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Purpose:
The purpose of the organization shall be to aid and assist our husbands (father, son, brother, grandfather, and grandson) as helpmates in our mutual pursuit of the goals, objectives, projects, and activities. In support of the Creed of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc., as stated in the U.S. SubVets Constitution, Article III, section 1. "SubVette helpmates in a common bond with SubVet shipmates…working together to achieve a common goal."
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear Ladies,
Summer is almost here; therefore, it means that our Annual Business Meeting will be right around the corner. This will be an opportunity for everyone to get together and share with each other what is happening around our SubVette Bases.
We will again have the raffle table, and we are asking SubVette bases and individuals to consider making a donation so that we may help our treasury to meet obligations and to keep our dues at its current amount. We ask you to seriously consider this and to let Joyce Altschuler know if you will be contributing to this table. Joyce's email is jeta19461@hotmail.com (note this is a new email address for Joyce), or she may be reached by phone at 609-395-8175.
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Camilla Edmonds' mother Mrs. Krallman who lost her life recently in the tornadoes that hit Tuscaloosa, AL. We ask that peace and love abide with Camilla and her family as they grieve their loss. Camilla is the President of the SubVettes Tullibee Base in Mississippi. Please remember her in your prayers.
THANK YOU
Just wanted to extend thanks to our submarine family for the love and concern shown to us for my mom and our family during this tragedy. Each action taken was a thoughtful prayer sent by caring people. Your thoughts, actions, and prayers were greatly appreciated. Keep those who are now suffering from the great tragedy in your hearts and minds. Camilla Edmonds
USSVWWII and USSVI NJ-North Base News
Every year in April members of USSVWWII Grudgeon Chapter and USSVI NJ-North Base and Joyce Altschuler representing SubVettes meet in the Holy Sepulchure Cemetery in Totowa, NJ at John P. Holland's graveside to celebrate the anniversary of the US Navy accepting the USS Holland SS-1. This year they all met on April 11, which was the actual anniversary (April 11, 1900) of the date that the US Navy accepted the USS Holland.
Article submitted by Les and Joyce Altschuler
BOWFIN BASE
Two hunded guests on Memorial Day met at Parche Memorial Park. As is our custom, flower leis were presented by SubVets and widows for each boat lost. The memorial has a brass plaque for each lost American submarine, with the date and crew names inscribed. There are, at the top right and left, hooks used to hang leis or other floral items. At the end of the "Tolling," individual and organizations' floral displays are presented. The SubVets (Bowfin Chapter), Submarine League, Bowfin Memorial Association, Submarine Officers Spouses Association, and SubVettes all presented wreaths. Joan Peters presented a floral wreath on behalf of National SubVettes and Bowfin Chapter SubVettes. Instead of duplicating the other four wreaths of anthurium floral displays, ours was made of dendroblum and cayttleya orchids. It was a crowd pleaser, and we shall use that style in subsequent years.
After the service, ninety attendees went to Lockwood Hall (the old officers closed mess) for a catered lunch. Our speaker (Squadron Seven CO) Captain Caudle and his wife joined us for lunch. As usual, we held a raffle to pay for November 11th leis, (members bring or make items to raffle); and we raised just over $500.
We are grateful for the generosity of each participant.
Joan Peters, President SubVettes Bowfin Chapter
REMINDER: OUR ANNUAL MEETING WILL BE HELD INCONJUNCTION WITH THE USSVI CONVENTION IN SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI. PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND. DETAILS ON USSVI WEBSITE.
TULLIBEE BASE
One special week in March celebrated an extraordinary amount of history, 100 years of Naval History and 70 years at Keesler Air Force Base, was observed in South Mississippi.
To Kick off Navy Week, the Blue Angels performed an outstanding exhibition at Keesler AFB. Yes, you read correctly, Air Force Base.
In early January, 1941, Biloxi City Officials assembled a formal offer to invite the United States Army to build a base to support the World War II training buildup. The base was activated June 12, 1941. On August 25, 1941, the base was dedicated as Keesler Army Airfield, in honor of 2d Lt. Samuel Reeves Keesler, Jr., a Mississippi native and distinguished aerial gunner, killed in action in France during World War I. Many exhibits and flying demonstrations were available to the public free of charge for the weekend. Members of the Navy's newest submarine, the USS Mississippi, were on hand to observe the festivities, promote the boat's merchandise, visit with local NROTC groups and enjoy dinner with Tullibee Base Officers. Over 160,000 attended the two-day Open House and viewed a sky full of excellence.
The events continued throughout the week. A parade was held Friday evening. [Seabees on the move!] A model submarine was displayed and entered in the parade by members of Tullibee Base. Dancing in the streets before the parade with food and refreshments provided an adventure. The parade route was active with citizens, military, veterans and families. Another band was set up at the end of the parade for everyone to enjoy. Cool breezes from the Gulf and a beautiful sunset provided a great evening for all. Large or small events during the entire week remind all of us of the importance of the military to our nation. Anchors Aweigh and Off We Go...Into the Wild Blue Yonder!
As part of Tullibee's observance of Navy Week Eternal Patrol Certificates were presented to members and friends of three SubVettes at Tullibee's monthly meeting. JoAnn Blum, Clara Dalton and "Dusty" Teter were remembered for their contributions to our group.
Following the meeting members attended lunch together and then adjourned to Ocean Springs for our Annual Tullibee Memorial Service.
During this week fun was had, memories were shared, new ones made and the past and future came together for many of us.
Camilla Edmonds, President SubVettes Tullibee Base
Help is needed……………….!!!
If base presidents and members would be so kind as to submit any items for the history book of SubVettes, please send to Sally Milano, 14602 Emma Road, Hinckley, MN 55037. The original records were lost by a shipping company and cannot be located. In this way, we will try to recreate most if not all of the records. Pictures are most welcome also.
Help is also needed in selling our jewelry. Carol Boyle would like a representative on the west coast and in the central party of our country. Please contact Carol Boyle via email at missymagnolia@bellsouth.net or 850-492-3781.
Your cooperation is much appreciated.
MEMORIAL DAY
On Sunday, May 29, as part of the Memorial Day Ceremony of the USS Ling, Joyce Altschuler received a plaque from New Jersey-North Base in appreciation for the things she has done for that Base. She also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the New Jersey Naval Museum/USS Ling for her volunteer contributions to its organization.
Sandra Butcher, National President
20 Westerly Drive
Enfield, CT 06082-4031
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She stood at the Pearly Gates,
her heart was beating fast.
She meekly asked the man of fate,
"Permission to go past?"
"What have you done?" Saint Peter asked
"To seek permission here?"
"I was married to a submarine sailor
For many a weary year."
The Gate swung sharply open
as old St. Peter hit the bell.
"Come on in and grab a harp."
"You've had your share of hell."
BASES
BASES Meeting Times
USSVI BYLAWS
ARTICLE X -- LADIES AUXILIARY
Section 1. Effective September 1, 1996 a Ladies Auxiliary to the United States Submarine Veterans Inc. shall
be re-established and shall be known as “Ladies Auxiliary of the United States Submarine Veterans,
Incorporated.”
Section 2. The Ladies Auxiliary shall be governed by the National Bylaws of the USSVI.
Section 3. The Ladies Auxiliary may adopt their own Bylaws, however, they must not conflict with the
National Bylaws.
Section 4. A Base may adopt an Auxiliary at their own discretion; however, the adopted Bylaws shall be
approved by the District Commander prior to implementation.
Section 5. Membership in the Ladies Auxiliary shall be limited to Wives, Widows, Sisters, Mothers and
Daughters not less than 16 years of age.
Section 6. Each member shall be permitted to sponsor one female member not covered by the requirements
listed in paragraph 5.
Section 7. The Ladies Auxiliary will nominate and elect their own Base officers and may nominate and elect
a National Commander and a National Vice-Commander. The National Commander (or the National Vice
Commander in the absence of the National Commander) shall become a non-voting member of the National
Board of Directors of the USSVI.