CORVINA BASE HISTORY
In 1999 United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) held their National Convention in Reno, NV. As a result of this Convention, Don Brown FTGC(SS) RET, decided that there were enough former submariners in the Reno area to start up a new base (USSVI uses Base rather than Chapter to identify the individual groups).
Until this time, the closest base was Mare Island Base in Vallejo, CA, over 200 miles away. Don contacted Jim Avitt RMI(SS), USN, RET, who lived in Carson City, about contacting these former submariners. An extensive advertising campaign was started and Feb 12, 2000 was set as the first meeting date.
Thirty-two men attended the inaugural meeting. From all walks of life, from all age groups, with only a few knowing anyone else there, the commanality of each having Dolphins made them instant comrades.
The officers initially elected were: Don Brown, Base Commander; Bruce Hedrick, Vice Commander; Leif Larsen, Secretary; and Primo Quarisa, Treasurer. The following men are "plank owners" of CORVINA Base.
