U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc.
SUBVETS Groton Base
"First and Finest"
Home of USSVI and Dominic "Joe" Negri Memorial Clubhouse
Your bi-weekly news and updates
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USSVI Groton Base Calendar of Events
June 06, 2022 - June 19, 2022
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06/05/2022 - Brunch @ SubVets - 1100 - Noon - Courtesy of NIOD
06/06/2022 - 1830 - Monthly Membership Meeting
06/17/2022 - 1700-2000 - Burger Burn @ SubVets
06/17/2022 - 2000 - Karaoke @ SubVets
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Commander's Updates
Shipmates, Families, and Friends
June is finally here, and it is a welcomed month here at Groton Base. With the start of June, we celebrated the Holland Club Induction Ceremony. Saturday’s ceremony was three years in the making, with two of those years cancelled by COVID. The Holland Club Chairman and the committee worked feverishly to get this event into the completed column. It is looking to be a fantastic weekend weatherwise and I am sure the festivities will be were one for the record books.
Continuing with our Submarine history (you can tell me enough already with the history lessons). USS Plunger, SS-2 a 107-ton Holland-type submarine built at Elizabethport, New Jersey, was commissioned in September 1903. The prototype Fulton experimental craft was laid down at Isaac Rice's Electric Boat Company prior to these first A-class submarines. She served on experimental torpedo duties at Newport, Rhode Island, until 1905. In August of that year Plunger was visited by President Theodore Roosevelt, who thus became the first U.S. Chief Executive to dive in a submarine. Out of commission from November 1905 until February 1907, Plunger was then based at the New York Navy Yard for two years and, beginning in October 1909, operated out of the Charleston Navy Yard, South Carolina. She was a unit of the Reserve Torpedo Flotilla after April 1910. The submarine was renamed A-1 in November 1911 and stricken from the Navy list in February 1913.
So, what has been going on since the last Broadcast?
Earlier in the week our new chef, Terrance Cowart, hit the ground running grilling up burgers and dogs for our post Memorial Day ceremony reception at the clubhouse. We also welcomed to our bar staff, Sheila Herring. Sheila rejoins us after being away for a few years. So, if you get a chance stop by to say “Hi” to our new staff members and stay for lunch.
On May 30, SubVets held our Memorial Day Tolling of the Boats ceremony at the at the U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II Memorial (East) in Groton. It was a moving ceremony that remembered our fallen. Captain Kenneth Curtin, Commanding Officer of the Naval Submarine Base New London, was our guest speaker. Over sixty SubSchool students assisted with the Tolling of the Boats two bell ceremony. The ceremony was well attended by the public and naval community. Here is the link from the local newspaper that covered the ceremony https://www.theday.com/military-news/20220530/on-memorial-day-subvets-honor-submariners-and-others-who-died-while-serving. Afterwards, a luncheon reception at the clubhouse. Hosted the SubVettes committee and other volunteers.
Basic Enlisted Submarine School graduation took place on Friday 3 June. The class of one hundred and ten students honored the USS Holland SS-1 and paid tribute to the new inductees to the Holland Club. These future Submariners are anxiously awaiting for their next assignments, ranging from “A” School to direct assignment to their first submarine. Retired CMC Bud Atkins, USSVI National Holland Club Chairman, was the USSVI Groton Base representative and presented the Submarine Heritage Award and a SubVets Groton challenge coin to the Class Leader. Awards presented:
Submarine Heritage Award - SR (SU) Exsteven D. Scott
Navy Core Values Award- SA (SU) Ceszar J. Villalbabaldonado
Captain William H. Purdum Award- SN (SU) John L. Robertson
Guest Speaker was MMACM Darryl Hartley, COB PCU IOWA (SSN 797 and the Command Representative- LCDR Christopher Hornung, XO Naval Submarine School
On Friday June 3 we started Holland Club Induction weekend off with a bang. SubVets welcomed the crew of the USS Colorado at the clubhouse. Heather served up refreshments while the crew had Tom’s famous chili. Dart board and pool table saw plenty of action. After a quick clean up, the clubhouse was ready for the next event.
Later that evening, the first steak night in two years was held. Over eighty diners, throughout the night, enjoyed a delicious steak, baked potato, green bean dinner prepared by Chef Terrence. Chef Terrence was assisted by Base Commander Steve Ricard and Tom Hickey who manned the charcoal grill. Jammin Jim was Jammin in the scullery. Lei and Tiffany did an amazing job in the bar and dining room serving dinner and drinks. Laura ran the 50/50 raffle which is normally run by Tom Connor (Tom is recovering nicely and looks great). Every now and then he stops by the clubhouse to check out the chili and swap stories.
Saturday June 4, Rich Cheatham and the Holland Club committee kicked off the much anticipate Holland Club Induction. This year a combined group of over ninety Shipmates were eligible for induction into the Holland Club. We were fortunate to have forty-seven inductees sitting on the stage at Dealey Center. Hats off to Rich and his committee, the ceremony was outstanding. Rich will have a few more details further on in the Broadcast. Congratulations to our Inductees, see you at the next luncheon. Here is the link to some of the many photographs from the day’s festivities
Rushing from Dealey Center to the Clubhouse for the next event, our very own SubVettes hosted a reception at the clubhouse after the Holland club induction. I would like to recognize Dee Carcioppolo, Fran Kinsall, Elaine Ricard, Kimberlee Beagle, Nancy Germain, Marilyn Gustofson, Sue Sharpe, Estelle Rivera, Shirley Patenaude, Jan Stern, Anne McMullin, and Ann Murray. Your side dishes, desserts and behind the serving line banter makes each reception a memorable experience for our members and visitors. Without your continued support of these types of events it would not be as meaningful or as tasty. Thank you for a job well done.
Sunday rounded out the Holland Club Inductions weekend with brunch courtesy of NIOD. Senior Chief Jason Klostermeier and his crew did a fantastic job “again” serving up more than our standard fare. I would like to thank Jason for the support he has provided to the clubhouse and for the many hours he and the NOID Chief’s Mess put in preparing and serving up brunch. Jason, good luck at your next duty station, and please know that you are always welcome here at SubVet.
It is with sadness we say goodbye to Laura, until we see you next time. Laura and Jason are moving on to their next stop in Jason’s naval career.
Upcoming events
Kitchen open Monday- Friday 1100 - 1400
Full menu plus specials. Stop by and meet Chef Terrence.
On Thursday 9 June and 16 June, the kitchen will be open between 1100 - 1830. Stop by and see what Chef Terrence has for specials.
SubVet Burger Burn (2), 17June. Kitchen will be open 1100 -1830.
After, stay and enjoy karaoke with Jammin Jim.
Groton 4th of July parade. Come and join the fun. Theme United we stand. Reception will be held after at the clubhouse.
Respectfully,
Steve Ricard
USSVI-Groton Base Commander
"FIRST AND FINEST"
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UPDATED 07MAY2022
From the desk of the Base Secretary
Hi Shipmates;
A friendly reminder that Boat Notes articles and sea story articles are coming up on June 1, 2022. Please get them in early if you can. It will help me finalize on the 3rd quarter edition on time.
V/R
Alvin (Al) G. Kinsall
USSVI Groton Base Secretary/Veterans Affairs
860.460.0027
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From the desk of USSVI
Groton Base Veterans Affair
VETERANS BENEFITS
Need help - wondering if you qualify for VA Health Care Benefits?
Call Al 860.440.6691 or 860.460.0027
The John J. McGuirk VA Outpatient Clinic was rededicated. Stephen McGuirk, John's brother addressing the crowd of aver 40 dignitaries and veterans. The New London CBOC is now officially open to support VA registered veterans.
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YOUR BOAT PLAQUE MAY BE AVAILABLE !
SEND ME A NOTE; I'll check our inventory for your boat's plaque!
All money collected for boat plaques is directed to the Building Maintenance Fund (BMF).
Prices may vary depending on the condition of the plaque
A FEW EXAMPLES OF PLAQUES AVAILABLE
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2021 - 2022 USSVI Groton Base Coin
AVAILABLE NOW $10
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2022 NEW T-SHIRTS
only a few left
Available Now $20
Visit or call the Groton Clubhouse 860 445 5262
or email to
Alex Doucette at lxdctt@gmail.com
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2022 SubVet Calendar
pick up at Clubhouse
$6 + US Mailing $8.18
less than 12 still available
SPECIAL on Calendar
pick up at Club $6 while they last
Shipping we can ship all items
coins, T-shirts and Golf Shirts
add $6 for shipping
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TREASURER'S REPORT
2022 Annual Appeal & Capital Improvement
Last call to donate in to the 2022 Annual Appeal.
Shipmates, To-date there have been just over 400 out of 1160 USSVI Groton Base members to donate to the 2022 Annual Appeal or about 1/3 of our membership. The money is used for clubhouse operating expenses which includes utilities, building maintenance and repairs.
Over the last two years, donations received have allowed us to remain open and provides a space to honor all who serve on submarines and to ensure their shipmates who were lost on submarines would never be forgotten. We are proud of the submarine heritage we have on display that includes Joe Negri personal items, our Wall of Honor and memorabilia donated by families of shipmates on eternal patrol, and the boat plaques that cover our walls.
Over the last two years, any additional donations allowed us to paint, repair and upgrade services to our members.
The 2022 Annual Appeal will end on June 30th.
Consider joining the 426 members and friends who have already donated.
This is your clubhouse; the only brick and mortar owned by USSVI National. The submariners that follow in our footsteps will cherish this building as members before us and as we continue to do.
USSVI Clubhouse, Attention: USSVI Groton Base Annual Appeal
40 School Street, Groton, CT 06340
Please make checks payable to USSVI Groton Base
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VOLUNTEERS - YOUR THE ONE PERSON WHO CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Saturday Morning Field Day Clean-up Crew - every Saturday 0900
- This group conducts a clean sweep down fore, aft as well as ladders and passageways.
- Coffee & donuts always available; work is often completed within 1 hour
- Results in a clean building for Sunday Brunch or next weeks' luncheons
FACEBOOK
Check out our clubhouse facebook page for daily updates and clubhouse information.
https://www.facebook.com/subvetsgroton/
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STOREKEEPER
Email address for the Groton Base Small Stores
Alex Doucette is check it daily to make sure your requests are handled ASAP
lxdctt@gmail.com
We have T-shirts, vests, golf shirts, hats, coins available at the club
if you can't get to the club just email Alex at storekeeper@ussvigroton.org
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Holland Club Update June 4, 2022
Luncheons
Our June 21, 2022 Luncheon Guest Speaker will be our own Dr. Jeffery Flesher, Author.
Holland Club Induction Ceremony 2022
Wow, We did it! The best team in all of the USSVI system, The Holland Club Induction Planning Committee, knocked it out of the park. Despite many mistakes, struggles, issues, and set backs, we still successfully Formally Inducted 46 Holland Club members.
These inductees were from the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022. We were able to have all the inductees on the stage; contrary to what some members said ‘could not be done.’ I always love a challenge..
While the Induction ceremony is over, the committee has a few more tasks to wrap up.
I will be providing a more detailed report in the coming weeks. I need a break!
There are photos coming out daily. There is video in production - soon to be released. Stand by.
Thank you all for helping to make USSVI Groton Base shine and the envy of rest of the USSVI bases. We can still be the first and the finest.
Respectfully submitted.
Rich Cheatham
Groton Base Holland Club Chair
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Membership Update
1161 Members
620 Holland Club Members, 65 Associate Members, 850 USSVI Life Members
NEW! - Active Duty New Members are now Free for Base and National dues for the first calendar year!
Can I renew Now for 2022 and Beyond - YES!!
Are you a current member who wants to pay base and/or national dues for 2022? If so you can skip the forms and use PayPal from our website. You don't need a PayPal account, choose the guest option. Of course, you can still also pay at the Clubhouse or by mail. You can renew on the Groton Base website.
Please contact
Jeff Flesher
Groton Base Membership Chairman
Thank you to all renewing members!
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6 June 2022
*1997 Bowfin Base 25 years old
7 June 2022
8 June 2022
1985 Reading Base 37 years o
9 June 2022
*2001 Iowa Base 21 years old
10 June 2022
11 June 2022
12 June 2022
13 June 2022
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14 June 2022
Flag Day
U.S. Army Birthday, 1775
15 June 2022
1982 New Jersey North Base 40 years old
16 June 2022
17 June 2022
18 June 2022
19 June 2022
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Chaplain's List
as of: 06/6/2022
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Call, send a note, or a visit - A phone call or a visit from a shipmate means a lot, even if you don't know the person. If anyone knows of a shipmate that should be added, Please let me know.
A reminder, there are many who have recently had or are having scheduled surgery or may have been in the hospital recently. In most cases they have asked that I don’t put their names on this list. Your thoughts and prayers however, are requested for each of them.
I do try to send an Eternal Patrol certificate and a letter of condolence to the spouse or next of kin of a Groton Base member whenever I hear of their passing and I have an address. National does a fine job of letting me know, however, some fall through the cracks. Let me know if you hear of one’s passing.
Please say a prayer for all who may also be under the weather including spouses and relatives. Special note: This should include those who are suffering from some debilitating illness, and may be in a nursing home, etc. Let me know if you know of someone
May God bless all of them
God bless all, Jack & John
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ETERNAL PATROL REMEMBRANCE |
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06/06
06/07
06/08
06/09
06/10
06/11
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06/12
06/13
06/14
06/18
06/19
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Clubhouse & Bar Hours
Monday & Tuesday 11 am to 2 pm
Wednesday 11 am to 5 pm
Thursday & Friday 11 am to 7 pm
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