Base History

Minneapolis/St. Paul

SubVet Base History

The Minneapolis/St. Paul Base is a member of the National USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans Inc.).   Our Base received its charter on May 22, 1993, with Constitution and By-Laws approved in December 1993. Revisions to our By-Laws cannot be in conflict with the National Constitution and By-Laws.

The Charter members: Burton Block, Houston Jackman, Harley Johnson, Peter Koegel, Pat Lyon, Mike Milano, Wendell Rausch, Ron Reimann, Jack Trossen, Ernie Van Deventer, Toby Warson, Joe O’Brien, Robert Pulis, Bernie Steinhauer, Jerome Anderson, David Ferguson, Dan Ludwig, Bryon Schultz, Max Bassett, Russell Schmidt, and Don Wannamaker.

Our MSP Base hosts an annual “Navy style” breakfast inducting new members into the “Holland Club”, those that have been qualified as a submariner for 50 years.  Members that are 75 years + known as “Commodores” are granted paid-up Base life membership.

The base sponsors a cost free annual picnic in August for all members and their families and friends. For many years the USSVWWII had a Memorial Day picnic and ceremony at Como Park, St. Paul. With the loss of our WWII members, this tradition no longer takes place.

Over the years our Minneapolis/St. Paul Base has participated in many local events:

  1. In the late 1990’s, Mike Kodluboy was instrumental in starting a public relations effort on community TV known as “Deep Dive News of the Air” that has since been cancelled.

  2. Our Base conducted a Christmas Care Package for families of the USS Minneapolis/St. Paul (SSN-708) until the boat was decommissioned.

  3. Charitable Donations have been provided for a number of military oriented organizations: the USSVI Scholarship Fund, Navy League Sea Cadets and the Minneapolis/St. Paul “ Airport Armed Forces Center” and more as listed under “We Spt” on this website.

  4. August 2013 the Minneapolis/St. Paul base hosted the USSVI National Convention in Rochester MN.  Convention Chairman Andy Anderson with help and support of MSP base members spearheaded the event.

  5. In the spring of 2015 ”The Award of Excellence” program was initiated.  Awards were presented to Base Members who was singled out by providing significant contributions for the Base.  Nominations were accepted by the board in January and February, reviewed by Board of Directors, If selected by the Board, the award was presented at the April Base Meeting.   The Award has not been presented since COVID.

Last reviewed/updated 5/21/2023