Date Posted: 31 May 2002

The Holland Club membership rolls continue to expand and as of this time we are over 1400 strong.

We induct about 50 members per month.We have the system working to where a new member's Holland Club packet is mailed within 24 hours of my receiving his membership card from the National office.

Thanks to the great work being done by our volunteer shipmates: Bud Berg NJVC, Jim Foote, Fred Borgmann, and the rest of the super crew at USSVI National Office in Silverdale Washington.

I receive many requests from shipmates; Holland Club members, or nominees, who have experienced some paper work problems such as lost or never received their membership cards etc. I forward the request on to USSVI office and usually receive a positive reply within 24 hours.

I enjoy - with lots of help from the crew in Silverdale - being able to straighten out some of the Holland Club membership problems and it is a great feeling to assist our shipmates anyway we can. That's my job. When things don't go right just drop me a line and let's see if we can get it done - and done right away.

As the Holland Club Commander I am really honored and proud at the welcome reception I receive when visiting different Submarine Veterans bases for meetings, ceremonies, birthday balls, picnics, boat reunions, etc. or Holland Club inductions.

It has been my privilege to introduce myself, or to be introduced, to many Holland Club members old and new and to meet old shipmates and to make many new shipmates and new friends.

Look at the names on the Holland Club roster and you will find many distinguished veterans of the Submarine Service are members: Seaman to Admiral. Many heroes and legends of our Submarine Force, past and present.

It is an honor and privilege to be on the same roster with these men, and to be part of the Holland Club. To all my Holland Club Shipmates I salute you and thank you for your fifty plus years of devotion and service. “Pride Runs Deep”

I would like to request once again that all the Base Commanders review their base membership records and submit the names of those eligible for membership in the Holland Club.

Respectfully submitted

Bill Britt

HC Cdr.