Branch 162 congratulates all of the above shipmates and wish them many more years.

Our Regional President, Jack Harrelll will make his official visit to the Branch at our next meeting. If you can make the meeting, please do so as he most likely will have all the latest up-dated information, and you will be able to ask him questions of various matters.

We also will be presenting S/M Newton Marier with his 50 year pin and 55 year pendant for continuous membership. S/M Marier joined the FRA in 1946. Let's all show him our admiration for being such a long time member.

Last month was the first time this year that we had a gain in our membership from a previous month. Shipmates, we need to get as many new or reinstated members into our Branch and the FRA as we can. As you probably know, there is great value in an FRA membership. Your FRA Reps at national headquarters have done will for our Sea Service community. Remember increases in pay for active duty and reserve personnel, TRICARE for LIFE, and the expanded pharmacy benefit we received recently?). We need a strong voice for our congressional leaders to hear of our concerns. That voice comes from a strong FRA membership. We need a large membership to support a strong military, and our Nation now as much as ever before. If you know of any shipmate who hasn't renewed his membership, or some one who is eligible for membership in our Association, please encourage them to renew their membership or join. Applications are available from Branch Officials, at the branch home or in the Naval Affairs magazine.

If you know any shipmate who is ill or injured, please let us know or contact the Branch Chaplain, S/M Jim Bennett.

Elections for the Branch Home were held during the last meeting. Elected were Tom Hundley-President; Coy Gillenwater-Vice President; Charlie Rader-Secretary; Marty Martello-Treasurer and Chuck Booe for Bondsman. A slate of members were also elected as members of the Board of Directors for Fleet 162, Inc. Congratulations and Good Luck to all and thanks for a job well done and your service to the branch Home.

Tickets are now available for the D-day Museum's Pacific Exhibition (Pearl Harbor Day) drawing. First prize-a one year membership for two w/guest passes. Second & third prizes are Pearl Harbor Day commemorative coins. Tickets are 2/$3.00. You only need to send a request along with the money, and your return address to the Branch Home-703 Kepler St., Gretna LA 70053. We will mail you back your entry stubs. Drawing to be held on Dec. 7th (National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day). Need not be present to win. Winners will be notified and listed in January's newsletter.