MARCH, 2017 FLEET RESERVE ASSN SHOTLINE LOYALTY USN Newsletter of the Fleet Reserve Association, Sierra - Tahoe Branch 137 PROTECTION USMC U S C G SERVICE 2017 Americanism- Patriotism Essay Winners! 10 area High School and Middle School students shared the honor of having been selected as winners in Sierra - Tahoe Branch 137 s 2017 Americanism - Patriotism Essay Competition. Writing on the assigned topic of What Memorial Day Means to Me, the students demonstrated an excellent understanding of the meaning of the Holiday, coupling it with the ability to effectively express that understanding. Twelfth grade winners were: First Place - Eric Gonzales, Yerington High School; Second Place - Courtney Morose, Yerington High School and Third Place - Rebecca Miller, South Lake Tahoe High School. Winners in the 9th Grade Lever were: Leah Schemenauer, Douglas High School and Second Place - Alexus Bodenstein - Yerington High School. Our Eighth Grade winners were: First Place - Annalynn Mueller, Faith Christian Academy; Andrew Kalb, Faith Christian Academy and Third Place - Addie Mae Berger, Faith Christian Academy and from the Seventh Grade - Lucas Esquivel, Carson Valley Middle School; Alana Crocket, Carson Valley Middle School and in Third Place - Mathew Gaskell, Carson Valley Middle School. Our 2017 winners received a certificate acknowledging their achievement, shared in this years cash award purse of $850 and were honored at a luncheon hosted by Branch and unit 137 for our winners and their families on March 10th. In addition to the winners, this year s contest also drew essays from an additional 20 students who were recognized with Participation Certificates. As in previous years, several of our winners went on the win at the West Coast Regional level. Winning First Place Grade 9 - Leah Schemenauer; Second Place Grade 8 - Annalynn Mueller and the First Place Honors for Grade 7 went to Luis Esquivel. Our heartiest congratulations to all!! 1
FROM THE BRIDGE Verne Horton, President - FRA Branch 137 FRAbranch137@charter.net Another spring is upon us and our calendar is going to start being busy. April 15 is the day our Branch and Unit host the annual Easter Egg Hunt for the children residing in the USMC housing in Coleville, CA. This will be the third year we have done this. Our Unit provides the goodies while the Branch is involved in the set-up and tear-down (and anything else the ladies need us to do). This is truly a fun event! Egg hunters range in age from toddlers up (separated by age) I ve been told that the Unit has over 700 treat filled plastic eggs this year. If you haven t been down to Coleville for this event in the past I urge you to consider it this year.... Plus, as an added treat you ll get a chance to see 2nd Vice President Rick Athenour as the loveable (???) Easter Bunny. If you plan on going, please email John Nosek at jn95133@gmail.com no later than April 10th! Close on the heels of the Easter Egg Hunt will be Big Mama Show and Shine in Lampe Park in Gardnerville on May 20th. This will be our first recruiting event of the year. Plan on coming down and help us grow our Branch and Unit. Following the Show and Shine, May 26th is the date of this year s Annual BBQ for the Marines at Pikel Meadow. This year, we will hold the BBQ at the housing area in Coleville, CA so that the families can join in. This year s event is expected to have a hungry crowd of around 500. Needless to say we will need help with this one. Let Rick Athenour know if you can help out. At our April Meeting (April 12th) nominations will be opened for 2017-2018 Branch Officers (all Offices will need to be filled). Here s you chance to help impact the Branch s direction for the coming year (as well as maybe get even with one of your favorite Shipmates...). Nominations will be closed at the May meeting after which those in attendance will vote to elect our new Officers who will be installed in June. Please remember to keep recruiting in mind as you go throughout your day. Remember, however, Recruiting is a wasted effort, if we fail to address retention. Please look over our Membership Update column to see who isup for renewal, up for renewal. In Loyalty, Protection and Service, 2 Transferred to the Staff of the Supreme Commander Paul B. Blum, HM-3, USN, Veteran James L. Boucher, BM-1, USN, Ret. MARCH MEMBERSHIP UPDATE Active Members Mar 3, 2017 129 Jan 3, 2017 130 Mar 10,2016 91 New Members (Welcome Aboard) Geraldine Saich Re-Ups (Thank You) None Up For Renewal (Just a reminder) Cecil Abbott 4/30 Victor Biskup 4/30 John Shrum 4/30 Transfer to Staff of Supreme Commander Paul B. Blum James L. Boucher
LADIES AUXILIARY UNIT 137 PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Brenda Horton, President - LAFRA Unit 137 bmhorton@charter.net As we return safely home from the FRA/LAFRA West Coast Regional Mid-Year Convention we are reminded of the objective of our organization to aid, assist and promote all matters pertaining to welfare, social, and patriotic works of the Fleet Reserve Association, its members and their families. It was an opportunity to learn what is happening on the National and Regional levels and from other units. It gave each of us the chance to share the camaraderie of fellow LA FRA members, and to renew friendships. I was saddened to hear that Unit 296 Mother Lode, Auburn is intending to turn in their charter due to lack of membership. As a Unit we must be always mindful of our members and keep in contact with them. I noted in the recent April 2017 Triangle that overall membership nationally has dropped 902 members due to nonpayment of dues since 7/01/16. As imperative as recruitment of new members is, retention of existing members is vital. We as a Unit have gained 5 new members this past month. A Thank You goes to Sue Higgins, Treasurer and Joyce Jackson, Secretary for processing the required paperwork in a timely manner before the annual cutoff date of March 31st. Unit 137 was represented at the convention by Carol Athenour, Sue Higgins, Brenda Horton, Joyce Jackson, Trilja Laird, Lawanda Loyden, LaShonda Munoz, Carmel Paddock, and Jan Solberg. It gave each of us a sense of pride in our Unit for we are very active and have many accomplishments that better our Branch, our veterans, active service members, and our community. As Unit President I ask each of us to adopt a positive attitude when addressing issues, to remember that each member has a voice, and be reminded that each member brings their individual assets to the organization. Please check your Unit calendar for there are many events listed that need your help, whether it be passing out Easter Eggs at USMC in Coleville or flipping pancakes at Dayton s Oodles and Noodles in June. In Loyalty, Protection & Service, Brenda Horton, President MORE STOCKING CAPS AND QUILTS FOR MARINE FAMILIES The 50/50 raffle went very well and all of the printed tickets were sold. The winning member, Amy Courneya, Unit 274 won the raffle prize of $450 and I heard she was very elated. Unit 137 has volunteered to print, distribute, and sale next year s LA FRA Regional Raffle Tickets. Unit 230 has submitted a nomination resolution for Linda Telly, Regional Vice-President, to be considered in August 2017 for the Regional President. FRA Branch137 submitted a nomination for Rick Athenour for the position of WC Regional Vice President. This coming month the Unit will be conducting nominations for unit officers and Board of Directors. If you are interested in one of these positions please let it be known. You may submit a letter of interest to Joyce Jackson, Secretary. If you wish to know about a position s responsibilities and duties please contact myself and/or Jan Solberg, Jr. Past President. Any member in good standing can serve as an officer/bod member. Elections will be held in May 2017 at the monthly meeting. 3 Unit member Jay Wenks crocheted these warm colorful caps which will be added to those the Unit donates to the families stationed at the USMC Mountain Warfare QUILTS DONATED FOR MARINE FAMILIES Training Center at Pickel Meadow, CA, while the Carson Quilters once again donated several handmade quilts which the Unit will deliver to families with newborn children at the Center. (Ladies Auxiliary Unit Cont d on Page 6)
USS MAINE (ACR-1) IN COMMISSION: 1895 1898 The USS Maine [originally named "Armored Cruiser #1" ("ACR-1") later renamed as the USS Maine and classified as a "Second-class Battleship"] sailed into Havana Harbor on Jan. 25, 1898, because American authorities believed that the presence of an American warship would be a stabilizing influence on the Spanish control of the colony and would assist in curtailing guerrilla activities. As the commander of the Maine, Capt. Sigsbee, also had the mission of evacuating American citizens from Havana if necessary. The Maine exploded on the night of Feb. 15, 1898. After all survivors were rescued, Sigsbee left the ship and boarded the City of Washington, a pleasure ship in Havana Harbor, where he reported the happenings by message to the secretary of the Navy. His message read: "Maine blown up in Havana Harbor at 9:40 tonight and destroyed. Many wounded and doubtless more killed or drowned. Wounded and others on board Spanish Man-of- War and Ward Line Streamer. Send Light House Tender from Key West for crew and a few pieces of equipment above water. No one has clothing other than that upon him. Public opinion should be suspended until further notice." The press in the United States played up this event in placing full blame on the Spanish. "Remember the Maine" became the rallying cry for the war with Spain. At the time of the disaster, the compliment of the ship was 26 officers, 290 sailors and 39 Marines. Of these, two officers and 251 men were killed at the time of the explosion. There were 102 saved, but seven later died. All dead were buried in a cemetery in Havana. On March 30, 1898, Congress approved a bill and instructing that their remains be disinterred and transferred from Havana to Arlington National Cemetery. This action was delayed until Dec. 28, 1899, because of the war with Spain. On that date, 165 remains were re-interred in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Of USS Maine Con t. on Page 5 4 USS MAINE (ACR-1) MEMORIAL - ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY The monument was dedicated May 30, 1915, and was built b y N o r c r o s s B r o t h e r s Company of Worcester, Mass., at a cost of $56,147.94 C o n g r e s s o r i g i n a l l y appropriated $44,818. The base of the memorial has a diameter of 33 feet, 6- inches. The walls are 3 feet 6 inches thick and 7 feet 1 inch high inside the memorial. The base is constructed of granite, with marble interior walls and a tile floor. Two bronze doors are used to secure the base. The inner door is solid, measuring 3 feet 3 inches wide and 7 feet high. Welded into the door is half of the Maine's bell, with the inscription:"uss MAINE, Navy Yard, New York, 1894." The outer door is a grille-type, 3 feet 6 inches wide by 7 feet high. A semicircular piece of bronze with an anchor is attached to the top and a rectangular piece of bronze along the bottom has three anchors displayed. The base of the monument represents the turret of a battleship; through its center is the main mast from the USS Maine. Around the sides of the turret are inscribed the names of all who lost their lives in the disaster, and over the door is the inscription: Erected in Memory of the Officers and Men Who Lost Their Lives in the Destruction Of the USS Maine at Havana, Cuba, February Fifteenth MDCCCXCVIII The remains brought to Arlington for burial are in Section 24, just north of the monument. On the south side are two bronze cannons that were captured from the Spanish. The anchor is not from the Maine, but is similar to it. A bronze plaque on the anchor reads: USS MAINE Blown Up February Fifteenth 1898 Here Lie the Remains of One Hundred and Sixty Three Men of the Maine's Crew
CONGRATULATIONS TO A NEW EAGLE SCOUT USS Maine Con t. from Page 5 those 165, 63 were known, 102 were unknown; they were the first members of the U.S. force killed overseas and brought back for burial in Arlington. Eleven years after those burials, Congress enacted a bill authorizing the raising of the Maine from Havana Harbor and recovering the remains of the sailors still aboard for interment in Arlington. Additionally, the secretary of war was authorized and directed to remove the mast of the ship and place it upon a proper foundation in the cemetery. Shipmate Kip Roedecker and his wife traveled to Sacramento on February 26th for an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. His niece's son, Todd Russel was made an Eagle Scout that day. Kip represented Branch 137 and reported that he couldn't have been more humbled. The designation "Eagle Scout" was founded over one hundred years ago. Only four percent of Boy Scouts are granted this rank after a lengthy review process. Branch 137 is proud to join Uncle Kip in congratulating Todd on this most impressive accomplishment. A big Bravo Zulu Todd! TRUMP SIGNS BILL TO HONOR VIETNAM VETERANS EVERY MARCH 29 March 29 is now National Vietnam War Veterans Day, thanks to a bill sponsored by Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey and signed into law this week by President Donald Trump. The measure, which was co-sponsored by Indiana Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly, permanently designates the day for honoring Vietnam War veterans. March 29th marks the anniversary of when combat troops and support units withdrew from South Vietnam in 1973. Some 2.7 million Americans are estimated to have served on military duty in Vietnam. 5 The raising of the Maine took nearly two years, and from the wreck, 66 bodies were recovered. Of the 66, there was only one known sailor, and his remains were returned to his home for burial. The remaining 65 were taken to Arlington and interred March 23, 1912. After refloating what remained of the Maine, the ship was towed out to sea and scuttled with full honors in water 600 fathoms deep March 16, 1912. There are now 229 Maine casualties buried at Arlington beside the memorial. Of these, the identities of 62 are known, and the rest remain unknown. BRANCH 137 VICE PRESIDENT COMMANDS HONOR GUARD Branch Vice President Jim Jackson was recently chosen as the new Commander of the Northern Nevada All Veterans Honor Guard. The Guard is the only Veterans Honor Guard certified by the Department of Defense to render Military Honors for veterans in the State of Nevada. In addition to Jim, four other Branch 137 members serve on the Guard: Bob Higgins, Leon Werner, Verne Horton and freshman member, Roy Eisentrager. The Guard, affiliated with a local American Legion Post, travels throughout northwestern Nevada and northeastern California providing Full Military Honors for deceased veterans. In addition to Honors, the Guard also is active in providing Color Guards for local events. Those interesting in possibly serving on the Guard may contact Jim at: jmjack1946@yahoo.com
WEST COAST REGIONAL MID-YEAR CONVENTION Five Branch members were in attendance, as Delegates to the 2017 West Coast Regional Mid-Year Convention at the Boomtown Hotel and Casino in Verdi, NV. LA FRA Unit 137 had 9 members in attendance at their concurrent Regional Mid-Year Convention (see LA FRA Unit President s message on page 3). Pictured are some of the 137 Branch and Unit Delegates Early registration was on Thursday March 23 while Opening Ceremonies were held on Friday March 24th with the Business Meetings and Banquet on Saturday. During the FRA Business Meeting nominating resolutions were accepted and read into the Convention minutes. Maria Behm, West Coast Region Vice President (Stockton Branch 113) was nominated for Regional President and Verne Horton, President Branch 137, read the Branch s Nominating Resolution placing Branch Second Vice President Rick Athenour on the ballot for the position of Regional Vice President. The election of Regional Officers for the 2017-2018 term will be conducted at the Region s Annual Meeting in GREEN CAMMIES ARE August. COMING TO THE NAVY THIS FALL National President Donald E. Larson and National Vice President William E. Starkey were both in attendance and addressed the Convention. Hosting this year s Mid-Year Convention was High 6 Sierra Branch 274 - Reno. - Virgil Courneya and Tanya Reyes Co-Chairs. Bravo Zulu 274 and thank you! The 2017 West Coast Region s Annual Convention will be held at the Gold Dust West Hotel and Casino in Carson City August 17-19, with Silver Dollar Branch 192 - Fallon and Sierra-Tahoe Unit 137 - Carson as cohosts. (Branch 137 will again staff the Hospitality Room Bar). 2018 s Mid-Year Convention is planned to be tentatively held in Denver, CO and hosted by Mile High Branch 49. MEDAL TO RECOGNIZE VETERANS WHO SERVED DURING COLD WAR Lawmakers from Maine long have fought to get a medal created for those who served in the military during the Cold War, a time of high political tension between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union that started after World War II and ended when the Iron Curtain fell in 1991. They were instrumental in defending our country during a dangerous period of constant threats, Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, who is the latest to pick up the Cold War medal effort, said in a news release. Their service involved many kinds of sacrifices, and I think it s time we recognize those veterans for it. LADIES AUXILIARY UNIT 137 (Cont d. from Page 3) Unit 137 members continue to serve as Greeters at the VA Clinic in Gardnerville. Every fourth Monday of the month, Unit members provide coffee and homemade baked goods to the veterans who are fortunate enough to have appointments at the clinic that morning. Some, of course have to abstain until after their lab work. Pictured L to R are Unit Member Carol Athenour, veteran Jim Sweeney and Unit JrPP Jan Solberg at the VA Clinic in Gardnerville.
2017 TENTATIVE CALENDAR Date Event Location April April 12 Monthly Meeting Veterans Hall April 15 USMC-MWTC Easter Egg Hunt Coleville, CA April 15 Bingo Veterans Hall May May 10 Monthly Meeting Veterans Hall May 13 Bingo Veterans Hall May 20 Big Mama s Car Show Gardnerville May 20 ARMED FORCES DAY May 26 USMC-MWTC BBQ Coleville, CA May 29 MEMORIAL DAY June June 3-4 Oodles of Noodles (Recruiting) Dayton June 10 Carson Valley Days Parade Minden June 14 Monthly Meeting Veterans Hall June 14 FLAG DAY June 17 Bingo Veterans Hall July July 1 Summer Picnic TBA July 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY July 12 Monthly Meeting Veterans Hall July NO BINGO August August 9 Monthly Meeting Veterans Hall August 17-19 FRA/LAFRA WC Region Convention Carson City August 19 Bingo Veterans Hall September September TBA Dayton Valley Days Dayton September 13 Monthly Meeting Veterans Hall September 15 POW/MIA Recognition Day Carson City September 23 Bingo Veterans Hall October October 11 Monthly Meeting Veterans Hall October 21 Bingo Veterans Hall October 28 Nevada Day Parade Carson City November November 8 Monthly Meeting Veterans Hall November 11 Veterans Day Parade Virginia City November 18 Bingo Veterans Hall November 21 USMC/MWTC Turkey Bowl Coleville, CA December NO MONTHLY MEETING December TBA Christmas Party Carson City NO BINGO December 16 Wreaths Across America Fernley Note: This Calendar is Tentative and events, and/or timing may change as the year unfolds. APRIL TRIVIA Navy s Aviation Green Uniform - In SEP 1917 the Forestry Green uniform of the U.S. Marine Corps was authorized for aviation officers as a winter working uniform. The earliest use of the uniform by enlisted men came in 1941 when chief petty officers designated as Naval Aviation Pilots were authorized to wear the uniform. In NOV 1985 Aviation Working Greens were authorized for wear by women in the aviation community. 7 Norbert Monohan Apr 4 Julio Cervantes Apr 6 Andy Pawloski Apr 9 Jeff Sanotsky Apr 9 Jim Jackson Apr 14 Susan Hamarlund Apr 2 Maggie Smith Apr 7 Carmel Paddock Apr 17 FLEET RESERVE ASSN LOYALTY USN PROTECTION USMC U S C G SERVICE FRA LAFRA FRA MEMBERSHIP ANNVERSARIES Congratulations! Member Member Since Years Ray Hoyt 1997 20 Billy Rey 2015 2 Ruth Ann Bonebrake 2016 1 Marvin Caldwell 2016 1 Ron Finch 2016 1 Leon Werner 2016 1 LADIES AUXILIARY FRA LOYALTY USN PROTECTION USMC USCG SERVICE Franklin Hineman Apr 15 Bert Heyman Apr 16 Shane Dustan Apr 21 Ruth Ann Bonebrake Apr 24 Skip Reed Lamoine Springer Apr 29 LA FRA MEMBERSHIP ANNVERSARIES Congratulations! Member Member Since Years Alice McGreal 1996 21 Carolyn Southard 1996 21 Sharon MacDonald 2014 3 Shirley Amundson 2016 1 SEPTEMBER Renee Thayer ANNIVERSARIES 2016 1 Randi Shaw 2016 1 Apr24 Denise Crites Apr 22 Kathy Goheen Apr 23 Renee Thayer Apr 29