Base meeting was held at the Sioux Falls DAV starting at 12 noon with Louisiana Jambalaya…..
again served by our own famous Chef Gwen. We are sooooo privileged!!

The meeting started at 1300 with the reading of the creed and pledge of allegiance.
Invocation was given by new Chaplain Lawrence DeJong. Guests and members were introduced.
Tolling of the Bell was given to the Nov/Dec losses and the diving alarm was unavailable due to lack of proper charge.

Members attending:Ralph Andersh, John Weisenberger and guest Peter Bendorf, Nick Wentzel, Steve Kyle, Roger Zarn, Brian Schnurr, Ron Bowman, Owen McKittrick,
Lawrence DeJong and guest Tony Trezzo, Vance Johanning, Phillip Goettsch, Lon Bymers, Jim Farquhar, Nate Kull and Kent Winter.

Secretary/Treasurers reports:Nate reported that account balance remained the same as previous: $6124.10; Pending Deposit: $28;
Pending Outgoing: $60 (National); Total Balance: $6092.10; General Fund: $2762; Memorial Fund: $3050; Caps for Kids: $280

Committee reports:
Eagle Scout program: We need to purse Eagle Scout ceremony’s in our local areas by keeping our eyes and ears open to leads and work with the Sioux Council for next year program.

Kaps4Kids program: Dan Anderson has volunteered for this program and as soon as the hospitals will allow we will continue to support and plan K4K’s projects.

Yankton Memorial Planning committee: Base members discussed the pursuit of a MK14 torpedo for the memorial which has so far been unsuccessful. Based on everyone’s comments
it appears we should change our focus to something other than the torpedo. One option is to purse a model Gato Class submarine for the Yankton VFW to display with plaque
detailing the Sub Vets of WWII as the primary sponsors of the memorial. Put to a vote and the Base wants to purse this option. Get the costs and permission from the Yankton VFW to proceed.

Storekeeper: The Base currently does not have a Storekeeper, however Kent was past and will get to ordering the calendars asap.

Old/Unfinished business:
MK-14 Torpedo:Members agreed to look at other options since we cannot get torpedo.

Sioux Falls Veterans Park: Brian Schnurr will lead a team to make contact and finalize 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 ph: 605-413-6811 or email: National and Local Dues are now due. National is $25 and Local is $10.

New Business:
Base positions that need to be filled are: COB, Storekeeper.
Thanks to Lawrence DeJong for taking on the Chaplin role!
If you are interested and want to participate more actively, please volunteer!

We discussed what we want to accomplish and work towards and this is the list….

• Last Patrol Program - Ray D. introduced this since we have an Eternal Patrol he thought this program outside of the USSVI would be a good fit. Program deals with veteran hospice patients….volunteers?


• Even Month Recruiting trips
• Sub Vets of WWII
• National Grave Marker program
• Sub Memorial at SF VA & Alliance
• Focus more on USS Scorpion SS-278
• Parade Banner need updating
• Affiliation with USS Scorpion SSN 578
• Sioux Falls Veterans Park
• Secure Federal or State Grants
• We discussed using the national “800” number to recruit
• We discussed Public Service Announcements to recruit new members
  
• Gerold D. brought up that Amazon Smile - will allow you to select your favorite charity to support thought its program and you can select the USSVI…as we are non-profit.