The Scorpion 278 Base of the United States Submarine Veterans Inc held its bi-monthly meeting.
After a little delay, Gwen was able to put together a great meal again!
Meeting started at 1230 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 Nov/Dec losses by Brian Schnurr & Kent Winter.

Members attending:John Stonebarger, Bud Walkins, Steve Kyle, Scott Kelly, Harlan Bedford, Ron Bowen, Jim Farquhar, Brian Schnurr, Ralph Andersh, Warren Armbruster, Bruce Curry & guest Larry Stinbroker?(USS Sperry), Sam Chapman, Jerry Barnes & Kent Winter.

Secretary/Treasurers reports:
Last meeting minutes from September were sent out to members for comment/concerns. No comments back, minutes approved.
Brian Schnurr reported current account balance at $3934.14. No major expenses. Thanks to everyone for making sure they have their National & Local dues paid.

Committee reports:

Eagle Scout program:Looking for someone to step up for the Event Coordinator position as Dan A. has taken over as Vice Commander and Storekeeper now. Keep looking for Eagle Scout ceremony's in your local areas.
Kaps4Kids program:This program will fall under the Event Coordinator position that is open. Dan Anderson has worked with both Avera and Sanford Hospitals to allow our Kaps 4 Kids program to visit with kids in their hospitals. If you are interested, let Kent know!!
Storekeeper:Contact our Storekeeper, Dan Anderson for any items you may need. Need a new vest? Contact Dan Anderson

Old/Unfinished business:

Dan Anderson brought up the Roger Zarn Scholarship with both Roger's wife Marg and Dan have commited $250 each towards the Scholarship.
Anyone who would like to contribute, let us know.
After much discussion on both the SF Alliance and/or the Battleship Memorial the consensus was to pursue the SF Alliance as they would have more open days and more traffic that could see our submarine exhibit. However, a change has come to the SF Alliance as a new Executive Director was named so we will have to make contact and see if we can still have a display case there.
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!
We discussed other options for fundraising such as participating in Telethon's.
Ray Decker is the new COB of the Base. He will work with the Executive Board on decisions.

New Business:

2026 National ($40) & Local ($10) Dues are due in January 2026. Contact Brian Schnurr if you have any questions.
We talked about other programs (instead of K4K's & Eagle Scouts) that need help in the "local" area. Many ideas and thoughts were presented and many have merit for us to look into. Thanks to all that show up month after month. It's you that keep this Base running!!
We passed a request to purchase new USSVI flag for the SF Alliance flag line up.
May Memorial is still looking to lock in a Guest Speaker. Will keep you posted.
New member, Sam Chapman is using his retired time to help make wooden coffins for homeless veterans and others that cannot afford one. If anyone would like to find out more, contact Sam at his email and he can give you coffin building info.
The SF DAV was holding a fund raiser, to which we contributed $100 from the Base and many others put in some cash too! Thanks for all your support!
Dan Anderson is funding a Gofundme for his son who has cancer. Find the link and help!

New year stickers were sent from USSVI for your plastic USSVI card to update. Know mine was crumbling years ago so I don't have one anymore. If you want a new 2026 sticker, let Kent know.

The 50/50 drawing was held and Bud Walkins won the drawing of $85, put $23 towards Base.
Kent W. gave a benediction to close out the meeting. Meeting Adjourned at 1420. Surface the Boat!

Next meeting is Saturday, January 17th at the SF DAV. Lunch at 1200 meeting at 1300.
Call Kent with questions or concerns. If weather is bad, meeting will be canceled.