United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) started a base in the area, Appalachian Base, and home ports at VFW Post 4933. Their meetings are held at the AmVets Post 5 in Bristol, VA on the second Saturday of each month at 1400 HRS.
The foundation meeting was held on 07 FEB 2026 with attendance by 21 qualified submariners and one sponsored associate. Those that attended the foundation meeting are considered Plank Owners. Base Bylaws were approved on 09 FEB 2026 and Charter issued by USSVI on TBD. Those members to this new base (i.e., in good standing at National; or, applied and paid National dues) shall be known as Charter Members.
Ron Bennett, (front row, third person seated) is VFW Post 4933 Quartermaster and was elected as the Commander for Appalachian Base. To Ron's right is David Allen, the Treasurer; and, to his left are the Vice Commander, Brian Rieck, and Secretary, John Harmon. The district commander, Marlin Helms, is seated on the far left.
The Vice Commander is taking applications and dues for membership. He may be reached at music7475@gmail.com.
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