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BMCM Edmund Couto Chapter
Naval Enlisted Reserve Association
Our chapter was organized by the late BMCS Edward Joaquim in
March of 1974. On April of that same year, the chapter was
chartered the Battleship Massachusetts chapter with a total of 26
members at the Naval Reserve Center in Fall River Massachusetts.
On January 1, 1990 the chapters most active life member and Past
National President, BMCM Edmund Couto passed away. Ed was a dear
friend and devoted NERA member who will be forever remembered and
subsequent to his passing, the Battleship Massachusetts chapter
was renamed the Edmund Couto Chapter in his honor.
The chapter enjoyed a steady increase of dedicated members
reaching a total of nearly 400 in the early 80's. As the
downsizing of the military strength commenced in the late 80's,
the chapter size felt a commensurate loss of membership. We
currently have approximately 320 members and continue to recruit
to maintain our strength.
Chapter meetings are held on the first Monday of each month
unless otherwise noted in our monthly newsletter "THE
SCUTTLEBUT". If the first Monday happens to fall on a
holiday, our meeting night is rescheduled to the second Monday.
Our monthly meetings are held at the Woodrow L. Silvia, VFW Post
#5392, 134 Shove Street, Tiverton RI, just over the border of
Fall River Massachusetts. Meeting time is 1930 hours.
The primary purpose of our meetings are to share the information
received from a variety of sources pertaining to Capitol Hill
legislation, retirement benefits, medical plan coverage,
Coalition initiatives and other chapter business. Our membership
is widely spread out geographically, thus communicating with the
chapter is done largely through the newsletter. We participate in
letter writing campaigns, invite local speakers, participate in
parades and conduct annual awards banquets. Those anticipating
retirement and have been a member of the chapter for a minimum of
three years are entitled to receive one of our luxury plaques.
While most of the 99 chapters located throughout the United
States are declining in membership, our chapter continues to
increase with a diligent effort to recruit and retain. Our
dedicated officers and members continue to succeed through our
visionary and creative methods. An example of our forward
progress is the web page currently being offered. Recommendations
for improvement or additional items are solicited.
We hope you will find being a member of the Edmund Couto Chapter
NERA, will provide you with personal pride and satisfaction.
Welcome Aboard!