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
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.
Storm the Hill Report
This was the arrival date at our “home port” of MITAGS (Maritime Institute of Technology & Graduate Studies) in Linthicum Heights, MD. Our group held a dinner meeting to discuss the upcoming days and events. Our 2018 “Storm the Hill” participants included team leader Charles A. Mills of Texas (Lone Star Chapter); Eugene Barner of Kansas (Member-at-Large); Robert Weagant of Illinois (Midwest Chapter); Laura Johnson Riddle of Arizona (Member-at-Large); and myself – team coordinator Shelia Sova of Illinois (Member-at-Large).
WWII Merchant Marine Veteran honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
Mills started his career in the United States Merchant Marine in 1937, serving aboard the S/S Carlton. During the same time frame, he attended the first convention of the National Maritime Union (NMU), becoming a charter member.
S. 2127: Merchant Mariners of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2017
The purpose of this legislation is “to award a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the United States Merchant Mariners of World War II, in recognition of their dedicated and vital service during World War II.” S. 2127 was introduced by Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska on November 15, 2017.