POCONO
BASE –USSVI-MEETING MINUTES
19 January 2005
Meeting called to order at 1920
at the American Legion Post 413, Pocono
Pines, PA by Commander Jeff
Owens. The Purpose of the Organization was read. The loss of each of
the 3 boats and 240 crewmen lost during the
month of January, and a special mention of two current submariners lost
on the USS SanFrancisco, and USS Nebraska were recognized. A
moment of silence followed. Chaplain Vaughan
offered a prayer for our departed shipmates and asked a blessing on our
meeting, our organization and our country’s leaders. Members present
recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call: Members present
were: Frank McDevitt, Bob Vaughan, John Saeli, Jeff Owens,
Michael Smith, Rich Holmes
Guests: None
Due to snow conditions there was limited attendance and there was not a
quorum present.
The Minutes: Secretary was
absent. No minutes were taken in December because the meeting was
strictly a Xmas party.
Treasurer’s Report: No report
was available because the Treasurer was absent.
Committees Reports:
Membership: John Saeli reported the current member count is 43.
He reminded that the dues are past due after 1 Jan 2005 and seven (7)
men had not yet renewed. Final notices will be mailed out in the
next couple weeks.
No other committees had reports due to lack of attendance or business
to report.
Correspondence: None
Old Business:
U.S. Flag: The
matter of procuring a U.S. flag was again raised. No one has
offered a donated flag to date. A proper flag for our new staff
must be purchased before a situation occurs where one might be required
on short notice. Tabled for lack of quorum.
Sub Vets License Tag:
The Penna. vehicle license plate status was discussed regarding the
suitability of design and whether the program will be for USSVI members
only. Getting reply to requests from
the self appointed person issuing information has been negative in
clearing up any questions. The plate series is reportedly in
production, and availability details expected to be announced in the
near future.
Roster to be Issued:
The newsletter editor was reminded that a vote last year was taken to
authorize any additional funds needed to include a copy of the current
base roster with the 2nd quarter issue so that each man will have a
list of members and their contact information.
Magazine Donation Program:
Jeff Owens reminded members that the collection of past issues of
"American Submariner" (or other submarine related magazines) are still
desired for donation to be distributed
to the VA Hospital and VA Home. To date none have been brought
in. Rather than discard or recycling your past issues, please
bring them to the meeting, and they will be given out to these places
for reading by residents and patients. Issues not more than one
year old are desired.
New Business:
Base Historian :
Doug Stevens previously volunteered to be the base Historian /
Archivist to gather and preserve base news and materials re
activities. Specific duties have not been established.
Discussion related to the original historian, who was deduced to be,
George Williams, a charter member, who seems to have drifted away with
no one offering any knowledge of where he might be. He is
reported to have been given some materials, especially in relation to
Base founding activities, and it would be good if we could locate him
and find their return. Any officer or member who might be able to
provide information is urged to do so.
Bereavement and Welfare:
The organization of procedures and circumstances for the Base to
respond to sick members or bereavement affairs was discussed at some
length. It was decided informally that Rich Holmes would assume
the position of a new base office, i.e. "Welfare Officer". His
preliminary duty being the development of ideas on how to maintain
contact with men who rarely attend, and to be informed about their
personal status, particularly health matters so that the Base can
respond appropriately. He indicated that he would work to design
some cards for sending, and other ideas for contact messages.
Others with computer software that could design something indicated
they could provide assistance. With respect to funeral
participation, Chaplain Bob Vaughan offered that he has performed many
services in the past and also had one occasion in the past with one of
our own members, Joe Kolb. He indicated that he is prepared to be
available for future needs. A more concise plan for what
particulars the base will offer for funeral participation and how they
are to be publicized and offered to members and families will be
developed and discussed over the next few weeks and meetings. The
preparation of a dolphin plaque as done similarly in the past will
specifically established for design and preparation
responsibility. It was informally decided that we should have one
of these plaques which are purchased from Long Island Base on hand so
that we can have it readied on short notice for use and presentation to
the family at a funeral. Also in the discussion was the method to
be used and frequency of contacting members who miss meetings. A
suggestion finding general acceptance was that each month, using the
list of attendees from the last meeting, those not attending would be
contacted regarding their personal status. The calling list plan
using "sections" as previously set up by Tom Shields was reviewed for
its usefulness in contacting everyone without placing too much burden
on the 'Welfare Officer'. The official establishment and approval
of these topics will receive priority at the next meeting.
Good of the Organization: The
current status of at least five men on the 'binnacle list' was reviewed.
No 50/50 was held.
Next meeting will be held at 1900 on 16 Feb 2005 at the Wilson Fisher
Post, American Legion, Pocono Pines, PA.
The meeting was adjourned at 2100.
[recorded by Jeff Owens]