October 2026 General Membership Meeting Summary
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | FRA Branch #29, Bremerton, Washington
The USSVI Bremerton Base held its October general membership meeting with reports on membership, finances, upcoming community activities, organizational business, and the continuing mission of preserving the history and traditions of the United States Submarine Force. A highlight of the gathering was the induction of a longtime submariner into the Holland Club.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, the USSVI Creed, and the traditional Tolling of the Boats, remembering American submarines lost during the month of October. Members also observed a moment of silence and offered a prayer for departed shipmates and those currently serving.
Membership and Financial Reports
The base reported 273 members, an increase of two over the previous month. The treasurer reported an ending balance of $60,004.76, reflecting the organization’s continued financial stability. Recent fundraising activities included a crafting event supporting the SubVettes, which raised $379.48.
Members were also reminded of available base merchandise, calendars, and options for obtaining submarine veteran vests and custom embroidery.
Community Activities and Upcoming Events
Considerable attention was devoted to the base’s participation in upcoming community events, particularly the Naval Base Kitsap Trunk or Treat celebration and the Kitsap Halloween Bash on October 24. Volunteers were encouraged to assist with displays, food preparation, distribution of treats, and event cleanup. The base has prepared more than 1,000 treat bags for these activities.
Additional announcements included participation in Veterans Day activities, the Auburn Veterans Day Parade on November 7, the Western Region Roundup scheduled for April 15–17, 2027, in Denver, and the base Christmas party scheduled for December 19, with catering planned from Olive Garden.
Shipmate Welfare and Charitable Support
The chaplain reported the passing of shipmate Milo Vanar, who qualified aboard USS Caiman (SS-323) in 1960. Members were encouraged to remember his family and continue supporting fellow submariners and their loved ones.
The meeting also highlighted the USSVI Charitable Foundation and its assistance programs, including the Brotherhood Fund. Members were reminded that financial and personal assistance may be available during unexpected hardships and that shipmates should never hesitate to seek help.
The importance of maintaining contact with fellow veterans, particularly those experiencing health difficulties or personal challenges, was emphasized throughout the meeting.
Base Administration and Communications
Members received updates concerning the base website, PugetSoundings.org, and its role in distributing announcements, leadership information, historical material, and organizational reports.
The proposed revisions to the base bylaws remain under review. Printed copies were made available for members to examine, with comments and questions encouraged before further consideration.
The Draft proposal is available ->HERE<-
The next Executive Board meeting was announced for November 17, with plans to provide advance email invitations to the membership.
Holland Club Induction
One of the meeting’s most significant moments was the induction of Master Chief Wayne Newbigging into the Holland Club, which recognizes submariners who earned their dolphins at least 50 years earlier.
Newbigging qualified aboard USS Stonewall Jackson (SSBN-634) on April 8, 1968, and completed a distinguished 28-year Navy career that included service aboard USS Carbonaro, USS Stonewall Jackson, USS Lafayette, USS Alaska, and USS Nevada.
His career included 23 strategic deterrent patrols, a Western Pacific deployment, and several important shore assignments. Following the presentation of his Holland Club certificate and commemorative items, he shared personal recollections of his submarine service.
The ceremony underscored the importance of recognizing those whose careers helped establish the traditions and professional standards of today’s submarine force.
Additional Business
Members discussed a proposal to purchase commemorative coins for distribution to veterans. The proposal was referred for further consideration by the Executive Board pending additional information about pricing and availability.
The meeting concluded with announcements, shipmate recognition, informal discussion, and the traditional 50/50 raffle.
Closing Summary
The October meeting reflected the Bremerton Base’s continuing commitment to its three central responsibilities: honoring submariners who have gone before, supporting those who served and their families, and maintaining the fellowship that binds the submarine community together.
With membership increasing, several community events approaching, and organizational improvements underway, the base continues to provide opportunities for submarine veterans to remain connected, serve their community, and preserve the heritage of the United States Submarine Force.
Prepared from the October 2026 general membership meeting transcript. This is a narrative summary rather than official meeting minutes, and it not considered official
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