June 2019

Publication for members of USS Illinois Base, United States Veterans, Inc.

This is a busy summer for your We could really use your support at Base, and I thank everyone who has these events. Don’t forget on July chipped in to help us with all of our 4th we will be participating in the projects. Winnebago, IL Parade. (See page 4). Tom Ramsay Base Elections Unfortunately, we had to cancel our USS Illinois Commander spot later that day for the Rockford’s MS1(SS), USN Retired Reminder that at the next meet- evening parade. ing (July 6th) will hold elections for our 2019-2021 offi cers (CDR, Senior 5th Annual SubFest VCDR, JR. VCDR, Treasurer, and Sec- This goes without saying is the retary). The Nominating Committee most exciting 3-day event in our will present a slate of offi cers, but area for submarine sailors and en- nominations will be accepted from thusiasts. This year’s SubFest coin- the fl oor. Any member may nomi- cides with the 50th Anniversary of nate another member or themselves the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. for one of these positions. Associate SubFest begins on Friday, July 12, members are eligible to serve as Trea- through Sunday, July 14. I plan on surer or Secretary. The new offi cers joining a couple of you as volunteer will take their oaths of offi ce at the tour guides aboard the USS Cobia August meeting. throughout the weekend. Base Anniversary If you are interested in volunteer- ing a few hours in one of the com- It’s that time again. We will be partments aboard the board, give me celebrating our 4th Anniversary in a call—I know they can still fi t you August. Plan to attend this meeting in—it is worth it, and FUN! and celebrate our successes. Janesville Warbirds Weekend Parades The USS Illinois Base will be there We have been pounding the in full force July 19-21 showing how ground across our region participat- “fl y” beneath the ocean. I ing in parades, as well as local vet- number of us have signed up to help eran workshops and Military Salute with ticket sales and security at the events. See page 4 for a calendar of activities over the next few months. (Continued on page 3)

www.ussillinoisbase.org

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 1 June 1, 2019 -- Minutes of the USS Illinois Base • It is Base offi cer elections time. We were glad to see Phil Owens at This year’s election process was ex- the meeting after being released from plained, including an explanation the hospital. of proposed revised Base Bylaws. Old Business: The Secretary will send copies of the revised Bylaws to members be- • The Base Family Picnic will be on Meeting called to order at 12:05 fore the July meeting. If you are in- Sept. 7 at Thresherman’s Park in p.m. by CDR Tom Ramsay. terested in a Base offi cer’s position, Edgerton, Wis. Ron DeGraff , histori- contact the Senior VCDR Chuck an for the diesel shop, welcomes our 16 members present: Tom Ramsay, Mongan before the next meeting. return. All family, kids, grandchil- Chuck Mongan, Bruce Pickering, The positions are for 2-year terms. dren are welcome. We need a show Kate Ramsay, Mark Dykstra, Mike Additional nominations will be of interest with a count to begin Barney, Don Bosetti, Bob Fleck, Joe placed on the fl oor during the July making plans for this event. Jones, Dick Martin, Renee Martin, meeting. The voting for the Bylaw Patrick O’Brien, Wayne Orrison, Phil • Base editor asked members to changes and offi cer positions will Owens (Dist. 2 CDR), Kep Preble. forward information to her that follow. they feel would be of interest to Guests present: None • Committee appointments. Dick the entire membership. Sea stories Tolling of Bells Ceremony, Read- Martin has done an exceptional job and general veteran information is ing of USSVI Creed, Pledge of as Chair of the Events Coordina- needed for the newsletter. Allegiance. tion Committee. Due to time com- New Business: mitments, Dick has asked to step Invocation by Chaplain Bob Fleck. aside as Chair of this Committee. • Wayne Orrison shared a change Minutes. Secretary Kate Ramsay dis- The CDR asked for a volunteer who in how the military approaches tributed copy of May 4 minutes. Two would like to help lead this Com- discharges. He added that some corrections noted Chicago Memo- mittee. Mark Dykstra will remain National Guard and Reservists were rial’s proper name: WWII Submarine as a committee member helping us sent to the frontline for “training,” Veterans Memorial, and boat name reach out into Wisconsin. so their service wasn’t counted as under Good of Order should be USS active duty. He also added that Events Committee Updates. Wisconsin. Motion to accept minutes “bad conduct” discharges may still as revised by Wayne Orrison; second- • Upcoming Parades: June 15th, be available for benefi ts. He en- ed by Dick Martin. Motion carried. Pecatonica (rescheduled); Belvidere couraged anyone with questions to Heritage Day, June 30th, 4th of July contact their local Veterans Service Treasurer’s Report. Treasurer Parade in Winnebago, IL (a.m.), Offi cer for a review. Bruce Pickering presented the End of 4th of July Parade in Rockford, IL • Discussion was held about the Month Report for May 2019. Mem- (p.m.). bers were asked to return unwanted Harlem Veterans Documentary • Booth (exposure): The Base will reports to protect privacy. Motion program. They videos students are have a table at two events on June made by Don Bosetti to accept the creating are going to government 8. One in Janesville, Wis., for Treasurer’s Report as presented, and archives. Military Veterans Workshop, and seconded by Bob Bates. one in Beloit, Wis., at Bryden Mo- • High schools are also holding “sign- District CDR’s Report by Phil Ow- tors for a Salute to Military event. ing” events for HS Juniors joining ens. Base members encouraged to Volunteers are needed. the military. Wayne will be looking for opportunities for the Base to participate in Base events. • Kaps(SS)4Kids(SS): Mark Dykstra have a presence at future events. Storekeeper’s Report. None. confi rmed our acceptance at a chil- dren’s event at the American Fam- 50-50 Raffl e. The raffl e was won by CDR’s Report by Tom Ramsay. ily Children’s Hospital in Madison, Bob Bates, who donated his win- • Recognition to Dick, Renee, Bruce Wis. on Aug. 1 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. nings back to the Base. and Chuck for their support dur- K4K haps, coloring books, and Closing Prayer by Bob Fleck. ing the Love Park’s Parade (during crayons are being collected. torrential rain), as well as for their Meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m. Chaplain’s Report: Bob Fleck support during the Beloit Memo- Motion made by Wayne Orrison and reported on the passing of Terry rial Day Parade. The Pecatonica seconded by Dick Martin. Motion Elmeier’s mother. A card from the Parade was rained out. carried. Next meeting July 6, 2019 at Base was sent to the Terry and Deb. Mustang Bar & Grill.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 2 CDR’s Column (Continued from page 1) These are a lot of sightseeing Continued gates, helping to fl ag planes to their events in this six day Convention, but parked locations, and even serving the schedule has been designed to al- as plane Ambassadors. We will also low you to come in Saturday, August have a booth on site to share the 17th for Half-Way Dinner; attend USSVI experience with attendees. base meetings on Saturday; Holland Club Breakfast and This event is well-worth the drive Tolling of the Boats for you and your family. There will be Ceremony on Sun- a number of WWII planes on hand, day; some sightseeing with the opportunity to tour some on Monday; and the of these historic planes, and in some USSVI Annual Busi- instances (if space is still available) ness Meeting and Awards Banquet to take a fl ight. on Tuesday. Base Contacts USSVI Annual Convention I fi rst head about USSVI at a boat reunion held during one of these I am looking forward to having Conventions in the early 1980’s, while Commander a number of you joining me at this I was still in the Navy. It is a good Tom Ramsay year’s USSVI’s Annual Convention in tram688@jcwifi .com time to meet and greet friends. If you Austin, Texas. Events start as early as have never attend one of these Con- Thursday, August 15th through Tues- Sr. Vice Commander ventions, you are missing a lot. Chuck Mongan day, August 20th. [email protected]

Jr. Vice Commander & Kaps 4 Kids Coord. Razorback survives major fl ood Mark Dystra [email protected] NEWS The Arkansas ing into the barge at the other end. from Inland Maritime The bank-end of the gangway had Treasurer NATIONAL sifted downstream from its normal Bruce Pickering Museum (AIMM), [email protected] home to the USS position. Razorback (SS-394) survived a ma- Greg Zonner, executive director Secretary & jor fl ood event earlier this month. of AIMM, wanted you to know “our Editor/Webmaster In preparation for rising water, the historic vessels are both okay.” Kate Ramsay Museum was closed just before the kateram@jcwifi .com Memorial Day weekend. Storekeeper Flood stage on May 25 was at 16.71 Terry Elmeier feet which was one foot above the [email protected] entry gangway. The river peaked at nearly 30 feet on June 5, which was Chaplain Bob Fleck nearly 4 feet over the parking lot. bobfl [email protected] The apparent major damage so far is to the entry gangway and a fl oat- Membership ing dock. The Razorback and Hoga David Spencer [email protected] are both good, as are the three barg- The Arkansas Inland Maritime es used at the facility. As the water Museum’reopened for business on June 21 following repairs to the docks. The Events Committee continues to slowly drain, the AIMM fl oating museum, as well as its main Richard Martin brought in a crane with a heavy-du- attractions, the USS Razorback (SS-394) [email protected] ty wrench to raise the bank-end of and the USS Hoga (YT-146) did not sustain major damage during the recent fl ooding the gangway to keep it from wedg- of the Arkansas River.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 3 USS Illinois Base 2019 Events Schedule

July 4 Winnebago Winnebago, Ill. Line up at 9 a.m. in parking lot behind Parade the High School off McNair Rd., step off at 10 a.m. July 12-14 5th Annual Manitowoc, Wis. Fun family event. Sub sailors can SubFest at Wisconsin volunteer as tour guides aboard USS Maritime Museum Cobia in the compartment of their choice. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Museum. Visit their website for full details. www.wisconsinmaritimemuseum.org July 19-21 Warbird Weekend Janesville, Wis. USS Illinois Base table at this event, at Southern plus volunteer support opportunities. Wisconsin This event brings WWII warbirds from Regional Airport across the country. Entertaining & informative for the whole family. Aug 1 Kaps(SS)4Kids(SS) Madison, Wis. Our first Kaps4Kids event meeting Event at American with hospitalized children in a Family Childrens’ community activity program. Telling Hospital stories about submarines & making these kids honorary submariners. Aug 15-20 USSVI Annual Austin, Tex. A fun and informative event. Great Convention at Renaissance time to meet old shipmates and meet Hotel new friends. Sept 7 USS Illinois Base Edgerton, Wis. Our second annual family picnic. Dine Family Picnic at Thresherman’s with us surrounded by history of Park thresher and steam engines. Educational & fun for the entire family. Sept 8 Lions Fall Festival Roscoe, Ill. Parade set-up and time TBA. Parade Sept 21-22 WWII Days Rockford, Ill. Table. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Midway Village Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Depending Museum on the weather, we may have to set up on Friday, Sept. 20. More info coming. Need volunteers at our booth. Oct 25 “Top of Illinois” Rockford, Ill. We have been invited back. It is a Veterans Stand at Mendelssohn Friday event, but help is also needed Down Performing Arts on Thursday to help sort clothing. Center Last we helped 210 homeless veterans (184 men and 26 women).

We have completed several successful events thus far. But, the year is not over. Above is our schedule for the remainder of the year. Please consider helping your Base make a diff erence in your community!

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 4 Tidbits of Knowledge from around the world June 20, 1782 -- The U.S. Congress offi cially adopted the Great Seal

A Bitbit of History of the United States of America. on right

Lawmakers vote NAVY TIMES (Columbia, S.C.) Point Naval and Maritime Museum, to sink submarine — “South Carolina legislators reaf- in South Carolina. fi rmed their decision to sink the Legislators say, “it’ll cost $2.7 mil- Balao-class Clamagore, USS 343, lion to sink the sub to make an arti- a museum submarine that’s been fi cial reef, but that’s the best of three fl oating in Charleston Harbor for 40 bad options. Sen. Murrell Smith says years,” it was reported. The action “restoring it could cost $9 million.” was taken after legislators over- turned Gov. Henry McMaster’s veto Some feel that leaving it where it is of the measure. could cost the state later, others were worried that a hurricane might sink The Clamagore was built 1945 and it in a way that would disrupt port decommissioned in 1975. It is cur- traffi c. rently a part of the fl eet at Patriots

The Clamagore (SS-343) being brought to Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, Charleston, SC, 1981.

Photo courtesy of Tommy Trampp. (Navy Archives)

NATIONALINSTEREST.COM technically advanced ballistic missile First steel cut for submarine ever to exist.” new Columbia- (Newport News, Va.) -- Almost no- body knows where they are at any It would not be an exaggeration to Class submarine given time, yet nuclear-armed ballis- call the fi rst “cut of steel” for the lead tic missile submarines quietly patrol ship in a class of new nuclear-armed dark domains of the undersea realm Columbia-class ballistic missile sub- in strategically vital waters around marines an historic occasion, as the the globe. boat is intended to usher in a new Kris Osborn reported, “A ‘cut-of- era in fi repower-reliant strategic de- steel’ for advanced construction of terrence. The Navy has been making the fi rst boat took place at Newport rapid progress staying ahead of the News Shipbuilding June 17 -- three original construction schedule. The weeks early -- marking the formal ship specs are 100-percent complete, beginning of a long and carefully the arrangements are 97.5 percent labored process of building the most complete, and the ship disclosures are already 43-percent complete.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 5 It was a memorable May & June for parades with LOTS of RAIN! Pictured above are photos from the Beloit/ South Beloit Parade on Memorial Day. The rain forced the cancel- lation of the Pecatonica Parade, but we snapped a quick shot (ctr) of our special salute to Pec resident Rudy Kraut, who is on eternal patrol.

Vietnam War Veterans Wecomed Home

Loves Park gave a Hometown Welcome at City Hall to area Vietnam Veterans on May 28, to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. Well done Loves Park! The veterans in attendance waited many years for this type of Welcome Ceremony.

You never know who you’ll fi nd at events like this. Above (right) is Receiving his Commemorative Pin and USSVI member Gene Weisbecker, a salute is David Spencer. All veterans a member of the Great Lakes and attending the event received the same Chicago Bases, and his special special recognition. charge Brutus, of the Kare 9 Military Ministry.

Thanks Gary Walters for a gift that will keep on giving!

Jimmy Muaremi,(rt), owner of the Mustang Bar & Grill hung a commemorative photo of the history of submarines in the foyer of his bar and grill. The photo was a gift from new base member Gary Walters, who has dual membership with us and the USS Wisconsin Base. Take time to look it over next time you enter the foyer at Mustangs.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 6 Tolling of the Bells MAY shoals off St. Macarius Point in the Aleutians. (60 miles from Kiska, then for Lost Boats USS Squalus (SS-192) lost on May held by the Japanese). When appar- 23, 1939 when it fl ooded and sank ent that she could not be freed and off Portsmouth, NH. Loss of 26 crew the boat began taking a dangerous with 33 rescued. Boat was raised, list, the captain transferred the entire overhauled and refi tted, then recom- crew to shore (400 yards away) in missioned as Sailfi sh. relays using a three-man rubber raft. USS Gudgeon (SS-211) lost on May All crew rescued. 12, 1944 when sunk off near USS R-12 (SS-89) lost on June 12, Maug Island in the northern Mari- 1943 when it sank off Key West. The anas on her 12th war patrol. Gudgeon boat was on the surface “riding the was the fi rst US submarine to go on vents” while taking position for a patrol from Hawaii following the May & June practice approach. The col- Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and lision alarm was sounded and word was the fi rst US submarine to sink an passed that there was fl ooding in enemy warship. Loss of 79 crew. the forward battery compartment. USS Lagarto (SS-371) lost on or Before hatches could be closed, shortly after May 3, 1945 when sunk the boat sank in 600 feet of water. on her 2nd war patrol off the Gulf Cause of loss unknown, but fl ood- of Thailand by a Japanese ing through a torpedo tube was most radar-equipped . likely. Loss of 43 crew. Those on the Loss of 85 crew. bridge (captain, 2 other offi cers and 3 USS Stickleback (SS-415) men) survived. lost on May 28, 1958 when it USS Herring (SS-233) lost on June sank off Hawaii while being 1, 1944 on her 8th war patrol within towed after a collision with shore battery range of Point Tagan, USS Silverstein (DE-534). Matsuwa Island, in Kurlies, after All crew rescued. sinking both a freighter and passen- USS Scorpion (SSN-589) ger-cargoman. She was the only US lost on May 22, 1968 due submarine sunk by a land battery to an undetermined cause during WWII. Loss of 83 crew. while in transit from the USS Golet (SS-361) lost on June Mediterranean to Norfolk. 14, 1944 on her 2nd war patrol, dur- She was located fi ve months ing a surface attack by antisubmarine later 400 miles southwest forces north of Honshu, . Loss of the Azores at a depth of of 82 crew. Story of the fi rst missing 10,000 ft. Loss of 99 crew. submarine from WWII to be USS Bonefi sh (SS-223) lost on found and verifi ed. Written JUNE June 18, 1945 during her 8th war by Nancy Kenney, daughter patrol during a savage depth-charge of one of the lost crew on this USS O-9 (SS-70) lost on June attack at Toyama Bay in the Sea of Manitowoc Boat. A really good 20, 1941 when it sank off the Isle of read on the Navy’s and family’s Japan following her sinking of a long trail to uncover the facts. Shoals, 15 miles from Portsmouth, passenger-cargoman. She was the NH, while undergoing a deep test last SubPac submarine lost in World dive. Loss of 33 crew. War II. Loss of 85 crew. USS S-27 (SS-132) lost on June BBehindehind everyevery lostlost submarinesubmarine sailorsailor 19, 1942 while charging batteries. iiss a grievinggrieving ffamilyamily wwhoho hhelpselps kkeepseeps In poor visibility, it drifted into the ttheirheir mmemoriesemories aalive.live.

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 7 Why Seniors do not change their passwords!

Submitted by WINDOWS: Wayne Orrison Please enter your new password. USER : Cabbage WINDOWS: Sorry, the password must be more than 8 characters. USER: Boiled cabbage WINDOWS: Sorry, the password must contain 1 numerical character. USER: 1 boiled cabbage WINDOWS: Sorry, the password cannot have blank spaces USER: 50damnboiledcabbages WINDOWS: Sorry, the password must contain at least one upper case character USER: 50DAMNboiledcabbages WINDOWS: Sorry the password cannot use more than one upper case character consecutively. USER: 50damnBoiledCabbagesShovedUpYourAssIfYouDon’tGiveMeAccessNow! WINDOWS: Sorry, the password cannot contain punctuation. USER: ReallyPissedOff 50DamnBoiledCabbagesShovedUpYourAssIfYouDontGiveMeAccessNow WINDOWS: Sorry, that password is already in use.

Mark your calendar for the next USS Illinois Base (USSVI) Meeting. We meet monthly on the 1st Saturday of the month. Next USSVI Illinois Base Meeting Date: July 6, 2019 Time: Noon (lunch available during or after meeting) Location: Mustang Bar & Grill 482 Gardner St. • South Beloit, Illinois www.ussillinoisbase.org

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 8 Share this application with a fellow submariner!

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP Regular Life Associate OUR CREED: “To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States of America & its Constitution.”

With my signature below I affirm that I subscribe to the Creed of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc., and agree to abide by the Constitution, all Bylaws, Regulations and Procedures governing the U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc., so long as they do not conflict with my military or civil obligations. I will furnish proof of my eligibility for Regular membership, including my discharge under honorable conditions, and proof of my U.S. Navy (SS) Designation, if required by the Base or the national Membership Chairman. If I am not discharged, the discharge requirement is waived. If I am not U.S. N. submarine qualified, I am applying as an Associate and my sponsor is indicated below.

□ I certify that I was designated qualified in USN Submarines aboard ______in ______(Yr) (Honorary designations regardless of source do not apply under any circumstances.) □ I certify that I received a discharge under Honorable Conditions (if not currently in military service) in ______(Yr)

Name: (Print /Type) ______Address: ______

City: ______State: ____ Zip Code: ______- ______Tel: (_____) _____ - ______

Signature: ______Date: ______

Your E-Mail Address ______Base/Chapter Desired: ______

Nat’l Member Dues year runs from Jan 1st thru Dec 31st. Please indicate your term preference: ______Nat’l Dues: 5 Yr term: $ 115.00; 3 Yr term: $ 70.00; 1 yr term (Jan thru Sep) $ 25.00; (Oct thru Dec adds the next yr): $ 30.00 Nat’l Life: 76+ yrs = $100.00; 66 thru 75 yrs = $200; 56 thru 65 yrs = $ 300.00; 46 thru 55 = $400.00; Thru 45 yrs = $ 500.00 Local Base/chapter dues are separate and additional. Consult the local base for those figures.

How did you find USSVI? □ Friend, □ Boat Assn, □ Local Event/News, □ Internet, □ Other ( ______)

Who is your sponsoring USSVI Regular Member?: (Mandatory for Assoc Mbrs) ______Associate Applicant is: Veteran Spouse of Veteran Other (specify) ______

YOUR U.S. NAVY BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

Date Of Birth (MM/DD/YY) ____ / ____ / ____ If other military service, What Branch? ______

Highest Rate & Rank Attained: ______Mil Retired (Y/N): _____ On Active Duty? (Y/N): ____

YR entered Mil Service: ______YR left Mil Service _____ (Active/Inactive reserve time also counts.)

Check if your Military Service falls within any of these time periods: Dec 7, 1941, thru Dec 31, 1946; June 27, 1950, thru Jan 31, 1955; Aug 5, 1964, thru May 7, 1975; and from August 2, 1990 to date.

Submarines and ships served aboard as ship’s company (Use back if you need more space.)

1. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

2. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

3. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

4. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

5. ______Hull#______Rank/Rate______From Yr.____ to Yr. _____

Next of Kin: Name: ______Relationship: ______(Spouse, Partner, Son, Dau, Parent, Other)

Addr:______City: ______State: ___ Zip: ______Tel: ______(Leave this address line blank if the same as your home address)

Upon completion, please deliver to: Your Base Chapter Secretary, or if you do not know of a base location near you, Rev 7/22/2009 PH Mail to: USSVI National Office, P.O. Box 3870, Silverdale, WA 98383-3870 Questions: Call 1-877-542-DIVE or email [email protected]

Green Board - USS Illinois Base, USSVI — Page 9