'ICE WAR' heating up the arctic U.S. NAVY Sunday night on CNN at 8 p,m. ET. "The Arctic is now seeing naval and military activities it hasn't seen since the Cold War" quote from CNN website.

THE HUNLEY COOL VIDEO: Recovered Civil War Submarine Rotated CBS12.com, June 27, 2011 NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Scientists at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center completed the rotation of the Hunley on Thursday. The world’s first successful combat submarine has rested on her side at a 45-degree angle since she was lost in 1864. The sub was recovered from the ocean floor in that exact position in 2000 and has remained that way, until now. After a challenging and risky few days, the 7-ton, 40-foot vessel will now be able to undergo complete preservation treatment, officials said. The team spent two years planning the rotation and tested various simulations in advance on a 3D model. Officials said the process was at times slow and tedious and sometimes nerve-racking. It took 3 days in all to complete the rotation. At one point, they said the bow started to dip too much toward the ground and scientists had to make modifications to get the submarine level again. Officials said they anticipated the potential of this occurring though had hoped it would not affect the rotation. Also, a laser monitoring system – critical to detecting any potential warping or damage that scientists were desperately trying to avoid – had to be adjusted one morning, causing a delay of a few hours for rotation work to start. Scientists will now remove the straps and overhead truss that have safely held the Hunley since it was taken from the ocean. Link to video: http://www.cbs12.com/news/conservation-4733394-video-rotated.html

HAPPY JULY 4TH

(c) Photo by Mary Nida Smith

TO ALL MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES

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