The Scorpion 278 Base of the United States Submarine Veterans Inc held its bi-monthly meeting.
Members attending:
John Stonebarger, Ray Decker, Scott Kelly, Harlan Bedford, Chuck & Charlii Gilson, Dan & Jessica Anderson, Ron & Joyce Bowen, Brian Schnurr, Bud Walkin, Ralph Andersh, Bruce Curry, Jerry Barnes, Vance Johanning & son, Sam Chapman, Lon Bymers, Kent Winter and guest Bob Gaylor.

Gwen gave us another great meal!
Meeting started at 1200 with the reading of the Creed and Pledge of Allegiance.
The boat was ordered to Dive and Invocation was given.
Introductions started with everyone giving the name/rate/qual date.
Tolling of the Boats was read and given to the Sept/Oct losses by Brian Schnurr & Kent Winter.

Secretary/Treasurers reports:
Last meeting minutes from January were sent out to members for comment/concerns. No comments back, minutes approved.
Brian Schnurr reported current account balance at $4,458.28.

Committee reports:

Eagle Scout program: Keep looking for Eagle Scout ceremony's in your local areas to leads from Boy Scouts and work with the Sioux Council and any group within.
Kaps4Kids program: Scott Zobel is working with both Avera and Sanford Hospitals to allow our Kaps 4 Kids program to visit with kids in their hospitals. If you are interested in participating, just let us know!!
Storekeeper: If you would like a vest or other items from the Storekeeper, now is the time! We have many of the items you're looking for!
Looking for a new Storekeeper! Anyone interested?

Holland Club induction for Dan Anderson and Kent Winter was given by Brian Schnurr. All attending Holland Club members were asked to stand and group together for a picture! Appears we have more yellow caps than regular caps at the meeting, which indicated we need to find more sub vets to join!!

Old/Unfinished business:

Dan Anderson talked about the Riverboat Day parade in Yankton in Aug and Turkey Days parade in Worthington. The Base plans on participating again this year. If interested, let us know!

Speaker for the May memorial service has not been finalized yet but Matt Michel's name has been presented. No word from Omaha yet.
UPDATE: Matt Michels has been confirmed as the speaker for the May meeting... Thanks Matt!!

Concerns over the Yankton VFW and the WWII display we have down there were discussed. Not sure what will happen but will keep everyone posted

New Business:

Contact John Theel at the SF Alliance and pursue the display case we have talked about.

Which goes to say....We are still collecting your Navy memorabilia for the submarine exhibit, so look through your "stuff" and see what you would like to donate to the submarine display!
Several people volunteered to help get this set up so hopefully soon we will have that display area in the SF Alliance full of submarine memorabilia!

There is a new USSVI web site update, go online and check out your personal information to make sure it is correct!

USS South Dakota day is set for August 8th at the SD Battleship memorial. Put this in your calendar so you can attend the ceremony. We have had great participation in the past and hopefully will again this year.

Sam Chapman offered information on their wood casket making for veterans project that he participates in. If interested contact Sam or the Base.

Several members including Ray Decker indicated they would not be able to attend the May 16th Memorial service in Yankton due to graduations.
This will affect our Honor Guard and the firing squad salute to the service. We also need a trumpet player for Taps, know of anyone??
All members interested in helping make this happen, please let us know soon!

The 50/50 drawing was held and Ray Decker won the drawing of $110, split $55 and gave $20 back

Kent gave a benediction to close out the meeting.
Meeting Adjourned at 1420. Surface the Boat!

Next meeting is Saturday, May 16th in Yankton for the Scorpion Memorial service.

Asking ALL members to put this on your calendars and try to attend!
Carpool will leave from SF Alliance around 10am with service in Yankton at 1200.
Call Kent 605-951-5941 with questions or concerns.