Our History
The Lonestar Subvet Round-Up is an event for Submariners, their families, and friends. The event started in 2020 and rotates around the state of Texas. We gather for a long weekend for various social events and conduct a Tolling ceremony. This year we will be holding the event from 10-13 April in Arlington, Texas! Please scroll down for more history of the Lonestar Subvet Round-Up!
2021 - Corsicana, Texas - Year 1
While the rest of the world was hunkering down due to the pandemic a few Texas shipmates were looking for ways to safely gather with shipmates. We decided to hold a camping centered event in Corsicana around Armed Forces Day and march in the local parade. This small event quickly turned into a district wide event, and we had shipmates form all across the state show up. Many camped and many stayed in a local hotel up the road. We had BBQ brought in Friday night and held a cookout Saturday. While the parade was cancelled due to concerns about the pandemic, we still were able to attend a Gold Star Family memorial dedication where Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last WWII living Medal of Honor recipient was speaking. This was one of the highlights of the weekend seeing and hearing from Woody. We also were able to welcome in our newest base, The Heart of Texas Base from Waco TX. Of the approximately 80 people in attendance it was decided to make this an annual event moving around the state of Texas.
2023 - San Antonio, Texas - Year 3
Well we listened and went to a 4 day, 3 night format. The thinking was a few would show up early for a social at the Crocket Bar. Well that few turned into 50 and then the Finback crew who was having a reunion stumbled in on their pub crawl too. Great start to a great weekend. Most stayed at the historic Menger Hotel which was rumored to be haunted. Well, must be, cause Elvis showed up to entertain us Friday. Saturday, we held a Tolling ceremony in front of the Alamo. by some estimates close to 500 were in attendance including many civilians who never heard the stories of what our Submariners have given for their freedoms today.
2022 - Galveston, Texas - Year 2
Year 2 we followed the same format and found a location where our host hotel and campground were right across the street from each other on the beach in Galveston. We moved the ceremony to the weekend close to the Submarine Force Birthday and celebrated it at our banquet. Additionally, we had the privilege of partnering with the USS Cavalla shipmates who were in town for their reunion at a combined ceremony that weekend at Seawolf Park. We held our banquet on the waterfront with sunset views of the sailing ship Elissa at Fisherman’s Wharf. About 100 were in attendance and looking forward to next year’s event. It was suggested that maybe we add a day for early birds to do some site seeing, etc.
2024 - Fredericksburg, Texas - Year 4
Year 4 we celebrated in Fredericksburg, Texas. Birthplace of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz and home of the National Museum of the Pacific War. We started off with a gathering in Luckenbach Tx on Thursday. Then various tours and site seeing in town Friday all ending up at the Fredericksburg Brewing Company for dinner and music by Submariner Randy Mattsen. Saturday was our Tolling ceremony held at the museum with special guest speaker, CAPT (SS) USN Retired and NASA Astronaut Stephen Bowen. Steve also spoke at our banquet that evening and shared with us about his 4 trips to space and time on the International Space Station. We were able to induct 4 shipmates into the Holland Club and a great time was had by all. As said by FLTMC (SS) Frank Lister at the banquet, it is always special when we get in the presence of so many other Submariners. The energy in the room is special!
"No matter where you travel, when you meet someone who's been, there's an instant kind of friendship, "cause we're Brothers of the Phin".