intended that a Christmas party will follow the White House tour on December 2 nd, 9 th or 16 th. Ray Stone is checking with local restaurants. 7) Speakers: Ron Williams to get Admiral DeMars to be our speaker in February. He has agreed. Potentially there is ADM Buchannan of the Navy Memorial. 8) It was recommended to have a signup sheet for people to volunteer to pick up a couple of platters for after the meetings. Debbie recommended a chair to coordinate. (The chair would not be responsible for providing the platters.) Mike Varone would like to cook for us. EXCOM needs to determine the availability of its kitchen. At present, the base cannot pay for the food. 9) The 2 Year Plan includes all anchoring events. These being Holland Club Dinner, Sweethearts Luncheon, Spring Picnic and Chili Cook-off. 10) November topics: Dedication in Alexandria at the Pompon Propeller on Veteran s Day. Nov. 20 th, service and burial at Arlington for Yogi Kaufman. (Article in the September 1MC.) Cut off for 2007 dues early bird is the meeting on Nov 11 th. 11) 2007 dues: Due by 31 December. If not received by 1 April, the member will be dropped. The meeting was then adjourned at Membership Committee Report: The base has 90 members currently. Storekeeper s Report: The Base Storekeeper, Lou Maruzo said that the 2007 USSVI calendars will be available next month. He also has license plate frames and plaques. Veterans Affairs: Tri-Care Center bulletins are available on the website. Public Relations Report: Alan Brodie provided a press release regarding USO Care packages that was read to the membership by Mike Varone. Webmaster Report: Rob Smallbrock was not available, but Veterans Day events will be passed to him for posting. Naval Submarine League (NSL) Report: Dolphin Scholarship Calendars are available. Go to Page 6

7 Unfinished Business: Ron Williams accepted appointment as the Nominating Committee Chair. Nomination forms for election of base officers were passed out. Nominations close 31 October. Ron Williams is looking into updates on the plaque proposed for the Pompon propeller in Alexandria. There were no updates regarding the status of the White House Tour. Long-Term Plan (next 3 months) Provided by Ron Williams Nov 1 EXCOM Meeting 1900 Nov Establish Sweethearts Lunch committee and POC Nov Form tolling of the boats Committee and May Picnic Committee. Nov 11 Monthly Meeting Election for 2007 Officers, Entertainment Nov 11 Veterans Day Service TBD Nov 29 EXCOM Meeting 1900 Dec 9 Monthly Meeting Dec 27 EXCOM Meeting Jan 13 Monthly Meeting Swear in new suite of Officers - Guest Speaker CAPT David Duryea Jan 31 EXCOM Meeting 1900 New Business: A letter of agreement was provided to the base from Post 162 specifically addressing use of their facilities. Ray Stone is working with the Post for a final wording of the agreement. When the final letter is received, it will be available to the membership. Concerns were addressed regarding vests worn by the ladies. Essentially, it s up to them what they display. Certainly any patches for ships that their partners wear are acceptable. The only stipulation is if the US Flag is displayed, nothing should be displayed above it. Until further notice, all future meetings will not start before 11:00 AM. A tee shirt with the USO logo was presented by Debbie Davis. The shirt was auctioned off. Tom Perrault won the shirt with a bid of $24. Alan Brodie provided a sign up list to order White House ornaments that will be available at $ Monies collected over and above the actual cost will be used to help replenish the base treasury. Page 7

8 Future Events: 2007 USSVI National Convention: The 2007 Submarine Veterans national convention will be held on a cruise to Alaska. Eight days and seven nights. Details can be found at For reservations, call Kim Boekenoogen at or Her address is: KimBoekenoogen@aaawin.com. Reservations require a $700 deposit, which can be refunded if you cancel sometime before the deadline, which can be found on the web site. For two people the rooms run from about $1,800 to $5,000, depending on the cabin you select. As of this meeting, 1267 people have signed up. Contact Howard Chatham for more information. For those interested (and have access to the internet), some class photos of groups graduating from the Basic Enlisted Submarine School are available. You can see them at Binnacle List: Darlene Jaeger s father, Fred Johler is out of rehab after treatment for pneumonia. Birthdays For The Month of OCTOMBER Kathleen Baldwin Louise Decker Mike Kwiecien Cathy Phythian Jill Kaarsten Batiza Joni Haggard Helen Laulor John Wiles James Briant Henry Krohn Lou Maruzo Tom Phythian led the closing prayer. The 50/50 raffle was conducted. $50 went to the winner. The meeting was adjourned at 12:11 PM. ********************************************************************************* Bells, The Center of the Universe by Bob 'Dex' Armstrong There was a diesel days definition for contentment Racked out in the middle rack inboard Riding in the wake of a carrier Reading a sex book and scratching your athlete's foot on a bunk chain It never got any better than that. Not unless someone could figure out how to run the boat aground on a nudist beach. In port, there was Bells Sign read 'Bells Bar and Naval Tailors' but to us it was just Bells. You could be sliding away from a pier in East Jeezus, Balookastan and yell to another SUBRON Six boat, "See you bastards in Bells!" And every bluejacket on both boats knew exactly what you meant. Someone recently asked, Page 8

9 "Is there a good submarine bar in Norfolk Like the Horse & Cow?" Have no gahdam idea what the Horse & Cow is, was or may be in the future But there was a time when Bells was the center of the submersible bluejacket's world. If Thelma's signature wasn't on your qual card, you simply weren't a qualified boat sailor. Look under 'Filthiest head in North America' in the Guinness Book of World Records and all it has is 'Bells, Hampton Blvd.' Bells is gone But sure as hell not forgotten. Each year, thousands Possibly hundreds of thousands of old, worn out smoke-eating, gravel gut, rock-crusher propulsion submariners appear at the hallowed site It has become a religious pilgrimage. Most people just see a big ol' asphalt parking lot. But a real, genuine SUBRON Six man can close his eyes and smile as it all comes back. In the background, Johnny Cash is singing 'Don't Take Your Guns to Town' from the most abused jukebox in North America. Thelma is yelling, "Which gahdam tables want the two pitchers Four drafts And the Slim Jims?" "Hey Thelma Darling Sweetheart Fulfillment of all my fantasies and dreams What does it take for a valiant defender of the free world to get a pack of Beer Nuts?" "Nuts? I'll give you nuts You don't pipe down, I'll kick your nuts up next to your eyeballs!" It was very evident that Thelma never attended Vassar, right off. "I'm only gonna say this once tonight, boys Keep the gahdam wet glasses off the f*cking pool table felt!" The pool table had a playing surface that was later used as a topographic model for the Ho Chi Min Trail. You could gently place a ball in the middle of the table Release it and watch it do a drunken wobble toward whichever side of the table was closest to the equator. You could be a world champion pool hustler and lose at Bells The secret was knowing how to bank shots off mole tunnels and avoid gopher holes It was green and it resembled a table. Bells was noted for four-star cuisine If you were a Slim Jim gourmet or an authority on Beer Nuts, pickled pig's feet, hard-boiled eggs, and hot Polish sausage that floated in liquid that could dissolve a medium cruiser turret, Bells was your kind of place. I was told that Bells' Polish sausage was the subject of a heated debate in the 1964 Geneva arms reduction talks The only thing I know from actual contact was that they could set the seat of your 'Fruit-of-the-Looms' on fire the next morning. Yes, as you stand there in that empty parking lot, it all comes back. You would think that the city fathers of Norfolk Once the home of those reckless warriors of the deep Those protectors of the American way Those drunken leap-froggers of parking meters Out of respect, they should install a chrome floor drain, so we could pee down it just like everyone did every Saturday night Hell, it might be so popular, Norfolk could hold the 'Festival of the Floor Drain'. Did the Horse & Cow have a sign over the bar that read 'Sailors and dogs keep off the female employees'? Could you get your uniform steamed and pressed at the Horse & Cow while you sat in the bar in socks, skivvies and white hat, drinking beer? Did kids there go around with a box and a tin can hanging around their necks saying, Page 9

10 "Buff 'em up, motherf*ck? One fine shine One thin dime?" Is there a Thelma equivalent to yell, "I'll kill the next sonuvabitch who drops a quarter in that gahdam thing and punches La Bamba five times!" Do they have that? If you call for a cab When you tell them what bar you want them to come pick you up from, do they say, "Are you shitting me? I wouldn't come down there with a large caliber handgun." When you sit down at your table in this Cow place Does a big blond come over and plant two great big warm ones between your shoulder blades Lean over and whisper, "What are we havin' tonight, sailor boy?" Hell, maybe they've franchised Bells and named 'em after farm animals Who knows? The secret giveaway would be the floor drain in the men's room And the sign over the door reading, 'ALL THIS WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE DEVOTED PATRONAGE OF THE DRUNKS OF SUBRON SIX'. (For other Dex Armstrong stories, go to: ********************************************************************************* The Submarine Ship s Store, 301 Whitworth Dr., Culpepper, VA Phone: (540) (Fax: (800) ) Lou Maruzo, Lou@subshipstore.com Garrison Cap W/SubVets Logo & Three (3) Embroidered Lines Of Text Sizes 7, 7-1/4, 7-3/8, 7-1/2, 7-3/4 $30.00 Ball Cap W/Submarine Veteran Patch & Base Name (Up To Two Lines) Embroidered On The Back $17.00 USSVI Patches Large $11.00, Medium $5.00, Mini $4.00 Page 10

11 Submarine Veteran Life Member Patch $5.00 Submarine Veteran Logo License Plate $8.00 Submarine Veteran Logo Flag $40.00 Submarine Veteran Logo T- Shirt - Medium - White $12.00, Large - Gray $12.00 XL - Gray $12.00 XXL - Gray or White $14.00 XXXL - Gray or White $16.00 Submarine Veteran Logo Decal $2.00 NOVA Base Logo Patch $6.00 (See Base Treasurer) Basic Lined Vest S-XL $25, XXL $30 Complete Vest with Patches will be ~ $115 depending upon accessories ordered. Provide waist size and Shoulder-to-Waist length. ETERNAL PATROL Patch $7.00 (See Lou or the designer, Mark Riethmeier, Base Secretary) If mailed, add $0.50 Page 11 Stainless Steel Koozie $12.00 Submarine prints are available through Tom Denton. Tom has prints of Diesel Subs, Fast Attacks, 41 for Freedom, Trident, British Fleet, Submarine Rescue, Lighthouses and some skimmer stuff (if you re into that

12 sort of thing). You can view available prints at write him at: Tom Denton, 8629 Discovery Blvd., Walkersville, MD 21793, or contact him at (301) or Challenge Coins: Coins are 1.5" diameter $16.50 each and 1.75" diameter $20 each (like that shown). Members should contact Shelly for current coins available: Shelly Saxton PO Box 24 Graham MO shellwe@grm.net Prices include Shipping and Handling. MO residents add 5.725% sales tax. Send payment: PayPal, Money Order, Personal Check or BidPay. USSVI members are eligible for a 10% discount on orders of 5 or more coins. Tell Shelly that you saw her ad in out newsletter and provide your SUBVETs ID number. Directions to the post are as follows: FROM THE NORTH: Get onto I-95 South, towards Richmond. Take the VA-642 exit - EXIT toward LORTON. Turn RIGHT onto LORTON RD. - VA-642. Take the NEXT LEFT onto SANGER ST. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto LEGION DR. Post is at the end, 8210 Legion Dr. Their phone # is: FROM THE SOUTH: Take I-95 North, towards Washington. Take the VA-642 exit - EXIT toward LORTON. Turn RIGHT onto LORTON RD. (VA-642) and go under the overpass. Take the NEXT LEFT (first signal light) onto SANGER ST. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto LEGION DR. Post is at the end, 8210 Legion Dr. Their phone # is: Make sure to bring your American Legion membership card. Page 12

13 APPLICATION FOR ALL NEW, RENEWAL, or TRANSFER MEMBERSHIPs Please forward information to the following addresses: "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." I subscribe to the creed of the United States Submarine Veterans Inc., and agree to abide by all Bylaws, Regulations, and Procedures governing the Unites States 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. Signature NAME: ADDRESS: ANNUAL DUES: See USSVI National and Northern Virginia (NOVA) Subase Dues Plans DATE: / / (MM/DD/YY) STATE: ZIP: CITY: BIOGRAPHICAL DATA (New Members / Updates) Date of Birth (MM/DD/YY): / / Address: Telephone: (h) ; (w) ; (c) Date First Enl. /Comm. (MM/DD/YY): / / Date Discharged (MM/DD/YY): / / Total Years of Service: Highest Rate / Rank Attained: Retired (Y/N)? Qual Boat: Hull# Yrs. (YY/YY) / Qual Rate / Rank Qual Date: (MM/YY): / Other Boats: Hull# Yrs. (YY/YY) / Other Boats: Hull# Yrs. (YY/YY) / Other Boats: Hull# Yrs. (YY/YY) / Other Boats: Hull# Yrs. (YY/YY) / Other Boats: Hull# Yrs. (YY/YY) / Other Boats: Hull# Yrs. (YY/YY) / Other Boats: Hull# Yrs. (YY/YY) / Spouse's Name: Spouse's Birthday (MM/DD): / (Continue on reverse if necessary) Applicants serving on active duty are requested to provide a permanent address through which they may be contacted. Just bring it to a meeting, or check the website at the top of this page for addresses. Page 13

14 NATIONAL Dues are: (Effective 20 September 2004) USSVI National Dues: NATIONAL Annual $20 Three Years $55 Five Years $90 LIFE MEMBER Age 76 and over $100 Age $200 Age $300 Age $400 Age 45 and younger $500 National has an installment plan for becoming a Life Member. Minimum payment will be $50. Northern Virginia Subase Base dues: (Base dues are waived for Holland Club members.) ANNUAL $ 10 LIFE MEMBER Age 65+ $ 50 Age $100 Age $150 Under Age 45 $250 Please cut on the dotted line and submit to Treasurer by mail or at the next meeting you attend Date: Check No: Full Name (Last, First MI): National Dues Annual: $20.00 Three Years: $55.00 Five Years: $90.00 Life Age Dependent (Age: ) Live Age Dependent (Age: ) Installment Plan NOVA Base Dues: Annual: $10.00 Life Age Dependent (Age: ) Amount: Amount: Total Enclosed: Make check to: Send Payment to: USSVI NOVA Subase Steve Jaeger (Treasurer) Lindendale Road Woodbridge VA, Page 14