On Saturday, April 03, 2021, the eBoard for the Bremerton Base met at the FRA Branch 29.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Dennis Nardone reported that we have a balance of $70,309.90 and membership is currently 252 with +2 this past month.
Vice Commander Ileene Davis continues to recover and is looking at at June/July time frame to return to duty.
Past Commander Steve Corcoran reported that the Float replacement will need to find a new company to build the float, as Safeboats is now off the table. If any members are aware of any company that might be able to assists in the construction/fabrication of the float is asked to contact Steve as soon as possible.
The Bainbridge Island Grand Old 4th of July Parade MAY be on. The Bainbridge island Chamber of Commerce is reviewing its options and has asked for past participants to provide input as to whether or not and under what conditions we would participate. John Gardner will report to the BI Chamber that the Base would participate given two full weeks notice. Standby for further information.
Progress has been made in the restoration of the website. However, the NAME has been changed to “gertrudecheck.org” Please note that the hyphen has now been removed. It will take some time to get it back to full operation.
The USSVI Charitable Foundation has established a specific Brotherhood Fund for our member Brad Hudson. His wife, Melissa, is undergoing extensive treatment for cancer with an expected expenses of some $200,000. Any member who wished to contribute to the fund can send your cheque to the USSVI Charitable Foundation via the National Office, please write in the memo section “Brad Hudson Brotherhood Fund.” Members are also encouraged to share the GoFundMe Page, which as of today has raised just over $40,000 of the needed funds. Please visit this YouTube Video for further information:
Commander Dave Bowman will not be available for the April General Meeting. He will be out of town due to a family matter. It is also possible that he will not be here in July, depending on the schedule with the Parade.
Sam Swenson will have the Float ready for the Grand Old 4th of July Parade, if the parade happens.
Future Base member Al Keiser was curious as to whether or not the Base would support and effort to create a Washington State “Submarine Service” license plate. Some efforts have occurred in the past, but the state has several onerous requirements that in the past have prevented such an effort from being successful.
On April 10th, at 1230 EDT (0930 PDT) the Thresher Memorial Service will be available via ZOOM at this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89745787276?pwd=eTdVYUl5QkRHeEJYZHRSSzhiMERQQT09
Lastly, it is with sadness that I report to you that Base Member Sam Steadman passed away unexpectedly this past Saturday. After not responding to contact attempts, a welfare check was made, finding Sam unresponsive. At this time, no further information is available. Please join me in honoring Sam’s memory.
If you have any questions or comments, please let me know,
-ȸ
Dave Bowman, Base Commander
Bremerton Base
dolphindave@slipperyfish.com