USSVWWIIWe shall never forget that it was
our submarines that held the lines against the enemy
while our fleets replaced losses
and repaired wounds.
C.W. Nimitz, Fleet Admiral, USN
The
submarines are all we have left.
CDR
Stuart S. Murray, December 8, 1941
When I approached,
Billy Grieves (secretary/treasurer of Pigboaters Chapter) as to what he
would think appropriate on this page, he kindly wrote this letter.
With his permission,
I am presenting it to you, the reader of this page.
I believe
it tells the story of the
"passing
of the torch"
from the heart
of a Submariner.
JULY 12, 2001
Arizona Perch Base,
Webmaster
9324 W Briarwood
Cir.
Sun City, AZ 85351-1425
You've
asked for the story of our PIGBOATER chapter. So, I'll try to give it to
you as objectively as I can without bragging too much.
The
chapter is a old one, going back to 1960. It was strictly a men's chapter
then. I would say the average age of our members now is about 78 or 79.
But we have proved that age is only a number. Last year (2000) our chapter
hosted two major conventions: The SW Regional in April and the 46th National
Convention in August. Both endeavors were immensely successful on a national
scale through the efforts of a bunch of 75 to 80 year old guys and girls
who refuse to give up old friendships which go back more than a half century.
But I would be remiss if I didn't mention the essential help we received
from the Perch Base. Dave and Kay Harnish and Don
and Judy Wannamaker were irreplaceable in such things as
moving equipment and manning the many tables which had to be manned for
hours on end. They personify the term, shipmate.
From
the compliments we received and from the attendance, both of these conventions
were recognized as among the best in our history. We have come to a time
when entire states will no longer host our conventions. Age and health
are the excuses we hear. So when a chapter exhibits the motivation and
cooperation to bring these demanding and arduous projects to successful
conclusion it is outstanding in the least.
And
the cooperation I just mentioned means the cooperation of everybody.
The Wives received their charter in 1973 and they have been a vibrant and
energetic influence in all our endeavors ever since. They are an essential
part of the team and without them this chapter would not exist.
But,
as the saying goes, the string she runs out. At ever increasing frequency
we are informed of the demise or life-threatening disabilities of our shipmates
or the girls. And the time will come when we can no longer find people
to accept an office, put out the newsletter or maintain our records. When
it does, it's comforting to know we have shipmates in our Perch Base who
are willing to assume our responsibilities and maintain our submarine presence
in American tradition ..........
At
our National Convention in Phoenix last August, over 1500 people attended.
The facilities were taxed to the max. On the banquet night, one of the
largest rooms in Phoenix could not accommodate another table. At the Memorial
Service, the Phoenix Symphony Hall was about 75 per cent filled. And their
are entire states which cannot accommodate conventions of three or four
thousand people. So while U.S.S.V.I. grows, U.S.S.V.W.W.II
must inevitably shrink and then two great Submarine crews will become one.
Sincerely,
Billy Grieves
JoinThe
Chapter
As a member you will receive our national publication,
POLARIS
MAGAZINE, which comes bi-monthly plus the bi-monthly issue of our chapter
newsletter, the ARIZONA PIGBOATER. Our chapter meetings are held
on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Elks Club, located on the North
Side of Oak St. just West of 64th Street in Scottsdale Arizona. Oak Street
is about a half mile North of McDowell. The meetings consist of a "Happy
Hour" at 1100hrs, lunch at 1200hrs, and the meeting at 1300hrs.
We also welcome Submariners whose service came
after World War II. They bear the title,
"Associate Member"
and entitlements are the same for all including
the right to hold local office.
Annual dues are $10.00 total: $5.00 for National
and $5.00 for Chapter.
Life memberships are also available for W.W.II
only. Life memberships are $50.00 for National and $25.00 for Chapter.
Make checks payable to:
U.S.SUBMRINE VETERANS OF W.W.II
14507 Yosemite Dr.
Sun City West, AZ 85357-5653
Click the Blinking Form and print
a application.
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