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
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
Rita Cosby Interview with Merchant Marine Veterans
September 23rd, 2021 - Rita continues to cover the border crisis in Del Rio, TX, and talks to Merchant Marine veterans Dave Yoho, Charles Mills, and Richard Phillips about their experiences serving their country.
2021 Annual Convention Coverage
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2021 Annual Convention in Maryland. We appreciate the turn out and support for the American Merchant Marine Veterans. Below you will find links highlighting the convention coverage. We hope you enjoy.Enjoy a performace from...
Hitler’s American Battlefield
Within weeks of Pearl Harbor, Nazi U-boats attack American ships within sight of the North Carolina coast, leaving a trail of death and destruction; a team of experts turns this forgotten graveyard into a protected sanctuary in honor of the fallen.
Hawsepipe: A Repository for Topics Related to the American Merchant Marine
HAWSEPIPE by Ian Watts On his website linked below, Ian Watts shares his repository for writing, images, and supporting documents related to his exploration of topics related to the American Merchant Marine. To learn more about his findings, please click on his...
Science Channel airs TV series on U-Boats!
From William Geroux, author of The Mathews Men '' and "The Ghost Ships of Archangel": "FYI, the TV series on the U-boat war (for which I and some AMMV folks were interviewed) began airing last night (July 25th) on the Science Channel. The show is...
The Last Remaining WWII era Merchant Marine Training Center in the United States will be demolished
Update on the Alameda U.S. Maritime Service Training School - Alameda CA by Ian Watts The debate over the demolishment of several buildings comprising of several barracks. mess hall, and ships engineering lab of the old USMSTS Alameda was put before public comment...