The Puget Soundings

These minutes are NOT official until approved by the eBoard at the February Meeting. They are provided for informational purposes only.

Executive Summary

USSVI Bremerton Base eBoard Meeting
January 13, 2026, via Zoom

The Bremerton Base eBoard convened its January meeting to conduct routine governance, review financial standing, and address upcoming operational priorities. Minutes from the December 16 board meeting were approved without amendment.

The Treasurer reported strong financial health to close out 2025. Membership stood at 247, a net decrease of one due to losses on eternal patrol. The Base ended the year with $62,306.21 in assets, reflecting a positive monthly net gain and a highly successful fundraising year. Events such as the Halloween Bash, Spaghetti Feed, calendar sales, TTF sales, and the Cork’s Challenge generated record income. Outstanding reimbursements and a delayed rental check were noted for follow-up. The 2026 proposed budget was reviewed, discussed, and unanimously approved.

The Board recognized the passing of member Oliver Davenport and discussed coordination with his widow regarding memorial acknowledgments and verification of official dates.

Operational reports highlighted continued success of the TTF Storekeeper program, with credit card sales significantly increasing revenue. A proposal to sell challenge coins at a Navy Submarine League event, with a $5 per coin donation back to the League, was approved unanimously. Regular Friday lunches continue to show steady participation.

Web and social media updates focused on the ongoing transition from the GertrudeCheck.org site to PugetSoundings.org. The Board discussed costs, timelines, and the need to maintain URL redirects during the transition period. Website upgrades will be required to support calendars and expanded functionality, with action needed prior to April 2. The importance of posting content directly rather than linking was emphasized.

Charitable and community engagement featured prominently. The Base committed to supporting Military Appreciation Day on March 14, 2026, with plans to staff and operate a hot dog service, pending volunteer coordination. Expanded involvement in Armed Forces Day activities was also discussed. The Board explored additional support for Kitsap Area Veteran Alliance stand-down events, including potential sponsorship of donated food items such as donuts.

Logistics planning began for the February Annual Breakfast Meeting at VFW Post #239, with concerns raised about meal service flow and a preference for a buffet-style arrangement. Leadership will coordinate with VFW staff to finalize details.

Additional business included discussion of Rainer’s baseball ticket opportunities, National Convention presentation logistics, community events, and member welfare updates. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of personal milestones and challenges within the leadership team, followed by adjournment.

Official Minutes

United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Bremerton Base – eBoard Meeting
January 13, 2026
Via Zoom

1. Call to Order

The meeting of the Bremerton Base eBoard was called to order by Base Commander Ileene Davis on January 13, 2026, via Zoom.

2. Roll and Quorum

Officers and board members present included:

• Ileene Davis, Base Commander
• Waylan Shropshire, Vice Commander
• Dave Pittman, Chief of the Boat
• Bob Hickman, Base Secretary
• Dan Inman, Base Treasurer
• Dave Bowman, Past Commander / Historian
• Additional officers, committee chairs, and members as noted in the transcript

A quorum was present.

3. Approval of Prior Minutes

The minutes of the December 16, 2025, eBoard meeting were presented.

• Motion: Accept minutes as written
  • Motion by: Dave Pittman
  • Second by: Dan Inman
• Vote: Approved unanimously

4. Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer reported the following:

• Membership at end of December: 247, net decrease of one due to losses on eternal patrol
• Beginning balance: $60,722
• Income: $4,162
• Expenses: $2,578
• Net monthly gain: $1,583
• Ending balance (December 31, 2025): $62,306.21

Fundraising highlights included strong performance from the Halloween Bash, Spaghetti Feed, calendar sales, TTF sales, Crafting for SubVets, and Cork’s Challenge. Outstanding reimbursements and a delayed rental check were noted for follow-up. The WRR donation was sent by check to avoid processing fees and remains uncashed as of the report date.

5. Chaplain / Member Welfare

The Commander reported the passing of Oliver Davenport on January 11, 2026. No services are planned per family request. The Base will verify the official date of death prior to issuing a memorial certificate. Any written remarks from the member will, if provided, will be shared with the membership.

6. Storekeeper / TTF Report

John Gardner reported:

• Credit card sales exceeded $3,000
• Cash sales totaled approximately $1,700
• Total revenue: approximately $8,600
• Expenses: approximately $5,000
• Net gain: approximately $3,600

A proposal was made to sell challenge coins at a Navy Submarine League event, with $5 per coin donated to the League.

• Motion: Approve challenge coin fundraiser with donation to the Navy Submarine League
  • Motion by: Dave Pittman
  • Second by: Bob Hickman
• Vote: Approved unanimously

7. Charitable Ambassador Report

The Base Commander reported assuming the role of Charitable Ambassador Coordinator. Training materials are being developed, with quarterly or periodic guidance planned. A charitable foundation newsletter was issued nationally, and follow-up distribution will occur as needed.

8. Historian / Website / Social Media

Dave Bowman reported:

• Continued challenges with social media engagement
• Ongoing transition from GertrudeCheck.org to PugetSoundings.org
• GertrudeCheck.org domain expires April 2, 2026; renewal recommended for redirection purposes
• Website upgrades will be required to support calendars and expanded functionality
• Estimated costs discussed for two- and three-year hosting plans
• Recommendation to use posts rather than links for improved engagement and sharing

9. Community and External Relations

Mindy Rocha-Barella (Greater Kitsap Chamber) presented:

• Military Appreciation Day: March 14, 2026, Pavilion
• Request for USSVI Bremerton Base to provide volunteers to operate hot dog service
• Expansion plans for Armed Forces Day, including Quincy Square and a resource fair
• Nonprofits will not be charged booth fees
• Planning committee opportunities available

The Base expressed support and intent to participate, pending volunteer coordination.

10. Old Business

• Dues reminder issued
• Sub Ball attendance discussed, including transportation considerations
• Laptop procurement remains pending quotes
• Rainier’s baseball tickets (June 26 and August 2) offered first to Bremerton Base members

11. New Business

February Annual Breakfast Meeting

• Location: VFW Post #239
• Logistics discussed, including concerns about menu ordering capacity
• Preference expressed for buffet-style service
• Commander to coordinate directly with VFW management

2026 Budget

• Proposed 2026 budget reviewed
• Motion: Approve the 2026 proposed budget
  • Motion by: Dan Inman
  • Second by: Dave Pittman
• Vote: Approved unanimously

Kitsap Area Veteran Alliance (KAVA)

• Discussion of potential support including food sponsorship (donuts) and manpower
• Budget materials to be reviewed at a future meeting

12. Good of the Order

Personal announcements and welfare updates were shared, including family milestones and health matters. Coffee with the COB and upcoming travel were noted.

13. Adjournment

• Motion: Adjourn meeting
  • Motion by: Bob Hickman
  • Second by: Dave Pittman
• Vote: Approved unanimously

The meeting was adjourned.