Tradewinds May 2024

Volume 58

To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives while voluntarily serving in submarine warfare 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. To further promote and keep alive the spirit and unity that existed among submarine crewmen during World War II. To promote sociability general welfare and good fellowship among our members. To pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States of America and it’s constitution.

1. Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base

Bowfin Meeting – We conducted our May meeting at Clean Sweep Bar, Lockwood Hall. The following members attended – Dave Atkins, David Bilek, Rodney Boucher, Karl Dye, Nelson Greer, Gary Grisham, Gary Johnson, Paul Jurcsak, Brett Kulbis, Ace Parker, Crichton Roberts, Pat Suenaga, Carl Tatro, and Ken Voorhees.

Welcomed Guests – Doi Brown, Nancy Kreis, Mi-ye Bilek, and Sandra Parker.

Binnacle List – Please keep the all our members and their families in your good thoughts and prayers.

Hauʻoli Lā Hānau! Bowfin Birthdays for the month of May.

Save the Date

Saturday May 18 (7-9am): WWII, Korean & Vietnam Memorials clean-up event. Roy King’s WWII Memorial at the corner of South King Street and Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 in front of the Territorial Office Building, 465 S King Street, Honolulu HI 96813. Please bring gloves, water, trash bags, rakes, shovels, pick-up sticks (grabbers), dawn soapy solution to brush clean the WWII monument and water to rinse.

Friday May 31 (10am-12pm)

They are also looking for volunteers to help distribute the food and setup/take down. If you can volunteer, please send your name to Sign-Up! Volunteers, please show up at 8am to the Akaka Clinic Parking Lot!

Bowfin Holland Club Members

Base Officers & Staff

Commander Paul T. Jurcsak	Vice Commander Tim Sparks
Secretary Brett Kulbis	Treasurer Carl L. Tatro
Chief of the Boat Gary G. Johnson	Storekeeper George F. Barlett

Base Committees

USSVI Committee Brett Kulbis	Aloha Committee Paul T. Jurcsak
Boy Scout Troop 97 George F. Barlett	Boat Sponsorship Program Carl L. Tatro
Binnacle List Dan Del Monte

This Month in Base History

1988 – Actor Tony Curtis affiliated with USSVI of WWII Hawaii Chapter. Tony served in WWII onboard USS Proteus (AS-19).

1985 – USS Growler officially becomes the Hawaii State Boat.

1980 – USSVI of WWII Hawaii Chapter and USSVI of WWII Relief Crew ONE begin having combined monthly meetings.

1964 – United States Submarine Veterans of WWII constituted as a legal non-profit with a license to operate and conduct business in all 50 States.

1959 – United States Submarine Veterans of WWII Hawaii State Chapter established.

2. U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc.

News and Bulletins
American Submariner

USSVI Officers & Staff

USSVI National Commander William Andrea	USSVI Western Region Director Victor P. VanHorn
USSVI Western District 6 Commander Dave Vanderveen	USSVI Office Manager Dennis C. Nardone

3. Information of Interest

VA News Releases
Defense News – Early Bird

Military Retirees to Join DoD Civilian Jobs Without Delay
Pending legislation in both the House and the Senate (H.R. 939/S. 344) seeks to repeal the requirement that military retirees wait 180 days before entering civilian service in General Schedule (GS) positions within the Department of Defense (DoD) for GS-13 and below. The Fiscal Year 2021 Defense Authorization bill included a temporary 3-year pilot program for depots and industrial activities. The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) welcomed this improvement but noted that more needs to be done.

The 180-day waiting period has resulted in hiring delays for DoD officials, who are already dealing with outdated hiring processes. Members of the public can express their support or concerns about this issue by visiting the following link: https://www.votervoice.net/FRA/Campaigns/101086/Respond

SCOTUS Rules Veterans Can Use Both Post-9/11 GI Bill and MGIB Benefits
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of an Army veteran, James Rudisill, who sued the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) over his eligibility for education benefits under both the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. In a 7-2 decision, the court sided with Rudisill, who argued that he was entitled to benefits under both programs, as he had enrolled in them during two separate stints in the Army.

Rudisill, who was wounded in a roadside bomb attack in Iraq in 2005, had exhausted his Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits but later wished to use his unused Montgomery GI Bill benefits to attend Yale Divinity School as part of his training to become an Army chaplain. When VA officials denied his claim, Rudisill sued, arguing that the VA was unfairly limiting his options. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, writing for the majority, called the VA’s denial “nonsensical” and reversed lower court rulings in favor of the VA.

The ruling could affect approximately 1.7 million veterans, leading to increased benefits payments by the VA, which currently pays more than $8 billion annually for education benefits. The ruling allows veterans greater flexibility in accessing education benefits under the two programs.

4. Still On Patrol