SUBMARINE VETERANS SAIL INTO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

On the 14th of August at 10:00 hours the replica sail of the USS Catfish SS-339, a Balao Class submarine docked in front of the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital in Loma Linda California.

The Captain was T Michael Bircumshaw, retired USN Submariner and USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans Inc) Western District Commander. Western District Six of the 12,650 member organization covers the southern half of California and Nevada along with the state of Hawaii. There are 154 Sub Vet Bases throughout the USA.

The program, Kap(SS4Kid(SS) is the creation of Michael Bircumshaw and now reaches across the USA with 40 Sub Vet Bases participating and growing every day.

It was designed to bring attention to Cancer Victim children, many of whom have lived their entire life in a hospital. Each child is given a ball cap, pink or blue, that is embroidered with Submarine Dolphins and the phrase, “Honorary Submariner”.

Additionally, they each receive a photo of a submarine plus a certificate declaring them to be Honorary Submariners each signed by a Qualified Submariner and they have a chance to ask questions and interact with the Sub Vets.

Twelve SubVets attended the event each wearing their distinctive vest covered with patches and medals from the Submarine careers. They represented five different Sub Vet Bases in San Diego, Escondido, Temecula, Redlands, and Seal Beach.

Frankly, it is a win, win event. The Sub Vets have a good time and the kids get a break from the every day routine of hospital, hospital, hospital.

Michael is a Life Member and the Membership Chairman of the Southwest Riverside County Chapter of MOAA.

The event was covered by PBS, the Press Enterprise, San Bernardino Sun (front page), and the Highland Community News, plus others and was greatly assisted by the Media department of the Hospital.

The Kap(SS)4Kid(SS) program is a 501 C3 charity.

If you are interested in Sub Vets, or the Kap(SS)4Kid(SS) program or the Military Officer’s Association of America (MOAA) please call 951-541-0900. See the USSVI website at http://www.ussvi.org/home.asp.

Staff Writer
American Submariner Magazine

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