BASE COMMANDER'S CORNER

October 2009

Ahoy Shipmates,

Convention time was a blast. Wish everyone could have attended.

At the USSVI National Convention our very own Senior Vice Commander Bob Schive helped the Scamp and San Diego Bases pull it off.  I ran into him numerous times including the Base Commanders Breakfast, then dinner at the Banquet with his lovely bride Lyn.  He should bring her to the meetings.

On a more somber note.  David Harnish, past Western Region Director, Subvets RV Club Wagonmaster, and SSMC, Perch and Bremerton Base member was killed on his motorcycle September 19 when he was broadsided by reportedly an 18 year old girl suspected of Drug related DUI, who ran a red light.  Dave lived in Phoenix and was a retired QMCM(SS), having retired in 1978.   He served on a number of submarines and was COB on USS Gurnard 70-72. His last sea duty was aboard USS Dolphin.  Dave was WRD when Bonefish base was Chartered.  He attended the Charter Meeting where he and Michael Bircumshaw breathed life into our Base. He was also present at the San Diego Convention.

We have quite a few people with their pictures on the website.  We need to get the rest of them posted.  Then we need to get your “Then” pictures.  You know when you were young and “Dashing”.  Our Webmaster Bob Cox can fix it that you can compare the both of them.  Send them to me, or Bob Cox to get them posted.  If you need help with this chore, let me know. 

Bonefish Base had a lot of Birthdays in September.  To start our Base Secretary Izar Martinez was born on September 8. Then Life member Kent Weekly was born on September 14.   Also Life member Frank Campbell was born on September 16.  Then last, but not least Holland Club Member John Raplee was born on September 22.

We had a very good “featured Program” at the meeting as Jerry Cornelison gave us a rendition of the Goat on the Boat. Look at our home page and listen to the sound attachment which I recorded at the meeting.

50/50 Opportunity Drawing at the Convention.  I won a piece of it at the Convention Banquet.  Was informed by Michael Bircumshaw it was a total of $350.00 as they gave me $50.00 at the Banquet.

I still have plenty 2009 USSVI Calendars for sale.  And now I have 2010 USSVI Calendars to sell. Contact me to obtain them, and you can pay me or Brick Noyes our Treasurer for them. Price $10.00.

Our next meeting will be at American legion Post 106.  If we can get 20 to commit to eating Lunch I will contact Ingrid and let her know.  Otherwise we will order Pizza again.  The Dominos Pizza guy was happy again last month.  My wife won the 33/33/33 cash drawing and bought the Base lunch.

Call for Committee Reports
SVWWII plaque The report on this item is that donations have exploded.  I tied up the deal with the USSVCF at the Convention for the $1,000.00 Matching Funds.  To date we are $489.67 over the estimate.  Look at the chart that Bob Cox put on this website under Roncador Project.

I have 50% of the estimate with the vendor, approved the design, and they are making it in Minnesota right now.
Michael Bircumshaw has tried to speak with Captain Paul Marconie the CO of Submarine Base San Diego.  He is hoping to have the dedication on the fourth Thursday of October.

For the Good of the Order
October 3, 2009 - Trieste Base is having a picnic at the Temecula Duck Pond from 0900 to 1500.  Contact Kent Weekly to RSVP.

November 11, 2009 is the Murrieta Veterans Day Parade.  Again, Contact Kent Weekly as we should all stick together for a greater showing.

It is time to due it. Talk to your base members who are "annual" members and ask them, politely of course, to get their dues in before the 31st of December.

No one likes chasing down shipmates, and shipmates never want to be bugged about it, but the hard truth is your organization needs the money if SubVets is to function both on a base and national level.

National Dues are only $20.00 per year, but remind them that they can get a 3 year deal for $55.00 and a five year deal for $90.00.

If you are one of the 4,091 annual members who need to renew their membership, please help out your Base Commander by paying your dues early.

Don't let your shipmates lose their longevity toward the Holland Club or miss a copy of the American Submariner.

Keep your Shipmates on board; they are hard to come by. It is easier by far to keep them that it is to find new ones..
Let's have a "Zero Loss" year...

Michael Williamson
USSVI Bonefish Base
(SS)-223 / (SS)-582
www.bonefishbase.org

September 2009

Ahoy Shipmates,

It is Convention time. And I hope you are coming.

As of the August 22, 2009 meeting at American Legion Post 106 we are over 1-year old.  Vice Commander Don Noyes lead us into the New Year.  When we started we had 8 members, today we show 33 on the National Website.  For those who don’t know - we have another website related to the National Website http://www.ussvi.org/base/bonefish.asp.  It is my hope that more people will visit this address as it is theirs.  And the Treasurer Brick Noyes is going to be updating it as he now has the tools to do so.  He has just updated one of our long distance members William Lee Newman as I received a message from him and the Post Office of the change.

USSVI National Convention
Our very own Bob Schive attended the meeting of Volunteers in San Diego.  He even made it back in town soon enough to attend our meeting. He stated it was short and sweet.

We have quite a few people with their pictures on the website.  Now we need to get your “Then” pictures.  You know when you were young and “Dashing”.  Our Webmaster Bob Cox can fix it that you can compare the both of them.  Send them to me, or Bob Cox to get them posted.  If you need help with this chore, let me know.  (To date we have none, WTF over)

Dual member LeRoy Vick had a Birthday on August 07, 2009, as well as our Webmaster Bob Cox had his Birthday August 18, 2009.  I will not say how old they are.  Or the difference of time between them is.  Only it was a long time.

We had a very good “featured Program” at the meeting as Jacques Abels and Frank Campbell gave us a good reading of the USS Threshers 4th War Patrol with a small prelude from Jac about the Jap Invasion of Australia which the USS Thresher was an integral part of thwarting.  Look at our home page and listen to the sound attachment which I recorded at the meeting.

San Diego 52 Boats Memorial is still a work in progress.  13 years in fact as per Doug Smay, the Secretary of the San Diego Chapter of the SVWWII.  We donated $100 to the cause to finish this project.  We also needed a one line inscription which read: USSVI WRD6 USS Bonefish (SS)-223 / (SS)-582 Redlands California.  We received a letter from Doug Smay acknowledging this and thanks for the donation.

50/50 Opportunity Drawing at the Convention.  We received the last tickets at the meeting on 08-22-2009 for the Convention.  If there are more… I have not heard from you.  This is a good chance to build up our Treasury.

I still have plenty 2009 USSVI Calendars for sale.  Contact me to obtain them, and you can pay me or Brick Noyes our new Treasurer for them.  Price $10.

Our next meeting will be at American legion Post 106.  If we can get 20 to commit to eating Lunch I will contact Ingrid and let her know.  Otherwise we will order Pizza again.  The Dominos Pizza guy was very happy last month.

Call for Committee Reports
SVWWII plaque.  The report on this item is that we have had a remarkable increase in the support of this item since the last meeting.  To date we have had $900 come in from the Scamp Base in the way of Base support.  Along with a promise from a former San Diego Base CO by the name of Mark Patton of $200.  To date we just received a donation from LA Pasadena Base which puts us within $22.50 of the 50% needed to start the project.  I will cover that deficit at this time.

Volunteers were requested at the meeting 08-22-2009
Volunteers were requested for the following positions at Bonefish Base.  Chaplain: Donald Noyes, Storekeeper: George Riollo, Junior Vice Commander: Johnny Meyer. And Senior Vice Commander: No one stood forward at the meeting. But after, Bob Schive did, so be it.

Membership Committee
At the August meeting we had a visitor named Stephen Liles.  I know this guy from somewhere.  I gave the man an application so we hope he will become a member of our ranks.  By the way, throw all your old applications away as we now have a new, updated one thanks to Bob Cox our Webmaster.  Thank you Bob.

For the Good of the Order
Last month I received a letter from John H. Martin of the Disabled American Veterans from Pennsylvania Chapter 90.  He was requesting a Base Patch for an exhibit he was making.  I sent him one I had purchased as I believe our Creeds are the same.  I asked him for a report in exchange for a patch and one of our cards.

Michael Williamson
USSVI Bonefish Base
(SS)-223 / (SS)-582
www.bonefishbase.org

August 2009

Ahoy Shipmates,

Well I have been back almost month, and we have been busy.

As of the April 25, 2009 meeting at American Legion Post 106 we were 1 - year old.  Vice Commander Don Noyes lead us into the New Year.  Where we started we had 8 members, today we show 33 on the National Website.  For those who don’t know.  We have another website related to the National Website http://www.ussvi.org/base/bonefish.asp.  It is my hope that more people will visit this address as it is theirs.  And the Treasurer Brick Noyes is going to be updating it as he now has the tools to do so.

On July 4th there was a couple of our base members who attended the Red, White and Cruise 4th of July Parade at Fontana Raceway.  I will not name names as I may forget someone.  But I heard the wind, and heat was pretty bad. T. Michael Bircumshaw pulled the Bonefish Float which was built by the Trieste Base.  Johnny Meyer was there in Mariah, along with Jerry Cornelison.

We have quite a few people with their pictures on the website.  Now we need to get your “Then” pictures.  You know when you were young and “Dashing”.  Our Webmaster Bob Cox can fix it that you can compare the both of them.  Send them to me, or Bob Cox to get them posted.  If you need help with this chore, let me know.

Bonefish Base has a Historian.  You guessed it… it is our very own COB Johnny Meyer.  We have a small “Library” and you can contact him to check out books on a certain subject.  You guessed it… Submarines.

The Base has taken out a 1/8 page in the 2009 USSVI Convention magazine (Booklet).  For $35.00 It is my hope we bring more people to our friendly Base.

Dues? Dues?, who has the Dues?  It is getting to be the time to be thinking about renewing your dues if you do not have a Life interest already.  Speaking of that, National has sent me the 2010 decals for the “permanent” membership cards.  See me at the next meeting.  Or if you can’t make it, contact me.

50/50 Opportunity Drawing at the Convention.  Those of you at the last meeting know all about this as Brick the new Treasurer handed 5 to each member present at the last meeting.  We get 50% of the $10.00 for each of these tickets for the Base.  So it is important to sell as many of these as we can.  Plus there is a chance to win some cash back. I have sold 3- times my quota.  Now I need to hear who needs some more?  Do not delay as the Convention is next month.

I still have plenty 2009 USSVI Calendars for sale.  Contact me to obtain them, and you can pay me or Brick Noyes our new Treasurer for them.  Price $10.00.

Our next meeting will be at American legion Post 106.  I will send out an email to members who will attend.  If we can get 20 to commit to eating Lunch I will contact Ingrid and let her know.  Otherwise we will order Pizza again.  The Dominos guy was very happy last month.

Call for Committee Reports
SVWWII plaque.  The report on this item is pretty much the same as last month.  I received word from the Scamp Base Commander they are sending what they deem to be their donation $340.00.  It was reported to me by the Vice Commander, and COB that Trieste Base will not be donating to the cause (though I did not see the vote in their Minutes). They attended the Trieste Base meeting at the Trieste Base Vice Commander’s home in June.  That is where the vote took place.  To date Bonefish Base has donated the largest sum to the effort at $370.00.  As soon as we get $1,000.00 we can get assistance from the National Charitable “Memorial” Fund.

52 Boat Memorial Park should be finished pretty soon as we donated $100.00 so this can be finished.  The $100.00 was appropriated at the last meeting.  We also added the inscription for the plaque and sent with the check.

Membership Committee
Last month I was told we had some new members.  I did not meet them at the last meeting so I do not know who they are yet.  I met two fellows who want to join.  They have just come back from a long range fishing trip. I gave them Applications. Speaking of Applications, I have revised ours since we have a new Treasurer.  If you have any old ones, recycle them.

Michael Williamson
USSVI Bonefish Base
(SS)-223 / (SS)-582
www.bonefishbase.org

July 2009

Ahoy Shipmates,

Well it has been a long time since I put out the Base Commanders B.S. page.

The April 25, 2009 meeting was at American Legion Post 106.  I was not present because I had to take a state engineering license test at the Pomona Fairplex.  Vice Commander Don Noyes took over and did a more than adequate job running the meeting.  See the minutes on the website.

I also played hooky for the May 30 meeting as I took off on my motorcycle for Washington state. Silverdale to be exact for the SVWWII / USSVI WRD4 Conference.  Now you probably ask yourself why a Base Commander in WRD6 would want to go there.  Well I read the POC message and found that one of the tours was to Deterrent Park, and the Tridents on Kitsap Submarine Base.  I had known that the USS Bonefish (SS)-223 Memorial was there.  And the picture on the National website was pixelated (poor scan).  This was my chance to get good pictures for the website.

I met so many great people up there.  To name a couple John Mansfield the WRD4 Commander, Red Bassler the Commander of Bremerton Base.  Without those two guys my mission would not have been completed.  You see the Memorial was not in the Deterrent Park.  It was inside of a high security building which had a small park inside of it.  Kind of like the Pentagon.  I met the CO of the base, a four striper which reminded of my third CO on Bonefish.  I also met guys like PNC Tudor Davis (we went to the “Horse and Cow” along with a bunch of others), and WRD Jim Dunn.  They all made me feel like family.  I met our NC Pat Householder, and the keynote speaker at the banquet was none other than Bob Opple who is the Commander of the SSMC (Silent Service Motorcycle Club) which I am a “Plank Member”.  I had a great time.

I met a couple of the guys I met there at the B-girls Reunion in Portland too.  There I met up with Base member Kent Weekly, and a bunch of other Shipmates.  We had a real good time. I had a little over 2000 miles on the bike when I returned home.  My butt has forgiven me now.

When I returned home I had about a week to get things in order.  Then on 06-10-2009 my mother and I hopped on Virgin Airlines at LAX and red eyed it all the way to London England.  Spent the next day recuperating from the 10 hour flight.  Then the next day we hopped on SAS Airlines and flew to Gothenburg, Sweden.  From there I rented a car from Hertz (a Ford Focus Station wagon) and we headed North.  Spent the next nine days driving around Sweden.  It was trial by fire learning how to drive in a non-English country.  I think I saw 3 stop signs the whole time there.  But we survived with only one flat tire.  We met more family than we knew we had.  We stayed with a 2nd cousin a few days who helped us celebrate “Mid-summer”.  It was a learning experience.  We made contact with the family of Associate member William Anderson a coworker of mine also.  The best way to sum up Sweden: Clean, Green, Friendly people, and good food (and beer).

We then flew back to London where we had three days before we hopped on the Queen Mary II in South Hampton.  The second day there we hopped on a rail to Paddington Station.  From there I hailed a taxi who took us to the “London Eye”.  Having only one real day to explore London I recommend it as on a clear day you can see for 20 miles they say.  We were blessed with a clear day and we could see everywhere because the “Eye” is a giant Ferris wheel with clear capsules.  Each capsule holds 20 people which get one complete revolution of the Ferris wheel.  It moved so slow you hardly noticed it was moving.  I took a lot of pictures.  Then we walked across the Thames river, walked below Big Ben, and onward to St. James Park.  Then Buckingham Palace on to Hyde Park.  Then back to Paddington Station.  Then rested on the rail back to London Heathrow.

Then we boarded the Queen Mary II after a bus trip to South Hampton for a 6 day cruise to New York. We took the Northern Atlantic Route (the same as the Titanic).  There were iceberg warnings so the Captain told us he was going a little further South to avoid them.  There were calm seas 1-4 foot waves all the way across.  We did 25 knots most of the way across.  There was good food, shows, and a library.  The only Submarine book they had was “Hitler’s U-Boats Missions”.  It was about four inches deep and I left well enough alone.

The next meeting will be at the American Legion Post 106 again.  Ingrid our lovely Auxiliary hostess has not re-contacted me as of this writing.  I am told that Don Noyes will ask for a list of who is eating for a head count.

I still have plenty 2009 USSVI Calendars for sale.  Contact me to obtain them, and you can pay me or Brick Noyes our new Treasurer for them.  Price $10.00.

Call for Committee Reports
SVWWII plaque estimate has come in.  It is posted in the Website.  Not on the front page anymore, but here in the BASE COMMADERS CORNER in February 2009.  The WRD6 Commander Bob Miller has requested each Base in WRD6 participate with equal contributions to pay for this.  I also sent a letter requesting assistance from the USSVI Charitable Foundation Memorial Fund for assistance before I left for overseas.  I am told they can contribute up to $1,000 for our cause.  That would be over and above what Bob Miller requested from the other Bases.  If we get too much money I feel we should put what’s left back into the USSVI Charitable Foundation Memorial Fund.  There was a complaint from one person in San Diego stating that the 52 Boat Memorial Park should be finished before anymore memorials start.  He suggested that each base donate $100 so this can be finished.  Later he recanted what he said.  I have been told that the $100 has been appropriated at the last meeting. And the money for the SVWWII plaque is also earmarked.  Keep up with the raffles you guys, as that is where this money is coming from (along with dues).  So far I have heard nothing from the other Bases, or the USSVI Charitable Foundation Memorial Fund on this item.

Membership Committee
I am told we have some new members.  Don Noyes and Johnny Meyer are perfecting the Base Prospectus.  Brick Noyes recently gave me a copy from the National website which he is now perfecting.

It has long been a point of pride for Bases and Boat Associations to add welcoming messages to the Annual Convention booklet.

If your Base does not yet have a page in the 2009 convention booklet, there are still lots of room left in the 2009 convention booklet, but not much time.

Full Gloss Color
Full (7.5" x 10"): $150.00
Half Page: $ 90.00
Quarter Page: $ 50.00
Eighth Page: $ 35.00

Full Gloss Black and White
Full : 125.00
Half : 80.00
Quarter : 45.00
Eighth : 30.00

Call me (Mike Bircumshaw) at 951-541-0900 and get your ad into the booklet.  This will be a full color or black & white magazine sized publication that will be give to everyone in attendance at the convention in September.

Time is short and I must have your adv piece no later than Aug 1st, so reserve your space today!

Until next month.

Michael Williamson
USSVI Bonefish Base
(SS)-223 / (SS)-582
www.bonefishbase.org

April 2009

Ahoy Shipmates,

March was one of those busy months!

The March 28, 2009 meeting was at American Legion Post 106.  I thought February was a large meeting.  March even surprised me more.

Last meeting we moved that we donate $50 for Kaps 4 Kids through the USSVI Charitable Fund.  Len Heiselt the Commander of Scamp Base informed me that only four people will be able to enter Loma Linda Children’s Hospital due to the Flu season.

USSVI donated $1,000.00 for Sailor of the Year.  They also solicited the Bases for a $50.00 donation.  It was so moved.

The next meeting will be at the American Legion Post 106 again.  Ingrid our lovely Auxiliary hostess has told me that we are going to have Tri-Tip Roast.  I will send out for a list to you for a head count. Unfortunately I will not be at the next 3 meetings.

I still have plenty 2009 USSVI Calendars for sale.  Contact me to obtain them, and you can pay me or Frank Campbell for them. Price $10.00.

Call for Committee Reports
The Dolphin Committee is looking for “Docents”.  Then we can have events on board such as sleepovers and weddings.

March 2009

Ahoy Shipmates,

February sure was a busy month!

The February 28, 2009 meeting was at American Legion Post 106.  It was our largest meeting all year.  Much due to the Meyer family who came from as far as Kentucky to see Johnny get his Holland Club Award.

February 22, 2009, our very own Ronald L. Durling left us and went on Eternal Patrol.  He has a very nice family and they thanked us for our participation in the celebration of his life.  The family requested that I be a pall bearer and wear my vest to signify to all the fraternity Ron was a part of.  The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department had representatives there also.  Sailor Rest Your Oar.
 
We had a new member show up as well. His name is Joe D. Canchola.  And since our National POC, and Webmaster was present, Joe is also listed on the attendance list on the Website, with a picture too.  If you have not had your picture taken for the Website please send one to me or the Webmaster.  Or we can take it on March 28, 2009.

The next meeting will be at the American Legion Post 106 again.  When I receive the menu from Ingrid our lovely Auxiliary hostess with the mostess I will send it out to you for a head count.

I still have plenty 2009 USSVI Calendars for sale.  Contact me to obtain them, and you can pay me or Frank Campbell for them. Price $10.00.

Call for Committee Reports
Kaps 4 Kids: I informed everyone present that we needed to donate $50 to the USSVI Charitable Fund for this charity.  Treasurer Frank Campbell was appointed the task of sending that check.

Also USSVI donated $1,000.00 for the SOY (Sailor of the Year) which was awarded at Point Loma Submarine Base on 02/28/2009.  National has solicited a donation from all the bases of $50.00 recommended.  I appointed this chore to our capable Treasurer Frank Campbell to distribute those funds.

The Dolphin Committee is looking for “Docents”.  Then we can have events on board such as sleepovers and weddings.

SVWWII plaque estimate has come in.   It is posted on the Website.

Nominating Committee for 2009 Base Officers: Kent Weekly bucked up to the task of being our 3rd on the committee.

Membership Committee
Four people have been dropped from National:

1. Ronald L. Durling
2. Joseph Ferreta
3. Bob Schive
4. Fred Tredy

There was some discussion as to how Bob Schive could join last month and become Dink this month.  Which was deemed highly impossible?

Treasurer Frank Campbell was putting together a list, and Vice Commander Don Noyes and COB Johnny Meyer was to assist him in straightening out the Dink list for both National and Base dues.

Memorials and Ceremonies
Ronald L. Durling went on Eternal Patrol 02/22/2009 at about 0200.  Visitation was Wednesday, 02/25/2009 at Cortner Chapel Redlands California.  Mass of Christian Burial was Thursday 02/26/2009 at 1300 at St. Adelaide Catholic Church, 27457 East Baseline Highland, California.  Shipmates there to see him off that I know were: Don Noyes, Jerry Cornelison, Izar Martinez, and Johnny Meyer.

Johnny Meyer received his Holland Club Award with much “Pomp and Circumstance” due to support from his family and shipmates.  Congratulations Johnny!  Pictures are posted on the Website.

Riverside “Salute to Veterans” Parade, April 18, 2009.  Same drill as last month.  Everyone will muster with Kent Weekly, Commander of Trieste Base in an effort to keep everyone representing USSVI as a whole.  I know for sure that there will be two states representing the WRD6 of USSVI.  Currently I have six persons including myself who will represent the Bonefish Base. Jerry Cornelison, Bob Cox, Brick Noyes, Don Noyes, Johnny Meyer and of course “Mariah” the 1931 Ford Towne Sedan.  She moves like the wind, makes coffee, and dresses up quite nicely.

News From National
=========================================================
CHARITABLE-01: Your Subvets Charitable Foundation - An Overview
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 2/28/2009
---------------------------------------------------------
Your USSV Charitable Foundation (USSVCF) is administered by a Board of Directors made up of non-paid elected and appointed members.

The expenses incurred by your Charitable Foundation are minimal and consist of expenses such as postage, certificates, website fees, stationary supplies, and informative brochures.

Your foundation was approved for tax exemption under Section 501 (C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code on December 5, 2000.

To facilitate the many activities that may arise, we have split the foundation into various dedicated funds.

The General Fund is established to accept general donations to the Charitable Foundation. If you wish to donate to the 'SubVet' Charitable Foundation and do not have a fund program preference, just donate to the USSVCF General Fund.

The Subvets Brotherhood Fund is set up to benefit both the Active Service Submariners as well as Submarine Veterans. The purpose of this fund is to provide emergency relief to SubVets in the case of catastrophic situations, and to annually provide additional financial support to the Active Service Submariners through the SubLant and SubPac Caring and Sharing programs.

The Memorials Fund are set up to act as a tax deductible means to aid in the construction, maintenance and repair of submarine related memorials, Many of these existing memorial sites were originally constructed, repaired and maintained by SubVets of WWII, but most are being turned over to the USSVI Base volunteers that devote their precious spare time to insure the presentability of our heritage. In addition, USSVI is building additional memorials.

The Scholarship Fund is exclusively directed toward providing part of the bridge spanning the gap between the educational resources the Submarine Veteran's candidate child has available and what may be needed to advance their education and knowledge acquisition.

The Submarine Library Fund is established to facilitate the procurement of submarine related books, videos and other media.

Submarine Museum Boat Fund: The maintenance and repair of these submarines is often performed by volunteer Subvet groups and USSVI member bases. This fund is intended to aid these groups with financial assistance to obtain the necessary materials to accomplish these labors of love.

To donate via check, make it to USSVCF and memo line the specific fund you prefer (if any) and send it to:

USSVI
ATTN: USSVCF
PO Box 3870
Silverdale WA  98383

To make an online donation, click on the link below.
http://www.guidestar.org/pqShowGsReport.do?npoId=1156727&partner=justgive

Until next month.

Michael Williamson
USSVI Bonefish Base
(SS)-223 / (SS)-582
www.bonefishbase.org

February 2009

Ahoy Shipmates,

January has come and gone!

The January 24, 2009 meeting was at American Legion Post 106 which went according to plan.  Jacques Abels shared a very detailed recollection of his War Patrols.  I hope he will share with us again.

We had a new member brought in by Jerry Cornelison.  His name is Bob Schive.  And since our National POC, and Webmaster was present, he is also listed on the attendance list on the Website, with a picture I might add.  We will be taking more pictures for the Website on February 28, 2009.

The next meeting will be at the American Legion Post 106 again.  Ingrid our lovely Auxiliary hostess with the mostess is serving a Winter Beef Stew, with salad and dessert for $7.00.  Give me a call or email to give me a head count before February 25, 2009.

I still have plenty 2009 USSVI Calendars for sale.  Contact me to obtain them, and you can pay me or Frank Campbell for them.  Price $10.00.

Call for Committee Reports
On December 31, 2008 Bonefish Base was sent a letter in response to the donation we sent to the US Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation in response to the Doug Jensen Fund.  I have asked the Webmaster to post a scan of the letter on this Website (here).

Membership Committee
I have signed up one Associate member, and Jerry Cornelison has brought in one Shipmate.  I have also communicated with one gentleman from Ontario CA. who I hope comes to the next meeting.  Dead line for membership renewals become “dink” this month after National granted an extension.  It is my hope the Treasurer has it straightened out.  Membership Committee should also be helping him out.

Memorials and Ceremonies
We have two Base members which have been inducted into the Holland Club.  John Raplee who we presented his certificate, patch, and ID card.  And our COB Johnny Meyer.  I am currently working with Frank Lister the Holland Club Chairman to get his package for the meeting on February 28, 2009.  I might add that Johnnies daughter Elaine will be flying out from Kentucky for the presentation.

On the subject that we should organize a committee to raise funds and arrange for a larger, more obvious plaque to honor the Submarine Veterans of WWII for having part in the building of the Roncador Memorial.  I have located a company willing to take on the project.  After much correspondence a design has surface along with a price tag over $3,000.00.  I am going to get a second opinion/quote.  At least we have a design now which is 24”x36”.  I asked our webmaster to post a copy of the design for your opinions also.  Note that current plaque is approx. 4”x6” in size and already posted on the Website.

Riverside “Salute to Veterans” Parade, April 18, 2009.  It has been decided that everyone will muster with Kent Weekly, Commander of Trieste Base in an effort to keep everyone representing USSVI as a whole.  I know for sure that there will be two states representing the WRD6 of USSVI.  Currently I have six persons including myself who will represent the Bonefish Base.  Jerry Cornelison, Bob Cox, Brick Noyes, Don Noyes, Johnny Meyer and of course “Mariah” the 1931 Ford Towne Sedan.  She moves like the wind, makes coffee, and dresses up quite nicely.

News From National
=========================================================
NEWS-04: SUBMARINE WAR PATROL REPORTS
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 2/19/2009
---------------------------------------------------------
At the end of each war patrol of WW II, submarine commanders created a report on the patrol. These reports were used as the raw material to inform intelligence, improve tactics, evaluate commanders, etc.

During WW II, over 1,550 patrol reports containing approximately 63,000 pages were generated. During the 1970s these were photographed and reproduced on microfilm to make them more easily accessible and easily reproduced (approx. 250 rolls).

During 2008 a copy of this microfilm was scanned into digital format (110 GB), and in 2009 it was made available online here (14 GB).

These war patrol reports were written during a deadly, bitterly fought war. Please note that there may be some references to enemy forces that may be offensive in today's context.

BRAVO ZULU to John Clear and Dan Martini who did all the work on getting these reports copied by a commercial outfit off of microfiche from the
Undersea Museum in Keyport, Washington where John works part time. Dan also lives in Washington but in the Tri-City area.

This site contains all WWII patrol reports and it's free!
http://hnsa.org/doc/subreports.htm

Until next month.

Michael Williamson
USSVI Bonefish Base
(SS)-223 / (SS)-582
www.bonefishbase.org

January 2009

Ahoy Shipmates,

Boy, did December fly by.  Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and safe Happy New Year.

The December 21, 2008 meeting at Ballast Point / Point Loma, San Diego went well.  We had participants from three bases I know of, and the NJVC.  The Christmas Party went very well and we had plenty of grub along with the beautiful ladies of many of the members.  Even the Commanding Officer of the Submarine Base showed up with his family.  After the meeting at the Roncador SS/AGSS-301 Monument we collected the ladies and went for a tour on the USS Helena SSN-725.  Man, I am here to tell you.  It has been a long time since I was down on one of those sharks.  And I am sure it is because I am packing 50lbs more than when I was serving.  I was starting to sweat.  And that boat was 100 ft. longer than the SS-582!  Of course they would not let us in the engineering spaces for fear of letting out the zoomies.  But I did get to see their back-up generator which was a full-on 38ND8-1/8 Fairbanks Morse.  I felt truly excited as I had not seen one since I left the SS-582.  The meeting photographs are here.

Call for Committee Reports
I still have 2009 USSVI Calendars for sale.  Contact me to obtain them, and you can pay me or Frank Campbell for them. Price $10.00.

On December 8, 2008 USSVI NC Pat Householder sent out a FLASH – 01:  A Shipmate in Dire Straights! Submitted by John Peters USSVCF Exec Director.  They started a Doug Jenson fund within the Brotherhood Fund of USSVCF and made an emergency donation of $1,000.00.  Doug lives in Friendship, WI and on November 22, 2008 had a house fire and lost his house, furnishings, and vehicles in the garage.  He made it out of the house with burns and loss of hair, even his eyebrows.  He is fine, but has lost everything.  I sent him a Christmas card at 1098 County Road J, Friendship, WI 53934.  Bonefish Base passed the hat by way of email and Treasurer Frank Campbell sent a check yesterday to the Doug Jenson Fund within the Brotherhood Fund of USSVCF, USSVI Office in Silverdale, PO Box 3870, Silverdale WA 98383.

Memorials and Ceremonies
Ron Durling is up and around on a walker after having fallen and broke his hip.  He would like calls and correspondence from Shipmates to help pass the time.  Long distance Shipmate Dennis “Frenchy” Fuqua went in for “Quad” Bypass Surgery.  I have been told by his lovely wife Barbara that he is doing well, and is in rehabilitation. Thank you for your prayers.

Don't forget to renew your BASE membership as well!

Thanks, Shipmates!

Michael Williamson
USSVI Bonefish Base
(SS)-223 / (SS)-582
www.bonefishbase.org

November 2008

Ahoy Shipmates,

I missed getting this out for the month of November.  Boy did it go by with a whirl.  I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

The November 22, 2008 meeting at the Mexico Café went well I believe.  We had a total of eight members, along with four lovely wives which attended. I heard good and bad things about the food.  We also had Al Kilpatrick and his lovely wife who had been vacationing in Maine all summer.  It was good to see them again.

Call for Committee Reports
I picked up 50- 2009 USSVI Calendars from USSVI Jr. Vice Commander Michael Bircumshaw at the Scamp Base Food Fest.  We are now currently selling them. Contact me to obtain them, and you can pay me or Frank Campbell for them. Price $10.00.

“Tour San Diego Sub Base with USSVI Trieste Base”
Base Commander Kent Weekly has scheduled the tour along with a potluck lunch at “Smugglers Cove” on Ballast Point Naval Submarine Base.  Trieste Base had decided to have their December meeting at this function.  I brought forward to the members present that we should do that also. It was voted unanimous to do so.  December 09, 2008 is the deadline to get your first and last name, and last four of your SSN to Kent Weekly in order to attend.  The meeting will be 12/21/2008 1200 to 1600.  Kent’s information is at www.triestebase.org.

Memorials and Ceremonies
The Dolphin (555) Committee member Brick Noyes said he has been in contact with Jr. Vice Commander Michael Bircumshaw.  More to come.

I have been told that Ron Durling is out of Rehab for his broken hip, but confined temporarily to a walker.  He would like correspondence and calls from shipmates.

Dennis “Frenchy” Fuqua, one of our long distance members and has had to have quad bypass heart surgery performed.  I have been told by his lovely wife Barbara that he is doing well, and is in rehabilitation.  Thank you for your prayers.

Social Events
American Legion Post 106 had a Thanksgiving feast on 11/23/2008 which was cooked up by the Auxiliary Chef Ingrid Coopman.  I might add that it was very delectable.  Donations went to Jerry L. Pettis VA Hospital and probably was the best feast for this holiday for me.  I hope Mom is not reading this.  Following that feast we went to the Trieste Base meeting in Murrieta where unfortunately we did not stay for the meal.  I did though win the donation I brought to be raffled off (Hunt for Red October DVD), and the Naval Manual “United States Submarine Operations in World War II”.  Lots of good reading ahead there.  And a “Gold” Dolphin belt buckle which I promptly sent to shipmate Lt. Mark Buxton whom I served with on USS Bonefish (SS)-582.

Murrieta Veterans Day Parade was a great success. Jr. Vice Commander Michael Bircumshaw was there along with people from Bonefish, Scamp, and Trieste Bases.  They even fed us hot dogs, chips, and water at the end.  And we had the Marine ROTC to carry the Scamp Base Banner as we waddled through the parade route.

Awards
Our very own John Raplee has been inducted into the Holland Club.  Unfortunately he was unable to attend the meeting on 11/22/2008 due to shoulder surgery.  He has also informed me he will be unable to attend the next meeting on 12/21/2008 due to the same problem.  Let us pray he will be well enough to allow us to present him with this award at the January meeting next year. This is a big deal to be Qualified in Submarines 50 years.  On the same note I sent at the request of William Newman his award as work will not allow him to attend any meetings until next year sometime after the winter months.

News From National
====================================================================
NEWS-04: Subvets win best Veterans Organization Entry in Auburn WA Veterans Day Parade.
Submitted by: Office on 11/20/2008
---------------------------------------------------------
Auburn WA: Bremerton, Seattle, South Sound Bases along with a contingent of Trident Training Facility (TTF) students and staff participated in the annual Auburn Veterans parade this past Saturday, Nov 8th, also with the USS Bonefish and the Cold War submarine floats. National Commander Pat Householder was an official dignitary in the parade as well.

This Annual event is probably the largest veterans day parade in the West.

Michael Williamson
USSVI Bonefish Base
(SS)-223 / (SS)-582
www.bonefishbase.org

October 2008

September 2008

Ahoy Shipmates,

I am going to attempt to give you an update in the Base Commander's Corner of the Website each month.  I will use this space to cover important USSVI items to the Base, Region, and National.

I was very impressed with Kent Weekly’s find and the reading of the letter from the CO’s wife of the USS Bonefish (SS-223) covering the particulars of the war at that time, the incident, and the awards which were bestowed to the (SS-223).  I will forward it to our Webmaster and he will scan the letter and post it on the history page of this website.  It is truly amazing that Kent found the letter in that book of lost submarines.

Also you all should know that our monthly meeting on October 25th will not be at the American Legion 106 in Redlands.  We could not seem to be able to work into their schedule.  The new place is listed on the Main Menu of our website.  I have also been told that they would like to have us for our December meeting also.  So let’s see what the Mexico Café is like and decide.  Thank Frank Campbell for suggesting them.

Home Town Heroes Parade in Loma Linda
To be held October 19, 2008, prior to 10AM staging on Barton Road West Bound towards Anderson Street.  More information to come.  I have received permission from Len Heislet the Commander of Scamp Base to use the Catfish float.  Base member Jim Hayes and I are going to pick it up the day before in Fallbrook.  We will store it over night at his place in Riverside, and he will tow it to Loma Linda the next morning for the Parade. Johnny Meyer will also be there in his Model A “Mariah”, the official vehicle of Bonefish Base.  Trieste Base is also going to support us by attending.  I have been contacting Base Commanders in WRD6 to see if they can attend also.  A couple have responded and they have put out the word at their Base meetings.  Thank you to Jim Hayes, Johnny Meyer, and Trieste Base for your support in this matter.

On the Dolphin (555) Committee
We need one Shipmate to step forward.  This message just in from our National Jr. Vice Commander:

News From National
=====================================================
Shipmates,

What I am looking for here is to establish a liaison committee to work with the Maritime Museum and Western District Six, which might further enable us to utilize the Dolphin for "District / Base" projects and to financially reward all of the bases participating in District Six. More than anything it is a "Think Tank" committee. No body has to scrape and paint.. Just think and say..

Best,
T. Michael Bircumshaw, EMCM (SS) USN Ret
USSVI National Junior Vice Commander 2008-2010
951-541-0900
"Any Subject - Any Time

Thank you to everybody for making this Base possible.

Michael Williamson
USSVI Bonefish Base
(SS-223) / (SS-582)
www.bonefishbase.org