- We had invited MGEN Scott A. Spellmon, Commander Northwestern Division, US Army Corps of Engineers to speak at our next meeting (January 10, 2018), but he had a conflict come up and had to decline the invitation. We have not been able to get a replacement program, so we will have a social/sea story meeting this month. After the December meeting, getting finished by around 1300 may be a relief.
- The semi-annual Council meeting will be at Doug Bomarito’s office at 1000 on Saturday 24 February 2018. You do not need to be a member of the Council to attend the meeting, but please let either Doug Bomarito or me know if you are not a member and plan to attend. In this connection, we need someone who would be willing to be the chapter secretary. Pete Crystal served well past the end of his term, but he would really like to be relieved. Also, my term as president will be coming to an end, and Mike Carmichael, my VP, will take over. If you are interested in running (probably unopposed!) for Vice President/President-elect, please come to the meeting.
- Our February meeting will be an evening Valentine related meeting. Out regular scheduled meeting would be the 14th, but since that is Valentine Day, we anticipate having a problem reserving the room that evening. Accordingly, the meeting will be the evening of the 7th. Cocktails will start at 1830 with the meal commencing at 1900.
- The March meeting will be on 14 March 2018. Tentatively, we will have the annual VA update, although that program could slide to April.
- Please check out the links to the Portland LCI and PT Boat organizations if you are looking for an opportunity to be involved with naval history preservation in the Portland area.
- Don’t forget that the USS Portland (LPD27) is being commissioned in Portland in April 2018. If you want more information, check out the website of the Portland Council of the Navy League of the US.
–Doug Ballard ’74