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The attendance for the September 12, 2013 meeting was 101.

Opening Ceremonies: The meeting was called to order by Base Commander Ed Stank. A quorum was present and the meeting started at 1905. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the Invocation and Tolling of the Boats lost in September was given by Base Chaplain Nick Nichols. The USSVI Creed was read by Base Vice-Commander Jerry Stout. Ed welcomed the members and guests to the meeting.

Introductions: The following were new attendees to Charleston Base meetings: STSC(SS) Bryan Rudy , Qual Boat: USS John C. Calhoun SSBN 630, MS1(SS) Jeff Wilmoth, Qual Boat: USS Sam Rayburn SSBN 635, ET2(SS) Dean Hunt, Qual Boat: USS John C. Calhoun SSBN 630. There was another visitor but I could not make out the name on the recording.

Secretary: Vice-Commander Jerry Stout asked if there were any questions or changes about the August Meeting minutes as published in the base newsletter. Since there were none he called for a motion from the floor for the minutes to be approved. A motion was made by Mike Knaub and seconded and approved on a voice vote.

Treasurer: Base Treasurer Steve Morawiec read a report for the month of August.

Vice Commander: Vice-Commander Jerry Stout asked for nominations for the Distinguished Submariner and pointed out that the base election for next year will be for Secretary and Vice-Commander. He also announced that the USS Clamagore Reunion will take place in Charleston, Oct. 16-20. The Veteran’s Day Parade for Charleston will be on Sunday, November 3 at 2 pm. The Summerville Veteran’s Day Ceremony will be Monday, November 11. Charleston Base is responsible for organizing the event this year which includes the speaker and wreath bearers.

Chaplain and Webmaster: Base Chaplain and Webmaster Nick Nichols gave the following report:

On July 12th Charleston Base assisted with the funeral for Barney Barnette. His family has sent a card with a donation. The card reads: Just a thank you for all you were able to do for CPO Barnette. I know he would have been proud and real pleased. Please thank all of the subvets for their part in Barney’s funeral. I do appreciate all of their help. Also enclosed is a check that I would like you to use as you see needed. Thanks again, Judy. The check is for $100 and will be given to the Scholarship Fund.

Pappy Henderson departed on EP August 21st. Burial was Monday, August 26th at Carolina Memorial. The family is very appreciative of what our base did for Pappy before his death and for assisting with and being there for the funeral.

Bill Buxton departed on EP August 28th in Washington State. His burial was private.

Boyce Williams departed on EP September 3rd. Burial was Saturday, September 7th at Carolina Memorial. The family is very appreciative of Charleston Base assisting with and being there for the funeral.

Barbara Heinle, Don’s wife, passed away on September 4th in Cottageville. Family visitation was September 8th in Walterboro. Don is here tonight with his sons, two of whom served in the Air Force.

Lee Allison’s mother-in-law passed away on September 4th.

Glenn Fleming was in the hospital for serious jaw surgery related to his cancer several years ago. You received the email so you know the details. Glenn is now home recovering and would enjoy visitors and short phone calls.

Larry Cox’s oldest son, William, passed away August 27th in Utah. Larry was recovering from leg surgery and neither he nor Linda was able to go to Utah for the services.

Jim Loveday was in the hospital for a stroke but is home now. The stroke was caused by a mass on the brain and affected his left side. Jim is here tonight.

Ben McDonald is here tonight. Ben has lung/spine cancer and has just finished his 5th chemo. He has a CAT scan on the 20th.

Doc Hill is here tonight.

Dave Saari is here tonight.

Clyde Peters is still in Mt. Pleasant Manor Nursing Home, 921 Bowman Rd, Rm 323. Visitors would be appreciated. He will know you when you go in.

If you know of shipmates or spouses from other bases who are having a difficult time, had surgery, etc. and would like for USSVI Charleston Base to send them a card please send their name and address to the Chaplain via email or phone call.

Public Affairs: Public Affairs Officer Mike Knaub had no report.

Submarine Veterans of WWII/: Swamp Fox Chapter President George Scharf pointed out that there were six WWII veterans at the table and there are only 8 WWII Submarine Veterans in SC. He reminded that the base that the next meeting is 24 Oct at 1130 at Ryan’s in Summerville. He thanked everyone who attended Pappy’s services and said there were about 45 members there and that it really meant a lot to Pappy’s family.

Membership: Membership Chairman Don Mook reported on the status of membership renewal.

Newsletter: Newsletter Editor Steve Morawiec reported that the September newsletter electronic and print versions have been sent out. Steve also pointed out that pictures from Pappy Henderson’s Funeral and other base activities were on the Charleston Base Facebook page.

Veterans Affairs: Veterans Affairs Officer Ken Curtis announced that disabled veterans may move through airport security without having to remove jackets, hats, shoes, etc. Just let the TSA people know that you are a disabled veteran. A number of items will be determined during the upcoming congressional session that may affect you. Find out what they are and contact your congressman and senators.

Storekeeper: Base Storekeeper Ken Hutchison said he was going to order calendars for next year. He asked for a show of hands of those interested.

Fleet Reserve: There will be Veteran’s Day and Marine Corps breakfast at the FRA on Sunday November 10 0900-1200. The cost is $5. The FRA now has the NFL Sunday Ticket and is open on Saturday and Sunday if you want to come watch a game.

Holland Club: No report.

Scholarship: Scholarship Committee Chairman Julian Villegas reminded the base he had the new Base Challenge Coins for sale at $12 each.

Nuclear Historian: Rick Carlson reminded the base that there were other member of the crew who were non-watchstanders than the yeomen. The one he had in mind stood no watches at sea or in port, ate every meal first call or earlier, did not miss a movie, sometimes would sit in on poker games and always received the highest praise from their shipmates. He is the one most responsible for the crew’s morale – the leading cook! No matter what name you called him, Cookie, stew burner, belly-robber, senior mess cook, commissaryman, or mess management specialist, he alone must satisfy the palate of each member of the crew.

For a seasick seaman the first meal underway is, normally, greasy pork chops. When the Commodore is on board he’s served Chateaubriand. The crew ate steak Wellington. Note that’s not Beef Wellington; it refers to steak with a texture similar to the soles of Wellington boots! The way you can tell the difference is that it’s flavored with savory!

You always knew when a meal was good. Every member of the crew was awake. There were lesser meals that helped reduce the cost. Dishes like SOS, foreskins on toast, horsecock and the 57 different ways to cook chicken kept costs down. They also fixed pizza, shrimp, lobster, ham, roast beef, ham, scotch woodcock, ham, lamb… did I mention ham? For all the times they ran out of food at a meal there was always ham and cheese. If not for ham and cheese some of us would have starved! It’s no wonder a good Jewish boy like Stevie is so skinny! Don’t forget the bug juice and my favorite frozen butter with fresh, hot bread! You’ll notice in all the old then pictures we were all skinny – naval feeding! Once a year a group came onboard to evaluate the cooks. If something was good, they’d say Yea; and if it was bad, they’d say Nay! Is it any wonder the evaluation was for the Ney Award!

The After Battery: Steve Nelms announced that $1170 had been collected for donation to the Wounded Warrior Project. The donation would not go out until some on-line and snail-mail donations had been received. Secretary Note: the final total sent out was $2500. The After Battery is open every Wednesday.

District Commander: District Commander Paul Viering reminded the members about the WWII Memorial Service at King’s Bay, GA Oct. 31 – Nov. 2. The Memorial will be Friday morning, Nov. 1.

The USSVI National Board of Directors has adopted an official Tartan for USSVI. Send your comments and questions (for example - Does one wear skivvies under a kilt? or Must I now give up bourbon and drink only scotch?) on this very exciting new development to the National Commander at nc@ussvi.org.

Public Events Coordinator: No report.

Chief of the Boat: COB Rick Sparger announced that base member CDR Mark Schmidt would have a retirement service on 11 October at 1300 the Bowman Center with a reception to follow. He has requested that we wear our vests. There may be a date change for the Hog Roast. It may have to change from October 19 to the 26th since there are no grills to cook the butts on available on the 19th.

Base Commander: The Lt. Dan Band is Saturday at Johnson Hagood Stadium at the Citidel. The base Christmas Party is scheduled for December 7 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Goose Creek. If you have suggestions for the theme for the event please let Ed know. Ed encouraged members to pay their dues.

Old Business: Marty Sessler gave an update on the new trailer for the base float. All the metal has been delivered to Iron Knights Trailer and as boat trailer season goes away our trailer will get built. The cost is expected to be well within the $4000 authorized. The base has not spent a penny yet.

The question about allowing members not present to win the depth charge drawing was brought up. A motion was made by Jim Lewis to require being present to win the depth charge. The motion was seconded but was tabled on a motion from Tom Lufkin that passed on a voice vote. The vote on the measure will take place next meeting.

New Business: None.

Good of the Order: Don Heinle thanked everyone who showed up at his wife’s funeral service and especially called attention to Base Chaplain Nick Nichols; who in Don’s words is “The best Base Chaplain that any base has.”

Depth Charge: The depth charge was won by Ken Hutchison...again. He donated $100 to the general fund...thanks.

Meeting Adjourned: The Base Commander adjourned the meeting at 2025.


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