Perch Base Submarine Veterans (USSVI) held its Annual Awards Banquet on 1/17/2026 at the Pebble Creek Clubhouse in Goodyear, AZ.
Congratulations to our Chief of the Boat, Kirby Anderson, who was awarded the 2025 "Sailor of the Year" Award.
Our guest speaker was Capt. Robert Bogan, Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Center, Phoenix, AZ.
A Holland Club Induction was performed for John McKee, upon achieving 50 years as Qualified in Submarines.

At 7:00 PM, the dining room opened and the ceremonies started. Perch Base Commander David Heighway welcomed the guests and then Perch Base Chaplain Governor Joy gave the invocation.

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After dinner and dessert were served, Perch Base Membership Chairman Paul Miller announced our "Early Bird" award winner. The "Early Bird" raffle is randomly selected from those annual members that renew their membership in October to be eligible to have their next years base dues paid by the base.
Paul Miller also awarded 5-year membership longevity pins to John McKee and Ed Henry, a 10-year membership longevity pin to Carl Miner, and 25-year membership longevity pins to Jim Denzien and Vic VanHorn.

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Perch Base Commander David Heighway then conducted the Holland Club Induction Ceremony. The Holland Club is a special group of members of the United States Submarine Veterans who have been designated "Qualified in Submarines" by the United States Navy for 50 or more years. They dared to do what others feared and went where others dared not. They hold pride in whom and what they were and are today. Pride in whom and what they represent today, the United States Submarine Veterans, and pride in the Silver or Gold Dolphins on their chests. As the ceremony started, Perch Base Commander David Heighway had all the Holland Club members stand to honor the new inductees. The Holland Club Induction was performed for John McKee.

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Perch Base Commander David Heighway announced our Chief of the Boat (COB) John Kirby as the recipient of the "Sailor of the Year" award. Unfortunately, John had a  last minute" callout at work and was unable to be present at the banquet.

Perch Base Commander David Heighway welcomed our Guest Speaker, Capt. Robert Bogan, Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Center, Phoenix, AZ. We were aware that Capt. Bogan's first at sea assignment was the USS MICHIGAN (SSBN-727) BLUE. While there, he served as the Reactor Controls Assistant, Electrical Assistant, Main Propulsion Assistant and Assistant Weapons Officer. CAPT Bogan’s next assignment was at Commander Submarine Group Seven where he served as a Submarine Watch Officer and then as the Korean Exercises and Plans Officer.
We weren't aware until discussed by Capt. Bogan, how important the Navy reserves are to the support of the active submarine fleet.
In honor of his presentation, Perch Base Commander David Heighway gave Capt. Bogan a Perch Base Challenge Coin and a Certificate of Appreciation.

Perch Base Commander David Heighway then called out the Lost Boats while Base Vice Commander Don Robertson tolled the bell for the January "Tolling of the Boats" ceremony. Then Perch Base Chaplain Governor Joy called out the names of our Perch Base members who passed on to Eternal Patrol during 2025:
Joseph Hawkins 11/14/2017
James Wall 07/14/2023
Bill Tebo 02/17/2025
Frank Elliot 04/30/2025
Bruce (Robie) Robinson 05/04/2025
Governor Joy explained the meaning of each of the items on the Submariner's Eternal Patrol table and the banquet attendees raised a glass to the "Missing Man."

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The 50/50 drawing was held. Our newly inducted Holland Club member, John McKee drew the winning ticket. The winner was our Base Chief of the Boat (COB) Don Robertson. Don donated his $138 share of the winnings to the Perch Base Foundation.

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Throughout the evening, the Silent Auction was open. Thanks to Ed Henry, who organized the Silent Auction and solicited the donations for many of the items in the auction. Also, thanks to Kimber Phillips, Crazee Mama's Gifts, (602) 405-0883, who donated many of the items in the auction.

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Governor Joy gave the benediction to close the dinner.

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