O.K., here's the scenario:  One of our frequent posters sent a $50.00 check to us at Submarine Memorabilia with the notation "Just Because"... Now I know it isn't because I'm the nicest guy in the world (close, but), so rather than leaving the $50 sitting here much longer, I'm asking you shipmates for some input on how to use this to start a "pay it forward" event... In other words what ideas can you come up with to use this as "seed money" to do further good (I'm already honored just getting it)... All ideas appreciated.... 

That's a nice thought (and I appreciate it) but one that has already been taken care of by Dan and I when we started the whole war patrols project under Submarine Memorabilia - it was for the WWII guys to start getting their deserved attention and fortunately some of it has happened and is still in the works...

Ski had a great idea that will pay off in the years to come with a positive recognition of the submarine fleet with his patch program to be displayed in Branson.  This is the type of project we need to keep thinking of and initiating.  We've made some monumental strides in these kinds of activities simply because we are all connected through the internet.

I'm hoping that this can be a whole different project in the making, one that we all can look back at and say that we were ALL part of.  I don't necessarily mean financial alone because good ideas are worth more than money when it comes to charitable acts, and fund raising alone is sometimes a turn off (especially in these times) - BUT a good idea coupled with this activity is much easier to accomplish... Put on those thinking caps!

Catching up a bit:  John's (Steamboat) idea re: to rescue battle flags still being held in private hands has merit, I just wouldn't know where to go with the idea.  I could get a document drafted wherein the holder of such items would guarantee their donation upon the individual's demise or such - along with a brochure on how to best preserve them until such time, but then what, how to find, approach etc. etc.???? 

Also, Sean's "Kaps for Kids" is doing a great thing but already in play - I'm looking for something still  to be done. 

O.K., so here's a proposal: (unless someone can come up with anything else), I take these funds and apply them toward notices or advertisements (that require payment) in our WWII Base newsletters.  ((Example: I am already an associate member of the San Diego Chapter for the last couple of years.  They have an excellent newsletter called "Klaxon"... I have worked with their driving force, Doug Smay, in getting the war patrol reports out to our WWII guys, so I'm sure he would be on board with this effort, such as it is)).

So now I ask for your collective help in scouring the internet for further WWII Submariner publications.  Feed 'em to me here or via email.  Also it may help to tie in with DonMac who (I believe) put together a web page devoted to pix of the various battle flags (as known).  Also, find out WHERE any of the flags are already on display such as the three held up here at the Naval Undersea Museum - including the Sealion's.  Finally if anyone already knows where such a flag may be in private hands, please let me know (on the QT) and I will establish some kind of dialog with the holder...

I know that the curator and staff at NUM would be more than open to accept any of these flags and perserve, display them much better than any of us could... And I'm sure there are many other worthy entities that can do the same.  I already have donation documentation from NUM on hand having made a number of my own donations through them, I can send anyone interested a simple one page form to use in getting the donation started, let me know...

Updating:  Roy Ator sent a lead on where one flag is being held in private hands which I will follow up with (in time) as delicately as possible.  I know Ric knows of others that he posted pictures of him holding.  I know of the three originals that the Naval Undersea Museum here in WA has on display (will furnish pictures down the line)... I think what we as a group can do now is to identify "where" any of these flags already are on (public) display or stored under museum control and of course where they may still be held by individual entities.  I was around for the initial construction of the Bowfin Museum but have no idea what flags they may have accumulated by now... Would anyone like to step forward and volunteer to be our contact to the various museum (HNSA members etc.) curators with this request re: info on any of the battle flags flags that they might have?  (Please post your acceptance of such work here so as to be available for contact by others with info for you)...