USSVI Convention in Duluth, MN
Update from Don Messner, 25 Aug 2002

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Since 08-24-02

From: Don & Jan Messner messner@uslink.net
Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2002 1:48 PM
Subject: USSVI Convention, Duluth
 

Diodon Shipmates,
 
I didn't complete my last e-mail. I don't know what happened, but it was sent prematurely, so I'll try again.
 
You heard it here first -the guest speaker for the Saturday night banquet, Sept 21,  is Admiral Konetzni. I believe he is COMLANT. Guess he is COMSUBLANT's boss.
 
As some of you know, I am the coordinator for the Saturday Banquet for the USSVI Convention. Lots of details, but I think I have it under control. Getting a commitment for the guest speaker was the last major item. I am relieved !!!
 
The Duluth USSVI Base (all 30 of us) took on a handful when we went after the convention. I don't think anyone had the foggiest idea as to the amount of preparation involved in pulling off this kind of endeavor, but they sure as heck do now. We have been working on it for over six months now, and 4 weeks to D-Day - nobody has panicked yet. But then we are all submariners, and one would expect nothing less than our best effort. 
 
The Diodon's banquet is Thursday night, Sept 19, so there is no conflict. I plan on attending both - one because I want to, and the other because I'm in charge. Good Lord, I should have been an Army Cook so I could figure out how to feed 700 souls in less than an hour. Maybe we will just extend Happy Hour and get them tipsy so they don't remember whether they ate or not.
 
I think it is the Radisson Hotel where we are head-quartered. I'll be there Thursday thru Sunday, and I'll bring some memorabilia to bore you. I even have a genuine Diodon ashtray as well as a commissioning pennant, and lots of pictures from the 56-57 Westpac cruise.
 
As of July 14th, Remily informed me that 11 Diodon shipmates had registered. It would be nice to double up on that number. If you are wondering on how to get to Duluth drop me a line or look at Diodon's web site. Santos has posted directions. I know we are pretty far north, but you wont be going so far north that you are headed south again.
 
The USSVI Convention has over 500 registered as of about two weeks ago, and we expect that to increase significantly during these last four weeks. In fact I will be in Duluth this Tuesday for a planning session and I'll get an update.
 
Keep a Zero Bubble and Pressure in the Boat.
 
Don Messner