William E. Lee USS Snook (SSN-592)

USSVI lost a very good friend and shipmate when William (Bill) E Lee shipped out on his final patrol today, Dec 10, 2012.

Bill qualified in submarines aboard the USS Snook (SSN-592) in 1962, and also served aboard USS John Calhoun and USS Scorpion. Bill was a MM2(SS) and ELT when he left the Navy.

In the course of his involvement in USSVI, Bill was Base Commander of the Lockwood Internet Base, Base Commanders Group Commander, National Constitution and Bylaws Chairman, Member of numerous other bases in various capacities (Tucson, Cyberspace, USS Marlin, Jefferson City), USSV Charitable Foundation Board of Directors member for several years, USSVI Online Submarine Memorial Manager, USSVI online Submarine School Class Photos manager. He was very data savvy and was always willing to help a shipmate with PC problems. He also worked with Tim VeArd and Pat Householder for years to improve the Decklog System, and maintained the USS Scorpion crew records in Decklog as well.

Most recently he was involved with the City of Omaha as Site Manager for Freedom Park (Military Museum) in Omaha, NE, the location of USS Marlin museum sub, and was actively involved in getting the sail of USS Omaha.

According to Mark Thompson of the USS Marlin base, He collapsed shortly after a meeting with the city concerning the erection of a memorial to the USS Omaha (SSN-692). He passed away shortly afterwards.

As all of us know, Bill was very active in many capacities. We knew him as a member of the Marlin Base and a key interface with the city parks department (primarily focused on Freedom Park), the local Boy Scout troops, and the USS Omaha memorial project. He was also very active in the Lockwood Base and a true historian/preservationist.

As a former USS Scorpion crew member, he had a unique perspective that truly exemplified the phrase, "Pride Runs Deep".

He will be sorely missed.

Mark
You stand relieved of your earthly duties, Bill. We who remain will carry on and maintain the watch.

PEARL HARBOR WAS BOMBED

DECEMBER 7, 1941 JAPANESE BOMB PEARL HARBOR

 Ervin  O. Schmidt RM1/C (SS)  USN-RET  before submarine service  (USS TORSK SS-423) was aboard the USS CALIFORNIA  moored at Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. Ninety-right crew members were lost and sixty-one was wounded. A motorized launch pulled Schmidt from the water. In the confusion he was listed as missing in action. Before his family learned differently, they held a funeral in his honor. This

information was provided by Mr. Schmidt for his story to be included in the book Submarine Stories of World War II.

PRAYERS FOR SHIPMATE PHILIPPS

I received this from Bob Philipps (70-71) concerning his father, “PP” Philipps (69-71).

More prayers for a shipmate and his family.
Geo.

George,
Not sure if you know yet but my dad was diagnosed with liver cancer. We admitted him to the James Cancer Center at Ohio State University. He had his first dose of chemo on 16 Nov and was released to go home on 19 Nov. Next dose is 13 Dec. It will be out patient so he will be going home afterwards. My sister and her husband are in Ohio with him and my mom are holding down the fort while he is undergoing cancer treatments.
Bob Philipps

PRAYERS FOR USS SEA FOX SHIPMATE

DAVID K KRAMER (53-56 SEA FOX Shipmate) has been diagnosed with lung cancer. His home is in Gresham, OR. He is being checked out this week to see if it has spread anywhere else. Probable operation following.  Prayers for him are requested.   Bill Zilar

Roy Moody Eternal Patrol

Although only C. Davis and I had the opportunity to meet him, I wanted to let you all know that Roy Moody passed on 6 Nov. He was 94 years of age. He qualified on USS Narwhal SS167 in 1941. He was a life member of USSVI, a Holland Club member, and had been a member of SVWWII.

Kirk Smith

This took place when Kirk  welcomed Roy as a member of the Holland Club.

                                   

We knew Roy and his wife Ruth. The last time we seen them we enjoyed breakfast with them at Greer's Ferry during an Arkansas World War II Submarine Veterans meeting. Melvin T. Smith & Mary Ann Smith

 

Brotherhood Fund in USSVCF

FLASH-01: East Coast Shipmates


Submitted by: T. Michael Bircumshaw on 10/31/2012

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Shipmates,

I am personally concerned about the status of our members and have tried to call many of my Shipmates, with seriously limited success, as to how they are doing back on the East Coast.

I strongly urge any and all Base Officers to do what you can to communicate with and ascertain the condition of all Base members in this time of distress.

This is one of those times when the "Phone Tree" or the "Sea Daddy Program" can get the job done. I would appreciate any information about our members. Additionally, I want to remind you of the availability of assistance from the Brotherhood Fund in USSVCF (charitable foundation).

Please direct all requests for assistance to PNC John Peters at PetersJ007@hawaii.rr.com or call direct to 808-484-9748



My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the affected areas..

Fraternally,

Michael

Branson's Veterans Week/Submarine Veterans

Gents,


The TJC base is once again holding a Tolling ceremony at Branson Landing in Branson Mo during the Branson Veterans Week. We are scheduled to start the ceremony at 1900 on 10 November 2012.

We have held this public ceremony for the past several years, and have invited all USSVI bases within a reasonable driving distance to attend. We usually get the word out much sooner, but I'm a bit behind this year.We have some good rates at the Ramada Inn on the strip, $49/night. These rates apply before and after the 10th, and they still have some rooms availible. Call 417-334-1000, and mention Topeka-Jefferson City Submarine Veterans to get the rates.

Here's a link to the Veterans Week: http://www.explorebranson.com/loves/
and here's a link to the hotel:http://www.ramada.com/hotels/missouri/branson/ramada-resort-and-conference-center/hotel-overvieYou can contact me at 573-230-7120 or contact Jay Everitt at 918-786-8851 as needed for additional information.

Hope to see some of you there- Ed Irwin

BC,TJC Base