Bi-monthly Base meeting was held at the Sioux Falls DAV.

Well we talked about having a "Half-way" lunch and at 1200, Gwen, with help from her son Michael cooked up a great meal of Shrimp Gumbo and a slice of cake and ice cream on the side! It was a fantastic meal, deserving of submarine veterans!! Thanks guys, what a turn out!!
Meeting started at 1300 with the reading of the Creed and Pledge of Allegiance. The boat was ordered to Dive and Invocation was given by Phillip Goettsch and introductions started. Scott Zoebel and Bruce Rigolizzo talked briefly about their careers and current status living in Sioux Falls. Both requested membership to USSVI!

Tolling of the Boats was read and given to the Nov/Dec losses by Brian Schnurr & Kent Winter.

Members attending:John Stonebarger, Bruce Curry, Charles Stoneback, Chuck & Charlii Gilson, Ray Decker, Steve Kyle, Jim Farquhar, Nate Kull, Brian Schnurr, Scott Kelly, Bruce Curry, Lon Bymers, Jerry Davey, Bud Walkins, Ralph Andersh, Michael "Moose" Welsh, Brad Gross, Ron & Joyce Bowen, Harland Bedford, Philliip Goettsch, Brian Schnurr, Kent Winter and two new members, Scott Zoebel and Bruce Rigolizzo.
Secretary/Treasurers reports:Last meeting minutes from September were sent out to members for comment/concerns. No comments back, minutes approved.
Brian S. discussed Credits and Debts for the Base and reported current account balance at $5,101.51

Committee reports:

Eagle Scout program:Got one last month! Can we "find" another?
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. Thanks Lon Bymers for the lead!
Kaps4Kids program:Dan Anderson & Brad Gross went down to Avera after McCrossan Ranch on Veterans Day and met with a Rep that allowed them to visit with 3 kids.
Storekeeper:New 2025 Calendars are in and you can order yours today! Only 3 currently left!
If you would like a vest or other items from the Storekeeper, now is the time!
Contact Brad - email: storekeeper@scorpionbasesd.com

Old/Unfinished business:

Discussed the USS Scorpion SS 278 May 2025 Memorial service and what we want to do.

Guest Speakers were discussed and more follow up is required. So we need some ideas/thoughts from YOU. We voted to move our event to the G&H Steakhouse, same as last year. We need to keep talking with the City of Yankton and trying to get more involvement from them.

National Elections were held and hopefully got online at www.ussubvets.org and voted! Next election is for the Base Officers coming up this July.

Our brother, Roger Zarn went on Eternal Patrol. Thanks to those that attended and the Base gave his memorial $100.

Emails with Capt. Diane of the Battleship Foundation talked about expansion at the Battleship Memorial including updates to the building. She has seen no movement of the Alliance to purchase nearby property and no motions are being made to move the Battleship Memorial north. Asked Capt Diane about what they plan to build and how SD submarine sailors can be involved. She is also now the Head of the Navy League here and is asking for our support/joining to the Navy League.

Parade reviews were held and everyone is still in favor of supporting. Brought up thought that the Riverboat Day parade needs to focus more on the WWII Scorpion memorial and asked for ideas/thoughts that might work. We discussed the Gato Class submarine ideas that Brad Gross found online

New Business:

Dan Anderson, Jim Farquhar, Brad Gross and Kent Winter on Veterans Day went to the "annual" McCrossan Boys Ranch to give a Veterans Day talk to the boys. We stayed around and had lunch with them and enjoyed their interest in submarines. Thanks Dan for setting that up!!

No decision was made for Head Speaker for the 2025 Scorpion 278 Memorial Service. Group of members will look into contacting Omaha for references during that timeframe.

Next July 2025 will be Scorpion 278 Base Elections. We have lost some great submarine veterans these past days and look forward to the next era of leadership for the Scorpion SS-278 Base.

The 50/50 drawing was held and Ron Bowen won the drawing and the pot ($116) and Joyce took his share! Congratulations Ron, I think...

Phillip Goettsch gave a benediction to close out the meeting.

Meeting Adjourned at 1415. Surface the Boat!

Next meeting is Saturday, January 18th, 2025 at the Sioux Falls DAV.
REMEMBER, WE HAVE CANCELED JANUARY MEETINGS BEFORE IF THE WEATHER IS BAD.