GOLD COUNTRY BASE November 2016 VOL MMXVI Issue 11 Our purpose is "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 of America and its Constitution. From left to right Frank Elliot, Roger Paul, Sean Wright, Jerry Weatland, Barry Wyatt, Tom Rumsey, Harry Beach, Pete Juhos, Regy Bronner, Gene Ratto, Les Jamison, Howard Grover & Mike McCoy. Elk Grove Veterans Day Parade A Full Crew enjoyed the ride on our madden voyage in Elk Grove. Commander Pat Noone swears in our newest Holland Club member Chuck Mitchell Special Memories from the Veterans Day Parade (see Page 9) Next Meeting November 26, 2016 Potluck @ 1200 hrs Meeting Starts 1300 hrs Folsom Veterans Hall 1300 Forrest Street Folsom, CA 95630 First Call to Morning Chow Monday December 12 @0930 Brookfield's Sunrise Blvd and Hwy 50 Inside Page 2- Page 3- Page 4 Page 5- Page 6- Page 1 Commander s Corner Officers Country Lost Boats - November Birthdays, Lighter Side Booster Club, VA Information Eternal Patrol October Minutes December 7th Page 7- Page 8- Page 10 USS Pampanito Page 11 - Navy JROTC Drill Meet 30 November Welcome Back USS Pampanito reception Pier 45, San Francisco 7 December 75th Anniversary of the attract on Peral Harbor Discovery Park 8 December: Gold Country Base Annual Holiday Party and Awards Night Lake Natoma Inn, 702 Gold Lake Drive Folsom CA 95630 12 December First Call Annual 'Steal a Gift' exchange Brookfield's Sunrise Blvd and Hwy 50 Help Needed As Jerry & Harry complete the final touches on our Award Winning Submarine Float we need your help to find a suitable indoor storage location. The float is 8 x 30. We need a secure space in a garage or the corner of a warehouse that is centrally located. Contact any eboard member with your suggestions.
Shipmates, The honeymoon is over, at least in the preparations for events scheduled for the end of the year. The USS Gold Country is scheduled for an appearance at the Veteran s Day parade in Elk Grove. Unlike other veteran groups whose membership includes veterans from nearly all branches of the military, the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. (SubVets) serve a narrow segment of qualified submariners, and Gold Country Base is nested in the heart of the Sacramento region. Our existence as an organization seeks broader marketing and advertising to attract submarine-qualified veterans (active duty, reserve, honorably discharged, and retired). Showing up at community events throughout the region is one of the best ways we can accomplish that objective. Observation of the USS Gold Country with crew aboard makes a lasting imprint in the communities we visit, and has gained the Base new members. The eboard reviewed and approved an amendment to the Base Bylaws, Article X (Officers), Section 3 (Executive Board), new sub-section H to read as follows: The Immediate Past Base Commander (IPBC) shall serve as a member of the Gold Country Base Executive Board to provide guidance and support to the Base Commander, as needed, until relieved by the next out-going Base Commander. The position has no voting authority in Base E-Board matters, but votes as a Regular Member, per Article VII of these Bylaws. As mentioned in the prior Commander s Corner, the Annual Holiday Dinner and Awards Night will be held on Thursday, December 8 th from 1800 to 2300 hours the Lake Natoma Inn located at 702 Gold Lake Drive, Folsom CA 9630. The eboard chose a buffet dinner in lieu of individual orders, and a no-host bar. There is more than ample parking including disabled slots. The site is one block north of Sutter Street in Old Folsom. Debbie & I were married here, and the staff welcomes Gold Country crew and family members; they look to provide us with a memorable event. Cost is $45/person. Please send your payment in advance to Base Treasurer Tim Spoon. Last call for payment is the November base meeting. The Base membership present voted on the slate of nominees for Base Commander and Base Secretary. In the coming January 2017 Base meeting, it will be my pleasure to swear in and pass the gavel to Barry Wyatt as the new Base Commander; Bill Hunt will continue as Base Secretary both for a two year term. The Base also witnessed the induction of Charles Mitchell to the Holland Club. Barely a week after the Base meeting, we received notification of the passing of Carol Schmidt, wife of shipmate Lon Schmidt, a primary Mare Island Base and secondary Gold Country Base member. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Services are not planned, as per her wishes. The USSVI annual membership renewal process is coming up. The collection of dues (less what we turn over to National) is our primary source of operating revenue. Our Base Bylaws now includes a provision for Base Life membership for regular members. Once Life membership is paid, the annual dues collection stops. This is an issue for USSVI and its Bases offering Life membership. Please consider making a taxdeductible contribution to the Gold Country Base Booster Club. As part of the general fund, it provides resources for one-time and recurring expenses including submarine trailer upkeep and storage, scholarships, Pearl Harbor Day equipment rentals, Folsom Veteran Hall upkeep, monthly newsletter print/mailing costs, stores purchases, etc. Holland Club Chair Pat Noone has suggested each member pledge $120 annually. Any measure of support is gratefully appreciated, and acknowledged in the newsletter. See you at the November 26 th Base Meeting! Pride Runs Deep! Pete Juhos, Base Commander District Commander, WRD 5 Page 2
What about on giving a sermon on the Kam? Well over time things just happened that showed me what do. I was an aux. member of WWII Vets and had never heard of USSVI. The next Memorial Day ( 99) we went to the Pampanito. That day the ferry from Vallejo to San Francisco was free to veterans. So Lila and I showed up; I met many of the Vallejo Base including a retired chief cook who was wearing a Kam hat. It was from him that I found out Adm. Konetzni was going to be the speaker at the Sub Ball in Vallejo in 2000. In between there was the 99 convention in Reno where I heard Konetzni speak and was invited to sit at the Nautilus table. It was Ray Binns who invited me who also served on the Kam. He was one of the 1st Nautilus nukes. Page 3 In Christ, Howard Grover, Chaplain At last month s meeting I asked members to help to spread the word about our Base by collecting email addresses of Sub Vets they meet or others who might be interested in getting our newsletter. So far the list has grown to 10 thanks to those who have sent them. Send those addresses to me or Tim and we will add them to the distribution list. Please note my new email address: SacSubVet@barrywyatt.com Dose our participation in public events make a difference? The wife and daughter of Robert Roush (Base Member who passed away in March) were setting on the curb as we rolled to a stop during the Veterans Day Parade. His daughter stood up, walked toward us and said, if my Dad was still here he would be with you guys. Then Robert s wife, Sharol, walked over and chatted with us. As we started to move again I looked to see his daughter, her eyes filled with tears. There is no doubt in my mind that those members who put on our uniform and show up for these events are doing their part to fulfill our purpose "To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates and to honor those who are on Eternal Patrol. Barry Wyatt, Editor/PAO Well now it's time to officially make it known that I'll be stepping down as the COB. It has been a great position with lot's of personal satisfaction. It is, health wise, that I feel that I can't give 110% any longer. Speaking with Tom Rumsey, he will be my successor. I appreciate all the support you, the crew, have given me. Thank You All. November has been full of activities. The Titan Drill Meet was great and successful for the NJROTC. I feel honored that we could help them out. They are a pleasure to know and a great group. The Veterans day parade had a large contingent of Sub Vets with DAS BOOT there, however the parade itself was not organized well and created long wait starting time as well at the reviewing stand. There was one thing that made it all worthwhile. There was a lady whose husband had passed away recently who came up to us, at one of the pauses in the flow and told us that, had he been here he would have been with us, his daughter was on the curb tearful. These are the incidence that makes one proud to be of service. I urge each of you to try to participate in as many events that you can, you won't be disappointed. Thanks Again For Your Support Chief of the Boat, Harry Beach "The 2017 USSVI Calendar will be available at the November meeting. The theme is "Classes of Submarines through History". Get yours before they are all gone. MEMBERSHIP As you read this you should have received your annual membership renewal notice if not it is in the mail. Please return quickly as the National Office will change to a new computer system after the first of the year and we would like to have the membership process completed by then. Also the Base now offers a Life Membership option. You do need to be a National Life Member to apply for it. Tim Spoon, Treasurer, Storekeeper, Membership
November USS Albacore (SS-218) Lost on Nov 7, 1944 with the loss of 85 men when she was sunk off northern Hokkaido. Winner of two Presidential Unit Citations, Albacore was on her eleventh war patrol and struck a mine while running submerged near a Japanese patrol craft that had detected her. USS Growler (SS-215) Lost on Nov 8, 1944 with the loss of 86 men when she was sunk in the South China Sea. Winner of two Navy Unit Commendations, Growler was on her 12th war patrol, and was lost while attacking a convoy, probably as a result of a depth USS Scamp (SS-277) Probably sunk on November 16, 1944 with the loss of 83 men near Tokyo Bay. On her 8th war patrol, she may have been damaged by a mine and was trailing oil, which helped Japanese coast defense vessels locate and destroy her with depth charges USS Corvina (SS-226) Lost on Nov 16, 1943 with the loss of 82 men when she was sunk just south of Truk. Corvina was on her 1st war patrol and appears she was lost to the torpedoes of a Japanese submarine. USS Sculpin (SS-191) Lost on Nov 19, 1943 with the loss of 43 men near Truk. Severely damaged by depth charges after attacking an enemy convoy, Sculpin continued to fight on the surface. When the captain was killed, the crew abandoned ship and scuttled Sculpin. 41 men were taken prisoner but only 21 survived the war. Among those not abandoning ship was CAPT Cromwell, aboard as a potential Wolfpack commander, he rode the Sculpin down, fearing that vital information in his possession might be compromised under torture. For this, CAPT Cromwell was posthu- Page 4
November Birthdays Bill Anderson Sam Burks Mike Delleney Ken Ickes George Miyao Tom Moniz Tim Spoon Ernest Frost Jerry Wentland PERKS OF BEING OVER 60 1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you. 2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first. 3. No one expects you to run anywhere. 4. People call at 9pm and ask 'Did I wake you?' 5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac. 6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way. 7. Things you buy now won't wear out. 8. You can eat supper at 4pm. 9. You can live without sex but not your glasses. 10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans. 11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge. 12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room. 13. Your eyes won't get much worse. 14. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather forecast. 15. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either. 16. You can't remember who sent you this list 17. And you notice these are all in 'Big Print' for your convenience. Gold Country Base Officers Base Commander Pete Juhos (916) 208-0667 dsv3.ss1@gmail.com Vice Commander Regy Bronner (916) 543-7370 regybear@aol.com Secretary Bill Hunt (916) 768-8057 bikerbill@sbcglobal.net Treasurer Tim Spoon (916) 966-3354 spoont3@aol.com Membership, Storekeeper & POC Tim Spoon (916) 966-3354 spoont3@aol.com Chaplain Howard Grover (209) 245-4067 hgrover@jps.net Chief of the Boat (COB) Harry Beach (530) 677-9667 Hbeachcp@aol.com Historian Warren Wiederhoeft (916) 771-4876 Warrenw599@comcast.net Newsletter Editor & PAO J. Barry Wyatt (916) 485-6464 SacSubVet@barrywyatt.com Web-Master Rick Reineman rick@reineman.com Holland Club Commander Pat Noone (916) 638-1728 patgrandpa@yahoo.com Eagle Scout Coordinator Gill Miller (916) 354-1008 gemcap646@ranchomurieta.org Awards Chairman Regy Bronner (209) 848-8409 regybear@aol.com Base Photographer Roger Paul (916) 844-7059 rapaulplus@msn.com Navy JROTC Liaison Max Schell (619) 208-6622 max@maxschell.com District 5 Commander Pete Juhos (916) 208-0667 Western Region Director Robert J. Bissonnette (619) 644-8993 Page 5
Gold Country Base would not be able to continue to operate without the generous contribution from those Members, Wives and Friends who donate to Thank you Charles Almgren** Ed Alves** Bill Anderson Harry Beach Don Bell Wane Bellows Bill Bergstrom** Anita Bronner** Regy Bronner** Steve Buchroeder Harvey Canter Don Carman Don Carter** Dennis Cline Fred Dalbello Mike Daly Larry Davis** Mike Delleney Frank Elliott Jack Everett Harold Fisher** Bob Foerst** Jim Foster Howard Grover** Bill Hunt Tony Jacobs Burna Jameson Leslie Jamison Pete Juhos** John Kuester Richard Larson Alvin Lehman Steve Loomis Roger Lemon James Maclean** Jim Mahon** George Mathies** Mike McCoy Rev.Douglas McCready Chuck McKinley** Jerry Mitchell** George Miyao** Tom Moniz Tim Morris Pat Noone** Paul Osborn Roger Paul Rick Reineman Max Rhinehart Ron Rule** Bernie & Evelyn Ritscher Tom Rumsey** Joe Ryan** Lon Schmidt** Tim Spoon** Leonard Stefanelli Fred Stiesberg** Warren Wiederhoeft** Roy Wilhite Larry Williams** Ernie Woods** Randall Woolley David Worth Barry Wyatt** Frank Ziegelmann DD Form 214 Online Gaining access to your DD Form 214 has never been easier. This may be particularly helpful when you need a copy of the DD-214 for employment purposes, Health Care, or Retirement. National Personnel Records Center is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files. Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents. The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to sign access to their dd -214 online: http://vetrecs.archives.gov Paul Abraham Reed, EM1(SS) Departed on Eternal Patrol on October 17, 2016 at the age of 92 Paul joined the Navy in 1941 left in 1947 as a EM1(SS). He qualified on the Snook SS-279 in 1942 and was a Plankowner and he also served on Backfin SS-322 1944-45 (Plankowner), Bashaw SS-241 1946 and Nantahala AO-60 1946-47. Paul joined Sub Vets WWII in October of 1963 and was a Plankowner of the Gold Country Base, a Holland Club Member and a Life Member of USSVI. Page 6
Gold Country Base Meeting Minutes Date, October 22, 2016 CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order @ 13:01. Base Commander Pete Juhos read the USSVI Creed and Purpose and led the Pledge of Allegiance. INVOCATION: Base Chaplain Howard Grover gave the Invocation. TOLLING THE BELL: The Lost Boats for the month of October were read by the BC and the Acting Chief of the Boat tolled the bell once for each Lost Boat with an additional toll for those shipmates on Eternal Patrol. MEMBER INTRODUCTION: There were 18 members and 3 guests in attendance. FORMAL REPORTS: TREASURER / MEMBERSHIP/STORES: Base Treasurer Tim Spoon was not present, recovering from prostate surgery. Base Commander Pete Juhos reported the books are in balance. Gold Country Base does not publicly release financial information in the Newsletter. Any Base member can request a report from Base Treasurer via email. Gold Country Base membership: 114 members in good standing and one new associate member. Dues drive will begin after Nov. 1. Life Membership will be available this year for the Base. You must be a Life Member of USSVI to be eligible for Base Life Membership. 2017 Calendars will be available at the November meeting. PAO / NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Barry Wyatt reported the following: Member biographies are needed for the Base Newsletter. This is a good way to become familiar with the background of the membership. The base will participate in the Elk Grove Veterans Day Parade this year. Meet at the Elk Grove Shopping Center at 9408 Elk Grove-Florin Rd. Check-In is at 0830. Must be in position by 1000. Parade starts at 1100. The Annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Event will once again be held on Dec. 7 at Discovery Park. Participation is encouraged. Barry has parking passes for the event. HOLLAND CLUB CHAIR: Pat Noone officiated the induction of Charles Mitchell into the Holland Club. EAGLE SCOUT CHAIR: Gil Miller reported that a Court of Honor was held at Creekside Christian Church on Oct. 8 at 1300 hours for Kyle Mann. The Base received a nice Thank You card from Kyle. CHAPLAIN REPORT / BINNACLE LIST: Chaplain Howard Grover reported that Tim Spoon underwent prostate surgery on Oct. 20. He is home recovering nicely. OLD BUSINESS: A motion was made to accept the minutes from the September meeting and seconded. The membership voted in favor of approval. The Holiday Dinner will be on Thursday Dec. 8 at the Lake Natoma Inn. Doors open at 1730 with dinner being served at 1800. The menu has been changed to include Chicken and Roasted Mushrooms, Grilled Tri-Tip, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes and a Medley of Winter Vegetables. Ticket price is $45/person. Rooms are available for those who wish to stay the night. NEW BUSINESS Election was held for the positions of Base Commander and Base Secretary. Barry Wyatt was elected as Base Commander and Bill Hunt was re-elected to the Base Secretary. GOOD OF THE ORDER/COMMUNICATIONS: The Titan Battalion of the NJROTC from Luther Burbank High School will host a Drill Meet on Saturday, November 5. The Base will be manning the Snack Bar and 8 10 volunteers are needed. Master Mariner nominations are being solicited. The deadline for submissions to Reggie Bronner is Oct.31. A VA Town Hall meeting will be held on Oct. 25 at 1730 hours at the Mather VA Hospital Complex, Bldg. 650. A proposal was made to hold a raffle for a motorcycle donated by Gerry Wentland. It was suggested that we sell 250 tickets for $50 each. Details to follow. First Call to Morning Chow: 0930 Nov. 14 @ Denny s in Roseville (Sunrise and Douglas). Next Base Meeting: Nov. 26, 2016 MEETING ADJOURNMENT: Base Chaplin gave a closing prayer. Chief of the Boat surfaced the Boat @ 1410 hrs. Submitted by Bill Hunt, Base Secretary Page 7
December 7 th 2016 is the 75 th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. For the past 30 years the greater Sacramento area United States Submarine Veterans have honored that date with a Memorial and Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Discovery Park. The full military ceremony is open to all veterans, active duty personal, their families and the general public as well. If members of your group are planning on attending, please RSVP so that we can add the name of your group to our program and send you free parking passes. Guest Speaker: RADM Winford G.(Jerry) Ellis USN(ret), Director, Undersea Warfare Research Center Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California When: Wednesday, December 7, 2016 0900 (Rain or Shine) Where: Discovery Park, Sacramento, CA More Information: Contact Barry Wyatt, Ceremony Coordinator (916) 485-6464 SacSubVet@barrywyatt.com Please Note! A Parking Pass for admission to the park is required by Sacramento County this year. We will email you as many of those as you need or you can pick-up one up at the Folsom Veterans Hall. Send requests for free Parking Pass to: SacSubVet@barrywyatt.com Page 8
Girl Scouts from Troop 3842 gave each of us a hand made poppy Elk Grove Veterans Day Parade A teacher from Stone Lake Elementary gave each of us a hand-made card from her students. She told us she wanted the kids to understand why the were getting a day off from school. What they wrote on the cards is below (creative spelling included) Thank you Veterans. I am a 6 th grade student at Stone Lake Elementary and I thank you for fighting for our freedom and for us. Sincerely, a 6 th grade student Thank you. Happy Veterans Day. From, Ashlyn The Land of the Free! Thank you! Dear Soliger, You are so brave and courageous! Thank you for surving our country! Love, America from Stone Lake Elementry Thank you! Dear Veteran, I am in 5 th grade and I appreciate your service. From, Derek Thank you! Thank you! Dear Veteran, My name is Elizabeth Natale thank you for making our country have freedom and thank you for saving us from bad people and thank you for your sevece to our country. You re awesome, amazing, and helpful to our country. From: Elizabeth Natale Stone Lake Elementry School 5 th grade Thank you Dear Warrior, Thank you for everything! You guys are the best!!! Thank you for fighting for our freedom! You are the best for risking your lives to help us say what we want to say, to vote, and do what we want. From, Devin Happy Veterans Day! Happy Veterans day, from Kyle S. formal Stone Lake student To some of the most specialest people in the world! Happy Veterans Day Dear Veteran, Thank you for defending us. Thank you for sacrificing yourself to keep us safe. Daniel M. Happy Veteran s Day! Thank you Dear Slodier, Thank you for you severic on help our country. I apesated it. Thank you so so so so so so so so so so so so much! From, Jimena Villasenor-Frado from Stone Lake Elementry 5 th grade Mr. V s class Elk Grove, California Thank you Veterans Dear Veteran, Thank you for serving our country. Stephen Thank you! Dear Veterans, Thank you for helping the country. Happy Veterans Day! Your the greatest! Thanks! Saige Stone Lake Elementary Happy Veterans Day From a Stone Lake Student Dear Veteran, Thank you for serving our country and the Military. Happy Veteran Day! Thank you Veteran for serving and defending our country. Our nation wouldn t be the same without you. Kevin P.S. You re awesome! Happy Veterans Day California Dear Soldiers, Thank you for your bravery and care that you done for the United States of America. God bless you. By: Isabella M. Page 9
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Luther Burbank Titan Battalion Drill Meet Gold Country Base Members and Drill Meet Volunteers, Jerry Weatland, Barry Wyatt, Bill Hunt and Max Schell pose with the winners. Not picture Harry Beach and Namoi Weatland Busy week here trying to wrap-up all the final details from the Titan Drill Meet and answer a zillion questions from teams regarding their scores, trophies, etc... I intended to contact you sooner but this was the first chance I've had all week. Thank you so much for your volunteer help with the Titan Drill Meet!!! I like to call it the 5-Ring circus. :-) As you can see, without solid adult help and supervision the event ends up being very difficult to manage. That was NOT the case at all this year! For the first time in five years I felt like I could breath during the meet. Thank you! Here are the final stats: Gate entry fees: $1,100 Concession: $1,400 (after expenses) - this includes $109 from the 50/50 plus approx $200 for drill down tickets, leaving about $1,100 in food profits. We spent $886 to buy the food. This is approximately five times more food profit than last year (with the same $ input). Total: Approximately $2,500 profit; Thank you! 15 drill teams participated - nearly half the teams traveled from greater than three hours away - one team travelled 12 hours to get here from Utah. 527 cadets attended. Approximately 400 adults (roughly 220 paid at gate) 37 Trophies were distributed to the winning teams - Zero scoring discrepancies (for the first time in three years... and quite possibly ever) Luther Burbank ~ Titan Battalion won! You have helped put the Titan Drill Meet on the map for big time drill meets in California. Teams from across the West Coast are vying to compete here. Page 11 Commander Tom Jones