Date: 8/30/2010
To: Distribution List

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NEWS-01: The Problem Petty Officer First Class Ethan Gurney
Submitted by: James A Fox on 8/16/2010
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Petty Officer First Class Ethan Gurney will retire from the Navy this fall, after 20 years of service. Critics of the military retirement system say that's too soon, creating long-term fiscal problems for the Defense Department (Stars and Stripes photo).

According to a Pentagon advisory board, Navy Petty Officer First Class Ethan Gurney represents what's wrong with the military retirement system.

http://formerspook.blogspot.com/2010/08/unsustainable.html

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NEWS-02: Extra American Submariners
Submitted by: T. Michael Bircumshaw on 8/16/2010
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Base Commanders,
First Come, First Serve..
Our printer ran over on the printing order for the 2010-3 edition and there are issues available for those of you who would care to do some local promotion.

You can pick up magazines at the convention or you can let our national storekeeper know and he will ship them to you.  A donation for the postage would be greatly appreciated, but it is your option.  We just want the magazines to go to good use..
Trust you are all well and that your Base has exceeded your expectations in this national election.
Hope to see you in Ft Mitchell..
Best,
Michael
T Michael Bircumshaw National Editor American Submariner 2005-2010

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NEWS-03: Convention agendas are up on the website. Please print your own copy to have for the meeting.
Submitted by: Alfred H Singleman Jr on 8/17/2010
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The USSVI Pre-ABM Agenda and the USSVI ABM Agenda
are up on the website. Click documents,then minutes and they are on the 1st page at the top.
Please print your own copy and bring it to the meeting.

The Cf Pre ABM Agenda is on the website under documents, CF Minutes. Its the 3rd item on the 1st page. Please print your own copy and bring it to the meeting.

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NEWS-04: Q&A About our Subvet Charitable Foundation
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 8/19/2010
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Frequently Asked Questions about Donations

Q.  Why are you asking me for a donation?

A:  The only way our (yours and mine) Subvet Charity can do good work for subvets is if you, me and our shipmates collectively support our program with donations.

Q.  Who is and what are the purposes of the United States Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation (USSVCF)?
 
A:  The USSVCF is the charitable arm of the United States Submarine Veterans Inc (USSVI), a Section 501(c)(19)  fraternal veterans organization.  Donations support the various USSVCF programs, including Scholarship Awards, Submarine Memorials, Brotherhood, Submarine Library and Museum Submarines.

Q.  How much are USSVI members asked to contribute annually to the USSVCF?

A.  Our national goal is to ‘average’ $ 10.00 per member per year.  (That’s less than three cents per day per member.)  More is always appreciated, of course.

Q. What percentage of my donation goes to Sub Vet causes and what amount goes to administrative costs?

A:  We continuously strive to keep administrative and fundraising costs associated with the operation of the United States Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation as low as possible. These expenses are currently less than 5%. This is far, FAR better than the expense ratio of virtually all other charitable organizations.

Q. Is the United States Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation a legitimate charity?

A:  Yes, the United States Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Silverdale WA.  USSVCF's federal ID number for donations is: #95-4830806

Q. If I mail a check, to whom do I make it out and where do I send it?

A.  Checks should be made payable to the USSVCF and sent to:

United States Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation
P.O. Box 3870
Silverdale WA  98383-3870

Q. My company offers a matching gift program. How do I use this with my donation to you?

A.  First, check with your human resources office to find out if your gift to the United States Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation is eligible for their matching gift program. Complete their matching gift form and mail it to us at:

United States Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation
P.O. Box 3870
Silverdale WA  98383-3870

Q. Can I make a donation in memory of a loved one that has passed away?

A.  Certainly! Write a note with the name of the person in whose memory you are donating, and we'll take care of the rest. Please provide us with the name and address of where we should send the card acknowledging your memorial donation.

Q. I wish to mention the United States Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation in my will. How can I do this?

A.  Contact us at (877) 542-3483, and we will provide you with information you need.

Q. Do you give my name to other organizations so they can contact me too?

A.  We, you and I, are all part of our Subvet 'family' and we DO NOT share the names of our CF donors with other organizations.
 

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NEWS-05: Honoring Edward “Ed” Lang, PNC and past Scholarship chairman 

Submitted by: Paul Orstad on 8/19/2010
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This past winter I asked the Family of Edward “Ed” Lang, PNC and Scholarship Chairman for ten years prior to my taking over in 1993, if The Scholarship Committee could make a scholarship in his honor and memory.  They responded in favor but I told them the money would come for the shipmates who donate to the scholarship foundation and if they felt so they could also. 

Ed Lang was the shipmate who took PNC Jim Pages Idea by the horn after about three years of trying to get the scholarship program going and started it to grow.  Before he turned it over he had built up the fund to $1000.00 and was giving out four scholarships worth $250.00. 

My Son Scott received two scholarships one in 1991 and 1992.  He is now Communication Director at Stanford Hospital, Stanford, CT.

The following has been provided by his Son Edward P. Lang with the help of his family. 

Ed Enlisted at age 16, and severed during World War II in the Pacific Theatre as a Quartermaster, Korean War and a front runner in the Cold War. 

He was on the commissioning Crew of the Battleship USS Massachusetts, BB-59 as a Plank Owner and AS 3rd Division, May 12, 1942. 

There he went into the submarine service where he served on the USS Diablo and USS Angler in the Pacific and Asiatic Theatre.  He rose to the rank of Quartermaster First Class Petty Officer. 

Upon his discharge in 1952, he founded Al-Rite Woodworking.  Ed specialized in Carpentry, Cabinet making and Boar Yard ship's carpenter.  He also spent some time being as a high walking steel worker.  As a General Building Contractor, he focused on home builder and renovations. 
While working full time and supporting his family, he attended Boston State College evening Classes where he received a Bachelors and Masters degree in Education.  He also attended Mass. Institute of Technology.  He taught in the Boston Public School System for 32 yrs, retiring from Dorchester High as a Vocational Teacher, Guidance Advisor & Assistance Headmaster.

Ed was very active veteran with American Legion Nonantum Post #440, VFW Post #10334 and the US Submarine Veterans, Boston Base as a Life and Holland Club member. 

He was inducted in June 1998 in testimony of “Qualified in Submarines” for more than 50 years.  Ed was also a member of the “Realm of Golden Dragon” by crossing the 180th Meridian. 

He was also extremely proud & happy to design and implement the “National Scholarship Program” as the Scholarship Chairman for and to the dependents of our United States Submarine Veterans membership.

The scholarship Committee is proud to announce the “Edward “Ed” Lang Memorial Scholarship” for the high school group, in the annual amount of $1,250.00.

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NEWS-06: USS Seadragon: Under The Ice
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 8/20/2010
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August 21, 2010, marks the 50th anniversary of the USS Seadragon (SSN-584) completing the first submarine transit of the Northwest Passage.

See some rare and intimate footage shot by a crewmember, Lt. Paul Horn, aboard during this historic trip at NAVY TV (linked below)

(A nod of thanks to Don Smith of Southsound Base for sending me the notice.)

http://www.navytv.org/media.cfm?c=37&m=3536&s=37&

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NEWS-07: USS Razorback makes the TV news!
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 8/22/2010
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The story about Razorback aired on Thursday night, on the 10:00 p.m. news.

The video is over 3 minutes long, which is a very long story for a TV news program.

We would like to thank THV Channel 11 for taking the time to come down and visit us.

John Barr, Membership Chair of Razorback Base sent out the notice and Carl Schmidt, CRD, sent it to me.  Thanks, Shipmates, for sharing.

The direct link to the story is below.  Copy and paste.

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=113996

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NEWS-08: WWII Sub Skipper never lost a man
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 8/22/2010
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As highly decorated as retired Navy Capt. Eric L. Barr Jr. was during World War II, the submarine commander always said his greatest accomplishment was never losing a man.

The longtime San Antonian died Monday. He was 98.

Barr is ranked 17th of 465 WWII submarine skippers for the number of ships sunk.

Barr retired as a captain in 1947 and received two Navy Crosses, two Silver Stars, a Bronze Star and eight submarine combat awards, among many others.

Visit the links below for the full story of this remarkable skipper.

http://ussbluegill.org/EricBarr/Barr.Biography.PDF

Link to News Article below...

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/submarine_commander_never_lost_a_man_101228529.html?show

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NEWS-09: USSVI 2009 Tax Return now available for review
Submitted by: John Markiewicz on 8/24/2010
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USSVI is obligated to prepare and submit a IRS 990 Tax Return for organizations exempt from Income Tax, and to make this return available for public inspection.

This return is posted under the Documents Button, then click the Organization button.

Its name is IRS-990_For_2009.PDF.

The document is also linked below.

https://www.ussvi.org/Documents/Online_Organization_IRS-990_For_2009.pdf

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NEWS-10: The USSVI National Election is concluded
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 8/24/2010
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Thanks to the 3,161 members who voted in this important election.  Your vote in support of the candidates of your choice is appreciated.

The election was clean and mostly trouble free, although there were some technical glitches that needed to be fixed, and a few incompatibilities due to the vast array of internet browsers in the marketplace.

There were also some problems that arose due to a technical delay in getting American Submariner ballot issue 'on the street', which adversely impacted on the already set travel arrangement of the election master, and the closure of the voting site a day early, again due to the travel requirements of the elections master.

As National Commander, I take full responsibility for the problems that occured.  I sincerely regret that these issues developed and have taken steps to identify all the problem areas and find solutions for the next election cycle. 

All of those involved coped with the evolving circumstances as best we could with the limited alternatives available to us.

The election results were not impacted, however, as the election vote margins were of such size that any last minute voting would not have changed any of the outcomes.  Nonetheless, those few members denied an opportunity to vote on the 24th have every right to feel offended and disenfranchised.

As mentioned above, the Natl Secretary is composing a 'lessons learned' report on this election with recommendations so that the problem areas can be addressed prior to the next election cycle.

The election results will be announced at the Convention Annual Business Meeting in Cin'cy, Sept 4th.

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NEWS-11: Video - The Submariners
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 8/25/2010
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THE SUBMARINERS - Department of Defense 1967 - PIN 25126 -

THIS PROGRAM DEPICTS LIFE ABOARD THE NUCLEAR ATTACK SUBMARINE USS SHARK (SSN-591).

IT PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEN, THEIR REALISTIC TRAINING AND THE SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT THEY USE.

CLICK ON THE LINK FOR THE VIDEO...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WyQsQi0Lyg

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NEWS-12: 2011 Dues Renewal Season Approaching!
Submitted by: T Michael Bircumshaw on 8/26/2010
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Shipmates,

It is time to 'dues' it. 

Talk to your base members who are “annual” members and ask them, politely of course, to get their dues in before the 31st of December.

No one likes chasing down shipmates, and shipmates never want to be bugged about it, but the hard truth is your organization needs the money if SubVets is to function both on a base and national level.

National Dues are only $20.00 per year, but remind them that they can get a 3 year deal for $55.00 and a five year deal for $90.00.

If you are one of the 4,346 annual members who need to renew their membership, please help out your Base Commander by paying your dues early. 

Don’t let your shipmates miss a single copy of the American Submariner.

Keep your Shipmates on board; they are hard to come by.  It is easier by far to keep them that it is to find new ones..

Let’s have a “Zero Loss” year...

Best,
Michael

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NEWS-13: New Leader For Sub Force
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 8/26/2010
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By Jennifer McDermott, The Day, 26 August 2010

President Barack Obama has nominated Navy Rear Adm. John M. Richardson to be the next commander of the Submarine Force.
 
Richardson also would be promoted to vice admiral. He is currently the director for Naval Forces Europe-Africa, Operations and Intelligence, and deputy commander for the Sixth Fleet.

Vice Adm. John J. Donnelly, a Groton native, is the current commander of the Submarine Force. He said during a July visit to Groton that he planned to retire in the fall, with 35 years of commissioned service.

In the meantime, Donnelly said, he would continue to "make the Submarine Force better" by overseeing current initiatives such as smoking cessation on submarines and integrating women onto submarine crews. He said he had done his part for the Submarine Force and he would turn it over to his relief "in the best possible shape." Richardson needs to be confirmed by the Senate.

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NEWS-14: Torpedo Found In Kensington PA
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 8/27/2010
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8/27/2010:  Torpedo Found In Kensington (PHILADELPHIA PA Area)

Police are investigating the discovery of a torpedo in Kensington early Friday morning.

Workers spotted a man dragging an inert torpedo towards the train tracks at Richmond and Cumberland Streets at about 8:30 a.m.

When they attempted to question the man, he dropped the 600-1000 pound object and fled the scene.

Also see http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20100827_Torpedo_found_in_Port_Richmond.html

Police believe the man was attempting to sell the torpedo for scrap.
http://llnw.image.cbslocal.com/26/2010/08/27/320x240/TorpedoKensington.JPG

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NEWS-15: National USSVI Email Address Problems
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 8/29/2010
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For unknown reasons, the EMAIL addresses for NC@USSVI.ORG, NJVC@USSVI.ORG and office@ussvi.org were found not to have been functioning from 8/12 to 8/29.

This means none of the POC traffic was sent during that time, but it is all included in this broadcast.

If you have sent anything to the above addresses within that date range, they probably were not received, so please resend them. 

Sorry about this problem.  We just realized they were not functioning when we noticed a lack of emails and did some investigation. 

The system is properly working now, however.

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VET-01: You may be a wartime vet, eligible for a pension and not even realize it....
Submitted by: Pat Householder on 8/29/2010
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A little-known veterans' benefit for long-term care expenses is available to wartime veterans and their spouses. But the benefit is being overlooked by thousands of families, industry observers say.
 
The Special Pension for Veterans' Aid and Attendance pays up to $1,644 a month, $19,736 annually, toward assisted living, nursing homes or in-home care for veterans 65 and older who served at least 90 days including at least one day during wartime — stateside or overseas.

Congress defines the periods of war.  If your  Military Service includes at least 91 days including at least one within any of these time periods: Dec 7, 1941, thru Dec 31, 1946; June 27, 1950 thru Jan 31, 1955; August 5, 1964 thru May 7th 1975; and from August 2nd 1990 to date, you may qualify for this benefit, subject to certain asset and income limits.

Veterans and their spouses can receive up to $23,396 annually and spouses of deceased veterans, $12,681.

Follow the link for more information...

http://ezinearticles.com/?Little-Known-Veterans-Pension-That-Can-Earn-You-Up-to-$22,000-a-Year-Tax-F