In the darkened room lit only by a pair of candles, a ship’s bell rang out, chiming twice at a time.
Members of the USS Indianapolis Memorial Branch 130 of the Fleet Reserve Association paid their respects to fallen sailors. Harlan Twible, a U.S. Navy veteran and survivor from the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, had died on April 8 at age 95 in Florida.
With the Greenwood-based branch of the association named in memory of ship, it was fitting to pay their respects with the traditional ceremony punctuated by the ringing of two bells, used by the Navy to remember those who had died.
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For veterans of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard that make up the Fleet Reserve Association, the ceremony is a fitting illustration of its core mission, gathering together and continuing to serve.
“It’s all part of the traditions and ceremonial functions of the group,” said Jerry Bennett, a member of Memorial Branch 130.
Similar to organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion, the group does important work supporting other veterans locally while fostering fellowship together. They do service projects, raise money in support of area veterans and help at the annual reunion of USS Indianapolis survivors. But at its core, the focus is about being part of a unit again.
“It’s just been an uplifting thing to touch base with these guys each month,” said Greg Puckett, chapter president. “To hear their stories and be a part of something with these guys has been really special.”
The Fleet Reserve Association is a national organization dedicated to protecting the interests of enlisted veterans of the Sea Services. The group’s national leadership closely monitors government activity relating to veteran pay and benefits.
“The whole idea of the organization is to keep an eye of Congress to see that they’re doing what we think they ought to be doing,” said Robert A. Melson, past regional president of North Central region of the Fleet Reserve Association. “National staff looks at what’s going on in Congress every day.”
At a local level, members support those missions, while also engaging their communities. Participants gather monthly for a formal meeting at the VFW Post 5864 in Greenwood. Befitting of a group of military veterans, the monthly meetings are built on formality and decorum.
Members say the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of each session, and recite the preamble of the Fleet Reserve Association constitution outlining their duties and responsibilities. Officers are elected each year and take part in a swearing-in ceremony.
“We have set procedures, bylaws and rituals and standing rules to govern all of that. If you’re in the military, it’s done this way, or else, and that’s what it’s all about,” Melson said. “That’s why a lot of people join.”
The organization raises money for numerous charities. An annual essay contest gives students the chance to express their thoughts about patriotism, with the potential for scholarships.
But even with its adherence to protocol, the organization also leaves room for levity and friendship. A second monthly gathering is a breakfast at Denny’s in Greenwood, where members sit together in the back room to tell stories, talk about upcoming plans and rib each other.
A friendly rivalry exists between the different branches, and members never miss a chance to remind each other why the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard is the best, Bennett said.
One of its more important roles is representing the USS Indianapolis, Puckett said. They are the only chapter representing the ship in the world, and as such, members work hard to honor the men who died on the ship, those who survived but have died since then, and those sailors who are still alive.
The chapter possesses a 10-feet-long scale model of the ship, which they display at veterans’ events around Indiana. Every year, survivors of the USS Indianapolis, their family members and families of those sailors who have died gather for a reunion in Indianapolis.
The Fleet Reserve Association takes part in welcoming attendees, showcasing the model ship.
Special excursions, such as marching in the Fourth of July parade in Chesterton and the annual Veterans Day parade in Indianapolis, allow the association to showcase its work to the community.
“It’s a blast. There are so many people participating in those things, and so many people lining the streets. You see little kids standing there saluting and waving at the guys with the American flags,” Puckett said. “It brings tears to your eyes.”
Members gather regularly at the Atterbury Shooting Complex. Picnics, a Christmas party and an annual fishing trip to Lake Greenwood in Crane provides members and families to relax together outside of meetings.
Like many veterans’ organizations, recruiting new members is a struggle. The branch is always looking for new members, and has worked to become more visible to the community.
“Hopefully, folks will see the good things we’re doing and see the good programs we have here, and be a part of that,” Puckett said.
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Fleet Reserve Association
What is it? An organization of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard enlisted veterans that gather to support other veterans and for camaraderie.
Local chapter: USS Indianapolis Memorial Branch 130, based in Greenwood
When they meet: 6 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at VFW Post 5864, 333 S. Washington St., Greenwood; 9 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Denny’s, 1253 S. Park Dr, Greenwood.
How to get involved: Veterans of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are invited to attend a meeting or breakfast to learn more about it.
Information: www.fra.org or www.fra130indy.org
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