On July 05, 2002, Mr.Joe Varnik, Associate Member, SubVets WWII, L.A. Chapter received Final Sailing Orders. Joe never served on submarines but at the age of 17 serving in the Merchant Marine on the Ruth Alexander in Manila. The ship sailed unexpectedly and Joe missed the ship. He was taken prisoner onJ an 03 1942.

As a POW he met Mr. Al Rupp who had survived the sinking of the USS GRENADIER SS210. They remained friends and Al got Joe interested in SUBVETS. He joined the L.A. Chapter in 1993 as an ASSOCIATE MEMBER. 

Joe had no heirs and his dear ashes will be scattered at sea on Sept 15, 02 from the S.S. Lane Victory. Jim Rogers 2nd V.P. and Ed Armstrong Rec/Sec, both from SUBVETS WWII L.A. Chapter will attend to represent ALL SUBMARINE SAILORS, past and present to honor this man. 

We shall miss him and wish him God Speed. Once again they are together on Final Patrol.

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