If you are concerned about fair play and have a moment, why not drop an email to some of the members of the U.S. Senate Committee On Armed Services. If you live in the district of one of the Committee members, even better.
I have no cash interest in this, have only spoken with Cal on the phone and have yet to meet the man. Still, I admire what he has done, have enjoyed his device for decades, understand the commitment and sacrifice in trying to build and promote something like this, perhaps before its time. He deserves better in my opinion than what has transpired. A better device may come from this effort as well, that we may be able to use in time.
Something like the following might be used in the emails:
Senator ??? ,
As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I wanted to bring something to your attention. It involves spending of almost $3 Million taxpayer dollars for the development of a "Novel" military swimmer delivery device.**
The device doesn't appear to be "Novel" at all but looks to be virtually identical in concept and function to a device patented 33 years ago! The inventor of that device was consulted on several occasions by project staff but his contribution to the project was neither compensated nor apparently recognized in this project. This adoption of existing technology doesn't appear to warrant the expenditure of almost $3,000,000.00 in these tight times. More about this situation appears at: forums.deeperblue.net/freediving-equipment/72588-flying-underwater-blast-past-4.html
Suitable recognition of Cal Gongwer,the original inventor of this remarkable design (conceived 55 years ago!) is warranted at a minimum in my opinion. Cal invested decades of time, capital and passion in the promotion of this concept in various parts of the world. The idea may have been presented before its time. Today appears to be a different matter. Cash considerations would be appropriate as well considering where the "Novel" concept was first developed and subsequent consultations with project staff.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
(Your name)
** Title: PowerSwim: A Novel Concept for Combat Swimmers
Agreement Number: W911NF-05-9-0002
Awardee: DEKA Research & Development Corp.
There are many other variants that you might use of course.
Links to contact information for the Chairman, Lead Member and other Committee Members appear at:
Committee on Armed Services
Thanks for taking the time to think this over and hopefully, send off a few emails.
