Membership blog

***Chris Hardham is the USA’s Newest Hall of Fame Inductee***

A big congratulations to Chris Hardham, who has just been inducted into the USA Dive Club Hall of Fame.  To be part of this special group, members must serve on our Board of Directors for at least 84 months (that’s seven years).

Chris became part of our USA Dive Club family in December 2015, thanks to an introduction from Past President Larry Townsend.  Since joining, Chris has been an enthusiastic diver...enjoying trips both locally and abroad...and a friendly face at many of our social events.

He joined the Board in October 2018, stepping up as Newsletter Editor, and then became our President in 2021...a position he proudly still holds.

Curious about our other awesome Hall of Fame members?  Just click the ‘Contact’ button from your computer or device to see the full lineup.  We also have an “In Memoriam” section to remember and honor Hall of Famers who are no longer with us.

Wishing Chris many more wonderful adventures with the Club!

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

We Remember Rita

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, friends and family gathered at the Assumption Catholic Church in Pompano Beach to celebrate the memory of our dear friend and long-time USA Dive Club member, Rita Balogh.  Rita was the beloved wife of Dr. Rick Brohammer, the Club’s most senior member.

After a touching memorial mass, everyone came together in the church’s reception hall.  We shared laughter, stories, and fond memories, surrounded by the warmth of Rita’s friends and family. 

Below are the details we previously shared with Club members.

“Rita Balogh passed away at home on Friday, September 19, 2025.  She is survived by the Club’s most senior member, her loving husband, Dr. Rick Brohammer, and his three children, Rick II, Rory, Renee, and grandchildren.   

Rita joined the USA Dive Club in 1994 and became an enduring, joyful part of our community from the start.  Her enthusiasm for social gatherings, local dives, and overseas adventures was truly contagious.  We will forever cherish Rita’s warmth and the happiness she brought to each of us.

Please click on the link below to view our tribute celebrating the wonderful times we shared with Rita.

Link to Rita's Memorial Album  

Condolences for the family can be sent to Dr. Rick Brohammer, 3200 NE 38th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308-6437.”

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

Remembering Larry LePage

I am saddened to report that USA Hall of Fame member Larry LePage passed away on Sunday evening, September 14, 2025.  He had been living close to his family in Saint Louis.

Larry and his wife, Mary, became part of the USA Dive Club family in 2001 and quickly became treasured members.  Larry loved everything about the Club, jumping right in to contribute.  He served on the Board of Directors and excelled in many roles, including Audio Visual, Newsletter, and Vice President of Programs.  In 2010, he was honored with a Hall of Fame membership and a lifetime spot in the Club.  Larry was always by Mary’s side as she took on responsibilities as Vice President of Social Events, President, and Membership Coordinator.

Over the years, Larry and Mary explored many dive destinations with the Club, both exotic and local, and were famous for their fun costumes at Club events.  Mary passed away in March 2024, and their close friend Linda Ianiello recently wrote:

“We will all remember the many dive trips with both of them, the Super Bowl parties, and the Tuesday pizzas and Friday night dinners.  The good part is that he and his beloved Mary will be reunited.”

In honor of Larry's memory, we have created a photo album that showcases his fond memories.  Please click the link below to look back on all the wonderful times we shared with Larry and Mary.

Remembering Larry LePage

If you would like to send a note of condolence to Larry's family, you may send it to his daughter:  Lori Love,  309 Landor Ct.,  Saint Louis, MO.  63125-1122.

Julie Manhold, Membership Coordinator

Halloween is just around the corner!  While you’re handing out treats to little trick-or-treaters, why not have some fun exploring the mysterious creatures swimming in our oceans?

Want to discover “9 Scary Fish to Haunt Your Dreams”? Click on the link: 9 Scary Fish.

Or are you curious about the “25 Creepiest Deep Sea Creatures You’ve Never Heard Of”? Click on the link to check them out: 25 Creepy Deep Sea Creatures.

No matter how you celebrate, have a safe and very happy Halloween!

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

As you probably know, our General Membership meetings have moved to the Pompano Beach Elks Lodge.  If you haven’t joined us at our new spot yet, we’d love to see you there soon—you’re in for a real treat.

Everyone’s been enjoying the food and drinks before the meeting, and the acoustics make every presentation clear and enjoyable.  We’ve seen more folks showing up in person.

So come on by, take a seat at the bar or join a table, and enjoy a relaxed evening filled with good food, fun times, great company, and educational presentations.

We hope you’ll join us soon. 

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

Bill Moskos discovered the USA Dive Club while browsing Meetup, a social networking platform that connects people with shared interests.

Bill holds an Advanced Open Water certification from PADI, and his diving in Fiji ranks high on his list of memorable dives.  While he’d love to dive anywhere in the Pacific, Indonesia’s Raja Ampat is at the top of his wish list.  When he’s not submerged in the ocean, Bill enjoys running and staying fit.

Joe Suarez heard about the USA Dive Club from his friend and former USA member, Mike Bothwell.  Joe is an Open Water diver with an Instructor’s rating from SSI. 

With over 1,750 dives under his belt, it’s clear he has a passion for diving.  His experience with the great hammerheads in Bimini was unforgettable.  And Palau, a country located in the western Pacific Ocean, is on Joe's bucket list.  Palau is known for its magnificent marine life and exciting drift dives.

When taking a break from diving, you will find Joe with his nose buried in a good book.

Also, a big shoutout to Joe and his wife, Cindi, for joining a group of USA members donating their valuable time at the Elks Food Drive on July 26th.  Community service is such a wonderful way to give back.

Welcome aboard, Bill and Joe.  We look forward to diving into many underwater and topside adventures together.

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

Did you know that the 4th of July, or Independence Day, is not just about picnics and fireworks?  It actually has a fascinating history that many of us don’t fully know.  If you're curious to dive a little deeper into how this special day came to be, just click the link below. 

History of Independence Day

And while you’re celebrating, remember to stay safe with those fireworks. The best way to enjoy them is to head to a local show where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the display. 

Have a fantastic 4th of July!

We’re thrilled to welcome back Marc Cohen to the USA Dive Club.  Some of you may remember that he was introduced to us by the legendary Dr. Ray McAllister, a Hall of Fame member.  Marc has been part of our diving family since 2006, took a short break, and has now rejoined us. 

Marc’s diving journey began in the 1970s, and he holds certifications as an Advanced Open Water Diver and a Surface-Supplied Air Diver.  With over 7,500 dives, he’s truly a diving enthusiast.  

When it comes to dream dives, Marc has some exciting ideas.  He would love to go on a hard-hat dive with dolphins.  He also aspires to explore the Bismarck in a submersible.  The Bismarck was the first of two Bismarck-class battleships built for Nazi Germany’s Kriegsmarine - how amazing would that be?  The Bismarck’s fame stems from its powerful design, its short but spectacular career during World War II, and its eventual sinking by the Royal Navy. 

Outside of diving, Marc has a passion for military history, movies, and, of course, his adorable rabbits.  His love for them shines through every time he’s with them. 

So let’s all give a warm “Welcome Back” to Marc.  We’re excited to have you with us again.

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

 

We're excited to share that Daryl Johnson is back with the USA Dive Club!  He was originally introduced to us by Eunice Hamblen, a Hall of Fame member, and had been with us from 2015 until 2023.  It's wonderful to have him rejoin our diving family. 

Daryl is a certified PADI Divemaster and has an impressive record with over 2,000 dives under his belt.  One of his favorite dive experiences was at the famous Blue Corner in Palau, a dive ranked amongst the best in the world.  He also has his sights set on diving in the stunning Seychelles—an exotic archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean that's just waiting to be explored. 

When he’s not underwater, Daryl loves cycling, boating, and wandering around the world on his travels.  Welcome back, Daryl! 

Join us at our in-person meetings to connect and socialize with fellow dive enthusiasts and be entertained and educated by our guest speakers.  Feel free to bring along a friend or two.  It's a great way to make new memories together.

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

We’re thrilled to welcome back Rob Myers to the USA Dive Club.  Rob, a former member, has been a passionate diver since the early 1970s and holds certifications as an Advanced Open Water/NITROX Diver.  Rob is married to USA Hall of Fame member Patrice Marker.  He is often seen at our social events and lending his voice as a guest speaker during our general meetings.

Rob is not just an experienced diver; he’s also certified by DAN in CPR, Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries, and First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries.  Rob is a marine scientist specializing in coral reef fishes.  He started photographing marine life in 1970 and has written several identification guides, including Micronesian Reef Fishes, Coral Reef Fishes – Indo-Pacific and Caribbean, Coral Reef Guide - Red Sea, and Dangerous Marine Animals.

Rob had a hand in naming two gastropod mollusks after his wife, Patrice - a deepwater cone snail from Brazil (Lamniconus patriceae) and a local subspecies of moon snail (Neverita delessertiana patriceae) known only from Lake Worth lagoon.  More recently, he’s been trying to prioritize the next edition of Micronesian Reef Fishes.

One of his fondest memories is from 1980 when he discovered a new species of butterflyfish…a true highlight of his diving adventures.  His dream dive spot?  Anywhere teeming with beautiful fish.  When he’s not under the waves, Rob loves educating others about natural history, biogeography, and the beautiful small creatures that inhabit our planet. 

Craig and Judith Pugatch found out about the USA Dive Club from President Chris Hardham. They’re a friendly family living in Lighthouse Point, and they have a lovely 14-year-old daughter named Alana.  Alana is already on her way to becoming a diver with her Junior Open Water certification, and she can’t wait to join the Club officially when she turns 18.  Until then, she’s all set to be with Mom and Dad on USA’s fun dives and events as their special guest. 

Craig is an enthusiastic PADI Open Water Instructor with over 500 dives under his belt, while Judith shines with her certifications from PADI, NAUI, and IDA—she’s a Master Diver with 250 dives. 

One of their most unforgettable diving experiences together was with the mesmerizing Kona mantas, and they look forward to more adventures with us.

Let's all give Rob, Craig, Judith, and their special guest Alana a warm "Welcome to the USA Dive Club."  We're so happy to have you with us.

Join us at our in-person meetings to connect and socialize with fellow dive enthusiasts and be entertained and educated by our guest speakers.  Feel free to bring along a friend or two.  It's a great way to make new memories together.

As always, we invite you to browse through our extensive Photo Gallery to take a look at our social and diving activities.

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

Let’s all give a warm welcome back to Brad Baron.  Brad has such a rich history with the USA Dive Club, dating back to the 1990s, and he’s filled with great memories of his diving adventures both locally and abroad.   In the mid 90s, his employer, IBM, transferred Brad and many of his colleagues to Texas.  But Brad was able to rejoin the Club from 2017 to 2019 and has now found his way back again.   It’s always nice to have him here when he travels from Texas to visit family in South Florida. 

He's not just an experienced diver—having become certified by the International Association of NITROX and Technical Divers in 1995 and racking up over 500 dives—but he's also a Divemaster who loves sharing stories about his incredible dive Club trips.  Remember that liveaboard to Belize?   Or the fun dives and hikes in Dominica?  He surely has some amazing tales to tell.

Recently, Brad joined us for a USA social event hosted by Kathi in the Big Cypress Swamp, capturing memories with lots of photos and enjoying the company of fellow USA divers. 

So, if you spot Brad at an event while he’s in the area, be sure to say hi.  Let’s make him feel right at home!

Join us at our in-person meetings to connect and socialize with fellow dive enthusiasts and be entertained and educated by our guest speakers.  Feel free to bring along a friend or two.  It's a great way to make new memories together.

As always, we invite you to browse through our extensive Photo Gallery to take a look at our social and diving activities.

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

Green sea turtles are associated with St. Patrick's Day because of their green fat and because they are marine reptiles.  To read all about these marvelous creatures, click the following link:

All About Green Sea Turtles

Handing out USA Dive Club business cards is such a fantastic idea, especially when meeting other divers during a local dive.  A huge shoutout to Laura, Ryan, and all the local divers for spreading the word while having fun underwater.  What a great way to invite fellow divers into our Club. 

Join us at our in-person meetings to connect and socialize with fellow dive enthusiasts and be entertained and educated by our guest speakers.  Feel free to bring along a friend or two.  It's a great way to make new memories together.

As always, we invite you to browse through our extensive Photo Gallery to take a look at our social and diving activities.

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!