Our Blog
We know it’s important for our members to stay in the loop, so we endeavor to update our American Merchant Marine Veterans blog frequently. Give our current articles and journal entries a read!
Our Inspiration
Every single one of our members has a story to tell. We’re never hard pressed for an idea when faced with the stories, memories, trials, and tribulations our seamen share. Tales of triumph, tales of sorrow, funny anecdotes—we want to hear them all. We want to tell your story!
But our writing won’t stop there. We would feel lost and disconnected today without coverage of our many events. Our hope is to chronicle every memorial, every overdue honor, and every spirited gathering our members participate in. Relevant current events won’t stay to the wayside either—we’ll keep you up to date on legislation efforts and other news pertinent to our organization in general.
In short, we’re quite lucky to have such a plethora of muses. Our inspiration for maintaining this blog will always be you: our beloved family of Veterans. Our history drives our service, and our members drive our memories.
Our Articles
A Part of Our Fighting Team
(L to R): Rick Hojan (grandson of Armin Barth), Kay Eggert (Appleton School Board President), Congressman Mike Gallagher (WI 8 th District), WWII MM Armin Barth, and Capt. Chris Edyvean (AMMV Regional VP)Appleton WWII Veteran receives High School diploma and...
Historic Honors for U.S. Merchant Marine on Memorial Day
Dear News Desk Officers: The American Merchant Marine Veterans has issued a press release for U.S. Merchant Marine WWII veterans who will be honored during several historic Memorial Day events, including a breakfast with President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, a...
National Memorial Day Concert Honors U.S. Merchant Marine WWII Veterans
Dear News Desk Officers:The American Merchant Marine Veterans has issued a press release for U.S. Merchant Marine WWII veterans who will be honored during the May 28 National Memorial Day Concert. Please view the attached press release. I am available for referring...
National Memorial Day Concert
Dear News Desk Officers: The American Merchant Marine Veterans has issued a press release for U.S. Merchant Marine WWII veterans who will be honored during the May 28 National Memorial Day Concert. Please view the attached press release. I am available for referring...
Special Veterans Day Video
Please enjoy this special Veterans Day video tribute in celebration of all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, especially our WWII veterans who helped preserve freedom around the globe. They are not forgotten. Watch Now!WATCH NOW: The Friends of the National...
WWII Mariners recognized at National WWII Museum in NOLA
We made history: The largest group of World War II Merchant Marine veterans at one time at the National WWII Museum! Sheila M. Sova – AMMV National Vice President The Congressional Gold Medal bronze duplicate arrived at my home a few months ago. It was an emotional...
AMMV’s oldest member receives top recognition at Wisconsin event
“Have a great day, unless you have other plans!” Reynolds Tomter of Pigeon Falls, WI is AMMV’s oldest member at 105 ½ years of age. Mr. Tomter served in the WWII Merchant Marine as a baker from 1943-45, having trained at Sheepshead Bay. Tomter is known locally as “Mr....
Alameda- U.S. Maritime Officers Training School Update
Preserving our History – Important Public Hearing Approaches Last year we chronicled grassroots efforts to preserve the last remaining WWII era U.S. Maritime Officers Training School in Alameda. CA. This was one of two such WWII facilities – the other was located at...
WWII Merchant Marine veteran is reunited with shipmate at his 100th birthday celebration
A special 100th birthday celebration was held in late October for WWII Merchant Marine veteran & AMMV member, “Big John” Ed Laughton. Over 100 family members and close friends attended the party. Following the AMMV National Convention in September, which Laughton...
Dave Yoho on the U.S. Merchant Marine
Veteran Dave Yoho provided a history of the Merchant Marine during World War II This was a virtual event hosted by the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Watch the video HERE