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

Members attending:
Charles Stoneback, Steve Kyle, Brian Schnurr, Scott Kelly, Bruce Curry, Lon Bymers, Jerry Davey, Bud Walkins, Ralph Andersh, Michael "Moose" Welsh and Kent Winter.

Would you believe it's Hunting Season!

Lunch started at 1200 with Gwen cooking up a great meal with desert! Scott brought his 4 daughters to enjoy the meal!

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 Kent Winter and as there were no new members, we passed on the introductions.

Tolling of the Boats was read and given to the Aug/Sept losses by Brian & Kent.

Secretary/Treasurers reports:
Secretary reports: Last meeting minutes from July were sent out to members for comment/concerns. No comments back, minutes approved.

Treasurer report: Brian S. discussed Credits and Debts for the Base and reported current account balance at $5,105.64.

Committee reports:
Eagle Scout program: Lon Bymers indentified a new Eagle Scout in Tulare SD, Mikael Nielson was awarded Eagle Scout this month. 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:We discussed opening the program up to foster kids too. K4K program on back burner for the time being.
Storekeeper: New 2025 Calendars are in and you can order yours today!
Since we have not had any fund raising events this year, I've asked members to increase the calendar from $10 to $15 to help raise money for the Base. With the theme of the calendars new Virginia Class submarines, I hope you will to support the Base. Also with that increase, if you want it mailed to you...Can Do!

If you would like a vest or other items from the Storekeeper, now is the time!
Contact Brad

Old/Unfinished business:

Discussed the May 2025 Memorial service and what we want to do. Guest Speaker is the first topic, so we need some ideas/thoughts from YOU.
We moved our event to the G&H Steakhouse last year and had a great time and favorable food. We need to keep talking with the City of Yankton and trying to get more involvement from them.

National Elections were held and hopefully everyone was able to get online at www.ussubvet.org and vote!

Brought up an idea from former Lt Gov Matt Michels and the "Vote in Honor of a Vet" stickers which everyone liked and supported.

Our brother, Francis Rabaey 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. Discussed the ideas that Brad G. submitted regarding a Gato Class submarine model.

New Business:

What do you have that would be proper to display in a Military Museum?
What memorabilia is in your closet?

Head Speaker for the 2025 Scorpion 278 Memorial Service?

Next July 2025 will be Scorpion 278 Base Elections for anyone interested.

The 50/50 drawing was held and Michael "Moose" Welch won the drawing and the pot ($45) and giving it all back!! Thanks Moose!

Kent W. gave a benediction to close out the meeting.

Meeting Adjourned at 1415. Surface the Boat!

Next meeting is Saturday, November 16th at the Sioux Falls DAV.