Inspirational USS JFK V2 Rats & Cats, Inc. Story for Readers
Our Mission
Reuniting to serve others, to bring joy, comfort, and relief through positive actions of the membership, to honor our military service and that of our Brothers and Sisters.
Our Story
In the early '90s, Scott made an attempt to track down several shipmates and was lucky to find 3; Scott coordinated a get-together, but little did he know that those 4 men, including himself, Kevin(deceased), Ron, and Barry, would begin the foundation of a well respected non-profit organization. From those 4 men, we have grown to 402 members. We have reunions every 2 years in Virginia Beach at a hotel. Those reunions include: a meet and greet mixer, a golf outing for those who like golf, a fishing trip, a catered sit-down meal, a charity auction, and during the reunion, we have raffles and door prizes, a caricaturist - we try to add something every reunion. Our credo is "Reuniting in the Service of Others." Our mission includes upholding the traditions and legacy of the group and the Rate. We have supported such groups as Wounded Warriors, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Pediatric Neuroblastoma Association, Saint Jude’s Children Research Hospital, and K-9 for Warriors. We've also raised funds for a shipmate mate whose son passed from pediatric neuroblastoma and raised funds for a shipmate who was preparing for a lung transplant. Randomly we issue funds for those going through tough times, including supporting a food bank geared towards children. Our official name is USS JFK V2 Rats & Cats, Inc., and our color is green. Our rate symbol is two crossed anchors with wings.
Most of our members official rating name was Aviation Boatswains mate Launch and recovery equipment man. Rats being arresting gear, Cats being catapults, and V-2 is our division in the Air Department. Our first-ever charitable act was feeding a down and out homeless man who was an admitted alcoholic and drug addict, and those charity acts continued through the years.
We officially became a non-profit in 23 May,2016. We respect and honor our deceased members in a very reverent and solemn ceremony. Reunion preparations begin a year in advance. We have a very dedicated membership. Our ship store will include tee shirts and custom-painted seashells, and engraved objects. The consumption of alcohol at the reunion is considered a personal choice, there is never any pressure to drink, and those in recovery are well respected. During reunion-off years, we try to locate other individuals who were our shipmates. We have and continue to build a bridge between us and the new V-2 Division of the New USS John F Kennedy CVN79(PCU).