This week’s Veteran is Tom Czulewicz, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 – 1995. Czulewicz was a submariner during the Heart of the Cold War. He was originally enlisted for over 15 years, before commissioning as an officer, and reaching the rank of Commander. Tom served on nuclear submarines like the USS Sam Rayburn (SSBN-635), which was a ballistic missile submarine. The sub would take Czulewicz on operations to the Atlantic Missile Range, and on deterrent patrols in the Atlantic to counter the Soviet Navy submarines and ships. The Sam Rayburn launched many cruises out of Rota, Spain. He was on the Sam Rayburn during the launching of a Polaris missile, and said he did not feel anything. He was on a Navy destroyer one time and saw a missile launch from a submarine. Tom served as an Executive and Commanding Officer of the largest nuclear weapons facility in the US Navy in South Carolina, commanding over 250 Navy enlisted and officers, 350 Marine Security Detachment and over 250 Federal Service employees and contractors. As his career was winding down, he presided over the nuclear base’s closure, and was successful in finding employment for over 90% of the employees affected by the closure. Following his service, for years in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, he hosted Christmas parties and collected gifts for Veterans Homes. He served with municipalities and organizations in Colorado, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. In Montgomery, Texas, Tom served with the Planning and Zoning Commission, and Montgomery City Council. He recently passed over the Christmas Holidays, and MCN would like to Honor the Memory of Tom Czulewicz and name him as ‘Veteran of the Week’. May God Bless You Tom, and Happy Sailing.