Base meeting was held at the Sioux Falls DAV with Gwen cooking up pork chops for the crew!
Many of those traveling from afar are coming early @ 1100 to start their truth telling tales! Another great meal from Gwen as we all appreciate her continued support of our Base members!

Members attending:
Ralph Andersh, John Stonebarger, Bud Watkins, Ray Decker, Jim Farquhar, Steve Kyle, Roger Zarn, Brian Schnurr, Nate Kull, Dan Anderson, Ray Turner & friend Marv, Bruce Curry, Brad Gross (N), Lawrence DeJong, Gerold Davey and Kent Winter.

Secretary/Treasurers reports:
Nate reported expenses of flowers, shipping of model sub, and that account balance was $5884; General Fund: $3059; Forwarded $2545; Caps for Kids: $280.

Committee reports:
Eagle Scout program: We need to pursue Eagle Scout ceremony's in local areas by keeping our eyes and ears open to leads and work with the Sioux Council and any group within. Ray D. has found 2 prospects in LeMars IA where he will conduct their service. Congrats Ray!!

Kaps4Kids program: Dan A. made contact with Avera Children's Hospital to get the K4K's program up and running again. Dan met with Avera's Head Nurse, unfortunately he was not allowed to visit any kids due to pandemic.

Storekeeper: The Base currently does not have a Storekeeper, however Kent was past and has 2022 USSVI Calendars still available for $10. I will mail to you for additional $2.

Old/Unfinished business:
The final phase for the model submarine at the Yankton VFW to display with plaque detailing the Sub Vets of WWII as the primary sponsors of the memorial has been dedicated! Big thanks to Moose in representing both the VFW and the USSVI veterans and to all those that attended Dan A., Ralph A., Lawrence D., Moose, Roger Z. & Kent W.
Brian S. has made contact with the SF Park & Rec. Dept to work on our efforts to place a USSVI memorial at the park. Base member overwhelmingly supported the stone and/or metal benches, eternal patrol bronze plaque with stone base, to several other ideas. If you would like to volunteer, contact Brian at 605-413-6811.
A State Historical Marker for the Scorpion memorial is also being discussed and considered. Check on State info.

The Base is still searching for a new Treasurer, COB. Interested, contact literally anyone!!

New Business:
The Base won the Boat Sponsorship Award thanks to Gerold D. Who will put up the money for the BSA award next year?

The Base agreed that the new model submarine will be currently used as a display to bring to our recruiting cities as we visit with them.

Gerold D. brought up 4 new members Bruce Curry, Owen McKittrick, Arvid Lerud and Bud Watkinson that have the qualifications for Holland Club. Base will submit their names for membership Holland Club.

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.

The SF VA is remodeling the front entrance area in the near future. We are pursuing options at the VA to host a display case of submarine material but also a huge mural as the State is sponsor to the new USS South Dakota SSN 790.

Brian S., Roger Z. and Kent W. contacted the Sioux Falls Alliance on model submarines to display at their facilities along with signage to honor those who served. We also have the opportunity to display many of the fine pictures and models and other submarine paraphernalia that many of us possess. SF Alliance has purchased the building next to them (old AAA) and will have a large space to fill up. So if you have submarine memorabilia that you don’t know what to do with….this could be our opportunity!
What do you have that would be proper to display in a Military Museum?

We would also request the Scorpion 278 Base members as the "Founding Fathers of the USS South Dakota SSN 790" and the Submarine Veterans of WWII, Yankton Base and their efforts to bring the only WWII Submarine memorial to the State of SD.

Brian S. has met with SF Park & Rec to discuss what the Base is trying to do and that we want at the SF Veterans Park. We are now on the City schedule to implement our idea in the Park and have done so to start the process. The Bronze plaque used by USSVI would be one nice option on a pedestal.

We held the May service at the USS Scorpion SS 278 memorial with 12 members attending!! Thanks for taking the time and effort to support the memorial service. The Yankton VFW was not open and did not have the model sub and plaque up so we all went to JoDeans for lunch!

The 50/50 drawing was held with Roger Z. winning the $75 pot and Roger gave it all back!! Thanks!!

Meeting Adjourned at 1430. Surface the Boat!

Next meeting is Saturday, September 23rd at the SF DAV