Community Corner

VIDEO: Veterans Day Observance at Electric Boat

Care packages sent from EB uplifted morale of EB employee and fellow soldiers who served in Kuwait.

The slow drizzling rain didn't stop workers and invited guests from observing Electric Boat's Veteran's Day ceremony Thursday. The event featured guest speaker James Flyntz, an Electric Boat employee and National Guard member who returned in August from a one-year deployment in Kuwait.

Flyntz presented Electric Boat President John Casey with a flag that was flown over Camp Virginia in Kuwait on April 11, 2010. The date commemorates the anniversary of the Navy's purchase and commissioning of the SS Holland on April 11, 1900. The SS Holland was the first commissioned submarine by the US Navy and it was built by Electric Boat Company.

Flyntz said the date marked the beginning of Electric Boat's long history as "the finest shipbuilder in the world."

Flyntz also thanked the Friends at Electric Boat Troop Support Group, for the care packages sent to him and his fellow soldiers while serving in Kuwait. Flyntz said he received more than 900 packages during his deployment.

"You can imagine my surprise when the mail clerk said I had mail – 300 packages," he said. "He made two trips with his pick up truck and still had two more to go. These deliveries meant a great deal to the deployed soldiers.

Flyntz said after the food items were eaten, Christmas cards and decorations provided "holiday cheer to an otherwise drab decor."

Other speakers include army chaplain Brian Converse, Bill Dodge, founder of The Friends at Electric Boat US Troop Support Group. The Sub Tones, EB's a cappella group, performed "Amazing Grace" and "Eternal Father."


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