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"Another Brave New Year!!"

Well, another year to celebrate!

2010! Two thousand and ten! I remember when I was a kid, I used to wonder if I would be alive in the year 2000. I would count the years and my age and wonder that I would be an old man of "60" when that magical year came about. Now it is ten years after the fact, and I am still kicking, a little slower, but still kicking.

I remember my grandfather somewhat. He died in 1948 when he was 66. Back in those days grandfathers looked like grandfathers! He always wore an old wool 3 piece suit with a large brimmed hat, and he always wore those elastic bands (garters) on his upper arms to keep his sleeves the right length.

I think of granddad sometimes when I'm out riding my Harley wearing my grubby jeans, and leathers. How much has changed since his day. How could he have ever imagined the things we take for granted. Desktop computers, flat screened TV's, men on the moon (we really ought to go back there), political correctness. Well, we all know and take for granted the things that make up our way of life... for better or worse!

Grandpa was born sometime in the 1880's. He was raised with no indoor plumbing, wood burning stove, no electricity, no washing machine, no radio, no cars, a long walk to a little school, up at the crack of dawn for chores, relatives often weeks or months away from you, still had to watch for Indians. Absolutely NO roads, just trails.

So here we are today. Apple just announced the release of their new "I-pad!" An 8 x 10 device that combines the internet, Ipod, phone, books, etc. It does everything but wipe your hynie!

I don't know where I'd rather be. Back in the simplicity of my Grandfather's life, with the lack of any modern medicine or luxuries, or here today with a government that is out of control, gadgets that only kids can understand, nuclear weapons, and terrorists running around with explosives in their underwear.

Sometimes I wish I had the simplicity of Grandpa's life, but I sure as hell would miss TV!

All for now!!!

Pecos

From the XO's Desk!

Jack Hunter

FROM THE XO'S DESK
As all of you know, one of the traditional responsibilities of the XO (after loosing to the Captain in cribbage) is to push paper. As I have begun to grow just a little bit older, I have been forced to examine the paper in my life in an attempt to make it easier for my wife and family to clean up after I am gone.

So let's take a look at some of the paperwork we all should have up to date.
1. Do you have a will?
a. If not, do you know that your state may be the one to decide how to split up your assets when you are gone?
b. If you do have a will, when was the last time you looked at it to make sure it reflects your current situation/desires?
2. Do you have a Power of Attorney?
a. Is it current?
b. Does it give authority over your affairs to someone you trust?
3. Do you have a "Durable Power of Attorney for Medical Care" or similar document?
a. Does it reflect your current medical situation/desires?
b. Have you a copy on file with your doctor and hospital?
c. Have you discussed your desires with your doctor? Your family?
4. Have you a listing of the following for your survivors?
a. Location of your birth certificate?
b. Location of marriage certificate?
c. Location of your discharge papers?
d. Social Security number?
e. Listing of bank accounts?
f. Location of your mortgage papers?
g. Location of stocks, bonds, investment accounts, life insurance policies, auto titles, other valuables?
h. Credit/debit card numbers?
5. Have you considered pre-planning your funeral arrangements?
a. Does your family know of your wishes?
b. Have you considered making advanced arrangements with a local funeral director?
6. Survivors Benefits
a. Does your family know what veterans benefits you are eligible for? Do they know who to contact to receive these benefits?
b. Does your family know who to contact about social security benefits?
c. Does your family know who to contact about your investment accounts?

By no means is this a complete list of documents/paperwork you should consider having up to date, organized and available for your
survivors, but it should get you started.

Until next time shipmates,

Jack Hunter

Captain's Corner:

Captain Davis

"It is becoming apparent that some of our SPINAX crewmates are experiencing medical problems directly or indirectly related to our service on board many submarines. If you have possible problems, or know of shipmates with problems such as asbestos exposure resulting in lung cancer or brain tumors, etc.. please notify COB Williams or Skipper JK directly. COB Williams agrees and adds "I am a prime example of not "paying attention to details" concerning my health situation! I "put off" and "put off" my asbestos problem until the "problem" was difficult to identify. I know this sounds "stupidified" but that is what happened. If I followed through on this situation at the time "the masses" in each lung were prevalent, I would be getting some sort of financial benefit. But now I can't even find, nor can the VA find, proof that it existed." The message here is clear!. We are trying to obtain and publish the information you may need to contact the VA in regard to benefits to you or your spouses. "

JK

Note: We welcome any and all comments, articles, or gossip from all our fine Captains!

"Now Here This!" From the COB!