USS Sea Devil Reunion 2009 - Norfolk, VA
USS SEA DEVIL ASSOCIATION
26 April, 2009
Business Meeting Minutes
By Jim Schenk, Secretary
Total Persons Present:
26 Members
3 Spouses
An Attendance Sheet, suggested by Richard Moore, was passed around including members’ names, phone numbers, and emails of those caring to participate in the listing. This list of 20 members is in the files of the Secretary and the Keeper of the Master list of Shipmates. (Enclosure A of 26 April, 2009)
0935 …. Meeting called to order by Commander Mike Martin.
All Association Officers were in attendance.
Chaplain Mike Wheeler was absent, and Vice Commander Mike Cohen delivered the opening and closing prayers.
The Treasurer’s Report for the USS Sea Devil Association was estimated at around $2,800.00 by Mike Martin and will be later published on the website as refunds and pay-outs pending are finally disbursed.
Old Business:
There was no old business to bring to the table.
New Business:
Commander Martin thanked the body present for the honor of serving as Commander during the past two-year period and expressed appreciation to all hands that were instrumental in bringing together the successful 2009 Reunion in Norfolk VA at the Hilton Hotel, 1500 North Military Highway.
Revised Bylaws:
The first order of business was a discussion on the Revised Bylaws regarding three sections in Chapter 8, which were posted on the Plan Of The Day Board in the Hospitality Room. The issues addressed were:
· Monetary Disbursal when the Sea Devil Association may become extinct.
· Physical Assets Disbursal when the Sea Devil Association may become extinct.
· The “SS400 Ship’s Bell” on long-term loan from the family of Captain Ralph Emerson Styles, who spiritually left our midst last Autumn 2008. The “Bell” custodian is Mike Martin, as per arrangement with Captain Styles’ daughter, Anne Styles Overbeck. The bell will be returned to the Styles family upon the eventual disbanding of the Association.
After some discussion by George Boyle regarding possible parties that may in the future receive the Sea Devil Association’s physical assets, he suggested that a new museum at Little Rock, Arkansas would appreciate any donations, as would the St. Marys Submarine Museum in St. Marys, Georgia.
Motion to adopt the Amendments as submitted was tendered by Bruce Brown.
The motion was seconded, and the Ayes indicated unanimous passage without dissent.
Commander:
Mike Martin stated he would not seek another term as Association Commander and nominated Homer Waters for that office. Jim Schenk seconded the motion, with a third from Mike Cohen, and the Ayes indicated unanimous passage without dissent.
Vice-Commander:
Mike Cohen, the outgoing Vice Commander, regretted he could not continue due to his heavy commitments to work and teaching at the local college.
The motion to nominate Ed Lynd for Association Vice-Commander was made by Jesse Byars and seconded by Mike Martin, with the Ayes indicating unanimous passage without dissent.
Secretary:
Secretary (2005-2009) Jim Schenk indicated he would be unable to continue at his post for another term. Commander Martin thanked Jim for his eight years of service to the Association. Bruce Brown volunteered and was voted in, with the Ayes indicating unanimous passage without dissent. Out-going Secretary Schenk will assist Brown with any help needed.
Treasurer:
After some discussion by Bob Fountain proposing a “two-man rule” for the office of Treasurer, Mike Martin nominated Homer Waters to assume that office in addition to his new role. The discussion ended with Mike Martin retaining the Office of Treasurer for the ease of operation through the next term, with Ayes indicating unanimous passage without dissent. Treasurer Martin indicated that the “seed money” for the 2011 Reunion is well in place. The outstanding balance to pay off the Hilton Hotel was about $700.00, scheduled to be paid 27 April 2009, before the Treasurer left Norfolk. All items in the “Ship’s Store” are pre-paid at this time.
Chaplain:
The Office of Chaplain, formerly held by member Mike Wheeler, is now assumed by Mike Cohen, due to his experience from his past military career. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wheeler family during this time of chronic medical complications.
Association Donation:
Commander Martin put forward a motion for matching funds, proposing a $500.00 donation to St. Marys Submarine Museum, similar to a previous gift from our Treasury after our 2007 Business Meeting. The motion was seconded by Ed Lynd, and the Ayes indicated unanimous passage without dissent. Sea Devil’s Commissioning Captain Richard Currier continues to serve on that Museum’s Board of Directors.
Sea Devil’s Sail Planes:
Discussion engaged regarding the less-than-desirable upkeep of the park in Dade County, Florida, housing the Fairwater Planes from USS Sea Devil SSN664. The negligent degradation of the “Swords To Ploughshares” art project has become a concern for the Association, as it remains the only physical grand-scale memorial to our ship. George Boyle agreed to contact the USSVI District Commander to address these issues.
Next Reunion Venue:
Mike Martin motioned that the 2011 Reunion be held in New London, Connecticut. The motion was seconded by Mike Cohen, and the Ayes indicated unanimous passage without dissent. Discussion sought to avoid scheduling conflicts with April and May dates for Passover, Mother’s Day, and the Submarine Birthday Ball. The group seemed to favor a mid-May date, derived from discussion by Richard Moore, Pete Chabot, and Bob Fountain. The actual date is to be announced later, following an investigation by Commander Waters and designated aides in search of the best deals.
Announcement of Intention:
Past-Secretary Schenk announced his ongoing endeavor to publish a book of “Submariner’s Sea Stories” derived from military experiences and encouraged submissions from members until enough material is compiled for publication. Though only one percent has been logged in so far, he welcomes contributions from Sea Devil veterans. A portion of any profits will support worthy causes overseen by USSVI and our Association general fund. A “Request To Association Membership” will be sent to George Boyle for publication in a forthcoming “ALL HANDS” issue.
History of Sea Devil:
Member Lew Bearden suggested that a “Sea Devil History” be compiled, including individual crew member experience anecdotes. Jim Schenk will send a request to George Boyle for inclusion in a future notice to the membership.
Captain Styles:
The proceedings following the passing of our brother, Captain Ralph E. Styles, were attended by Commander Mike Martin, representing our Association. The ceremony with the SS400 Ship’s Bell is available on YouTube, thanks to Doug Blaha who has shared a link to the video of the event that was a daily ritual at Captain Styles’ Florida residence. http://www.tbo.com/video/xml/MGB95UT79IF.html
The “Tolling of the Boats” was established by George Boyle and Mike Martin at our Banquet.
Deck Log:
Ed Lynd mentioned the USSVI’s “Deck Log” website for Sea Devil Association members to sign in on. The USSVI includes a page for SSN664, and the link is available on our website (www.seadevilssn664.org) via a ‘red-lettered toggle’ on the left side of the page. The Keeper of the Masterlist of Shipmates, George Boyle, recently contacted crew members to request permission to list names there.
USSVI Membership:
George Boyle encouraged all members to seek esteemed membership in USSVI for those not yet enlisted. George holds the position of USSVI Region Director and is a Life Member and 2007 Holland Club inductee of USSVI-Drum Base.
Bravo Zulu:
The Association rose in acknowledgment of outgoing Commander Mike Martin, whose dedication and hard work were pivotal in the early formation and assembly of the Sea Devil Association. Our Association expresses high praise for the significant turnout of former Sea Devil riders. Thanks also to our Banquet Speakers from the previous evening.
Dan Phearson:
I would like to recognize that Dan Phearson attended the reunion for the second time to share his wartime SS400 stories, a real treat for us old Diesel Boat Sailors. Dan's name-tag was red in honor of his being the only Sea Devil sailor under fire in wartime. His presence is an honor, and we treasured the opportunity to speak with him and his daughters, Nancy and Gina.
Motion To Adjourn:
Ed Lynd motioned to adjourn until the next reunion, which was seconded and passed with unanimous approval.
1037 … The meeting was adjourned following a closing prayer by Chaplain Cohen.
____________________________________________________________________
6 MAY 2009
Shipmates,
Well, another one bites the dust! For those who participated in the USS Sea Devil Reunion IV, I was thrilled to see returning attendees and meet new shipmates. At the 2009 business meeting, Homer Waters (71-74) was elected your new Association Commander. I trust you all will join me in wishing Homer smooth sailing and providing necessary support for the Sea Devil Association to continue thriving. The voting members chose to hold the 2011 reunion in New London, CT. I know that those of you in that area will assist Homer and Susan in making that reunion even better. The 2009 Reunion was financially successful; we began the reunion cycle in June 2007 with $1,718.96 and now, after settling all bills, our balance is $2,814.39, providing a great start for the 2011 event. Lastly, I want to express my gratitude for allowing me to serve as your Association Commander during the past two years. Coordinating these reunions has been greatly fulfilling, observing your enjoyment each time. Ruth and I thank you for your support and friendship over the years, and we hope to see all of you in 2011. "Fair winds and following seas, shipmates." Michael "Mickey" Martin ETCM (SS), USN Ret. Sea Devil 70-73
At the business meeting, Lew Bearden suggested we initiate a Sea Devil History encompassing individual crew members’ anecdotes. Please send your experiences to Lew at irbearden@comcast.net.