MINUTES OF MEETING

ALBANY-SARATOGA BASE, USSVI

Location: American Legion Adirondack Post 70, Saratoga Springs, NY

There was a Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Bell was tolled for Boats lost during the month of November.

All members present stood and introduced themselves and the boats they served on.

All WWII Veterans present were asked to stand and be recognized. Ray Koch and Walt Bydairk, stood and were applauded.

The Base Secretary reported there was a quorum present. The reading of the Base minutes was waived and the minutes were approved as written. Motion by Fritz Feldhaus and seconded by Gus Negus.

The Base Treasurer gave his report and the Base has a bank balance of $7801.54 in the treasury. A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report was made by Bill Preece and seconded by Frank Dorchack and was passed.

CDR Ondek reported that the Trustco Memorial Account has been closed out and the balance converted to Trustco common stock. Bob deposited one share of his personal stock to open the stock account and added the proceeds from the Memorial Account and the Base now owns 56.315 shares with a share value of $13.0568.

Nomination committee chairman John Cook reminded everyone that the following members have been recommended for 2006 Base Officers:

Base Commander          -           John Cook
Sr. Vice Commander      -           Fritz Feldhaus
Jr. Vice Commander       -           Ray Koch
Base Secretary              -           Bill Preece
Base Treasurer              -           Fred Carlson

Cdr Ondek solicited nominations from the floor for each position and none were forthcoming. Nominations from the floor were then closed. At this time the Base secretary cast one vote for all unopposed candidates. Congratulations to the newly elected Base officers, they will be installed at the January meeting.

It was determined that the property south of the city across from the Dance Museum belongs to New York State Parks and Recreation Dept. CDR Ondek contacted the Director of this group and requested he look into the possibility of us using this property for our Memorial.

Bob Ondek, Frank Hardick, and Fritz Feldhaus met with Rick Burdick of Senator Bruno’s staff and were informed that the senator supports our project and that a budget resolution for state funds will be entered in the ’07 budget next spring. The amount will depend on the availability of funds.

We are still considering different ways we can increase our membership and increase participation.

The proposed amendment to the Base By Laws to make eligible members of Sub Vets of WWII for Base membership was voted on and passed.

Jim and Janet Irwin attended the Memorial Service for Base Member Robert Moore. The service was held at the Nautilus Museum in Groton Connecticut. On behalf of the Base Jim presented two plaques to the family. The family was extremely grateful that we had a representative at the service and advised us that Robert Moore would be interned at the Saratoga National Cemetery in the spring. Base members will be invited to attend. Base members Walt and Lois Bydairk offered to participate in the ceremony as members of the Cemetery Honor Guard.

Tom Ondek was able to get a used 2 door metal cabinet for $25.00. CDR Ondek met with Post 70 at their meeting last month and we have permission to keep the cabinet at the back of the smaller meeting area next to the back kitchen door. We still need to get a lock for the cabinet.

Base member Joe Buff will be doing a presentation on “Submarines, Today and Tomorrow” at the NY State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs on December 3^rd. The Base will hold a patch sale at this event and Base member Jack Cornell will contact the West Milton Master Chief in an effort to attract a number of active duty personnel to attend this event.

The Base also had about 6 members present at the rededication of the Saratoga Military Museum on November 11^th. The museum had a nice tribute to WWI and WWII veterans. We would like to see a greater recognition of the US Navy and the Submarine Service featured at the Museum.

The Base had about 6 members present at the Saratoga County Veterans Fair. We were able to sign up one new member, one possible member and one renewal. Thanks to all who participated.

Al Singleman received a request from the Mount Pleasant Middle School for speakers to talk about Veterans Day on November 9^th and 10^th. Al and Paul Hartnagel participated and were warmly welcomed by the students.

The Base Christmas party will be held at the December meeting on December 14^th beginning at 6:00 pm. The Base agreed to have it catered by Associate member Tom Ondek. The cost is $10.00 per adult, $6.00 ages 6 – 14, with 5 and under eating free. The deadline to sign up was originally November 16^th but has been extended to December 6^th. The dinner will be a “Steamship Round” which will consist of soup, salad, assorted veggies, roast beef & gravy, mashed potatoes plus dessert. We need volunteers to serve, mess cook, and clean up. Contact Bob Ondek if you would like to help out.

The Base still has two members to induct into the Holland Club. The Base will hold on to their material and the induction will be done at the convenience of these members.

Jim Irwin suggested that upon the death of a Regular Base member or and Associate member that a donation be made to the Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard. Bob Ondek suggested that the donation go to the USSVI Brotherhood Fund.

Al Singleman won the 50/50 raffle and donated his winnings to the Sunshine Fund.

The next regular meeting will begin at 6:00 pm on December 14, 2005. This meeting will be held at the American Legion Adirondack Post 70 in Saratoga Springs, NY.