Wal-Mart in New Hampshire to "Support Our Submarine"
Portsmouth NH (September 9, 2008) -- Thanks to a persistent letter-writing campaign, schoolchildren in Dover convinced the Secretary of the Navy in 2003 that it was time, once again, to float the proud name USS NEW HAMPSHIRE. The newest, state of the art Virginia-class submarine USS New Hampshire will be commissioned at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on October 25 and the Community Commissioning Committee has planned celebrations to honor the officers, crew, their families and VIP's, along with fellow New Hampshire residents expected to gather in Portsmouth for the send-off of "our" submarine.
The first Lead Sponsor to answer the call for local support of the Community Commissioning Celebration for the USS New Hampshire and her crew is Wal-Mart throughout New Hampshire. Its 27 stores are jointly contributing $10,000 to the effort.
"Wal-Mart in New Hampshire is proud to 'support our submarine' as a lead sponsor for the USS New Hampshire Community Commissioning Celebration," said Greg Sevinsky, general manager of the Wal-Mart distribution center (DC) in Raymond. "All of Wal-Mart's 27 stores in New Hampshire and our local DC have stepped up to help out with this great opportunity. We believe in giving back to our communities and those who serve them. It is a fitting tribute to our state and the men and women who have proudly served our country to help sponsor this celebration of the Navy submarine that carries the name 'New Hampshire.'"
"Because the New Hampshire's construction schedule set an astounding new construction record by being delivered 14 months ahead of schedule we have had a very short time to raise the funds needed for an appropriate Commissioning Celebration for the USS New Hampshire," said Community Commissioning Committee Finance Chair Mike Daigle. "We thank Wal-Mart of New Hampshire for their generous support as a Lead Sponsor. There is still time for other companies and individuals to follow their example and join Wal-Mart as one of the USS New Hampshire's official hosts."
The Committee estimates that the cost of the community celebration will be approximately $300,000, based on the experience of other cities who have hosted US Navy Commissioning events. Sponsorships are available at many levels, from $25,000 Marquis Sponsors to $3 donations from individuals who receive an Official USS New Hampshire Commissioning Celebration button in return. Visit www.ussnewhampshire.org and click on "Support Our Submarine" or for more information about USS NEW HAMPSHIRE Commissioning Celebration sponsorship opportunities, call Mike Daigle at 603-778-8985 or email mdaigle@datarisk.com
The USS New Hampshire Commissioning Committee operates under the auspices of the Navy League of New Hampshire, Portsmouth NH Council, a 501(c)3 organization. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by IRS regulations. Tax ID#51-0668823
Events
10/19 USS New Hampshire arrived in Portsmouth 11:15 am
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Thru 11/2 Scarecrows of the Port Festival
Downtown merchants present first annual "Scarecrows in the Port" harvest festival, commissioning celebration and welcome to the crew and their families.
10/25/2008 US Navy Commissioning Ceremony, 10 am
10/27/2008 USS New Hampshire departs, 12:20 pm