Meeting started at 1300 with the reading of the Creed and Pledge of Allegiance. The boat was ordered to Dive and Brian S. sounded the Diving Alarm. Invocation was given by new Base Chaplain Phillip Goettsch and members were introduced. Tolling of the Boats was read and given to the November/December losses by Roger Z. & Kent W.

Members attending:
Ray Turner, John Stonebarger, Steve Kyle, Brian Schnurr, Scott Kelly, Brad Gross, Ray Decker, Jim Farquhar, Phillip Goettsch, Bruce Curry, Lon Bymers, Jerry Davey, Bud Walkins, Warren Munger, Roger Zarn and Kent Winter.

Secretary/Treasurers reports:
Last meeting September minutes were sent out to members for comment/concerns. No comments back, minutes approved.
Treasurer Brian S. reported account balance was $6,288.57.
All National and Local Dues for 2024 are now due. Dues are $30 for National and $10 for Base, $40 total.
Check with Brian for questions or concerns. You can mail your dues. Make check payable to USSVI.
Mail it to: Brian Schnurr, 201 S Anna Ave, Hills MN 56138

Committee reports:

Eagle Scout program: We continue watching for Eagle Scout ceremonies in local areas by keeping our eyes and ears open to leads and work with the Sioux Council and any group within.
Kaps4Kids program: We are still not allowed to visit any kids due to post pandemic issues. We discussed opening the program up to foster kids too.
Storekeeper: We have a Storekeeper! Brad Gross has accepted the position and is working on several vest orders now!
If you would like a vest or other items from the Storekeeper, now is the time!
Contact Brad

Old/Unfinished business:

Discussed the May Memorial service and what we want to do this year with the 80 th Anniversary of the sinking of the USS Scorpion SS 278. Problems with the Yankton VFW being closed for the last 2 years have us looking at other options. We will contact the VFW but the American Legion is another option. Will contact them and see what options can be made for May's service.
The new Purple Heart sign at the Yankton memorial was supposed to be up by Riverboat Days but, due to concerns with the framework and support, the sign is not up yet. City of Yankton (Parks Department) needs to figure out a way to secure the big sign in all weather conditions. As for the other street signs it appears that is another problem we have with the City/State and may or may not happen.
We continue to look for a new vendor for our caps and shirts. If anyone knows a local business, in the business, please contact Kent and we'll see where it leads! A local veteran that has contacted us but isn't quite ready yet, Vinnie Brown who has ties with Fonder Sewing. Brad G. also has made contact with John's Shoe Repair if anyone has patches and anything sewn on.

New Business:

Planning for the upcoming May 2024 Memorial service with a Admiral or Captain level speaker, from Omaha to help us celebrate our 80th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Scorpion 278. Dan A. has sent a letter of request to the Omaha contact with a potential speaker and we'll await their answer.
Talked about the City of Yankton and trying to get more involvement from them. Will make contact with the local High School or college providing a ROTC unit along with band and Honor Guard to make a an impact on the 80th anniversary.
What do you have that would be proper to display in a Military Museum?
With all the work we have done in Yankton, we still have not looked into a State Historical Marker for the Scorpion memorial.
We will check with the State on that for next meeting.

Next meeting is not yet determined. At the meeting, Kent informed Base he was on vacation for the January 18th meeting. Base suggested to move it up one week earlier to January 11th and that's where it stands.
However, in talking with DAV after the meeting Sat., Jan 11th is the DAV Oyster Feed. Now we could have the meeting along with an oyster feed?? Or go back to original date of Jan. 18th.
Your thoughts and ideas are very much appreciated.

The 50/50 drawing was held with Steve Kiley winning the pot ($44) and giving it all back!!
Thanks Steve!

Base Chaplain Phillip G. gave a benediction to close out the meeting.

Meeting Adjourned at 1430. Surface the Boat!