Disabled American Veterans® (DAV) and Monterey Bay Veterans, Inc. (MBV) Will Unveil the Specialized Dive Boat, “Freedom”
D.A.V. National Commander, Dave Riley will make inaugural dives utilizing MBV’s “Lift to Freedom” submersible dive platform
Taken in 2013 as Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2012 Tracy Hinson toured the dive boat with MBV Executive Director John Whitacre as it was being built in Moss Landing. Provided by California Rodeo Inc.
Monterey Bay Veterans will be joined by D.A.V. national and state officers, government and non-government veteran service organizations, and local and state dignitaries in dedicating the customized dive boat, Freedom, a one-of-a-kind vessel specifically designed to provide physically challenged divers safe access to scuba diving.
Several days of ocean dives by D.A.V. National Commander Dave Riley, a U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard veteran and quadruple amputee, and other challenged divers will culminate with the dedication ceremony on September 27, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. PT.
Who: Monterey Bay Veterans, Inc.
Where: A.D.A. dock at the Coast Guard Pier, 100 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, California 93940
What: Demonstrations and dedication of the dive boat, Freedom. A reception and tours of the M.B.V. boats Freedom and Independence will follow the dedication.
When: Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 2:00 PM
Provided by Monterey Bay Veterans Inc.
The vessel Freedom symbolizes the latest program development in Monterey Bay Veterans’ continuing effort to provide access to recreational rehabilitation for Monterey County’s disabled veterans and the general disabled population.
Freedom’s sister ship, Independence, will be available as an observation vessel for dives on the morning of September 27, 2016. Space is limited, so please indicate if you would like to be on the boarding list.
The Freedom Dive Program is a collaborative effort of Monterey Bay Veterans and Degnan’s Divers. For more information, please visit: MBV.org.
WHY is the Rodeo sharing? The California Rodeo Salinas partnered with MBV back in 2011 as part of the Wrangler National Patriot Program (WNPP), created to provide funding and support for America’s wounded and fallen soldiers and their families. Rodeo committees across the nation choose local charities to benefit from fundraising efforts of the WNPP. Over the past 6 years, over $20,000 has been generated for MBV. Outside of Rodeo related donations, Wrangler donated $5,000 directly to MBV for the dive boat project. Learn more at http://www.carodeo.com/events/2016/wrangler-national-patriot-program.