Submariner veterans add membership

Jim Ping sounds ‘Taps,' which concludes the annual tribute to shipmates who gave their lives for their country. Jim Ping sounds ‘Taps,' which concludes the annual tribute to shipmates who gave their lives for their country.

Since its charter in 2003, the Toledo Base of the U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc. has grown to 40 members from five.

"Basically the purpose is remembrance of our departed submarine shipmates," group member Neil Hossler said. "It's for any type of submariners," he said. "We're always looking for new members."

The local base is part of the national submarine veterans group, which was organized in 1964 to honor those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. Today, the veterans group has bases in all 50 states and more than 13,000 active members.

Mr. Hossler said the group is made up of those who served in the U.S. Navy, from World War II to current times.

"We are now accepting World War II veterans. It's kind of neat to have the stories and the recognition of these people who put their lives at risk. We are remembering the camaraderie of the shipmates that are still with us," he said.

Part of that camaraderie also includes actively volunteering in the area. The base works with Boy Scouts of America on Eagle Scout programs and participates in memorial parades.

On Saturday, the organization was host for the annual "Tolling of the Boats," a tributeto shipmates who gave their lives while serving their country.

"We read the list of the submarines that have been lost either by war or accidental," Mr. Hossler said. "We honor those who have lost their lives. We keep it very solemn."

The name of the boat as well as the date lost and the number of men lost are given. After all boats are listed, "Taps" is played.

Members meet on the third Monday of the month, at Charlie's Restaurant in Sylvania, Mr. Hossler said. But if interest keeps increasing, the need for a new space could soon arise.

"Our problem is that our members are growing. We're getting very close to having to find somewhere else."