In September of 2024 Brian Rieck, (Vice Commander), went to his USS Sam Houston Sub vet's reunion, where he was first introduced to the idea of USSVI by Bill Sauer and others.

      In March he visited with Bill at his home in Virginia Beach and talked about joining a USSVI base near him. However, when he did some digging, he realized the closest bases were 2 or more hours away. His next move was to go on Facebook to all the submarine, and veteran's sites he could find and post a desire to start a base in his region.

      The response was very positive, and he was contacted by the regional commander, (Ron Bennett), who sent him the info to start the base.

      The first meeting was held at the AMVETS post 5 in Bristol Virgina, on February 7th, where 21 plank owners, marine helms, the district commander and Bill Sauer were all in attendance. Officers were chosen and sworn in, and the process of getting the charter was started.