Navy Divers Association
San Diego Lunch Reunions
Future Scheduled Lunch Dates, Times, Location:
- Location: Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co., 2562 Laning Road, San Diego. http://libertystation.oggis.com
- Time: Meet between 11:30 and noon and order around noon
- Day: 2nd Friday of each month
- Dates for 2012: February 10 -- March 9 -- April 13 -- May 11 -- June 8 -- July 13 -- August 10
The January 13, 2012, Lunch was well attended with 31 in attendance. Those attending were Mike Cattolico, Ed Brown, Steve "Doc" Cherry, Bill Stephenson, Louis "TJ" Trujillo, Mert Weltzien, Willie Fewell, Gary Decker, Tom Jenkins, Pete Berdzar, Dick Bird, George "Gunner" Powell, Steve Kennedy, Jim Phalin, Ed Mulhern, Len Starbeck, Tom Matyn, Alan Lerchbacker, Jack Tomsky, Fernando Lugo, Bert Marsh, Paul Castle, Pete Berdzar, Rick Armstrong, and Jerry Pereira.
We were fortunate to have some new attendees so our list keeps growing. The new attendees were Jay Crumbie, Chuck Waddell, Brett and Zeny Pemberton, All Dadd, and Richard Cariovesy (spelling ??). Always happy to see new people and hope they keep coming back.
Jerry Pereira rode his bike from Ventura again and Lugu drove down from Fresno to pick up Capt. Jack. Ed Mulhern drove from Mission Bay to Chula Vista to pick up Capt Pete Berdzar. Just an example of shipmates helping shipmates.
The weather was perfect, about 73 - 75 degrees and bright sun. Nice and warm for an outside function.
We had our meal served buffet style again and , as usual, Oggie's really treat us right. The food is really good, plenty of it and it is not too pricey. So we have found a home. Kudos to Oggi's and their staff.
Ed Mulhern won the 50/50 pot this time (first time). The pot was up to $127.00 so Ed won $65. In accordance with the unwritten tradition, Ed kept $25 and gave back $40 to go in the bank account.
Of course I took pictures so if you don't remember what these guys listed above look like, just go to this link to view the pictures. I didn't get a chance to put the name captions below the pictures, but will in the next week or so.
Also sold T-shirts, ball caps, and challenge coins. Pete Berdzar also sold T-shirts and brought along his 1917 Siebe Gorman Six-Bolt Admiralty Pattern hard hat for show and tell. Len Starbeck just returned from Iraq and had several T-Shirts to also sell. Mike Cattolico had his autobiography available for signing and purchase.
Next lunch is February 10, 2012.
The December 9, 2011, lunch was a freebie paid from the money in the San Diego Divers Lunch account generated from the 50/50 drawings along with the generousity of many of the previous attendees who contribute more to the lunch pot than they need to.
We had another fantastic turn-out with 30 in attendance. Those attending this time were Bill Zbaeren, Mike Cattolico, yours truly, Ed Brown, Tom Salmon, Joe Kingsbury, Joe "Frenchy" DuBois, Steve "Doc" Cherry, Bill Stephenson, Louis "TJ" Trujillo, Mert Weltzien, Rick Wolvin, Willie Fewell, Gary Decker, Sam Sangrey, Bobby Cave, Tom Jenkins, Pete Berdzar, Ed Chomas, Mike Jackson, Mike Rudin (the non-diver one), Donald Rodocker and his lovely wife, Carla, Dick Bird, Dan Jackson, George "Gunner" Powell and Steve Kennedy.
We were fortunate to have some new attendees so our list keeps growing. The new attendees were Ed Kirkeby (I'm pretty certain this was his first time), Randy Miller, and Rob Farber. Always happy to see new people.
We had our meal served buffet style and Rob and Julie at Oggie's really treat us right. The food is really good, plenty of it and it is not too pricey. So we have found a home. Kudos to Oggi's and their staff.
Our long lost Girl Friday, Lauren, found her way back and we are very very pleased to have her waiting on us again.
Yours truly won the 50/50 pot this time (first time). The pot was up to $110.00 so I won $55. I kept $20 and gave back $35 to go back in the bank account.
Of course I took pictures so if you don't remember what these guys listed above look like, just go to this link to view the pictures.
Also sold T-Shirts, Ball Caps, and Challenge coins. Pete Berdzar also sold T-Shirts and had several historical books he brought along for people to skim through as well as his 1917 Siebe Gorman Six-Bolt Admiralty Pattern hard hat.
Next lunch is January 13, 2012.
November 11, 2011 -- Amidst all the Veterans' Day activities ongoing in San Diego, there were still 22 divers who managed to join together at Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co. for lunch and good company. Attendees included Mike Cattolico, Gary Decker, Bill Stephenson, Lonnie English, Keith Thompson, Louis "TJ" Trujillo, Kyle Gaillard, Steve "Doc" Cherry, Bill Zbaeren, Joe "Frenchy" DuBois, Brian Thompson, Jim Phalin, Tom Jenkins, Bobby Cave, Douglas Noyes, Steve Kennedy, Jason Webster, Tony Eddleman, Ed Brown and me.
Kyle Gaillard and Doc Cherry each brought first timers Jack Smith and Dale Russell, respectively. Jack is a retried MDV who enlisted in 1950 and lives in Escondido,
Took a bunch of pictures again and they are available here. We sold ball caps, t-shirts and coins for the NDA and took in $167. You can see the set up in the pictures. Also take a look at the buffett and the fare.
The buffett went very well again and everyone seems pleased with the venue and the price. So, we'll stick with it until we decide differently. Rob & Julie @ Oggi's are doing a great job changing the food items around and the cost at $13 apiece (food, soft drinks & tea, tax & tip) is more than fair.
We ran our usual 50/50 and Jason Webster was the winner of $45. He immediately donated $20 to the pot. So we banked $70 from the 50/50 along with another $64 from generous donations, over and above the cost of lunch, from many of you.
Hope to see a good turnout again next month - the 2nd Friday.
October 14, 2011 -- Sorry there was no write-up or picture for this month's lunch. I was unable to attend and thus no pics or narrative.
Mike Cattolico gave me a list he maintained of the 25 who attended the 10/14 lunch. Those attending included several new divers whom we have not seen before. Hope they continue to attend. Everyone adds to the mix.
Attendees included Tom Matyn, Steve Kennedy, Jack Tomsky, Fernando Lugo, Mike Cattolico, Donald Rodocker, George Powell, Pete Berdzar, Willy Fewell, C. Krikorian, Teri Reese, Joe "Frenchy" DuBois, Bruce Parks, James. P. Funge, Ed Kirkeby, Bill Stephenson, Mert Weltzien, Gary Decker, Bill Zbaeren, Ed Brown, Tom Salmon, Larry K. Brady, Mike Jackson, Mike Rudin and Ben Barker.
Mike ran the usual 50/50 but didn't tell me the name of the winner. We banked $50 from the 50/50 and I deposited the cash today.
September 9, 2011 -- Great turn-out again of about 25 active, retired and inactive divers for the San Diego Divers lunch at Ogee's Pizza & Brewing Co. on Liberty Station.
We were missing a lot of our "regulars" this time, but several others stepped up to the plate to fill in. If we ever get all of these guys together, we are going to have one helluva party. Attending were Joe DuBois, Randy Beason, Mert Weltzien, Bill Stephenson, Willy Fewell, Louis "TJ" Trujillo, Pete Berdzar, Rick Wolvin, Kyle Gaillard, Steve "Doc" Cherry, Ed Mulhern, Kent McQuerter, Jason Webster, Joe Kingsbury, Lonnie English, Dr. Tom Neuman, Bob Bregman, Dennis Wiley, Craig Simon, Anthony Eddleman, Chris Stearns, Jason Shafer, Carl "Mike" Ritnour, Jim Phalin, and me. If I missed any, please let me know.
Nice to see some new faces and there were a bunch we have either never seen or haven't seen in a long time. Thanks all for attending. You all are the reason we are successful.
Capt. Pete Berdzar, HCU-1, again brought his 1917 Siebe Gorman Six-Bolt Admiralty Pattern hard hat all polished and ready for show. Always nice to have some show and tell. Thanks Pete.
Took a bunch of pictures as usual and they are posted which is indicative of the Good attendance
We ran our usual 50/50 and Anthony Eddleman was the big winner raking in $47 and he immediately donated back $20 to the treasury. Anthony is one of active duty brothers and it's really good to see the active duty divers show up. And, especially good to see them win...once in awhle.
Since our bank account has been building up, we decided to have a freebie. The association paid for the food and soda, tea, etc. Beer and liquor, as usual, are still on each individual's tab. We had a great buffet and everyone seemed to enjoy it more than ordering one on one as we had been doing in the past. Ogee's did a great job.
I picked up more Diver's T-Shirts so I had all the sizes and some new gray ones for sale. Pete Berdzar also brought his T-shirts and had them hagning up very professional. Good looking Tees with various imprints.
Another one next month.
August 12, 2011 - Great turn-out again of about 30 divers for the San Diego Divers lunch at Ogee's Pizza & Brewing Co. on Liberty Station.
Many of the "regulars" such as Steve Kennedy, Mike Cattolico, Joe DuBois, Bobby Cave, Mike Rudin, Mike Jackson, Sam Sangrey, Bruce Tuckerman, Dick Bird, Randy Beason, Mert Weltzien, Bill Stephenson, Willy Fewell, Joe Medina, Louis "TJ" Trujillo, J. C. Mayfield, Bill Zbaeren, Alan Lerchbacker, Pete Berdzar, and David Ball attended. Also attending for the 1st or 2nd time were Kyle Gaillard, Alonzo Galloway, Dan Jackson, Jay Bass, Marc Rasmussen, Jerry Pereira, Bob Bregman, Ed Kirkeby, Bruce Parks, Sig, Bobczynski, Mark Gillcrist, and Justin Zabor. If I missed any, please let me know.
Steve Kennedy brought his dad, WWII Vet Lou Kennedy. Good to see a WWII vet attending. Thanks for attending Lou. You're always welcome.
Nice to see some new faces and get some new email addresses so I can add to the distribution and keep 'em coming. Thanks all for attending. You all are the reason we are successful.
Capt. Pete Berdzar, HCU-1, brought his British Mk V all polished and ready for show. Always nice to have some show and tell. Thanks Pete.
Mike Cattolico continues to autograph and sell his new autobiography, "Take a Stand - A Story of Tenacity, Courage, Brotherhood, and Commitment". Mike is selling them for $14.95 a copy.
Took a bunch of pictures this time and they are posted. I didn't get the time to put the captions on, but will do so over the next few days. Heck, you all know who you are anyway. You can view them by clicking here
We ran our usual 50/50 and I do not remember the name of the winner, but he won $50.
Our bank account is building up again so next month's lunch, September 9, 2011, will be a freebie. It will include the food and soda, tea, etc. Beer and liquor are still on your tab.
July 15, 2011 - Great turn-out of about 30 divers for the San Diego Divers lunch at Ogee's Pizza & Brewing Co. on Liberty Station. We decided to go back as we had good feedback from the June lunch. Lauren, our girl Friday, was out of town, but we were very competently waited on by two other Ogee staff members. Everyone was impressed!!
Many of the "regulars" such as Steve Kennedy, Mike Cattolico, Rick Wolvin, Joe DuBois, Bobby Cave, Mike Rudin, Mike Jackson, Sam Sangrey, Donald Rodocker, Bruce Tuckerman, Dick Bird, Ed Mulhern, Randy Beason, Ben Barker, Steve Frailey, Mert Weltzien, Steve "Doc" Cherry, Dr. Tom Neuman, Bill Stephenson, Rick Armstrong, and David Ball attended. Rick Armstrong brought along a few of the Divers he's associated with and I belive they are Eric MacDonald, Glen Carter, Kyle Gaillard and Chuck Sheridan. If I missed any, please let me know.
A blast from the past joined us and it was a treat. Capt. Pete Berdzar, HCU-1, showed up with his British Mk V all polished and ready for show. Good to see you Pete and looking forward to you being a regular.
I missed meeting several of the new and some of the regular guys and also, missed getting their pictures. Some of the pictures are missing names so you can always contact me and let me know what name should replace the question mark. I'll do a better job next month. Some of the guys I missed were those that Rick brought along and some others I noticed on the sign-in sheet - Dave Heaney and Ed Chames. Sorry for the spelling, but had trouble reading the sign-in. I'll straighten it out next month.
Mike Cattolico had his table set up for his book signing for his new autobiography, "Take a Stand - A Story of Tenacity, Courage, Brotherhood, and Commitment". Mike is selling them for $14.95 a copy. Contact Mike for a signed copy soon, as it looks like a good read and should sell quickly.
I also forgot to include Len Starbeck's table where he was selling "Old Navy" T-shirts with some pretty awesome prints on the back. One had a large Mk V and one had the reprint of the full deep sea dress front and back.
Didn't take too many pictures this time, but posted the ones that I did. You can view them by clicking here
We ran our usual 50/50 and Joe "Frenchy" Dubois was the winner of $36. He immediately donated $16 to the pot. So we banked $52 from the 50/50. I also received a $5 donation from someone.
JULY LUNCH DATE CHANGE -- Please note we will NOT be meeting July 8th. The date has changed to the 15th. Same place and time.
June 10, 2011 - Great turn out of 30 divers. We held our lunch at Ogee's Pizza & Brewing Co. on Liberty Station since our last meeting place closed its doors after the lunch last month. Lucky for us, our "Girl Friday Lauren, was hired by Ogee's and she was our server. Ogee's is located just a hundred feet or so from the USS Recruit.
Steve Kennedy, Mike Cattolico, Rick Wolvin, Joe DuBois, Louis "TJ" Trujillo, Wendell Trent, Bill Zbaeren, Willie Fewell, Joe Kingsbury, Tom Jenkins, Bobby Cave, Chuck "Doc" Hardy, Capt. Jack Tomsky, Mike Rudin, Mike Jackson, Sam Sangrey, Joe Medina, J.C. Mayfield, Fernando Lugo, Donald Rodocker, Bruce Tuckerman, Dick Bird, Ed Mulhern, JJ "Bos'n" Duran, Tom Matlin (Riverine Forces), Randy Beason, Ben Barker, Steve Frailey and David Ball, all enjoyed another beautiful June gloom day in San Diego, CA. It was a little cool and kept most of the attendees inside.
Mike Cattolico had a table set up for his first book signing for his new autobiography, "Take a Stand - A Story of Tenacity, Courage, Brotherhood, and Commitment". Mike is selling them for $14.95 a copy. Contact Mike for a signed copy soon, as it looks like a good read and should sell quickly. I'm starting mine tonight.
Well, no pictures were taken last month, but plenty were taken this time. You can view them by clicking here
We ran our usual 50/50 and Dick Bird was a first time winner of $50. He immediately donated $25 to the pot. So we banked $75 from the 50/50.
David Ball had ball caps, t-shirts and coins for sale.
May 21, 2011 -- So, as many of you who attended the May 13th lunch now know, the PL Sports Grill and Bar closed for good last Saturday. Lauren (our Girl Friday and waitress) and the Manager went to work for Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co. on the opposite end of Liberty Station (the old NTC). I went over there yesterday, checked the place out and spoke with the owner and the day manager and got some good vibes. I believe we will enjoy our lunches at Oggi's as much as we did at the PL Grill. I told them we would be in on the 10th of June.
We can sit outside or pull some tables together inside. So, there is plenty of room and the owner and manager will work with us. We can still sell Tees, ball caps, and challenge coins and no problem taking pictures. Also, no problem running our 50/50.
The menu is much more extensive than the menu at the PL Grill and there are plenty of beers on tap and a full bar. The link is above. Click on it and go to their menu and see what you think.
I'd appreciate it if as many as possible attend on June 10th so you can all check the place out and cast your vote as to whether or not we want to make Oggi's our home for a few months.
May 13, 2011 -- There was a lunch at the PL Sports Grill & Pub. Approximately 20 attended. Rick Wolvin sold the new T-shirts he was instrumental in having made up. I did not attend as I attendedthe MDV Reunion in PCB, FL, as a guest of Bobby Moore, MDV, Ret.
April 8, 2011 -- 34 shipmates turned out for our monthly San Diego Divers lunch. This was a free lunch paid out of the previous 50/50 drawings and the money remaining from generous lunch bill over payments by many over the past three or four lunches. Many of the usual attendees showed up again - David Ball, Tom Salmon, Steve Kennedy, Bill Stephenson, Mike Cattolico Rick Wolvin, Joe DuBois, Louis "TJ" Trujillo, Juan Ramos, Steve "Doc" Cherry, Bill Zbaeren, Dick Bird, Joe Medina, Mert Weltzien, Bobby Cave, Bruce Tuckerman, Tom Jenkins, Jim Phalin, Dario Velarde and Rick Bednard.
We also enjoyed the company of veteran divers & first time attendees - Ed Chomas, Ed Mulhern, Dave Heaney and Mark Gillcrist. And, for the first time ever, we were proud to enjoy the attendance of ten (10) active duty 1st and 2nd class divers attached to LOGSU, Navy Amphib Base, Coronado. These gentlemen were Navy Divers First Class (ND1) Jason Webster, Ben Gyger, Ryan Dean, Jon Trusty, Travis Eldridge, and Julio Cerecer. Also Navy Divers Second Class (ND2) Tony Gearheart, Gabe Buttler, Chris Scully and Taylor Nevius.
ND1 Webster is the son-in-law of MDV (Ret) Ray Augustin and ND2 Scully is the son of MDV (Ret) Hugh Scully II.
We had the usual 50/50 drawing and the pot won by Bill Stephenson was $70. Bill donated $50 back to the San Diego Diver lunch fund.
David Ball took pictures and they can all be viewed by clicking here. He also sold NDA Challange Coins and MDV, DMT, Diving Dicksmith, 1/C Diver, and Diving Officer ball caps. The money all goes to the NDA. Coins and ball caps sell for $10 apiece.
March 11, 2011 -- We had another great turnout of 24 shipmates and friends for the monthly San Diego Divers lunch. David Ball, Tom Salmon, Steve Kennedy, Bill Stephenson, Mike Cattolico Rick Wolvin, Joe DuBois, Gary Decker, Louis "TJ" Trujillo, Wendell Trent, Steve "Doc" Cherry, Bill Zbaeren, Willie Fewell, George "Gunner" Powell, Rick Armstrong, Joe Kingsbury, Bobby Cave, Chuck "Doc" Hardy, Jack Tomsky, Andy Tomsky, Mike Rudin, Mike Jackson, Sam Sangrey and Donald Rodocker, al enjoyed another beautiful sunny 72 degree day in San Diego, CA.
Steve Kennedy joined us for his first time. Rick Armstrong won the 50/50 drawing and took home $62. Rick, however, gave back $30 to the kitty. We now have $939 in our account. We will, therefore, have a free lunch next month, April 8, 2011, at the PL Sports Grill & Pub at the usual time.
IMPORTANT: When I went to pay our tab, Lauren, our waitress, told me that a gentleman, who wishes to remain anonymous, paid our entire tab including the drinks. Our tab was over $240.00. I overhead the gentleman talking later and will only say that he's an active duty Navy LT whose name I do not know. I don't know if he will ever read this page, but if he does, we wish to thank you very much sir and would like to return the favor some time. You are an outstanding Military man!!
We all hoisted our glasses to welcome TJ Trujillo and Willie Fewell back from their brief stints in the hospital and to our shipmates, Harry "Bud" Mills, Mike Stott and Rick Twigg, who are no longer with us.
Of course we took the usual pictures and they can all be found by clicking on photos.
Just as some of use were leaving, Jason Webster, active duty Navy Diver stationed at the Amphib Base, introduced himself and said he and several of his shipmates would join us next month. That's what we need in the NDA, young active duty divers to carry on the torch.
Hoo yah deep sea............
February 11, 2011 -- On a beautiful sunny 72 degree no-clouds-in-the-blue-sky day in San Diego, twenty-two (22) Navy Divers enjoyed lunch, beer, cokes, ice tea and good camaraderie. Three were attending for their first time. They are Gary Decker, Jim Cowden and Tom Salmon.
The following additional shipmates attended: Bill Stephenson, Mike Cattolico, Mert Weltzien, Joe "Frenchy" DuBois, Bobby Cave, Steve "Doc" Cherry, Donald Rodocker, Chuck "Doc" Hardy, Joe Medina, Willy Fewell, Alan Lerchbacker, Jim Phalin, David "Doc" Ball, Bruce Tuckerman, Rick Armstrong, Mike Jackson, Mike Rudin (non diver) Sam Sangrey and Dario Velarde.
The usual 50/50 drawing was held and Joe "Frenchy" Dubois again was the winner of the $55 and gave back $20 to the fund. Hoo Yah Frenchy. Got to do something about Frenchy and his son. Between the two of them they have won four of the pots. Of course, they are always generous in giving back some of the earnings.
For those of you who are into pictures, just click pictures.
David Ball and Joe Medina sold Diver Coins and MDV, DMT, Diving Dicksmith, 1/C Diver, and a new item - Diving Officer" ball caps. The money all goes to the NDA.
Reminder that the next lunch is March 11, 2011. Same place and time.
There will be no scheduled May 13, 2011, lunch due to many of the MDV and others attending the MDV reunion in Panama City Beach, FL, on May 14, 2011.
January 14, 2011 -- I was unable to attend today's lunch, as I ws suffering through 75 degree heat on Oahu, Hawaii. That's why this write-up is late and why there are no pictures. Twenty-four (24) Navy Divers enjoyed getting together. I noticed three names on the list attending for their first time. They are Christian Anderson, Mark Struiksma and Tom Estrem.
Also the following shipmates attended: Bill Stephenson, Rick Wolvin, Don Ferguson, Mike Cattolico, Mert Weltzien, Joe "Frenchy" DuBois, J. J. Duran, George "Gunner" Powell, Bobby Cave, Ben Barker, Steve Cherry, Donald Rodocker, Chuck "Doc" Hardy, Bill Zbaeren, Joe Medina, Juan Ramos, Willy Fewell, Alan Lerchbacker, Jim Phalin, Dick Bird, & Wendell Trent.
The usual 50/50 drawing was held and Joe "Frenchy" Dubois was the winner of the $55 and gave back $35 to the fund. Hoo Yah Frenchy.
Joe Medina sold Diver Coins and MDV, DMT, Diving Dicksmith, and 1/C Diver ball caps. The money all goes to the NDA.
Reminder that the next lunch is February 11, 2011. Same place and time.
We will probably forego the May 13, 2011, lunch due to many of the MDV and others attending the MDV reunion in Panama City Beach, FL, on May 14, 2011.
December 10, 2010 -- Another great day of camaraderie and lunch. Thirty (30) local Navy Divers enjoyed getting together. We had four divers join the bunch who had not attended before. They were Paul Castle, Randy Beason, Rick Bedard and J. C. Mayfield.
I took pictures again and they are posted here. I guess I'm really getting bad because it looks like this time I missed Gunner Powell, J. C. Mayfield & Ben Barker. Tough to keep track of these guys.
The following shipmates attended: Bill Stephenson, Rick Wolvin, CAPT Charlie MacVean, Mike Cattolico, Mert Weltzien, Joe "Frenchy" DuBois, J. J. Duran, Randy Beason, Bruce Tuckerman, George "Gunner" Powell, Sam Sangrey, J. C. Mayfield, Bobby Cave, Tom Jenkins, Ben Barker, Joe Kingsbury, Steve Cherry, CDR Jack Tomsky, Fernando Lugo, Mike Jackson, Donald Rodocker, Rick Armstrong, Chuck "Doc" Hardy, Bill Zbaeren, Paul Castle, Mike Rudin, Rick Bedard, Juan Ramos, Pam Ramos & David Ball.
Louis "TJ" Trujillo had to go to the Emergency Room before the lunch with symptoms of a stroke. Juan and Pam Ramos left as soon as they arrived (they came down from Los Angeles) to visit TJ. He was admited late Friday afternoon. I spoke with Vi Trujillo, TJ's wife, today and she said he was diagnosed as having had a mild stroke. I visited him Saturday and he looked good - tired, but good. Vi said he will be at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, CA, for another couple of days. He is in Room 633.
On a lighter note, we had our usual 50/50 drawing and Bill Zbaeren won $75. He gave it all back to the fund. Hoo Yah Bill.
Doc Ball sold Diver Coins and MDV, DMT, Diving Dicksmith, and 1/C Diver ball caps. The money all goes to the NDA.
Reminder that the next lunch is January 14, 2011. Same place and time.
We will probably forego the May 13, 2011, lunch due to many of the MDV and others attending the MDV reunion in Panama City Beach, FL, on May 14, 2011.
FLASH: The December 10, 2010, lunch is on us for those who have attended at least one previous lunch. The money to pay for it comes from the 50/50 drawings we have and the generousity of many of the attendees of previous lunches where they put in more than their lunch, tax and tip. So, we have been banking $40 to $60 extra from past lunches.
November 12, 2010 -- 31 Local Navy Divers enjoyed another very successful lunch for good food, good beverages, and good company. We're still not seeing any of our female counterparts nor any of our active duty brothers and sisters. But, we're still hoping they will decide to join us in the near future.
I took some pictures, but unfortunately it appears I missed Wendell, Doug and Jim Phalin...at least I believe I did. Maybe they're in the piuctures and I missed them.
The following shipmates attended: Bill Stephenson, Rick Wolvin, Dr. Tom Neuman, Mike Cattolico, Mert Weltzien, Joe "Frenchy" DuBois, John DuBois, Alan Lerchbacker, William "Tuck" Tuckerman, George "Gunner" Powell, Louis "TJ" Trujillo, Don Rodocker, Dick Bird, Sam Sangrey, Willy Fewell, Bobby Cave, Tom Jenkins, Ben Barker, Joe Kingsbury, Dario "Dee" Velarde, Jack Tomsky and his grandson Andy Tomsky, Joe Medina, Mike Jackson, Mert Weltzien, Donald Rodocker, Jim Phalin, Chuck Hardy, Bill Zbaeren, Doug Noyes, Mike Rudin, Sean Newsome, Wendell Trent & David Ball.
Bobby Cave presented a "Well Done" plaque to Mike Cattolico for all the work he has put into getting these lunches started and kept going.
We had our usual 50/50 drawing and John DuBois won $73. He gave back $13, plus he donated generously to the food and drink bill.
Doc Ball sold Diver Coins and newly purchased MDV, DMT, Diving Dicksmith, and 1/C Diver ball caps. The money all goes to the NDA.
Reminder that the next lunch is December 10, 2010. AND IT'S FREE TO ALL WHO HAVE ATTENDED AT LEAST ONE BEFORE. You all have a month's notice so you should be able to crank 12/10/10 into your plans.
October 8, 2010 -- Local Navy Divers enjoyed another very successful lunch. Fifteen of the good ol' boys showed up for good food, good beverages, and good company. We're still not seeing any of our female counterparts nor any of our active duty brothers and sisters. But, we're still hoping they will decide to join us in the near future.
The following shipmates attended: Bill Stephenson, Rick Wolvin, Don "Ferg" Ferguson, Mike Cattolico, Mert Weltzien, Joe "Frenchy" DuBois, Alan Lerchbacker, William "Tuck" Tuckerman, George "Gunner" Powell, Louis "TJ" Trujillo, Don Rodocker, Dick Bird, Sam Sangrey, Willy Fewell & David Ball.
Reminder that the next lunch is November 12, 2010. That's the day after Veteran's Day. You all have a month's notice so you should be able to crank 11/12/10 into your plans.
September 24, 2010 -- Another very successful lunch. Sixteen showed up for good food, good beverages, and good company.
The September lunch attendees were: Bill Stephenson, Rick Wolvin, Tom Jenkins, Don Ferguson, Bobby Cave, Mike Cattolico, Mert Weltzien, Joe "Frenchy" DuBois, Alan Lerchbacker, William Tuckerman, George "Gunner" Powell, Louis "TJ" Trujillo, Bill King, Don Rodocker, Ben Barker & David Ball.
The dates when the lunches are held were brought up and Gunner recommended we meet the "same day" every month so people could plan. Several have emailed me that they would like to have made the lunch, but had planned to be out of town. I evidently was not notifying everyone in time for them to make plans. So, the second (2nd) Friday of each month was brought up and we all voted on it. Same place. Same time
August 27, 2010 -- We all got together for lunch again. Twenty-four of us showed up for good food, beer & drinks and good company.
The August lunch attendees were: Bill Stephenson, Rick Wolvin, Dick Bird, Tom Jenkins, Don Ferguson, Bobby Cave, Mike Cattolico, Jack Tomsky, J.J. Duran, Wendell Trent, Michael Jackson, Joe Nestor, Joe Medina, Sam Sangrey, Chuck Hardy, Mert Weltzien, Rick Bedard, Mike Rudin (non-diver), Fernando Lugo, Rick Armstrong, Joe DuBois, Alan Lerchbacker, William Tuckerman & David Ball
July 30, 2010 -- Several local retired, active and inactive Navy Divers and support people have been getting together for lunch to renew old friendships, talk about the "good times" and just have a good lunch together. We are now meeting once a month and the July meeting drew divers from as fas as Los Angeles and Las Vegas, NV.
The July lunch attendees were Don Ferguson, Ricky Wolvin, Bill Stephenson, William Tuckerman, Bob Schelke, Joe Medina, Don Rodocker, Juan Ramos, Louis "TJ" Trujillo, Dick Bird, Mike Jackson, Wendell Trent, Mike Cattolico, Joe Dubois, Chuck Hardy, Bobby Cave, Sam Sangrey, Mike Guerrea, Paul Grdina, Ben Barker, Mert Weltzien, Bruce Bourdon, and yours truly.