Lexington Group Connects Submarine Veterans at Monthly Meetings, Other Events

By Natalie Szrajer
Posted 5/19/22

Submarine veterans in Lexington have a place to connect with fellow U.S. Navy veterans who have served on submarines. 

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Lexington Group Connects Submarine Veterans at Monthly Meetings, Other Events

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Submarine veterans in Lexington have a place to connect with fellow U.S. Navy veterans who have served on submarines. 

The U.S. States Submarine Veterans Palmetto Base chapter meets the third Tuesday of every month at various restaurants around town. Their latest consistent hangout has been Ferrara Pizza & Pasta in The Shoppes at Flight Deck. 

The main benefit for members is associating with fellow veterans, but service is also a big component. Non-veterans may also join as associate members. Many wives of veterans are associate members. 

The three pillars of the group, listed on its website, are remembrance, comradeship and benevolence.

The group often participates in parades and festivals, including last week’s SC Poultry Festival in Batesburg-Leesville, the Lexington County Peach Festival in Gilbert and the Lexington and Columbia veterans parades. 

The group has a yard sale May 21 starting at 8 a.m. at the Masonic Lodge on East Butler Street in downtown Lexington. The yard sale supports the organization’s general fund, which they use to support local nonprofits.

“We also bring cheers and smiles to children in hospitals,” said Bob Molchan, a retired U.S. Navy submarine veteran and primary coordinator for the group.

Molchan spent roughly six years on a submarine traveling around the world. He served during the 1960s and says he had a great experience, thoroughly enjoying his time on a submarine.

Being able to hang out with fellow veterans who served on a submarine has allowed him to enjoy nostalgia while fostering new connections, he said. 

Molchan said the members call each other brothers because that’s what the group feels like — though women are definitely welcome to join if they have served. 

Molchan said they welcome all to hang out and learn.

Being on a submarine can be an isolating experience since the crew  is under water and communication is very limited when it comes to family and friends, Molchan said, mentioning that submariners can receive updates or very short notes, but it’s like a telegraph.

While on the submarine, it’s important for those working on the underwater vessel to remain vigilant, unseen and observant, he added. This group offers those who have worked on a submarine a chance to connect with fellow veterans and to perpetuate the memories of those who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country.

According to the group’s website, nearly 4,000 submariners have sacrificed their lives for American freedom.

At every meeting, the group starts off by remembering those who gave their lives in service to their country.

U.S. States Submarine Veterans Palmetto Base, lexington county military, midlands club

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