Promotion

HARRY COOPER (1-LIFE-1983) has been promoted to Flotilla Commander with two silver rings on the sleeve, or two silver bars on the collar. He has been with the U.S. Coast Guard (Auxiliary) since 1995 and has served as Flotilla Staff Officer in charge of Publications, Division Staff Officer in charge of Public Affairs and as Vice Flotilla Commander over these years.

Automatic Renewal – Thanks!

For many months, we have been announcing our new automatic Membership renewal program and now Members are telling us they love this new way. All too often, a well meaning Member, spouse or secretary puts the renewal form on top of a pile of papers, planning to renew later – and then more paper gets piled on top, and the form is forgotten. With our new automatic system, it is impossible to forget as the next year’s dues are automatically charged and nothing is left to chance – and it saves the Member a stamp, the time to fill out the form, time to mail it in – it is just a great system, and we appreciate the Members who suggested it.

South Germany & Austria A New Sausage Champ!

Every year when we are in Nürnberg, we have dinner at a famous restaurant that serves the well-known little Nürnberg sausages. They’re small but very rich so there is a championship of sorts, to see which Sharkhunters Member can eat the most of these little things.

STEVE (center) with his ‘coaches’. Left is PHIL BRAUN (2229-2000), right is ED HARGROVE (2074-1991).

The record had previously belonged to EDDIE PHILLIPS (220A/LIFE-1986) with a total of 22 sausages. But STEVE RIHA (2937-1993) was determined to beat that record.

He ordered his first plate of a dozen and ate them quickly, then ordered another dozen. He was on his way to a new Sharkhunters record. He ate them quick enough, then ordered a third dozen. He ate these 36 so we told him that if he hit 40, Sharkhunters would pay for his dinner. He ordered another half dozen and, although a bit slowly and with great determination, he set a new Sharkhunters record of 42 Nürnberger sausages! Way to go, STEVE!

As you can tell by the snippets we have put in about our “Patrol in South Germany and Austria”, we had a wonderful time. The scenery is breathtaking, the people are wonderful, the food is great and the veterans welcome us so warmly – it is as if we are family.

We are going again in 2004. If you want to actually live this history, you should come soon, as the German government is tearing down everything they can from the war years. And it is no surprise that the clock is ticking, and these wonderful veterans will not be with us forever. Some years from now, will you be kicking yourself, saying “I wish I had gone when the buildings were still there, when I could meet the veterans.”? Don’t let that happen.

Pay and Rank Comparison

BRETT RICHARDS (6753-2003) would like to know how the Kriegsmarine rank and pay structure compared to that of the ranks and pay in the US Navy, especially American submarines. Anyone with this information, please let us know.

Membership Contest

It is time to get going on your Membership Contest for 2004. If you need Membership applications, let us know and we’ll send them to you. EVERYONE CAN WIN!

If you recruit less than 5 new Members, you will receive a credit of $5 for each new Member you recruit to be used for anything you like – gifts from the catalog, off your renewal – anything.

If you recruit 5 new Members – you will receive another year of Membership – FREE!

For every 5 more new Members you recruit – you will receive one more year of Membership – FREE!

GRAND PRIZE

The Member who recruits the MOST new Members (minimum of 15) will receive their choice of: A LIFE Membership, or A Bahamas Cruise!

It isn’t difficult. Do you loan your KTB to a friend who enjoys it? That friend would probably love a Membership, so sign them up. Are you part of a re-enactment group? There are people in that group who would love to hear about Sharkhunters. Be creative, and YOU can be the GRAND PRIZE winner.

Here are Members already on their way to that GRAND PRIZE:
WILLIS CARTO (1059-1989) ……………………………. 3
VALOR TOURS (5576-1998) ……….…………………… 1

There is plenty of time in 2004 and plenty of time for you to take a shot at winning that GRAND PRIZE. Go for it!

COUNTRIES

We were in the process of listing all the countries in which there are Sharkhunters Members when that computer literally blew up. We have reconstructed that list and bring it to you here. Each country and the first Member in that country is listed.

1. USA HARRY COOPER (1-LIFE-1983)
2. West Germany HANS GÖBELER (3-+-1983)
3. England John Blashford-Snell (7-1983)
4. Spain VICTOR TURON (28-1984)
5. Bahamas DENIS KNOWLES (36-1984)
6. Australia W. H. van COMMENCE (52-1984)
7. Belgium WALTER CLOOTS (112-1985)
8. New Zealand MIKE HOWELL (174-LIFE-1986)
9. Brazil RADM MAX GUEDES (180-1986)
10 Sweden PETER EBERTZ (182-1986)
And yes, back in 1983 there was a West Germany.