Shipmates;

Just like AARP we are getting stronger everyday.

Membership in the Holland club has now exceeded 1000.

So that you know

M.A.L's (Members At Large) who are eligible to join Holland Club apply directly to NJVC John Peters for action

All other's should apply through their Base Commander. He then forwards the application to NJVC. All applications are sent to NJVC for verification as to eligibility as determined by information contained in the national database.

Meanwhile in case you're wondering.

Perhaps some of you might be waiting for your Holland Club packet.

Here's my cover story:

NJVC Peters has been on the road visiting family and friends in the western states since attending the Mid term meeting in Duluth, Minnesota in May.

He will be back at home base in Hawaii the end of June. At that time I expect to receive a large influx of approved applications. (Presently I am caught up on all verified applications.) When received, I will get everyone's Holland Club membership completed and mailed to them within two days of receiving them.

Here is my report on current Holland Club activities.

In the last few weeks I have received personal messages, base newsletters and e-mail with attachments including pictures concerning Holland Club induction ceremonies that were held at various locations. It is a pleasure to hear from you all. The more the merrier. Keep up the good work. I am very pleased to note the renewed Base level interest in promoting the Holland Club and it's members.

Thank you shipmates. It's always an honor to be recognized by your shipmates. I am sure your base members appreciated the honors.

I had the privilege of attending the Holland Club Breakfast Meeting sponsored by the Groton Base on June 10, 2001 at the USSVI Groton base clubhouse in Groton. Base Commander John Carciopolo is a most gracious host. He and his crew sure know how to do things right. Needless to say all hands, especially the Holland Club honorees, enjoyed themselves. The food was great and the feeling of camaraderie filled the dining hall. I had the pleasure of meeting PNC Brazil plus a couple of my own old shipmates and many of the Holland Club members whose certificates I have processed. Shipmates thank you for the honor of sharing quality time being with you. Pride Runs Deep.

It was a great feeling to be back home in New London once more. Groton Base Cdr. John C is eligible for Holland Club in 2027. I requested that I be invited back to present him his certificate and his welcome aboard. Course I'd be celebrating 100 by then but who's counting? I wonder how much gas will be by then?

I have been invited to attend the Buffalo Base Holland Club induction ceremony in August and look forward to meeting with all the new inductees.

This Holland Club thing is starting to be fun.

I sincerely invite each and every Holland Club Member to attend the Holland Club Breakfast in Peoria it would be an honor to personally meet each of you

Holland Club History

I am still compiling information for the Holland Club History. It is more difficult then I imagined. The lack of information is amazing. Shipmates, I need and would appreciate any information, early membership rosters, HC members on Eternal patrol. Any kind of information that I can include in the Holland Club Log. I would also request that any one who notes an error in Holland Club website to notify me PERSONALLY of such errors. Especially concerning members names, dates, boats served on etc. In particular, please notify me of any of your base members or shipmates who have departed on their final patrol so that this information is properly noted.

We lose more and more history everyday with the passing of our older member's - especially the original Holland Club plank owners and USSV commissioning crew.

Pride Runs Deep

B Britt

HC CDR