In May, Pocono Base participated in the Annual Armed Forces Day Parade in Scranton, and in the Memorial Day Services held by the American Legion Post in Pocono Pines.
We have been attending these functions every year and will do so again this year.  It would be great if we could see more of our shipmates at these functions--We are always treated to refreshments after these affairs , so why not try to join us this year.

In June, (on Flag Day) Pocono Base attended the Flag Burning Ceremony at the American Legion in Pocono Pines.
Last year we burned over 3,000 flags and most of these were collected from our two Flag Drop Boxes which are situated in Pocono Pines and Blakeslee.

In July , ( on July 4th) we attended a Veterans Ceremony at Nay Aug Park in Scranton,, which was attended by the various Veterans groups in Lackawanna County. Each Veteran group lined up with their colors and it was quite a display. Commander Owens represented Pocono Base.

In August, Pocono Base attended a Saturday Evening Baseball game at Lackawanna County Stadium, between the Red Barons and the Pawtucket Red Sox. We sold over 60 tickets, made a small profit for the Base, and had a great time. We have decided to do it again this year, but on a larger scale, perhaps by renting out the Barbecue area at either the left or right field pavilions.--We might even incorporate this ballgame as an annual picnic.
So come to a meeting and get a handle on what Pocono base is up too.

In September, the annual USSVI Convention was held and in 2004 it was in Saratoga Springs, NY.
A few of us from Pocono Base; Frank Mc Devitt, John Saeli, Ben Volpicello and Jeff Owens attended and we all had a good time.  Even our wives enjoyed themselves.
Pocono Base even won the first "Runner-up Award" in the Newsletter Contest.
This years Convention ( 2005) will be held in Kansas city, Mo.

In October, we finally sold all of our "Pocket Calendars" and thanks mainly to Frank McDevitt and Bob Vaughan  , we realized a profit of over $400.00.
Our Ships Patch Banner was completed , and thanks to Tom Shields it looks great. The American Legion Post gave us permission to hang it on the wall. Come to a meeting and see how great it looks.

In November, we dedicated our third "Flag Drop Box". This one was installed in The Hideout, in Lake Ariel ( where three of our shipmates reside) and it is our best looking one yet.
The Dedication was attended by about 60 people, and thanks to Ralph Graf (Community Manager of The Hideout) refreshments were served after the ceremonies concluded.  See the pictures of the dedication on page 3

In December, we had our Holiday Party at the American Legion in Pocono Pines.
Over 25 people attended (Shipmates and their wives) and for $10.00 per person we were treated to a feast of Prime Rib, Eggplant, Chicken Marsala, Stuffed Flounder, Red Potatoes, Salad , and coffee and cake.
The base picked up the tab for the Beer, Wine and soda.  Once again, Tom Shields out did himself.
You shipmates who have not as yet attended this affair are really missing out on some great food and good times.
I sure wish that you can join us at our next Holiday Party, and, by bringing a present for a boy or girl, and placing it beneath the Legions' "Angel Tree" as we have done each year, you can help some unfortunate children enjoy Christmas.
As you can see , Pocono Base sure accomplished a lot in 2004 , and with your continued support we can do even more in 2005. We need you guys to send in your dues, and try to make at least one or two meetings a year, and of course try to recruit more members. Wear your SubVet hats and shirts--Be proud that you belong to the finest Veterans group in the nation-- USSVI.