USSVI Reports & Notices From: Art Randall, Central Region Director Date: 28 February, 2005 Subject: Books for Boats Program The Books for Boats Project A GOOD IDEA FOR THE GOOD OF THE CORPS AND OUR SHIPMATES AT SEA By Art Randall Depending upon who counts the numbers, there exist some 50 submarines of all types, manned by some 7,200 sailors. One day, Ron Martini thought about his days aboard submarines and along with Cribbage, Hearts, Acey-Ducey and Poker, he filled his idle hours reading paperback books. When he finished one he would share it with those that had not read it and they theirs with him. But even with that interchange, there never seemed to be enough to make the rounds for most on board. “Why not,” Ron mused, form a project whereby members of US SubVets could, for a nominal sum, become a supplier of “once read,” or otherwise in good condition books to our submariners at sea?” The more he thought about it, the more it appealed to him… and the “Books for Boats Program” was formed. He piloted the program in District Seven and wrote to several submarine COBs and CMCs, to test his idea with SubVets and the Sub Sailors! The response from the “test” boats and D7 Bases was very positive so he expanded it to the Central Region and then rolled it out Nationwide. Since I don’t read paperbacks, but did like the program, I went to a paperback book store in St. Louis and told them what I wanted to do, that is, have them pick a good set of a variety of books for a price that would be, on the average of 1/4/ to 1/2 the retail new and ship them to Ron Martini who in turn would ship them to the Boats. I ordered 13 books and paid $30 plus shipping. The price could be a little higher or lower depending on the number and title mix. All you have to do is call the store, identify yourself as a part of the “Books for (Submarine Boats (Sumarines) and tell any of the ladies that answer the phone what you would like to see in the selection (but not by name, just by general subject matter... no “love novels" for example), give them your Credit Card Number, or send a check and it will be… a done deal! The name of the company is Green Trails Book Shop, at (314) 576-7758. There are three ladies there and they all know what the “Books for Boats Program” is all about, what we are doing and how to handle it all, hassle free for us. So to summarize, only new or read-once paperbacks are requested. No hardbacks or trade paper sizes please (because space on the boats as you know, even on Nukes is limited), and due to postage costs. All books ordered or otherwise obtained for this program, should be mailed to: Ron Martini-1723 Desmet Ave—Sheridan, WY—82801 via “MEDIA MAIL” to get the best rate. One lb. is $1.42 and 42¢ additional for 2-7 lb., then 30¢ pounds up to 50. There are roughly 5 books/lb. My suggestion is that a Base that decides to support the program, collect donations from its members, or take the money from its Treasury. When a fund of, say, $50 is gathered, call the Green Trails Book Shop at the number above and they will take your order and ship the quantity $50 will buy plus shipping costs, to Ron (at the above address). So far more than 600 books have been received from 38 sources. They will be start shipping in March and continue until the effect of the ad placed in American Submariner has decreased. If your Base would rather contribute to help pay the postage costs that would also be appreciated.) It’s a good idea, one well worth supporting, and for at least three good reasons: 1.The submariners getting the books will enjoy them and share them with their shipmates who will also enjoy them and they will know that the US Submarine Veterans were responsible for their being on board. 2.We have often talked about how we can let the active duty submariners know more about us so that more of them will contact us to become members, not only while they are on active duty, but perhaps more importantly when they are discharged. 3. By giving the reader an address for the USSVI Web site lets them know there is an Organization for them and that we do indeed support all submariners from any war or peace time efforts, as submariners are a part of a Brotherhood that transcends the sovereignty of nations and is unique among all other military organizations throughout the world. A letter will be sent in each box listing all the contributors who are responsible for the books, who we are, what we do, what we stand for, etc. In addition each book has a page with a rubber-stamped imprint; “This book provided by members of USSVI (US Submarine Veterans) under the sponsorship of a division of USSVI (Lockwood Internet Base). Please treat this book with care so that your shipmates may also enjoy it. All (SS) may join USSVI. Details and how to join USSVI will be found at www.ussvi.org or (877) 542 DIVE. It is all in the genre’ of “Shipmates, Caring about Shipmates”, wherever they are, whatever they are doing! Sending them books to read in their leisure time is one way of showing our support for them, but more importantly, that we truly care!