To: All USSVI – Western Region Shipmates, Primary & Associate Members in Good Standing Subj: Call for Nominations – Elected Officers of the Western Region Roundup Standing Committee (2024-2026)
In accordance with the Western Region Roundup Policy and Procedures Manual (WRR PPM), the WRR Committee (WRRC) shall hold elections for Standing Committee Elected Officers on a biennial cycle. The WRRC election cycle is exclusive of the Western Region Director, whose election cycle is directed by the USSVI Constitution & Bylaws, Article XIII.
The WRRC Standing Committee Elected Officers must be a Regular or Associate member in good standing affiliated with a USSVI – Western Region Base.
Standing Committee Elected Officers: Committee Chair, Committee Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Shipmates seeking information as to the duties and responsibilities of these positions should review the WRR PPM. See page 10 (https://bit.ly/3S7F3o8).
Each Standing Committee member shall serve a minimum of two years, to include two WRR events. Newly elected members shall assume their position within 30 days after the completion of the wrap-up meeting of the most recent WRR event.
Shipmates interested in fulfilling these roles critical to the growth and success of the Western Region Roundup should send their nominations via email to the Western Region Director, Pete Juhos, at dsv3.ss1@gmail.com.
Nomination Period: January 10 until February 10, 2024 Voting Period: February 15 until March 15, 2024
Pride Runs Deep! Pete Juhos Western Region Director
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was secretly hospitalized for several days due to complications from a surgery one week beforehand, reportedly leaving the White House out of the loop on the status of the senior national security official while Austin was in intensive care.
“I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed,” Austin statedafter news broke of his choice to not promptly inform the White House of his hospital stay. “I commit to doing better. But this is important to say: this was my medical procedure, and I take full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure.”
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.
Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!
1. Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base
Bowfin Meeting – Bowfin Meeting – We conducted our January meeting at Clean Sweep Bar, Lockwood Hall. The following members attended – Base Commander Paul Jurcsak, Vice Commander Tim Sparks, COB Gary Johnson, Secretary Brett Kulbis, Treasurer Carl Tatro, Dave Atkins, Hap Belisle, David Bilek, David Danby, Dan Del Monte, Karl Dye, Ace Parker, Crichton Roberts, Tim Seipp, Pat Suenaga, Ken Voorhees, and Joe Winzenried.
Welcomed Guests – Dolores Brown and Mi-ye Bilek.
Binnacle List – Please keep the following members and their families in your good thoughts and prayers: Charlie and Linda Womack, Tim Seipp, Paul and Nancy Ferguson, and Chris Cunha. If you’re interested in reaching out to them and need their contact information, contact Secretary Brett Kulbis at bkulbis.bowfin@use.startmail.com.
Eagle Scout Project – The project to repair the picnic tables and benches at the USS Parche Memorial Park by Boy Scout Vincent Warr has been approved by NAVFAC. Repairs are scheduled to be conducted the weekend of 17-18 February. In additional support Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base will be providing lunch.
Pearl Harbor Submarine Officers’ Spouses’ Association – The PHSOSA will be holding a Golf Tournament Fundraiser this year in lieu of the Gold & Silver Ball. In support, the Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base has donated $1,000 (Nautilus Level) to this worthy organization. The PHSOSA operates the Dolphin Store which has been an awesome vendor of our Aloha Shirts. Details of the tournament coming soon.
Hauʻoli Lā Hānau! Bowfin Birthdays for the month ofJanuary.
The website for the 2024 Convention in Cleveland is up and running. For complete information on the Convention, Go to the website, www.ussvi.org, click on “Visitors”, and then click on “2024 National Convention”, or you may go directly by clicking on https://subvetconvention.org.
Below, please read the welcome invitation letter from Cod Base Convention Chairman, Bill Synk.
Greetings,
I would like to extend a warm invitation to all USSVI SubVets, Associates, Speakers, and Vendors wishing to attend the National USSVI Conference in Cleveland, Ohio hosted by USSVI CODBASE.
The Convention will be taking place on August 19th to the 24th 2024 at The Rockside Embassy Suites located at 5800 Rockside Woods Blvd N, Independence, Ohio 44131.
This Conference will have all the usual meetings and hospitality you are accustomed to, but we have also put together some great events to make your stay an even more memorial experience. We will provide numerous events and day trips for all to enjoy.
Cleveland and the surrounding Lake Front area have a multitude of interesting attractions to experience. The greater Cleveland area is one of the best Convention locations in the nation. Museums, historic sites, casinos, Science Centers ,The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and The USS COD are all here for you to explore and enjoy.
All the CODBASE members are looking forward to celebrating this special occasion with you and while you are making unforgettable memories together.
We hope that you will be able to attend this event because we are sure it will be a memorable one.
Thank you for considering our invitation, and we look forward to seeing you in Cleveland in 2024.
Sincerely,
Bill Synk USSVI 2024 National Convention Chairman USSVI CODBASE Cleveland, Ohio
I regret to have to inform you that Immediate Past National Commander Wayne Standerfer has been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Wayne is undergoing tests and will see the oncologist after the tests are completed. The prognosis of those test results will determine the possible treatment options and course of action.
Please do not call Wayne, as he and the family need this personal time. I will provide any updates as they become available to me.
Please keep Wayne and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Hundreds of military veterans and currently active service members signed “an open letter to the American people” detailing lawlessness among military leadership over the past few years and vowing to hold those responsible accountable under the law.
Theletter informed the public that the signatories had “exhausted all internal efforts to rectify recent criminal activity” in the military as top brass “trampled constitutional rights, denied informed consent, permitted unwilling medical experimentation, and suppressed the free exercise of religion” while requiring COVID vaccines for service members.
The U.S. and Australian navies will see their submarine-specific partnerships grow in multiple ways throughout 2024.
The Navy plans to conduct its first-ever submarine maintenance work in Australia this summer using the sub tender Emory S. Land, with 30 Australian sailors embarked to learn how to repair the Virginia class of submarine.
Defense officials revealed that the military significantly missed recruitment goals in the most recent fiscal year, a phenomenon which continues amid broader societal upheaval and perceived ideological compromise among top brass.
Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Ashish Vazirani revealed that the military services fell short of recruitment objectives by 41,000 individuals in fiscal year 2023. The Marine Corps and Space Force were the only two branches to reach their recruiting goals.
The Navy is introducing three new separate ratings in 2024 for information technology, or IT, personnel serving on submarines to specialize in communications, network security and electronic warfare.
Sailors currently in the information systems technician rating aboard submarines will convert into these new ratings to facilitate “mastery” in one specific area of expertise, according to the Navy.
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base 