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
2019 AMMV National Convention
Here is a trailer of our 2019 AMMV National Convention.
2019 National Convention Report
The 33rd National Convention of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) organization opened with early Registration on Wednesday, March 20th. The Registration team was led by Kimberly King with Lynn Kelly and Sindy Raymond assisting. The Hospitality Room was once again generously stocked with drinks and snacks. In addition, Shirley Knight provided a variety of Easter candies.
Bari Survivor to attend AMMV Convention
WWII Merchant Marine Veteran Walter Broll will be attending the 33rd AMMV National Convention in Tampa on March 21st thru 23rd, 2019.
Surviving Merchant Marine Veteran of the SS William S. Ladd to attend AMMV Convention
The American Merchant Marine Veterans National Convention Committee welcomes WWII Merchant Mariner Oliver Lua to our Tampa event in March; he just recently joined the AMMV.
Oliver was only 15 years old when he boarded his first vessel, Liberty Ship William S. Ladd, in San Francisco Harbor. Several months later, Lau would experience intense action while the Ladd was anchored in Leyte Gulf in the Philippines.
BREAKING NEWS
CONFIRMED for AMMV’s 33rd National Convention in Tampa is 3-Time Emmy Award Winner, Best-Selling author, Famed TV Host, News Reporter, and Veterans advocate RITA COSBY.
WWII Merchant Marine legislation reintroduced in the 116th Congress
Rep. Al Green (TX) reintroduced H.R. 154 (same bill number as in the 115th Congress) which would, if enacted, provide a one-time payment of $25,000 to eligible WWII Merchant Mariners. As with the last several sessions of Congress, this “compensation” bill lacks a Senate sponsor. However, Rep. Green was able to kickstart the legislation by adding a quick 17 co-sponsors.
AMMV Vice President Yuhas fights for WWII Merchant Mariner legislation
Advocates are making a last-minute push to honor surviving Merchant Mariners of World War II.
AMMV members support Rep. Garamendi
A handful of western-region AMMV members attended a maritime stakeholders meeting with Rep. John Garamendi, held on September 17th at California State University Maritime Academy. (Rep. Garamendi introduced H.R. 5879: The WWII Merchant Mariner Congressional Gold Medal Act and also met with our ‘Storm the Hill’ gang back in May.) During the morning introductions, Garamendi surprised all attending WWII Merchant Mariners with Congressional Commendation certificates.
Dave Yoho at American Veterans Center
Dave Yoho was recently interviewed by the American Veterans Center.
Dave Yoho: A Generation Not to be Forgotten
Dave Yoho: A Generation Not to be Forgotten.