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1
THE REUNION REGISTRATION FORM IS
THE LAST TWO PAGES OF THIS
NEWSLETTER. IT WAS ALSO
ATTACHED TO THE EMAIL SENDING
THE NEWSLETTER and CAN BE
FOUND ON THE REUION WEBSITE: http://ssbn655.org/reunions/2020_Reunion11
REUNION CONTROL CENTER
2020 Stimson Reunion
October 7-11, 2020
Hotel: Holiday Inn
1717 Airport Exchange Blvd.
Erlanger, KY 41018 Shipmates,
This is a progress report on
the 2020 reunion. I think we are
on target and maybe a little
ahead of schedule of where we
would normally be. The only
difference from the last reunion is
that we are starting the registration (reunion and
hotel) a month later; this was due to the hotel
policy of not taking registrations until 11 months
before the event. A lot of you volunteered to
assist, I will ask for that help as we get closer,
especially in the area of table decorations and
possible donations for door prizes, it‘s still a little
early for that.
As always, if you have any questions or
comments please contact me either by phone or
email to discuss.
Reunion Progress Report as of 10/14/19:
1. The Hotel has been secured.
2. Buses have been reserved for:
A. Wright- Patterson AFB Tour.
B. River Cruise.
3. River Cruise has been reserved.
4. Registration Form is ready for publication on
or about November 1st, thanks to Nick.
5. Banquet speaker has been secured.
6. Color guard with bugler secured for banquet,
from my VFW.
7. Hotel will take reservations by phone or on-
line. Phone number, website and the code for
our special rate will be published both in the
registration form and on the 2020 Reunion
webpage on the 655 Website.
8. The Northern Kentucky Convention and
Visitors Bureau will be assisting us before and
VOL. 2019 #11 NOVEMBER 2019
U S S H E N R Y L . S T I M S O N A S S O C I A T I O N S S B N 6 5 5 N E W S L E T T E R
A s s o c i a t i o n O f f i c e r s & B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 0
PRESIDENT Tom [Marie] Krauser
VICE PRESIDENT Steve [Terry] Novic
SECRETARY Nick [Linda] Nichols
TREASURER Ken [Diane] Meigs
OUTGOING PRESIDENT Ray [Rita] Kreul
HISTORIAN / CUSTODIAN Larry [Linda] Knutson
WEBMASTER / NEWSLETTER Nick [Linda] Nichols
CHAPLAIN Jake Morris
STOREKEEPER / SHIPS STORE Jim [Suzie] Weaver
O t h e r P o s i t i o n s 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 0
Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2019
2
during the reunion. They will have volunteers on
site at the hotel to assist with registrations. They
will provide the name tags and lanyards at no
cost.
9. The hotel will comp us 1 room night for every
50 room nights we use. We plan on using two
room nights as an incentive for early registration
(Must be hotel and reunion to qualify for the raffle)
with a deadline of April 1. They will be raffled at
the banquet. Only those who have pre-registered
by April 1st will be entered into the raffle.
10. I've been updating our Facebook page
weekly. |
11. A trio has been secured for music at the
banquet.
//Dick Young
————————————————
——————
From the Association President -
Tom Krauser, MM1(SS) B 72-74:
As Thanksgiving approaches let
us be thankful for our family, good
friends, and shipmates.
Still working on painting the house exterior one
section at a time. About 60 percent done and
trying to do it as safely as possible. Harder to find
days that are dry enough and warm enough (over
50 degrees) to actually paint. At least the parts
visible to the road are done and only the backside
left to do.
Dick Young and the reunion committee are
making great progress in setting up the 2020
reunion in Cincinnati Ohio. Look for his updates in
the newsletters.
If you have any questions or concerns for the
board, please feel free to contact us so we can
address them.
From the Association Historian/Memorabilia
Custodian - Larry Knutson, MMCS(SS) B 79-81
USSVI-Charleston Base:
If you were on the Gold Crew
during any portion Bob Weeks was
the CO you completed a check-in
card for him. The box of cards is
now held by our base secretary. If
you would like a copy of your card
sent to you please contact our
Secretary at [email protected].
——————————————————————
From The Editor
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Happy 244th Birthday, U.S. Navy!
Oct. 13 is the 244th birthday of the United
States Navy. As the Navy grows ever more
capable with new ships and technologies, we
continue to rely on our Sailors, working side by
side with the U.S. Marines to protect America‘s
people, partners and interests around the world.
Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer has
a birthday message to the Navy, stressing this
year‘s birthday celebration theme ―No Higher
Honor,‖ which commemorates the Battle of Leyte
Gulf, the largest sea battle in modern history.
https://youtu.be/fSja2y_HEz8
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday,
who is joined by Commandant of the Marine
Corps Gen. David H. Berger also sent a birthday
message to the fleet:
https://youtu.be/Xr2Ym-xcLUc
Transcript of their remarks:
CNO: THE NAVY‘S WATCH TO PROTECT
FREEDOM OF THE SEAS WITH HONOR,
COURAGE, AND COMMITMENT BEGAN 244
YEARS AGO. AS WE CELEBRATE ACROSS
THE FLEET, WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT
3
TO BE READY; TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO
FORGED OUR LEGACY; AND TO HONOR OUR
FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES WHO STAND
BESIDE US.
CMC: WE CELEBRATE WITH YOU AS
SAILORS AND MARINES REMAIN READY IN
EVERY FLEET AND OPERATE TOGETHER AS
AN INTEGRATED NAVAL FORCE.
CNO: WITH 290 SHIPS, ABOUT A THIRD OF
WHICH ARE UNDERWAY TODAY, YOUR NAVY
AND MARINE CORPS ARE AMERICA‘S AWAY
TEAM. WE ENABLE PROSPERITY 24/7/365 –
AT HOME AND ABROAD – BY ENSURING
PEACE, STABILITY AND SECURITY.
CMC: HAPPY 244TH BIRTHDAY NAVY.
CNO: SEE YOU IN THE FLEET, SHIPMATES.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
There are several items I want to make sure you
read in the section ―Something From Our
Shipmates‖ on page 10. One is an PBS Station
interview with Chuck Hladik where his garden
shed was highlighted. The other was an interview
with Marty Sessler by the local Summerville SC
newspaper. Additionally, Donna Hastie submitted
a very full listing of available items/meals/etc.
available to Veterans on Veterans Day. It‘s at the
end of the newsletter and is several pages long.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sharing Pictures with Shipmates:
If anyone has pictures you would like to share
with your shipmates please follow the directions in
this link and I will be glad to put them in the
newsletter.
Picture Upload Instructions (to Dropbox)
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
——————————————————————
The Lean Submariner
Here‘s the latest posts on the blog. Still going
strong. The link to his blog is
https://theleansubmariner.com/
*****
USS Woodrow Wilson (SSBN-624) ―The
world must be made safe for democracy.‖
by Mister Mac - I was assigned to the USS
Halibut (SSN 597) in late 1975. The boat had
just returned from her last mission and was
about to undergo decommissioning. My
previous assignment had been at Pearl Harbor
on the USS George Washington but I did not
want to extend to take the boat into the shipyard
at […] Read more of this post
*****
May 1960: You‘ve got Polaris, why on earth
do you need bigger carriers? by Mister Mac -
You‘ve got Polaris, why on earth do you need
bigger carriers? This was the first speech given
to the Navy League by Secretary Franke.
Franke served in the new Kennedy
administration. The source document comes
from amalgamated press releases recorded from
1959-1962. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?
id=uc1.c2968167&view=1up&seq=571
In May of 1960, the secretary was giving a
standard speech […] Read more of this post
*****
October 4, 1957 – The event that pushed
America to Polaris by Mister Mac -Rather than
being a sign of achievement, Sputnik created a
universal atmosphere of fear in the Western
nations. The fear was that if the Soviets could
launch a satellite that high into the atmosphere
and sustain an orbit, what would stop them from
launching nuclear weapons. That fear most
certainly helped to spark the drive […] Read
more of this post
*****
USS Henry L. Stimson SSBN 655 ―to keep
peace you must be strong to resist
aggression‖ by Mister Mac - In a world where
politics has become more toxic than a bucket full
of radioactive waste mixed with every known
chemical harmful to mankind, the example that
Henry L. Stimson provided is the one shining
light that still stands out like a beacon. Stimson
was a war veteran, a statesman, a leader, and a
man […] Read more of this post
*****
USS Will Rogers SSBN 659 – Protecting the
big honest majority by Mister Mac - Why name
a submarine "Will Rogers"? I have been reading
a lot of background material on Will Rogers in an
attempt to understand why his name was
included in the list of Eminent Americans (as
Admiral Rickover famously named the men from
the 41 for Freedom boats). Many of the men
4
who were chosen for […] Read more of this
post
*****
USS George C. Marshall SSBN 654 –
Patience not weakness by Mister Mac - Sixty
years ago today, America lost one of its
greatest citizens. He would not live to see the
submarine that would later bear his name. But
the work that he did for the nation ensured that
freedom and liberty for many people would be
assured. From his day as a cadet at the
Virginia […] Read more of this post
*****
USS Sam Rayburn SSBN 635 – Mr. Sam by
Mister Mac - USS Sam Rayburn SSBN 635
This is the last of the 41 for Freedom Boats
that was memorialized in Admiral Rickover‘s
book the Eminent Americans. It‘s been a
fascinating year learning more about each of
the boats but more importantly, it‘s been an
enlightening year to learn much more about
the men that the boats […] Read more of this
post
*****
The Last Navy Day – October 27, 1949 by
Mister Mac - October 27, 2019. It‘s been
seventy years since the Last Navy Day. The
Navy has continued to grow and shrink with
the whims of the politicians in Washington DC.
But the ever present dangers of the world have
never disappeared. Having a capable fleet that
can defend our nation and in many cases
freedom around […] Read more of this post
*****
——————————————————————
The following Stimson Shipmates have
departed on Eternal Patrol.
=====
STS3(SS) Glenn W. Porterfield G 70-71
Departed on Eternal Patrol August 24, 2019
(Reported by USSVI National)
RM2(SS) Robert H. Dulin G 68-70
Departed on Eternal Patrol January 8, 2019
(Reported by USSVI National)
=====
The direct link to the Association Eternal Patrol
page is: http://ssbn655.org/eternal-patrol/
eternal-patrol.html
=====
_______________________________________
WELCOME ABOARD: Found & Updated
Shipmates
(Shipmate has contacted us to be added or have
info updated on our Sailing List. Please check the
online Sailing List to for shipmates contact info.)
**********
MM2(SS) Paul Gamby B 87-88
(info added by shipmate)
Many of our shipmates are on FaceBook but are
not listed on our Sailing List. Please check the
new ‗Looking For‘ Sailing List on the website to
help locate these shipmates. When you see
shipmates on Facebook ask them if they are on
the Sailing List and please send them a personal
invite to contact [email protected] to
be listed and become a member of the Stimson
Association.
—————————————————————
BINNACLE LIST
(if you would like to be placed on our Association
Binnacle List please send an email to
====================================
William ‗Sandy‘ Hastie, CAPT B CO 80 (Oct-
Dec)
Cards to: 365 Kenmure Dr., Flat Rock NC 28731
10.24.19: Dear Friends,
This is a complicated update to write. One
thing we have learned on our journey is that there
are no black and white results. Each have a
caveat and there is always an ―however‖ after the
result. This is the story we have received these
past days and weeks. This is a brief
history: Sandy gets a Keytruda infusion every
three weeks and a PET/CT scan every three
months to determine if the Keytruda is controlling,
and in some cases eliminating, the mesothelioma
cancer. On September 1, 2019 the PET/CT scan
5
showed that the mesothelioma had returned. We
have always known there is no cure for
mesothelioma, and that it will return, but we
continue to pray for longer periods of time before
it does so. This is the second time we have
received this news, once six months after the
surgery at Duke Medical, and the second on
September 13, 2019. It is never easy to hear.
When we saw Dr. Hill (Sandy‘s local
oncologist) on September 3 he said that based on
the results of the scan, the Keytruda would be
discontinued and the only other treatment would
be to go back on the chemotherapy Sandy had
before surgery. In comparison to many others,
Sandy did OK on the chemotherapy, but was very
tired, had no energy, and had severe nausea. We
asked Dr. Hill if when Sandy was off the Keytruda
for six weeks in June, if the mesothelioma could
have grown rapidly during that time. Dr. Hill said it
was possible but he could not know for sure. We
agreed on a compromise that Sandy would get
two infusions and then have a PET/CT scan early
to determine if the cancer continued to grow or
was controlled by the Keytruda.
He was scheduled for a scan on October 13
and meet with Dr. Hill on October 15. If the
cancer was controlled he would continue to get
the infusions; if not, they would be
discontinued. On the way to the hospital we
received a call that the scanner broke and his
scan was cancelled. We had a carefully planned
week that included our appointment with Dr. Hill
and then leaving that afternoon to go to Duke
Medical to meet with his oncologist Dr. Clarke and
his team there. Thanks to great help from our
nurse navigator Cathy Jenkins, she was able to
reschedule everything for the following
week. Sandy had the scan on Oct. 20 and the
mesothelioma was still visible and had grown, but
not as significantly as it did on the Sept. 1
scan. We talked with Dr. Hill and he said after
viewing the scan he was ready to recommend
Sandy continue the Keytruda. This was
significant because in most cases when the
cancer returns, the treatment is stopped. With
this hopeful news, we drove to Duke and met with
Dr. Clarke on Wednesday. He studied the last
three scans before we met with him and after
discussion, said he was ready to make the same
recommendation. Mesothelioma is a very
aggressive cancer and it appeared that the
Keytruda was controlling the cancer to a good
extent. He also said that there was no other
viable option for treatment except going back on
chemotherapy. He said we would ―ride the
Keytruda horse‖ as long as possible and pray
there would be a break-thru treatment in the near
future.
So the ―however‖ in this case is that Sandy will
continue to get the Keytruda infusions every three
weeks; ―however‖ based on the regrowth of
cancer he will get a PET/CT scan every two
months for the foreseeable future.
We talked a lot driving home from Duke and
know we have to treat Sandy‘s cancer as a
chronic disease, similar to diabetes or heart
disease, where medication and treatment are
needed on a continual basis to ensure a good
quality of life.
We have asked ourselves how should one
respond if your whole world was turned upside
down? It‘s hard to know in advance, but this is
the second time we have heard ―the cancer has
returned‖, so we have some history in this area. If
that time ever comes in your life there are a few
anchors that can hold you in place – including
faith in our unshakable God and Jesus Christ to
intercede on your behalf; and the support of a
loving family and friends who share that faith. The
Bible tells us that the good that comes to us
through bad experiences has nothing to do with
feelings or circumstances. Instead, it‘s a question
of becoming different than we were before our
troubles began: stronger, more hopeful, more
loving, more faithful. We both strongly believe that
is the case with our almost three-year
journey. We value each day and look forward to
as many as God gives us.
We have placed our lovely mountain home on
the market and have a cottage at Deerfield
Episcopal Retirement Community near Asheville,
NC. We expect our cottage will be ready in late
December and we will move in early January
2020. As we begin the next part of our journey,
please know we appreciate your prayers and
continued support. We ask for prayers that the
6
Keytruda will continue to control Sandy‘s cancer
and he will continue to enjoy a good quality of life
at Deerfield.
Blessings, Donna and Sandy
==================
Jim Gray, MM1(SS) B 69-71
Cards to: 1 Rugby Ct., Toms River NJ 08757
No new updates
7.28.19: I met with my doctors at U of Penn. I
gave them permission to access my tissue
samples from my operation for checking my T
cells. Turns out I have a 95% chance that my T
cells will work to help attack the mesothelioma.
Will be meeting with a doctor next week to find out
further details. I am feeling encouraged about this
new information, and keeping an open mind.
3.26.19: I have been having quite the time of
things with my mesothelioma. Mar 20, 2017 with 2
weeks in the University of Pennsylvania Hospital
all cleaned out of my left lung cavity lung sacks
still intact with an air pocket in the cavity outside
of the sacks (slight problem). Went through 3
cycles of the first rounds of chemo recommended
which end on July 26, 2018. CT scan showed that
it was mostly clean with a few traces of the
mesothelioma which raised concern. So we tried
the Keytruda (Immunotherapy) for its rounds. Ct
scans showed no improvement as a result of this
treatment. Now on the Gemzar chemo which is
wreaking havoc on my body more than the
previous IV Stuff. Hopefully this will be the
combination that will do it. Keeping my positive
attitude and praying that all will be better.
Thank you all for your concerns and prayers. I am
feeling those good wishes in my dreams. Betty
and I are blessed to have so many friends in our
life. //Jim Gray & Betty Trasko
6.20.18: I am still alive. Got out of the hospital
after the operation on Apr 2 after 2 weeks being
there. Started the chemo May 23 went fine no
problems. Then got my 2nd chemo on June 13
and all hell broke loose on evening of the day
after. Thursday, Friday and Saturday side effects
and humility. Father's day was quiet since I was
relaxing and sleeping. Monday another lesson in
humility. Yesterday and today moving toward
normal.
2.5.18: I have been recently diagnosed at my
local hospital as having mesothelioma.
==================
Bob Faulkner, MT1(SS) B/G 80-86 OVHL2
Cards to: 2901 N 82st Place, Scottsdale AZ
85251
No new updates
11.7.17: Remember Bob as he continues to find
the best result to manage Parkinson's Disease
symptoms.
——————————————————————
GREAT LINKS TO SPEND TIME WITH
(all links from “The Draft” will be on the
website)
**********
655 Association Website
www.ssbn655.org
**********
Then and Now: Midway and Submarine Force
October 29, 2019 Community, History & Heritage,
Inside the Navy, Undersea
By Rear Adm. Blake Converse, Commander,
Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
―When I assumed command of the Pacific
Fleet on 31 December 1941, our submarines were
already operating against the enemy, the only
units of the fleet that could come to grips with the
Japanese for months to come. It … https://
navylive.dodlive.mil/2019/10/29/then-and-now-
midway-and-submarine-force/
——————————————————————
VETERANS AFFAIRS - RETIREE INFO
https://www.va.gov/
And FLEET RESERVE
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
7
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Proposed Changes to Eligibility Criteria for
Burial at Arlington National Cemetery
Acting Secretary of the Army Ryan D.
McCarthy has recently announced proposed
changes to eligibility criteria for burial at Arlington
National Cemetery (ANC) that will include military
retirees for above-ground inurnment. The FY2019
National Defense Authorization Act directed the
Secretary of the Army to establish revised
eligibility criteria to keep the cemetery functioning
as an active burial ground "well into the future" -
defined as 150 years. The Army will now begin
the federal government's public rulemaking
process, which includes soliciting public feedback
to the proposed changes.
At the outset, the Army established critical
imperatives of sacrifice, service and impact to
guide this effort. "Arlington National Cemetery is a
national shrine for all Americans, but especially
those who have served our great nation," said
McCarthy. "We must ensure it can honor those we
have lost for many years to come."
In addition to directing ANC to preserve 1,000
gravesites for current and future Medal of Honor
recipients, the Acting Secretary proposed revised
eligibility criteria for those who honorably served
our nation, as broadly outlined below:
For below-ground interment:
Killed in Action, to include repatriated remains
of service members;
Recipients of the Silver Star and above who
also served in combat;
Recipients of the Purple Heart;
Combat-related service deaths while
conducting uniquely military activities;
Former Prisoners of War;
Presidents and Vice Presidents of the United
States; and Veterans with combat service who
also served out of uniform as a government
official and made significant contributions to the
nation's security at the highest levels of public
service.
For above-ground inurnment:
World War II-era veterans, to include legislated
active duty designees;
Retirees from the armed forces who are
eligible to receive retired pay but are not
otherwise eligible for interment;
Veterans who have served a minimum of two
years on active duty and who have served in
combat; and Veterans without combat service
who also served out of uniform as a government
official and made significant contributions to the
nation's security at the highest levels of public
service.
Eventual implementation of revised eligibility at
ANC will not affect scheduled services.
Additionally, the proposed revisions at ANC will
not affect veterans' burial benefits or veteran
eligibility at the Department of Veterans Affairs
national cemeteries and state veterans'
cemeteries.
The next step to implement the proposed rule
is notice and public comment rulemaking in
accordance with the Administrative Procedures
Act. The ANC expects the clearance process to
take a minimum of nine months to make public in
the Federal Register for citizens to comment.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
COLA Increase Announced for 2020
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently
announced a 1.6 percent increase in the Cost of
Living Adjustment (COLA) for the calendar year
2020. This directly affects military and federal
civilian retirees, survivor benefit annuitants,
disabled veterans and Social Security recipients.
The new COLA rate is effective Dec. 1, 2019 and
the adjustment will appear in the Dec. 30, 2019
payment.
By law, COLA is based on the Consumer Price
Index for urban wage earners and clerical workers
(CPI-W). It is a broad measure of consumer prices
that is generated by the BLS from the third quarter
of the previous year to the third quarter of the
current year. The CPI measures price changes for
food, housing, clothing, transportation, energy,
medical care, recreation and education. Since
2008, the annual COLA has been above two
percent only once and has been zero three times.
COLAs have been averaging 1.4 percent over the
last decade. Last year's COLA (2.8 percent) was
the first big increase since 2012, when it was 3.6
percent. In 2018 the COLA increase was two
percent and in 2017 it was 0.3 percent.
8
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Scheduled Pharmacy Increases Begin
January 1, 2020
Delayed TRICARE pharmacy increases
opposed by the FRA and mandated by Congress
as part of the FY2018 National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA) will begin Jan. 1, 2020.
On that date, a 90-day supply of generic drugs
received through the program's Express Scripts
mail-order pharmacy will increase from $7 to $10.
Co-pays on brand-name drugs received through
the mail will go from $24 to $29. The price for non-
formulary drugs rises from $53 to $60.
Generic drug prescriptions filled at retail
pharmacies will see the cost rise from $11 to $13
for a 30-day supply, while the same supply of
brand-name medications will increase from $28 to
$33. Non-formulary drugs - those not on
TRICARE's list of fully covered medications - will
go up from $53 to $60. Prescriptions filled on
base will continue to be free.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Veterans can now enroll in VA‘s Million
Veteran Program online
More than 775,000 Veteran partners have already
joined MVP, a national, voluntary, research
initiative that helps VA study how genes affect the
health of Veterans. Learn More
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Free Steam games for Veterans and their
families
Operation Supply Drop‘s Games to Grunts
program supports community engagement to
Veterans, military, and their families through video
games. Most of the games offered are on Steam,
such as TEKKEN 7, Cooking Simulator, and
Vietnam 65′, but other platforms are also
available, like XBOX Game Passes. Discuss: Do
video games give you stress relief?
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
VFW & VA Facebook Live: Delivering care to
rural Veterans
Join VA‘s Office of Connected Care and VFW on
Friday, Oct. 11, at 12 p.m. ET for a Facebook Live
event: Delivering Care to Rural Veterans When
and Where It’s Needed. Learn More
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Do You Know the MISSION Act?
The MISSION Act of 2018 strengthens and
enhances VA‘s ability to deliver the best care and
services to you at VA sites and in the community.
It helps VA deliver trusted, easy-to-access, high-
quality care at VA facilities, virtually through
telehealth, and in your community. That means
you get the care and services you need, where
and when you need them. Learn more.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Six Ways Yoga Can Help You
Yoga helps improve flexibility, strength, and
balance. Yoga was developed thousands of years
ago in India as a system of well-being, including
physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels.
Discover how you can start practicing yoga with
help from VA. Learn more.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Avoid the Pain of Shingles
Did you know that anyone who has recovered
from chickenpox can develop shingles? Shingles
is a painful infection that should be treated
immediately. Quick treatment with an antiviral
drug decreases the severity and length of time of
acute pain. Learn more
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Am I on Too Many Medications?
If you‘re one of the millions of Veterans with
multiple conditions, you may be taking more
medications than needed. Taking too many
prescription medications can be risky. Team up
with your health care provider and find out what
medications you need. Learn more.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
It's Time: Roll Up Your Sleeve
This is it: the first of many reminders about your
annual flu shot. Flu season usually starts in
October and peaks between December and
February. The vaccine takes some time to kick in,
which is why it always feels like everyone starts
talking about flu shots as soon as summer ends.
Learn more.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Fall into Healthy Eating Habits
Between Halloween's candy jar and upcoming
holiday dinners, it's easy to gain weight. Adopting
healthy eating habits this fall can reduce your risk
of gaining weight and increase your energy to go
trick-or-treating. Learn more.
9
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
PTSD: Help is at Your Fingertips
When you need more support managing PTSD,
help from your smartphone can make all the
difference. PTSD Coach, a mobile app for your
iPhone, can show you relaxation and anger
management skills all from the palm of your hand.
Learn more.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Amtrak offers Veteran, military member
discounts
Veterans can enjoy a 10% savings on rail fares
across the entire Amtrak network. Enjoy onboard
amenities such as a Café Car, WiFi, power outlets
and spacious seating for a comfortable ride on
your next trip.
To take advantage of this offer, select ―Military
Veteran‖ as your traveler type on the booking
widget online. The 10% discount will automatically
apply to fares when qualifying travel is selected.
LEARN MORE
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
‗Where to start?‘ – The VA Welcome Kit
Veterans, their families, caregivers, and
survivors often ask, ―Where do I start?‖
Whether you or your loved one just got out or
you hung up the uniform years ago, the VA
Welcome Kit can guide you to the benefits and
services you've earned. VIDEO START HERE
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Smoke Free Resources
Overwhelming evidence shows smoking and
exposure to second-hand smoke create significant
medical risks.
As of October 1, 2019, all VA campuses are
smoke free.
Veterans who want to quit smoking
have resources available through VA, including
SmokefreeVET, a text messaging program that
provides 24/7 support to help Veterans quit
tobacco for good. QUIT SMOKING
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Veteran portraits by former President
available on mobile app
Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief‘s
Tribute to America‘s Warriors, painted by another
Veteran, President George W. Bush are on
display at the Kennedy Center through Nov. 15,
2019.
The collection highlights 98 post-9/11 Veterans
painted by the former president, himself an Air
Force Veteran.
There's also a free mobile app to view the art
work. LEARN MORE
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
House Passes Veterans Bills
The House recently passed several FRA-
supported bills to help homeless veterans with
children find transitional housing, help veterans
with disabilities access important information from
the VA's website, help preserve the legacies of
those interred in veterans' cemeteries, allow
veterans to use specialty adaptive housing grants
six times, and create a pilot program through
FY2020 to give female veterans more information
about VA care available to them. The bills are:
The Homeless Veterans Families Act (H.R.95).
The VA Website Accessibility Act (H.R.1199).
Permitting the Department of Veterans Affairs
to establish a grant program to conduct
cemetery research and produce educational
materials for the Veterans Legacy Program
(H.R.2385).
The Ryan Rules Specialty Housing
Improvement Act (H.R.3504).
The HEALTH for Women Veterans Act
(H.R.2942).
These proposals will be sent to the Senate for
further consideration.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Disabled Veterans with VA Home Loans will
get Refunds
As a follow-up to the Aug. 23, 2019 NewsBytes
story, the Department of Veterans affairs (VA) has
refunded more than $400 million in VA home loan
funding fees to tens of thousands of veterans who
were improperly accessed extra costs when
applying for VA home loans.
Auditors found it "troubling" that senior
Veterans Benefits Administration officials were
aware in October of 2014, that thousands of
exempt veterans were owed refunds, but didn't
take adequate action to issue refunds. The
auditors estimated nearly 73,000 exempt veterans
were incorrectly charged an estimated $286
10
million in funding fees for their VA home loans
from 2012 through 2017. During that period, the
VA issued approximately $97 million in refunds to
19,700 of the veterans-leaving an estimated
53,200 who may be eligible for refunds. Based on
a sample of 200 home loans made from 2012 to
2017, auditors found overcharges that averaged
$4,483.
VA officials said they consider their review of
the issue now complete, but veterans who believe
they may be entitled to a refund for mistaken fees
can contact the department's regional loan center
office at 877-827-3702 or visit the VA's
website for more information.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The VA is Approving More Appeals
The Board of Veterans Appeals is adjudicating
more disability claims appeals. The Board
processed 11 percent more claims (more than
95,000) and held 38 percent more hearings in
FY2019 when compared to FY2018. The
improvement at the BVA is due to more staff and
to a new appeals structure that was mandated by
Congress and supported by the FRA. The
Veterans Appeals Improvement and
Modernization Act (H.R.2288-Public Law 115-55)
sponsored by Reps. Mike Bost (Ill.) was enacted
into law on August 23, 2017. The law created
three "lanes" for veterans' appeals including: The
Local Higher Level Review Lane where an
adjudicator reviews the same evidence
considered by the original claims processor; The
New Evidence Lane where the veteran may
submit new evidence for review and have a
hearing and, The Board Lane where jurisdiction
for the appeal would transfer immediately to the
Board of Veterans' Appeals. The Act would allow
some veterans, who were already going through
the appeals process, to opt into the new system.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
APPROVED VETERANS AND CAREGIVERS
TO ACCESS BASE FACILITIES, SHOPS
Story Number: NNS191030-01
By Coleen R. San Nicolas-Perez, Commander,
Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy installations are
ready to support authorized veterans and their
caregivers who will soon be able to enjoy certain
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR)
programs and shop at base commissaries and
exchanges.
Effective Jan. 1 2020, veterans awarded the
Purple Heart or Medal of Honor, who are former
prisoners of war, or have service-connected
disability along with their caregivers will be
permitted to use the commissary, military
exchange and many MWR facilities per the 2019
National Defense Authorization Act.
―We are excited and looking forward to serving
this new patron group at our MWR facilities
throughout the shore enterprise,‖ said James
Baker, director of Commander, Navy Installations
Command (CNIC) fleet readiness division, which
oversees all MWR programs at Navy bases.
Qualifying veterans and caregivers will have
access to MWR golf courses, bowling alleys,
movie theaters, food and beverage facilities,
campgrounds, lodging facilities, marinas,
recreational cottages and cabins as well as tickets
and travel offices. Access to auto skills and
outdoor recreation facilities as well as special
events will be at the discretion of the installation
commanding officers based on capacity.
The patronage expansion does not include
access to fitness centers, swimming pools,
libraries, Single Sailor Programs, and Child and
Youth Programs (Child Development Centers,
School Age Care, Youth Programs and Child
Development Homes).
―To our veterans and their families, welcome
back,‖ Baker said. ―Our MWR teams are
committed to offering you a great experience with
every visit.‖
Navy installations are also ready to assist
qualifying veterans and caregivers with obtaining
base access.
―As we continue to focus on our number one
priority of ensuring the safety of our people and
the security of our installations, we are dedicated
to providing top-notch customer service to our
veterans as they come into the Visitors Control
Centers (VCC) to process their base access,‖ said
William Holdren, deputy director for CNIC‘s force
protection program.
Patrons are advised of the following:
- Veterans in possession of a Veterans Health
11
Identification Card (VHIC) by the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be required to enroll
their VHIC in the Defense Biometric Identification
System (DBIDS) at their local VCC for installation
access.
- Veterans who are not eligible for a VHIC will
require a letter issued from the VA indicating
eligibility for access to DoD installations. Those
with a letter from the VA must enroll their Real ID
driver‘s license in DBIDS.
- Caregivers can present their letter of eligibility
from the VA at their local VCC and enroll their
Real ID driver‘s license in DBIDS for installation
access.
- A DBIDS credential will be issued in cases
when a Real ID compliant driver‘s license is not
available.
For more information about obtaining a VHIC or
a letter from Veterans Affairs, visit your local VA
medical facility or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387),
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.,
Eastern Standard Time.
To learn more about base access
requirements, contact or visit the nearest Navy
Visitors Control Center.
——————————————————————
SOMETHING FROM OUR SHIPMATES:
SEA STORIES, COMMENTS, JOKES, ETC.
=====
Submitted by George Birmingham, ET1(SS), Gold
69-74
November to feature rare astronomical event
that won't occur again until 2032
By Brian Lada, AccuWeather meteorologist and
staff writer
Grab your telescopes and get some solar filters
ready. A rare transit of Mercury across the sun will
occur on Nov. 11. This rare astronomical event
won't happen again until 2032, so don't miss out!
One of the most highly anticipated astronomical
events of the year is less than a month away, and
if you want to see it with your own eyes, you will
need to start preparing for it now.
A rare astronomical alignment known as a
Mercury Transit will occur on Monday, Nov. 11,
and will be visible across almost all of North
America, South America, Europe, Africa and
western Asia from 7:35 a.m. EST to 1:04 p.m.
EST.
Read the rest of the article with video HERE
=====
Submitted by Chuck Hladik,
TM2(SS) G 67-70, Assoc. Life
Member, USSVI USS Oklahoma
City Base, Holland Club
Our local PBS station has a
TV show called Oklahoma
Gardening and they came to
photograph my garden shed.
https://youtu.be/yf_Qa-dIdqA
=====
This is an article written in our local Summerville
newspaper about one of our own, Marty Sessler
MTC(SS) B 72-75, Assoc Life Member, USSVI
Charleston Base and Holland Club:
U.S. Submarine Force veteran recalls life at
800 feet below
By Joy Bonala,
Oct 24, 2019
As a young submariner,
Martin Sessler didn‘t feel
much as the watercraft
slipped below the surface of
the sea to descend
hundreds of feet into
darkness.
To demonstrate the
impact of depth, Sessler sometimes ran a string
from one side of the inner compartment to the
other and pulled it tight prior to submersion. As
the submarine sunk into an abyss, the string
would begin to sag until finally it hung loosely
because water pressure had caused the hull to
compress.
As a missile technician in the U.S. Navy,
Sessler served aboard two World War II
submarines before he was assigned to nuclear
power missile carriers. He devoted 22 years of his
life to active duty in the Navy and to this day he is
still in awe of the technology that equips Navy
boats; their mechanics and intricacies.
―If I was starting all over, I‘d do it again,‖
Sessler said.
Like many in his generation, Sessler was just a
teenager when he joined the U.S. military in 1963.
12
Barely out of high school, Sessler enlisted in the
U.S. Navy and was almost immediately assigned
to serve on board World War II submarines; the
USS Grenadier then the USS Atule.
The Grenadier was a Tench-class diesel-
electric submarine that had a surface speed of 18
knots and a test depth of 400 feet. It was roughly
the length of two football fields and carried a crew
of about 70 enlisted men but what struck Sessler
the most was the vessels cramped interior.
―It was so small,‖ Sessler said. ―You could
only seat so many men at the dining area at one
time; you had to eat in shifts.‖
Typically SSBN submariners patrol in a 90-day
cycle but when Sessler was aboard the USS
Atule, he went on a unique six-month-long cruise
around South America. The crew traveled through
the Panama Canal and down the Pacific Ocean
side of South America, around the tip, and back
up the eastern side. He crossed the equator twice
and stopped at numerous ports- an eye opening
experience for a young man from a rural area in
Ohio.
At one point crew members were traveling up a
river in Colombia when they were warned not to
go topside because the water was too dangerous.
Sessler said some men ignored the warnings and
headed to the ship‘s bridge to look out at the
piranhas feeding nearby.
This being his first cruise, Sessler went
through several initiations, which often included
embarrassing, rowdy behavior, but still Sessler
looks back on the memories with fondness.
The first time a submariner crossed the
equator, he was named a ―shellback,‖ when
someone went under an icecap, he became a
―bluenose.‖ Every milestone came with its own
form of ceremonial initiation.
―Some of the old initiations have gone by the
wayside- there‘s no harassment now- but I
remember every one of them,‖ Sessler said.
However, those carefree moments were few
and far between because when he wasn‘t on
watch, Sessler was studying about submarine
boats so that he could become qualified. He had
to study at least four hours a day every day for
months before he was ready to get his dolphins.
―It‘s an exhaustive procedure to learn every
valve, every system on the submarine,‖ Sessler
said. ―(It‘s necessary) so that no matter where you
are at- if something happens, you‘re able to take
some corrective action.‖
His time aboard the USS Atule reminded him
of all the brave soldiers who fought from similar
submarines during World War II.
―The World War II men were the heroes of the
submarine force,‖ Sessler said. ―They did
courageous things. They had all of these
calamities that they lived through but they never
told anybody about it; they were very quiet.‖
The United States lost 52 submarines during
World War II. More than 3,500 soldiers died when
their boats went down.
Sessler is a longtime member of the United
States Submarine Veterans, Inc. Charleston
Base; the group meets once a month. During
every meeting, members toll the bell for all of the
World War II boats lost during that month.
After his time on the Atule, Sessler went on to
missile carriers including the Sam Rayburn (SSBN
635), USS Henry L. Stimson (SSBN-655), and
later he served aboard the USS Canopus (AS-34).
Sessler traveled to Scotland, Spain, and
throughout the United States. In total, he made 14
patrols on two nuclear-powered, ballistic missile-
carrying submarines (SSBNs).
While he appreciated his work, the frequent
travel made life difficult for his wife and two
children. He and his high school sweetheart,
Sharon, were married one year after he joined the
U.S. Navy. It seemed like every time he was sent
on patrol, some small disaster would take place
that Sharon was left to deal with on her own.
―Everything happened when I was on patrol,‖
Sessler said.
On one patrol, a tornado went through the
Sessler‘s neighborhood, it didn‘t damage their
home but it did destroy many nearby homes,
including the home of a friend of Sesslers‘ who
happened to be on the boat.
―He got word that a tornado went through the
subdivision and tore his house up so I assume the
worst of course,‖ Sessler said.
At that time, the only way submariners
received news from family members was through
a familygram; a 15-word message sent only six
13
times during a patrol. When Sessler received his
own familygram, he was relieved to learn that his
family was safe and their home was not damaged.
―The families don‘t get enough credit; we‘re
the ones who are gone- we get all the credit and
the awards and everything- but we couldn‘t do it
without the families,‖ Sessler said.
It was because of his family that Sessler
decided to retire from the navy after 22 years of
service. He was stationed in Charleston and his
family loved living in Summerville so instead of
transferring again, he chose to stay put and retire
in the late 1980s. His daughter now works as a
registered nurse at the Ralph H. Johnson VA
Medical Center in Charleston and his son served
in the U.S. Air Force.
The Submariner‘s slogan, ‗Pride Runs Deep,‘
truly resonates with Sessler who holds his former
submariner‘s in the highest regard. After he
retired, he joined the local submariner veteran
group; United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Charleston Base. Sessler and fellow veterans visit
children who are hospitalized and undergoing
treatment for cancer and the group has a
scholarship program for dependents of
submariners. Participating in the USSVICB allows
Sessler to give back to the community and enjoy
fellowship with fellow submariners.
―I so appreciate my fellow submariners,‖
Sessler said. ―They were just a super bunch of
guys that I worked with, you couldn't ask for
anything better.‖
https://www.journalscene.com/news/u-s-
submarine-force-veteran-recalls-life-at-
feetbelow/
article_649af85e-f5af-11e9-b64a-
a7df57ce1b36.html
——————————————————————
The Computer Corner
By: George Birmingham,
ET1(SS), Gold 69-74
Privacy – Make use of the Privacy Tools and
Settings on all your devices
One important aspect of our digital lifestyle is
protecting our privacy as we interact with the
many digital resources in the world around us. I
touched on this in earlier columns on e-mail
privacy and Exif data in our pictures. The creators
of our digital devices and software, like the
Windows 10 PC and the Microsoft Surface
Tablets, have made certain assumptions about
how applications that run on these devices should
have access to the data we have stored on them.
In some cases the assumptions are permissible,
but in some cases the line between personal
privacy and the device manufacturer‘s
assumptions is very hazy and our best interests
are not always their top priority. The Windows 10
software provides a way for us, as users, to
decide what can be accessed and by what
applications. However, we have to be sure the
settings match our own preferences. This
month‘s column will share with you information on
how to do that so you can decide what‘s in your
best interests and supports your digital lifestyle.
As an example, most, if not all, newer laptops
have a camera available in their hardware
configuration. It is there to support applications
like Skype, which allow us to make calls to family
and friends over the Internet. But not every
application on the laptop needs to have access to
the camera. And what if an application has
access, but also has a vulnerability that allows
hackers to view your camera too. Well, that‘s not
a pleasant thought. Other features like the
microphone and device location services do not
need to be accessible to every application either
for most users.
Here are some articles to help you decide what
you want to permit while protecting your privacy
when using your Windows 10 device:
This article is from 2015, but makes some
good points:
https://www.techrepublic.com/article/windows-
10-violates-your-privacy-by-default-heres-how-
you-can-protect-yourself/
Other interesting articles:
https://www.computerworld.com/
article/3025709/how-to-protect-your-privacy-in-
windows-10.html
14
https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/
blog/2018/12/how-to-disable-tracking-features-
in-windows-10/
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2971725/how-
to-reclaim-your-privacy-in-windows-10-piece-
by-piece.html
And earlier I mentioned that your laptops have
microphones, to support things like Skype calls.
Well, that same microphone can be used by
Cortana to listen to what‘s being said around your
laptop. So here are a couple of articles to
suggest that changing your security setting in
Windows 10 to limit what has access to the
microphone might be a good idea. There are
many others you can find with Google.
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-manage
-microphone-settings-windows-10
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/stop-
cortana-windows-10-anniversary
And finally, a privacy issue that applies to all of
our digital devices and probably the emerging IoT
(Internet of Things) enabled devices too. Recently
you may have seen news stories about
contractors screening recorded voice content from
Apple‘s Siri and Microsoft Cortana.
Here is Microsoft‘s position on what they do
with voice content gathered by Cortana:
https://gizmodo.com/microsoft-confirms-your-
cortana-and-skype-recordings-ar-1837292598
And from Apple, we have the following:
Apple said it is suspending a worldwide
program allowing outside contractors to listen to
Siri recordings of private conversations by users
of Apple phones, watches and home speakers.
Later in the article it clarifies by saying it is
―temporarily‖ halting the program…
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-
suspends-siri-program-letting-contractors-
listen-to-conversation-recordings/
And finally, to round out the spectrum of those
devices we can talk to and that listen to us and
record what we say, we should not leave out
Amazon‘s Alexa:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/
tjmccue/2019/04/19/alexa-is-listening-all-the-
time-heres-how-to-stop-it/#2cb53b4d5e2d
If you have these devices, be sure to read and
understand the privacy statements that come with
them. And look at the User‘s Guide to make sure
you can disable unwanted features that don‘t
agree with your privacy needs.
What I fear the most is that the next generation
of these devices will adopt our colorful Navy
language because of what we have not blocked
from their ears! I think you all know what I
mean…
Privacy in our digital world has to be managed
to make sure our devices are aligned to what we
are willing to share. Hopefully I have provided you
with enough information to decide how to make
your device look out for you.
As always, shipmates, comments and
suggestions for future topics are welcomed. I am
in need of topics for future articles, so please send
your ideas along to me. Contact me at
And if you have a difficult computer or network
problem you need help with, contact me. I‘m
always glad to help out if I can.
//George
===========
Computer Corner Part 2
During our journey in the Computer Corner
column, the topic of e-mail phishing has been
noted a couple of times. While I think by now
everyone understands the risks of opening e-
mails from unknown senders, or ones from an
array of government organizations with the power
to make your life miserable, by clicking on the
links inside. However, every now and then it's
informative to look a little deeper at the anatomy
of such an attack and the players involved.
Yesterday the article in the link below arrived
on one of my news readers and it caught my
attention. It puts a face on the players of this
game, and how international it has become. It will
also make me look more closely at my Amazon
orders in the future as I learned from this excerpt
from the article:
15
"Ms. Cismaru also left behind a glaring
clue. She was using a fraudulent business
account on Amazon??to sell items she
didn???t own.??When she was alerted to an
order, she purchased??the product from a
legitimate seller using a stolen credit card. The
item was then shipped to the buyer."
I hope you enjoy reading this article as much
as I did. This can happen to any presidential
inauguration or other high profile event. Watch out
for those phishing e-mails...!
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-hapless-
shake-down-crew-that-hacked-trumps-
inauguration-11572014333
===========
Computer Corner Part 3
Equifax used 'admin' as username and
password for sensitive data: lawsuit
This reminds me of that scene in the movie
Spaceballs ( a funny movie, IMHO), where they
get the combination of the atmosphere shield
around Planet Druidia from King Roland (played
by Dick Van Patten):
Dark Helmet (played by Rick Moranis): So
the combination is 1-2-3-4-5? That's the
stupidest combination I've ever heard in my
life! That's the kinda thing an idiot would
have on his luggage!
[Cut to President Skroob (played by Mel
Brooks) walking in]
Skroob: What's the combination?
Colonel Sandurz (played by George
Wyner): 1-2-3-4-5.
Skroob: 1-2-3-4-5? That's amazing! I've
got the same combination on my luggage!
[Colonel Sandurz and Dark Helmet give
each other a look] Prepare Spaceball I for
immediate departure!
Colonel Sandurz: Yes, sir.
Skroob: And change the combination on
my luggage!
This is pretty unbelievable... Equifax used
"admin" and "admin" to login to a system
containing sensitive information... Wow!
A good thing, I guess, that they didn't use
"12345" ... Too funny !
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/equifax-
password-username-admin-lawsuit-
201118316.html?soc_src=social-
sh&soc_trk=ma
——————————————————————
Computer Corner Part 4
I haven't seen this kind of e-mail yet, but I
figure it's coming. And since I do Amazon Smile to
support the USSVI as my charity, it may only be a
matter of time. I always recommend going directly
to the site using their regular URL to verify and
never use the link provided in any e-mail.
New Amazon phishing scam stealing credit
card data
October 8, 2019 Category: Cyber Criminal
A new Amazon phishing scam email is
circulating, that tricks users into handing over their
personal as well as financial information including
credit card information to online crooks.
https://nationalcybersecurity.com/cyberfraud-
cybercriminals-new-amazon-phishing-scam-
stealing-credit-card-data/
——————————————————————
16
Editor: Do you remember when Stimson originally
worked out of Group Two in New London? Like so
many of you, I checked aboard in the offcrew
office at the Group….early 1970…. seems like it
was just yesterday.
Submarine Group Two Reborn as Response to
‗Great Power Competition‘
(SEAPOWER MAGAZINE 02 OCT 19)
NORFOLK, Va. — Taking another step in
response to the re-emergence of the ‗great power
competition,‘ the U.S. Navy re-established
Commander, Submarine Group (SUBGRU) Two
in Norfolk, Virginia, on Sept. 30 following its hiatus
since August 2014, U.S. Submarine Forces public
affairs said in a release.
The move follows the re-establishment of
commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, in 2018 and is aimed
at enhancing the Navy‘s capacity to command
and control its undersea warfare forces
seamlessly across all of the Atlantic area, from the
U.S. eastern seaboard to the Barents Sea and
even into the southern Atlantic.
―The security environment continues to grow
more challenging and complex — particularly in
the North Atlantic,‖ said Vice Adm. Charles
Richard, commander of Submarine Forces.
―To maintain America‘s undersea superiority,
we must increase naval power and our readiness
for high-end blue water warfare. How we‘re
organized to command that employment will be a
driving factor in our success — that‘s why we‘re re
-establishing Sub Group Two today.‖
SUBGRU 2 is commanded by Rear Adm.
James Waters, who also assumed duties as
commander, Task Force 84. CTF 84 is the theater
anti-submarine warfare commander for U.S. Fleet
Forces Command.
―Our motto, ‗Praeparavit Regnatura,‘ means
ready to dominate. We will prepare forces to
control the undersea domain through rigorous
competitive training and a thorough understanding
of our adversaries and the environment where we
both operate,‖ Waters said. ―Further, we will
innovate and advance the art of theater anti-
submarine warfare through complex fleet
exercises and war games.‖
Additionally, the command can operate as an
embedded CTF within C2F when it is activated as
a Maritime Command Element and to serve as the
TASW commander for commander, U.S. 4th
Fleet, as assigned. SUBGRU 2 will have more
administrative control responsibilities delegated
from Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic.
―As you carry out your day-to-day duties, you
must understand that winning decisively in a
potential ‗Fourth Battle of the Atlantic‘ should be
your guiding vision,‖ said Adm. Christopher
Grady, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces
Command. ―The best way to prevent a fight is to
be prepared to win decisively should anyone
choose to threaten us. We believe in power for
peace.‖
https://seapowermagazine.org/submarine-
group-two-reborn-as-response-to-great-power-
competition/
——————————————————————
Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet embarked cruise
missile submarine in Mediterranean
Not attributed, Defence Blog, October 20
Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander,
U.S. 6th Fleet, embarked Ohio-class cruise
missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728)
during routine operations in the Mediterranean,
Oct. 15-16, 2019, according to a Navy news
release.
Franchetti‘s visit to the submarine reinforced
the value of submarines and their crews in today‘s
unique operating environment.
―In this era of great power competition,
Florida‘s stealth, strike, and special forces
capabilities put points on the board against our
competitors every day,‖ Franchetti told the crew.
―It‘s you, the crew of ‗Fighting Florida‘ that makes
it all happen, right here at the tip of the spear.‖
While aboard, Franchetti held all-hands calls,
met with the Chief‘s Mess, and Wardroom,
observed operations, and recorded a ―spirit spot‖
for the upcoming 2019 Army-Navy football game.
―This was my first time underway on a
submarine. Seeing the operational environment,
and the professionalism, proficiency, and
readiness of the crew first-hand gave me an
invaluable perspective of all that goes into
successful mission accomplishment, each and
every day,‖ said Franchetti following the visit.
―Florida is a critical asset to our 6th Fleet team.
17
Her presence provides power projection capability
and inherent flexibility to simultaneously support
four combatant commanders.‖
Florida, a 560-foot submarine displacing
18,750 tons of water, recently completed a
maintenance availability and is conducting
maritime security operations in the Mediterranean
Sea.
Ohio-class guided-missile submarines provide
the Navy with unprecedented strike and special
operation mission capabilities from a stealthy,
clandestine platform. Armed with guided missiles
and equipped with superior communications
capabilities, SSGNs are capable of directly
supporting Combatant Commander‘s strike and
Special Operation Forces requirements.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy,
conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval
operations, often in concert with allied and
interagency partners, in order to advance U.S.
national interests and security and stability in
Europe and Africa.
——————————————————————
Submarine Forces Boss Tapped to Lead
STRATCOM
Rachel S. Cohen, USNI Air Force Magazine,
October 21
Vice Adm. Chas Richard, the Navy‘s
commander of submarine forces, is next in line to
lead US Strategic Command after previously
serving as its No. 2 uniformed official.
The White House nominated Richard on Oct.
15 to succeed Air Force Gen. John Hyten, the
incoming vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff. The Senate Armed Services Committee will
vet Richard at an Oct. 24 hearing. He is also up
for a promotion to admiral.
Richard also serves as head of Submarine
Force Atlantic and Allied Submarine Command.
―As a former deputy commander of
STRATCOM, Admiral Richard understands the
responsibilities of the command and its mission
well,‖ Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) said Oct. 17.
―With threats from Russia and China continuing to
grow, nuclear deterrence is becoming more
important than ever and STRATCOM requires
experienced and capable leadership.‖
Fischer chairs SASC‘s strategic forces
subcommittee and is the senior senator from
Nebraska, where STRATCOM is headquartered
at Offutt AFB outside Omaha.
If confirmed, Richard will play a key role in
overhauling the Pentagon‘s nuclear weapons and
related aircraft in the coming decades, shifting
responsibility for
space assets from STRATCOM to the new US
Space Command, updating nuclear command-
and-control systems for the 21st century, and
more
——————————————————————
Memories as deep as the Submarine Escape
Trainer
Alexander L. Gago, Naval Submarine Learning
Center Public Affairs, October 17
GROTON, Conn. - Standing alone at the bottom
of the 37-foot-deep, Pressurized Submarine
Escape Trainer (PSET) tank, a Navy instructor
patiently waits for his mother to start her ascent to
the top.
For Navy Diver 3rd Class Philip Rogers, an
instructor at Naval Submarine School
(SUBSCOL), the thought of possibly training any
member of his own family, yet alone his mother
never crossed his mind. However, that is what
occurred at the bottom of the PSET tank, Aug. 28.
Past submariners who have trained on the high
-risk PSET have memories of it being one of the
defining moments in their submarine careers. The
same holds true for Chief Yeoman Christina Wetz,
a Navy recruiter from San Antonio, Texas, who
graduated Yeoman ―C‖ School, Aug. 5, 2019 and
is a converted Navy career counselor recruiter
who volunteered for the Enlisted Women in
Submarines program. Women like Wetz, both
officers and enlisted, are contributing to growing
and diversifying the Submarine Force.
―I spoke with my son about obtaining a new
rating, and he recommended that I look at
becoming a yeoman and serve with the
Submarine Force, so I decided it was time to
retrain for a new adventure,‖ said Wetz, who
served for nine years as a Navy recruiter. Her first
Navy rating was as a religious program specialist
from 2007 to 2009 and she served as a personnel
18
specialist from 2010 to 2019 at Navy Recruiting
District Seattle.
His mother‘s service is part of what inspired
Rogers to join the Navy.
―My true motivation for joining the Navy was to
receive my Navy warfare pin before my mom,‖
said Rogers, who is in his first tour at SUBSCOL.
―My son pinned my Navy anchors in 2012 and
was raised watching (the true-story inspired film)
Men of Honor, which I feel created a mix of
inspiration for him to join the Navy,‖ said Wetz.
Wetz has certainly been given fond memories
to cherish as her son provided the hands-on
training to reaffirm the basic concept of
completing the PSET during her time as a student
at Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS). The
seven-week course teaches the basic theory of
construction and operation of submarines,
including ships systems, organization and
damage control. The operationally focused PSET
training is one part of the course and introduces
basic diving physiology.
―My son and I have always been close. It was
amazing to see my son in a work environment and
see how professional he and his team were. It
takes a certain level of trust to shoot a 37-feet
deep tank up to the top of the PSET,‖ said Wetz.
―I felt like the memory I took at the deep part of
the PSET tank was that as a mother, you raise
your kid to trust you and now I felt I had to put my
life in my son‘s hands and trust him to keep me
safe.‖
For Rogers, he realized he had to treat his
mom like every other student.
―I had to set aside our relationship and
approach her with fresh wide eyes,‖ he said. ―And
when it came down to it, she was like every other
Sailor. She had the same questions and the same
concerns, and she looked the same.‖
Wetz was wearing a submarine escape
immersion equipment suit as she stepped into the
escape trunk located at the deep part of the PSET
tank to practice hands-on emergency procedures
for a safe and orderly escape from a disabled
submarine beneath the ocean waves.
——————————————————————
New Details On The Tragedy Of The Russian
Spy Submarine Losharik
H I Sutton Contributor
Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors
are their own.
The full scope may never be publicly known of
the July 1 fire aboard a deep-diving submarine in
the Arctic in which 14 Russian submariners lost
their lives. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov
described the submarine‘s mission as a "state
secret." However, based on analysis of open
sources, I can reveal details of the submarine‘s
movements before and after the event.
Cutaway illustration of AS-12 Losharik showing the 7 orb-
like internal hulls. The Russian government has not
released any photos of this secretive submarine. H I Sutton
(Author) The submarine is called Losharik, named after
a Russian cartoon horse which is made of a
series of balls. More on that later. In official
sources she is known by her hull number, AS-12.
She is operated by the euphemistically named
Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research, better
known as GUGI. And she operates from Olenya
Guba which is GUGI's secret base in the Arctic –
the same base as the Russian Navy's beluga
whales, one of which turned up in Norway in April.
Her mission is protected by state secrecy and,
frankly, obscurity. When I wrote analysis before
the accident I was one of very few public sources.
In layman's terms she is a spy submarine.
Her work probably involves the seabed
communications cables and sonar networks which
litter the world's oceans.
It should be mentioned that Losharik is
transported to her missions attached to the
underside of a much larger mother submarine.
Her all-officer crew are elite submariners known
as Hydronauts.
For this fateful mission the mother submarine,
BS-64, first called at Severomorsk. I can now say
that she arrived on June 24. I believe that
19
Losharik was already under her. They were
accompanied by an Oscar-II Class cruise missile
submarine. That is possibly a coincidence, but it
could also be for protection during some phases
of the mission. Also in attendance was the giant
Typhoon Class submarine Dmitriy Donskoy, which
was later reported to have been involved in anti-
submarine exercises around this time. It is unclear
whether there is a connection between the
presence of all three submarines. For BS-64 the
stop-off in Severomorsk may have been to load
torpedoes. They left around midday on June 25,
five days before the fateful accident.
On the afternoon of July 1 a fire broke out in
the battery compartment of Losharik. The
submarine is constructed from seven spherical
titanium hulls strung together, except for the
uninhabited rear two which contain the nuclear
reactor and machinery. The orb-like hulls,
although not visible from the outside thanks to a
streamlined outer hull, are where the submarine‘s
nickname comes from.
The accident occurred very close to the
Russian coast, reportedly as Losharik was
docking with the BS-64. The fire was in the battery
compartment; even nuclear submarines have
batteries as a backup. Some of the crew,
including the captain, reportedly stayed in the
affected compartment to ensure the safety of the
others. These are the men who perished.
This wasn't Losharik's first underwater
accident. In 2012 she damaged her manipulator
arms while on a mission under the Ice Cap. That
time it was not fatal.
Losharik was able to dock with the BS-64,
which raced back to Severomorsk to unload the
injured submariners. By midnight a local news
outlet, SeverLife.ru, broke the story. They
reported that between 10 and 14 people died and
that about 5 injured. Two of them were in
intensive care. The story was later removed.
A camouflaged shelter was placed over a
hatch on BS-64‘s back. Onlookers may have been
unaware that the injured submarine was out of
sight, attached to the bottom of the visible host
submarine. While the story was still making
headlines around the globe, on July 4 BS-64
discretely slipped back to Olenya Guba. There
special attention continued, with the camouflaged
tent used again.
Losharik will likely be returned to service. In
the meantime BS-64 has been exercising with a
smaller battery powered submersible attached to
her back, possibly as a surrogate. The ‗state
secret‘ missions will go on.
—————————————————————–
Submitted by a Charleston Base SUBVET.
Editor: While some of this article is political in
nature I find there is enough truth in the rest of the
article for it to be printed.
Seniors could rule the world....if they had the
energy.
The typical U.S. household headed by a
person age 65 or older has a net worth 47 times
greater than a household headed by someone
under 35, according to an analysis of census
data.
They like to refer to us as senior citizens, old
fogies, geezers, and in some cases dinosaurs.
Some of us are "Baby Boomers" getting ready to
retire; others have been retired for some time. We
walk a little slower these days and our eyes and
hearing are not what they once were. We worked
hard, raised our children, worshiped our God and
have grown old together.
In school we studied English, history, math,
and science, which enabled us to lead America
into the technological age. Most of us remember
what outhouses were, many of us with firsthand
experience. We remember the days of telephone
party-lines, 25 cent gasoline, and milk and ice
being delivered to our homes.
We are probably considered old fashioned and
outdated by many. But there are a few things you
need to remember before completely writing us
off. We won World War II, fought in Korea and
Viet Nam. We can quote The Pledge of
Allegiance, and know where to place our hand
while doing so. We wore the uniform of our
country with pride, and lost many friends on the
battlefield. We didn't fight for the Socialist States
of America; we fought for the "Land of the Free
and the Home of the Brave." We wore different
uniforms but carried the same flag.
We know the words to the ―Star Spangled
20
Banner,‖ ―America,‖ and ―America the Beautiful‖
by heart, and you may even see some tears
running down our cheeks as we sing. We have
lived what many of you should have read in
history books and we feel no obligation to
apologize to anyone for America.
Yes, we are old and slow these days but rest
assured, we have at least one good fight left in us.
We have loved this country, fought for it, and died
for it, and now we are going to save it. It is our
country and nobody is going to take it away from
us. We took oaths to defend America against all
enemies, foreign and domestic, and that is an
oath we plan to keep. There are those who want
to destroy this land we love but, like our founders,
there is no way we are going to remain silent.
It was mostly the young people of this nation
who elected Obama and the Democratic
Congress. You fell for the "Hope and Change"
which in reality was nothing but "Hype and Lies‖
from your college professors. You youngsters
need to taste socialism and see evil face to face
to understand you don't like it after all. You make
a lot of noise, most are all too interested in their
careers or "Climbing the Social Ladder" to be
involved in such mundane things as patriotism
and voting. Many of those who fell for the "Great
Lie" in 2008 are now having buyer's remorse. With
all the education we gave you, you didn't have
sense enough to see through the lies and instead
drank the 'Kool-Aid.'
Well, don't worry youngsters, the Grey-Haired
Brigade is here, and in 2016 we took back our
nation. We may drive a little slower than you
would like, but we get where we're going, and in
2020 we're *driving to *the polls again by the
millions.
So the next time you have the chance to say
the Pledge of Allegiance, stand up, put your hand
over your heart, honor your country, and thank
God for the old geezers of the "Gray-Haired
Brigade."
*In** God we **STILL* *trust!*
—————————————————————–
NOT ALZHEIMER'S? (NOT A JOKE)
In the following analysis, the French Professor
Bruno Dubois, Director of the Institute of Memory
and Alzheimer's Disease (IMMA) at La -
Salpêtrière - Paris Hospitals / addresses the
subject in a rather reassuring way:
"For some time now, I have been stuck and I
do not know what we were I talking about ...
Before, I was afraid it was the beginning of
Alzheimer's ... but today, after reading this article,
I am reassured, it‘s nothing.
"If anyone is aware of his memory problems,
he does not have Alzheimer's."
1. I forget the names of families.
2. I do not remember where I put some things.
It often happens in people 60 years and older
that they complain that they lack memory. "The
information is always in the brain, it is the
"processor" that is lacking. "
This is "Anosognosia" or temporary
forgetfulness. Half of people 60 and older have
some symptoms that are due to age rather than
disease. The most common cases are:
- forgetting the name of a person,
- going to a room in the house and not
remembering why we were going there,
- a blank memory for a movie title or actor, an
actress,
- a waste of time searching where we left our
glasses or keys
After 60 years most people have such a
difficulty, which indicates that it is not a disease
but rather a characteristic due to the passage of
years.
Many people are concerned about these
oversights hence the importance of the following
statement: "Those who are conscious of being
forgetful have no serious problem of memory.
Those who suffer from a memory illness or
Alzheimer‘s are not aware of what is happening."
Professor Bruno Dubois, Director of IMMA,
reassures the majority of people concerned about
their oversights: "The more we complain about
memory loss, the less likely we are to suffer from
memory sickness.
Now for a little neurological test. Only use your
eyes! Do not use a pointer or finger.
21
1- Find the C in the table below!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
2- If you have already found the C,
Then find the 6 in the table below.
9999999999999999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999999999
6999999999999999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999999999
3- Now find the N in the table below.
Attention, it's a little more difficult!
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
If you pass these three tests without problem:
- You can cancel your annual visit to the
neurologist.
- Your brain is in perfect shape!
- You are far from having any relationship with
Alzheimer's.
Share this with your over-60 friends, it can
reassure them.
—————————————————————–
Submitted by Donna Hastie, wife of Sandy Hastie,
CAPT B CO 80 (1 patrol-Oct-Dec)
Veterans Day Discounts 2019, Free Meals,
Resources Exclusive to Veterans
Posted in #VetResources by VAntage Point
Veterans Day 2019 is on Monday, Nov. 11th,
2019. This Veterans Day discounts list will
continue to be updated as we learn of more
nationally available Veterans Day discounts,
meals, or other ways businesses and
organizations want to give back to Veterans.
These Veterans Day discounts, free meals and
other programs are being shared so that
Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors
are aware of all resources available to them.
Veterans Day discounts and meals at
restaurants
Hometown Buffet – November 11, 2019
Active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel
in uniform or with a valid ID receive 15% discount
on Military Mondays (Every Monday including
Memorial Day) at Hometown Buffet. Be sure to
ask your server for more details. Visit the BJs
Wholesale website for details. http://
www.hometownbuffet.com/military/
Old Country Buffett – November 11, 2019
Active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel
in uniform or with a valid ID receive 15% discount
on Military Mondays (Every Monday including
Memorial Day) with up to four members of the
family at Old Country Buffett. Be sure to ask your
server for more details. Visit the BJs Wholesale
website for details. http://
www.oldcountrybuffet.com/military-2/
Applebee‘s – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active-duty military receive a free
meal from a limited menu at participating
Applebee‘s on November 11. Dine-in only. Visit
the Applebee‘s website for details.
Chili‘s Grill & Bar – November 11, 2019
All Veterans and active duty military personnel
can get a free meal on Veteran‘s Day Monday,
November 11, 2019, at all participating Chili‘s Grill
and Bar restaurants. Please call ahead to your
local Chili‘s restaurant if you have any questions
about your Veteran‘s Day meals. Visit the Chili‘s
website for details. https://www.chilis.com/
22
restaurant-events/veterans-day
Baker‘s Square – November 11, 2019
All Veterans and active duty service members
receive a free meal on Veteran‘s Day (November
11, 2019) from Baker‘s Square. Visit the Baker‘s
Square website for details.
54th Street Grill and Bar – November 11,
2019
Veterans + Active Duty military personnel who
dine inside a 54th Street Grill and Bar receive a
free entrée up to $12 on Veteran‘s Day (11-11-
2019). Visit the 54th Street Grill and Bar website
for details.
Golden Corral – November 11, 2019
Military Veterans, retirees, and active duty
members are being offered a free sit-in ―thank
you‖ dinner on Monday, November 11, 2019, from
5pm -9pm. For more details visit the Golden
Corral website. https://www.goldencorral.com/
military-appreciation/
Red Robin – November 11, 2019
Veteran‘s and Active Duty Military are being
offered a free dine-in Red‘s Tavern Double Burger
and Bottomless Steak Fries on Veteran‘s Day,
11/11/2019. Visit the Red Robin website for
details.
Mission BBQ – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty members will receive a
free sandwich and slice of cake (while supplies
lasts) at Mission BBQ on Veteran‘s Day,
11/11/2019. Visit the Mission BBQ website for
details.
O‘Charley‘s Restaurant – November 11,
2019
Veterans of the armed forces and/or officers still
serving, you can enjoy a free meal at O‘Charley‘s
this Veterans Day, with several fan favorites from
the restaurant‘s menu to choose from. Visit the
O‘Charley‘s website for details.
Grub Burger – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active military members can get a
free meal at a Grub Burger Bar location on
Saturday, November 11, for Veterans Day. Visit
the Grub Burger website for details.
IHOP – November 11, 2019
All Active duty and Retired Veterans in
observance of Veteran‘s Day, November 11, are
invited to come in to IHOP and enjoy a ―free‖
breakfast. Visit the IHOP website for details.
https://www.operationmilitarykids.org/ihop-military-
discount/
Lucille‘s BBQ – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military will enjoy a
complimentary dessert with proof of service on
November 11. Visit the Lucille‘s BBQ website for
details. https://www.lucillesbbq.com/promos/
military-family-month
Fogo De Chao – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty personnel receive
discounts on November 11, which includes 50%
towards their meal at Fogo De Chao, in addition
up to three of their guests enjoy 10% off. Visit the
Fogo-De-Chao website for details.
Texas Road House – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active military receive a free lunch
on November 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at all
Texas Roadhouse locations. Visit the Texas Road
House website for details.
TGI Fridays – November 11, 2019
Military guests with a valid military ID will be
treated to a free lunch menu item up to $12 on
November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. These
guests also will receive a $5 coupon for their next
meal at Fridays. Call your local TGI Fridays for
details.
Subway – November 11, 2019
Military Veterans with a valid ID are being offered
a free six-inch sub on November 11 at
select locations. Call or visit your nearest location
for details.
Outback – November 11, 2019
Veterans with a military ID can get a free Bloomin‘
Onion and non-alcoholic beverage on November
11, and 20 percent off their check Nov. 12 to Dec.
31. Call or visit your nearest location for details.
BJs Restaurant Brewhouse – November 11,
2019
Military and Veteran‘s with a valid ID are being
offered a free entree up to $14.95 and a free Dr.
Pepper beverage on November 11. Call your local
BJs Restaurant Brewhouse for details. https://
www.bjsrestaurants.com/VeteransDay
Bandanas BBQ Restaurant – November 11,
2019
Veterans and active duty military are being offered
a free meal on November 11. Call or visit your
23
nearest location for details.
Manhattan Bagel Company – November 11,
2019
All active, former and retired military personnel
with valid identification are invited to enjoy a free
bagel and cream cheese at Manhattan Bagel
Company‘s participating locations on Veterans
Day November 11. No additional purchase is
required. Call or visit your nearest location for
details.
Houlihan‘s – November 11, 2019:
All military members – both active-duty and
Veterans – will receive a free and complimentary
meal on Veterans Day. Guests must come with
proof of duty by an I.D., photo in uniform, earning
receipt or any other form of proof. Call or visit your
nearest location for details.
Bombshells Restaurant & Bar – November
11, 2019
Veteran‘s families and active service members
receive free meals at Bombshells Restaurant &
Bar on November 11 from 11 AM – 2
AM. Please call ahead to your local Bombshell‘s
restaurant if you have any questions about your
Veteran‘s Day meals.
California Pizza Kitchen– November 11,
2019
Veterans and active U.S. military members with
proof of service have an invitation to enjoy a
complimentary meal from CPK‘s Veterans Day
menu at all participating California Pizza Kitchen
locations nationwide. Please call ahead to your
local California Pizza Kitchen if you have any
questions about your Veteran‘s Day meal.
The Chop House – November 11, 2019
Veterans receive a 50% discount with a valid
military ID on November 11. This does not apply
to alcoholic beverages. Please call ahead to your
local Chop House if you have any questions about
your Veteran‘s Day Discount.
Cici‘s Pizza – November 11, 2019
All active duty or retired military with a valid
military ID are being offered a free pizza buffet
on November 11. Please call ahead to your local
Cicis Pizza if you have any questions about your
Veteran‘s Day Discount.
Connors Steak & Seafood – November 11,
2019
Veterans with a valid military ID receive a 50%
discount on November 11. This offer does not
apply to alcoholic beverages. Please call ahead to
your local Connors Steak & Seafood if you have
any questions about your Veteran‘s Day Discount.
Cotton Patch Cafe – November 11, 2019
All Veterans and active military members are
being offered a free Chicken Fried Steak or
Chicken Fried Chicken with a drink on November
11. Please call ahead to your local Cotton patch
café if you have any questions about your
Veteran‘s Day Discount.
Famous Dave‘s – November 11, 2019
Military personnel and Veterans are being offered
a free meal on November 11th at participating
locations only. Proof of military service is required.
Please call ahead to your local Famous Dave‘s if
you have any questions about your Veteran‘s Day
Discount.
Farmer Boys – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid proof
of service get a free cheese cheeseburger on
November 11. Please call ahead to your local
Farmer Boys if you have any questions about your
Veteran‘s Day Discount.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill – November 11,
2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid proof
of service get a free lunch or dinner entree on
November 11. Please call ahead to your
local Firebirds Wood Fired Grill if you have any
questions about your Veteran‘s Day Discount.
Fired Pie – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid proof
of service or are in uniform on receive a free
entree November 11 for Veterans Day. Please call
ahead to your local Fired pie if you have any
questions about your Veteran‘s Day Discount.
Joe‘s Crab Shack – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid ID will
enjoy 20 percent off on November 11. Please call
ahead to your local Joe‘s Crab Shack if you have
any questions about your Veteran‘s Day Discount.
Little Caesars Pizza – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid ID
will receive a free $5 hot-n-ready lunch
combo.On November 11, from 11am to 2pm.
Please call ahead to your local Little Caesars
24
Pizza if you have any questions about your
Veteran‘s Day Discount.
Logan‘s Roadhouse – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid proof
of service will receive a free American Roadhouse
Meal on Veterans Day. Please call ahead to your
local Logan‘s Roadhouse if you have any
questions about your Veteran‘s Day Discount.
Luna Grill – November 11, 2019
Veterans, military service men and women with
valid proof of service will receive their choice of a
complimentary meal when they purchase a meal
from November 9-11. Please call ahead to your
local Luna Grill if you have any questions about
your Veteran‘s Day Discount.
Menchie‘s – November 11, 2019
Veterans, military service men and women with
valid proof of service will receive a free frozen
yogurt on November 11 Please call ahead to your
local Menchie‘s if you have any questions about
your Veteran‘s Day Discount.
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt – November 11,
2019
Retired and active duty military with valid proof of
service will receive a free froyo at participating
locations on November 11. Please call ahead to
your local Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt if you have
any questions about your Veteran‘s Day Discount.
Veterans Day discounts at grocery stores
BJs Wholesale – November 11, 2019
Active duty military personnel and Veterans
receive discounts on November 11, 2019, at BJs
wholesale, which include 30% off standard
membership fees. Additional incentives like extra
money off coupons are occasionally offered for
new members. Visit the BJs Wholesale website
for details.
Publix – November 11, 2019
Veterans, active military, and their families receive
10% off purchases on November 11, 2019.
Exceptions apply. Must show Veteran or military
ID, discharge documents, or driver‘s license with
Veteran designation. https://ww4.publix.com/
pages/veterans-day-discount
Hy-Vee – November 11, 2019
Veterans and active duty military with valid
ID receive a free breakfast buffet during regular
breakfast hours from 6am to 11 am on
November 11. Please call ahead to your local Hy-
Vee if you have any questions about your
Veteran‘s Day Discount.
Veterans Day discounts for haircuts
Great Clips – November 11, 2019
Veterans and current military members can visit a
U.S. Great Clips salon on November 11 to receive
either a free haircut that day or the free haircut
card to use at a later date. Visit the Great Clips
website for details. Visit the Great Clips website
for details.
Sport Clips – November 11, 2019
Some locations will be offering free haircuts on
November 11. Visit the Sports Clips website for
details.
SmartStyle Hair Salons – November 11,
2019
Current or former military members, and veterans
are being offered a 10% discount off any services
and professional products on November 11.
Please show proof of service to receive this
special discount at participating salons. Walk-ins
welcome. No double discounts. Discount may
vary per location. Visit the SmartStyle website for
details.
Veterans Day health
American Family Care – November 11, 2019
Veterans are being offered free flu shots on
Veterans Day, Monday, November 11. Veterans
interested in obtaining a free flu shot are
encouraged to visit AFCUrgentCare.com to find
the nearest American Family Care. Visit the
American Family Care website for details.
(Reminder, Veterans receiving health care at VA
are eligible for Free flu shots at your local
Walgreens)
True Rest Float Spa – November 11, 2019
Free True Rest Float Spa 60-minute float session
for active duty military and Veterans.Visit the True
Rest website for details.
Veterans Day discounts in retail
The Home Depot – November 11, 2019
Veterans are being offered a 10% military
discount on in-store purchases on select items. All
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veterans are eligible for this discount during the
Veterans Day weekend. Visit the Home Depot
website for details.
Walgreens – November 8-11, 2019
20% off for military, Veterans and their families.
Walgreens also provides free flu shots for VA-
enrolled Veterans. Visit the Walgreens website for
details.
Rack Room Shoes – November 11, 2019
United States Military and families with a valid ID
receive 10% off your entire purchase on
November 11. In store only. Visit the Rack Room
website for details. https://
www.rackroomshoes.com/military-discount
Dollar General – November 11, 2019
Veterans and families receive an 11 % discount
on qualifying items in store and online. See
website for details.
Rack Room Shoes – November 11, 2019
United States Military and families with a valid ID
receive 10% off your entire purchase on
November 11. In store only. Visit the Rack Room
website for details. https://
www.rackroomshoes.com/military-discount
Living Spaces – November 4-24, 2019
For every purchase of a select Revive product,
Living Spaces will donate a mattress to a Veteran.
Qualifying Revive products range from select
mattresses to adjustable bases. Learn
more: https://www.livingspaces.com/event/buy-
one-give-one/veterans
Veterans Day Discounts on travel
La Quinta – November 11, 2019
Veterans and their families who book and stay at
La Quinta hotels in the U.S. and Canada can take
advantage of the 15% off military discount in light
of Veterans Day on November 11. Visit the La
Quinta website to book.
Legoland – November 11, 2019
Each U.S. service member on Monday, November
11, can receive a free American flag wristband
and flyer (describing the discounts and events of
the day) at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort ticket
window. A wristband entitles the wearer to the
special discounts on November 11 only. Visit
the LEGOLAND Florida Resort website for details.
Harley Davidson Museum – November 11,
2019
All active military, Veterans and their families can
gain free Museum entry into the Davidson
Museum with valid Military or Veterans ID for 1
additional adult and up to 4 children 18 years old
or younger On November 9-11. Visit the Harley-
Davidson Museum website for details.
National Parks – November 11, 2019
Over 100 national parks will waive admission fees
on November 11, 2019, in honor of Veterans Day.
Contact your local park for information.(Disabled
Veterans eligible for free National Park Service
Lifetime Access Pass)
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When you get old you read stuff like this to keep
yourself entertained.
26
The following pictures of the Burial of CDR Bill Ratliff, Gold Crew XO, 68-70 were
provided by Trudee Ratliff. Bill was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
This picture of the Ratliff family was submitted by Trudee Ratliff.
27
Print a copy, complete and mail with your check to the address below:
Event Registration 655 Reunion #11 7 – 11 October 2020
Holiday Inn Cincinnati Airport
1717 Airport Exchange Blvd.
Erlanger, KY 41018
888.294.5067
www.holidayinn.com/cvg-airport Call the hotel number above or reserve on their website.
Reserve Group Rates using either:
Henry L. Stimson 655 Reunion OR Block Code R65
Hotel Reservation Deadline SEPT 16, 2020
Hotel Reservation is the responsibility of the individual.
Reunion Registration Deadline SEPT 16, 2020
http://ssbn655.org/reunions/2020_Reunion11
Please complete (print legibly), print the form and return along with a check payable to: Henry L. Stimson Reunion Mail to: Dick Young, 7209 Austin Woods Ln., Cincinnati OH 45247 Email: [email protected]
Shipmate Name: _________________________________________ Guest Name: _________________________
Relationship: ___ Spouse ___ Significant Other ___ Family ___ Friend
Street Address: _________________________ City: ________________________ State: ______ Zip: __________
Phone: Home: _______________________ Cell: _______________________ Work: ________________________
E-mail: Home: ___________________________________ Work: ______________________________________
Number who will be attending this event in your group: _________
# Patrols on STIMSON: __________ Total # Patrols on all boats: __________
Dates Onboard Rate Crew Dates Onboard Rate Crew
_______________ __________ __________ _______________ __________ __________
Special Needs: _________________________________________________________________________________
(Event attendance will be through advance payment only.)
I am registering for the following per person (Association Member and all guests):
Event package: $80.00 Number: __________ = __________
OR
Registration Fee: (required) $45.00 Number: __________ = __________
Saturday Banquet: $35.00 Number: __________ = __________
Total Enclosed _____________
Two are two scheduled events. Please indicate your interest. Include fees with your check for the reunion.
1. Thursday: Wright Patterson AFB Museum Tour in Dayton OH. This is a 70 mile trip (just over an hour) and we will go by coach bus/s. Cost for the tour/transportation is $30.00 per person.
I/we will attend the WPAFB Museum Tour. $30.00 ea. Number: ___ = _________
(Include the fee in your check for registration.)
2. Friday: Ohio River Cruise and Meal. The cruise departure is less than a 30 minutes from the hotel and we
will go by coach bus/s. Cost for the Cruise/Meal and transportation is $75.00 per person. I/we will attend the Ohio River Cruise and Meal. $75.00 ea. Number: ___ = _________
(Include the fee in your check for registration.)
The Association has established a refund policy for reunion registrations and it is located within our Bylaws in Article V.g. You can view this policy at: http://ssbn655.org/association/bylaws/1610%20655BylawRev.pdf or on the back of this form.
REUNION USE ONLY
Check # _____________
Date Rcvd ___________
Registration # ________
Hotel Resv: __________
Print a copy, complete and mail with your check to the address below:
g. Cancellation of reunion registration and the refund of monies paid will be based on the timing of the cancellation. Registration cancelled prior to the reunion registration cutoff date will result in refund of monies paid minus the registration/office fee. For cancellation after the registration cutoff date, there will be no refund of monies paid.
Cincinnati is located in Southwest Ohio and just across the Ohio River is Northern Kentucky where the reunion will be held. It‘s only 10 miles from Indiana. There are 3 Interstates that lead to Cincinnati: I-74, I-75 and I-71. We are located a day‘s drive (8-10 hours) from most of the East Coast. There will be plenty of free parking at the hotel for cars and RV's.
If you are flying there are 7 major airlines that service Cincinnati (CVG) and several are discount
airlines. They include Air Canada, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest and United. A free
shuttle service from the airport (1.5 miles) is provided by the hotel.
Along with the planned activities here are a few activities that you can do on your own if you arrive early or stay late or don’t plan on going to the Wright Patterson AFB Museum on Thursday. The baseball season will be over but the Reds have one of the best Museums in the Professional Baseball and it‘s located next to the Great American Ball Park. The Museum is free to veterans.
https://www.mlb.com/reds/hall-of-fame Our Zoo and Botanical Gardens are second to none with a White Tiger display and Baby Fiona, a hippo raised from birth at the zoo.
http://cincinnatizoo.org/ Tthe Creation Museum is about 7 miles from the hotel. It‘s a state of the art Adventure through biblical history with stunning exhibits, botanical gardens, planetarium, zoo, zip lining …and dinosaurs. In the Bible??? For real??? You gotta see it to believe it.
https://creationmuseum.org/
The Ark Encounter is 20 miles south and has a real wooden Ark based on the size described in the bible; it is huge.
https://arkencounter.com/
Kentucky Horse Park is about 45 miles away near Lexington Kentucky.
https://kyhorsepark.com/ The Cincinnati Museum Center is near the downtown area and housed in the old Art-Deco Union Terminal Train Station. It has a natural history museum and the Cincinnati History Museum. You can also tour the old railroad control station housed on the top floor. It also features an IMAX theater.
https://www.cincymuseum.org/
The Hofbrauhaus in Newport, KY features the best German food outside of Munich. https://www.hofbrauhausnewport.com/
You may want to check out the restaurant on the top of the Radisson Hotel located in Covington, Ky
(5 miles from the hotel) on the Ohio River. It sits on the 18th floor of the hotel and revolves once
every 45 minutes, giving a great view of the downtown area, and the food is delicious. https://www.restaurantcovingtonky.com/