2011 MDV Reunion

 

May 21, 2011 -- Master Diver Reunion Report

 

I returned from the MDV Reunion late Wednesday evening and would like to thank Joe Gray and the Master Divers for inviting me to attend.

 

As usual, Joe put on another great reunion and Ray Straining did his magic with the food. If you were not there, you missed another good one.

 

Ray Straining's wife, Carol, took a couple of pictures when the Master Divers got together for their official shot. This is not the official shot, but it pretty much gets every MDV that was there who wanted to be in the group shot. Take a look at the group picture and see who you can recognize.

 

Ray put on a great feed, as he does every year. Although Master Diver Joe Bates was unable to attend, Ray didn't let anyone down and there were plenty of crawdads, corn, Andalusia sausage, etc. The meat was cooked to perfection and all the condiments were there and were good.

 

Joe Gray will be sending me a disc with several candid shots as well as the Official Master Diver Group shot and I will post that as soon as I receive it.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

All Master Divers are cordially invited to the eighth biannual Master Diver Reunion.

 

Date: 14 May 2011

Time: 1000 until ??

Place: CSS Marina, Panama City Beach, FL

Picture Time: 1330

 

MDV Joe Gray will be sending invitations out to all Master Divers during the month of November or December 2010.

 

MDV Dave Gove passed along the invitation via email. Click on the "invitation" link and it will take you to the invitation.

 

I contacted LaQuinta Inn & Suites, 7115 Coastal Palms Blvd, PCB, FL, 32408 http://www.laquintapcb.com/ and they will offer a rate of $89.00 for anyone that mentions the U.S. Navy Master Divers Reunion that is staying between May 10 -20th 2011.  You will need to make reservations directly with the front desk to receive this discounted rate.  Reservations can be made by calling 850-234-3133.

 

NOTE: As of February 17, 2011, Joe Gray has reserved 20 additional rooms at the Navy Gateway Inn & Suites on base. So, if you called and they said they didn't have any left, CALL AGAIN 850-234-4217 or 4556 and tell them you are attending the MDV Reunion on May 14, 2011.

 

MDV Bruce "Ernie" Earnest's wife Carol just went live with her new website: www.etchedimpressions.us
Her business is glass etching and has done several etchings of the MDV logo and diver. All of her items can be personalized. Carol will be at the MDV Reunion with her etchings and portfolio.