POCONO BASE –USSVI-MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, 19 May 2005

Meeting called to order at 1913 at the American Legion Post 413, Pocono Pines, PA by Commander Jeff Owens.. The Purpose of the Organization was read. The Base Bell was tolled once for each of the 5 boats and 291 crew members lost during the month of May, and a moment of silence followed. A prayer was offered by Chaplain Vaughan. Members present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll call: Members present were: Bill Hannon, John Saeli, Jeff Owens, Tom Shields, Rich Holmes, Bill Klose, Robert Vaughan, Gerald Zeman, Dennis Opiela, Frank McDevitt

Guests: Dave Haines

It was confirmed that a quorum was present.

The Minutes: The Secretary was absent.  Printed copies of the minutes were available at the meeting, and had been previously posted on the internet.  Motion was made by Tom Shields to accept the minutes.  All in favor by voice vote.
 
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer reported a current bank balance of $2, 831.68.
Motion made by John Saeli to accept,  all in favor by voice vote.

John Saeli read from Submarine Operations of WWII, an account of the loss of the USS Gudgeon (SS-211) which occurred on 12 May 1944.

Committees Reports:

Membership: John Saeli reported the current member count is 44.  He reported sending new member info to a number of prospects as reported by other members.

Ways and Means: The effort to locate a fair or carnival is presently stymied.  Bill Hannon reported we were able to get return of our full deposit from the Moscow Fair committee.  He also reported on his investigation of the Covington Fireman's affair, and the result as relayed was that they also had too many restrictions for what the base wishes to do for fund raising and awareness.

Parades: Jeff Owens reviwed the final instructions for the Scranton Armed Forces Day Parade on 21 May.  The Memorial Day parade in Pocono Pines on Monday the 30th was also reviewed and the start time of 0930 announced.  Names of those present who would be attending were discussed.

Ball Game-  John Saeli reported that he has secured 100 tickets for the game on 28 July between the Red Barons and the Ottawa Lynx.  Tail gate festivities with 50 cent hot dogs begin at 1700 just inside the main gate, and game time is 1900.  Tickets will be sold for $10 each which is a profit of $2 each for the base.  Seating is in Sections 135 & 136 on the right field side just past first base in the lower reserved grandstand.

No other committees had reports.

Correspondence: None presented

Old Business:

The previous discussions about obtaining a U.S. flag for parades, etc. was revisited.  A motion was made by Dennis Opiela to allot funds (about $52+tax) for purchase of a flag to go on the staff we already have since no one has come forth with any other alternative supply.  Motion seconded by John Saeli, and all appproved by voice vote.

A locker for the storage room was again brought up by Jeff Owens.  It is desirable that we obtain something similar to a clothing locker of about 1' wide and 6' high which we could use for storage of base items which be convenient to store at the central location of the legion hall.

New Business:

A motion was made by Tom Shields and seconded by Dennis Opeila to obtain two magentic signs for use on vehicles, and other displays which would identify us as sub vets and Pocono Base.  Tom Shields called a contact who indicated that they could be made by 21 May for the Scranton Armed Forces Parade.  After discussion, a budget of up to $200 was approved. All in favor by voice vote.

Good of the Organization:
Bob Vaughan reported:
Harold Franklin continues to improve and is living with his daughter in Glenside. [Shortly after the May meeting the death of Harold's wife was reported by Chaplain Vaughan.  A contingent of members attended an evening service on Monday, 23 May at the funeral home which was lead by our Chaplain.  Seven members represented the base.]

Next meeting will be held at a special time and day at 1600 on 14 Jun 2005 at the Wilson Fisher Post, American Legion, Pocono Pines, PA.  This will be a catered meal along with our business meeting, and be followed by the flag retirement ceremony in conjunction with American Legion members.

A closing prayer was offered by Chaplain Vaughan.  The meeting was adjourned at 2005.

50/50 held - Winner was our guest, Dave Haines

Refreshments provided by Tom Shields followed which were barbeque pork sandwiches and 3 bean chile, and soda. John Saeli bought a pitcher of beer.($3.00 per man collected - Tom's charge for food-only ten dollars.)
 
[minutes recorded by Jeff Owens]