Requin Base Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2017
Baden, PA
Base Commander Huey Dietrich called the meeting to order.
Attendees: Mike Allen, Eric & Marge Bookmiller, Lee & Patsy Bookwalter, Clair & Nancy Bouts, George Brown, Ron Campbell, Joe Campisi, Huey & Edie Dietrich, Peter & Stephanie Foster, Major & Loretta Galloway, Gerry & Linda Gaylor, Dick & Beverly Geyer, Bob & Lynn Gourley, Bill & Donna Greenlee, Rick & Joan Guntang, Lou Hamill, Mark & daughter Hoag, Carl Humes, Bill & Sandy Lindsay, Vince Metz, Rick Nelson, Frank Nicotra, Jeff & Eileen Simon, Harry Sills, George Stass, Carl Stigers, Jack Sutherin, Mike & Tina Wyckoff,
Base Commander Huey Dietrich: Quote of the day: “Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience.”
Requin History: September 18, 1945 Requin arrived at Staten Island, New York, to begin what would be in the words of Commander Cutter, “a dull and boring assignment” essentially becoming a target for sonar school ships. September 30, 1963 Requin completed her 5000th dive. September 4, 1990 Requin arrived at the Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Base Commander Huey Dietrich: Let us at this time, with a moment of silent prayer, remember our Shipmates who made the supreme sacrifice that we may gather here in Peace. We dedicate this meeting to our Shipmates on Eternal Patrol, to perpetuate their memories in our lives and to honor our Shipmates on active duty in the service of the first line of defense of our Nation.
Boats Lost:
USS S-5 (SS 110) September 1, 1920
USS GRAYLING (SS 209) September 9, 1943
USS S-51 (SS 162) September 25, 1925
USS CISCO (SS 290) September 28, 1943
USS COCHINO (SS 345) August 26, 1949
USS POMPANO (SS 181) August 29, 1943
We also wish to remember our shipmate of the Requin Base, Donald Miller, Marion Irons, Don Lennox, and Monty Silvers. Finally, we honor remember all the brave submariners who died performing their duties aboard submarines, some individually and some in groups, but where the submarine itself was not lost.
Chaplain Carl Stigers gave the Invocation.
Treasurer Lee Bookwalter led the Base in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members introduced themselves and the boats they qualified on.
Base Secretary Jeff Simon reported that Minutes of the June meeting were published in the SVD. With no objections, the minutes were approved as published.
Treasurer Lee Bookwalter an accounting of base assets, expenditures, and deposits are available upon request. With no objections, the report was approved.
Other Reports:
Binnacle List: Dick Geyer, Arron Elis, Bernie Sigler, Dick Geyer
Membership stands at 226.
Chaplain Carl Stigers reported on Eagle Scouts presentations. A total of 48 presentations have been made this year.
Storekeeper Frank Nicotra reported on available small stores including license plate brackets.
Shipmate Joe Campisi reported on PA License Plate program and efforts for submarine memorial in Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
Memorials, Ceremonies and Parades:
Veterans Day in Pittsburgh, Saturday November 11.
Social Events:
Change of Command Ceremony, Navy Recruiting District officers, September 22.
Navy Ball October 20, Harmar House in Cheswick PA. Two tables are reserved, 12 people have signed up to attend with 4 seats remaining. Contact Rick Elster if you wish to attend.
Thank You letter from Gary Ireland was read.
Old Business:
None
New Business:
Results of District Commanders election: District 1 – Peter Koester, District 2 – Mike Bost, District 3 – Huey Dietrich, District 4 – Ron Olsen, District 5 – Jim Irwin. Only 11 Requin Base members voted.
Active duty members can now join USSVI dues free for the first year of membership.
Dues notices will be sent to members as soon as 2018 USSVI calendars are available.
Motion to purchase Longevity Pins for 5-10-15-20-25 years members was approved by the members present.
Lunch at future meetings will be $12 per person.
For The Good Of The Order:
Hickory Syrup is being sold as a fund raiser
Huey Dietrich is taking orders for Black Plum Jam at $5.
Several items being raffled at the base meetings will be awarded at the December meeting.
Letters from LCDR Justin Kaper and USS Scorpion Memorial were read.
A donation will be given to the base memorial fund from the United Way.
Chaplain Carl Stigers gave the Benediction and blessing of today’s meal.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned.
Next meeting: October 14, 2017. Exact location will be communicated via email.