NEWS Release Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs 1501 West Maryland Avenue North Little Rock, Arkansas 72120 http://www.veterans.arkansas.gov For Immediate Release June 28, 2011 Contact: Kendall Thornton, kendall.thornton@arkansas.gov Veteran Designation to Appear on Arkansas Driver’s License LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas veterans will now have proof of military service on their driver’s license or identification card, beginning July 1, through a controlled statewide implementation of the new driver’s license design. The word “Veteran” will be placed below the individual’s picture on the updated format. The designation was created by “The Nick Bacon Remembrance Act” in memory of the former Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs director and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient who passed away in 2010. The bill was introduced by State Representative John Charles Edwards through the efforts of Veterans' Commissioner Tom Thomas of Searcy. According to Representative Edwards, the designation will serve an important purpose, “It is not unusual for some of our new veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to come home dealing with issues such -MORE- as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In the event law enforcement or medical providers come in contact with such veteran, they can clearly be identified for any necessary assistance.” Edwards also said that veterans will be able to take advantage of discounts offered by local merchants without showing discharge papers. Another positive, taxpayers will not have to bear the expense of the identification. “The state’s driver’s license was already in the process of being redesigned,” said Edwards, “Therefore, the Department of Finance and Administration was easily able to create a space for the designation.” The designation will be no additional cost for first time driver’s license applicants and driver’s license renewals. If a veteran chooses to add the designation before their renewal date, they may obtain a duplicate license for $10. The cost of an identification card and duplicate identification card is $5. Proof of service must be established by presenting a personal DD 214 form. All 134 local revenue offices will be issuing the new formats with the designation by the end of July, 2011. Visit http://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/offices/driverServices/Pages/formatRollout.aspx for more information. The mission of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs is to provide assistance to veterans and their dependents in acquiring state and federal benefits to which they are entitled to by virtue of their service to this country. For more information, visit http://www.arkansas.veterans.org.

USS SNOOK BASE FLOAT This is the float that the Snook Base will be using in parades in the Rogers area. I asked Pete to explain how it was made. It is one dimensional. Cut from a very strong material used for signage. Will be mounting it higher on the trailer with banners on both sides. Chairs on the trailer for us to sit on. Donated totally free by a local sign company. Will be bringing it to Branson in Nov. Also, will be in the Bella Vista 4th of July parade Submitted by Kirk Smith

This is an interesting article about the Walter Hydrogen-Peroxide Submarine Propulsion System that was developed during WWII by the Germans. http://jtmcdaniel.com/walter_turbine.html Kirk Smith

I have been informed by the grandson of Edward Bielaus (Sea Fox 44-46 – MM) has sailed on Eternal Patrol on 6/9/2011. I have requested contact address from the grandson and will have it when received. Sailor, Rest your Oars. God Bless you and thank you for your service. Respectfully, George

We received notice from Lon Schmidt & Ken Henry that former Sea Fox crewman Billy R. Smith, CS, 44-45, of Lincoln, CA sailed on Eternal Patrol on 6/3/2011. Sailor, Rest Your Oars. God Bless and thank you for your service. Respectfully, George

MILITARY WRITERS DONATE TO VETERANS MUSEUMS Greetings Ms. Smith, I was just cataloging a book entitled “Submarine Art” by Steve Petreshock, which was put together for the 55th National Convention of the SVWWII in 2009. While doing research on this book I came across your blog and your book “Submarine Stories of World War II.” I am curious to know if I can obtain a copy for the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Library. I saw a note on one of your websites saying it was sold out, but I thought I’d check and see just in case you had some more published. I think your book would be an excellent addition to the WVM library. Please let me know if there are any copies available. Thank you for your time and effort in collecting these stories! Sincerely, Amy O'Shea Librarian Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center 30 W. Mifflin St, Suite 300 Madison, WI 53703 608-261-5408 amy.oshea@dva.state.wi.us librarian@dva.state.wi.us

USS SEA FOX Article about 2011 reunion sent by Joel a few days ago. I’m a little behind here! Many thanks to Joel for the hard work he demonstrated to insure that the 2011 reunion was another success! http://www.gvnews.com/lifestyle/article_b61a7b24-8bdb-11e0-872a-001cc4c002e0.html 2013 Reunion: George Long (58-64) and his wife Betty will be the hosts of our 2013 reunion to be held in Las Vegas, NV!!! Details will be forthcoming down the line a bit. Many thanks to George & Betty for agreeing to host our next reunion. All the best, George Arnold