Art introduced Commander Joseph “Joe” Drake of American Legion Post #18. Commander Drake served 27 years in the submarines division specializing in submarine repair. He also did instructor duty. He began by discussing the various classes of submarines, how they are constructed, how long they can stay submerged producing their own fresh water and creating fresh air. The ability to run silently is ten times better. The USS Nautilus was the first
nuclear submarine, which already had an advanced design ahead of Russian engineering. Commander Drake discussed the importance of underwater charts for navigation since sonar
is rarely used. There is a special avoidance system that deals with icebergs when a sub is under ice. Subs are now coed; more and more women are filling positions. The capabilities of a sub today are incredible. They can even launch aerial drones while submerged. Technology of other countries just doesn’t compare to what the US has. Commander Drake served 15 years for the submarine modernization program. The US has about 56 subs in its fleet now. 

Commander Drake then discussed the American Legion which was founded in 1919 after World War I. The American Legion is open to all veterans; the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is only open to someone who served in a foreign war. He mentioned Bill Harrison, age 103, as being the last World War II veteran in Grant County. They also have the oldest living auxiliary member at this post, and she is 111. The Legion has four pillars: veterans affairs and rehab,
national security, Americanism, children and youth. They also take care of the veterans at Ft. Bayard.

After a discussion and answer period, Art thanked Commander Drake and moved on to the business part of the meeting.

Announcements:

Mark Abramson reminded everyone that we are voting next week on members to fill the president-Elect and secretary positions. Art read a quote of $786 for a proposed club Christmas party at Diane’s on December 16. After discussion, Art called for a
vote as to whether or not to proceed with having this party. Mark Richard made a motion that we don’t have dinner at Diane’s and Jim Callender seconded. Motion passed. Christmas caroling was then mentioned for this Saturday at Sunset Vista and Millie’s. Maggie Callaway will send out the information on this. The storage space was briefly discussed, and it was decided there was
not a rush to get this done.

It was also noted that we will meet next week but then go dark for two weeks. There will be a combined board meeting next week after the club meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 pm.