Base meeting was held at the Sioux Falls DAV with lunch served by Gwen for the crew!
The meeting started at 1300 with the reading of the Creed and Pledge of Allegiance. The boat was ordered to Dive and Treasurer Brian Schnurr sounded the Diving Alarm. Invocation was given and members were introduced. Tolling of the Boats was read and given to the Jan/Feb loses by Vice Com Roger Zarn; Base rang the Bell for depart on Eternal Patrol, Delmar Wetering & Lawrence DeJong.

Members attending:
Ralph Andersh, Mike "Moose" Welch, Peter Bendorf, Jim Farquhar, Roger Zarn, Brian Schnurr, Dan Anderson, Gerold Davey, Owen McKittrick, Phil Goettsch, Scott Kelley, Brad Gross, Bruce Curry, Steve Kyle, Lon Bymers and Kent Winter.

Secretary/Treasurers reports:
Brian Schnurr reported account balance was $6647; Deposits posted were $90 with Payments at $127.63 for new balance of $6609; Kaps for Kids still has $280, Memorial fund has $2500 left after model sub purchase.

Committee reports:

Eagle Scout program: If anyone hears of an Eagle Scout project keep our eyes and ears open to leads and work with the Sioux Council and/or any group!
Kaps4Kids program: Dan Anderson reports we are not allowed to visit any kids due to pandemic.
Event Director: Dan Anderson will enter us again in the Riverboat Days, Turkey Days & Buffalo Days parades in 2023 along with possible other sites
Storekeeper: Dan Anderson is the new Base Storekeeper. He still has 2023 USSVI calendars and requests you get them soon before they are gone! Call or email Dan for all requests!! New Vests? Patches? Decals, License Plates, You bet, he can order it all!

Old/Unfinished business:

Moose verified the model submarine at the Yankton VFW is on display with plaque detailing the Sub Vets of WWII as the primary sponsors of the memorial! Stop in Yankton and see it!

A State Historical Marker for the Scorpion memorial was discussed and considered. The Base wants to put the Marker in and is checking with State on proceeding.

Brian Schnurr has met with SF Park & Rec, we are on the City schedule to implement our idea in the Park to start the process. The Bronze plaque used by USSVI would be one nice option on a pedestal. If you would like to volunteer, contact Brian at 605-413-6811.

The Base still wants to use even month outings to arrange visits to towns with American Legion & VFW support to recruit. It would have to be the local sub vet that contacts the local AL/VFW to arrange a "gathering" of hopeful submarine veterans from the area. That is why we need to make initial contact way prior to the gatherings so the locals can get the word out.

Dan Anderson asked if the Base would be willing to support and help with putting on a Navy Ball, primarily for submarine veterans but for all Navy veterans. Members discussed what options could be taken but no action resulted. We did ask Dan to investigate and see what options might be possible.
Is this something our Base should push? Appreciate any feedback.

New Business:

Brian has worked with the Purple Heart Club to secure their approval and involvement with our upcoming May Memorial service for the USS Scorpion SS 278 sailors. The Purple Heart Club will put the signs up designating Purple Heart Club at the Memorial listing all the sailors lost and awarded the Purple Heart. They will also put up signs around the downtown area indicating the directions to the Memorial plus a plaque memorial to the crew for display at the Yankton VFW with our other memorabilia. Thanks to Brian for coordination of the Purple Heart Club as they are delighted to help us commemorate these sailors and participate in our Memorial Service.

At our previous meeting, Ray Decker suggested that, in 2 years it will be the USS Scorpion SS 278, 80th Anniversary. He thought it would be a good time to make contact with Omaha again and see if we can get an Admiral to come up and speak. Base members agreed and we will make those arrangements.

Base will send flowers & card to Nick Wetzel as his wife recently passed away.

DAV is hosting a National Convention in Sioux Falls April 2023 and putting together a booklet with advertising space available. Base is looking at purchasing a half page ad promoting USSVI for about $150.

The 50/50 drawing was held with Michael "Moose" Welch winning and donating back the $110 pot!!

Meeting Adjourned at 1415. Treasurer Brian surfaced the Boat!
Next meeting is Saturday, March 18th at the Sioux Falls DAV with Gwen cooking again!