We were particularly surprised to receive the following message from Kees de Jonge, our chairman, in July 2019;
Dear Kees,
It gives me great pleasure to inform you that the Board of Directors of the HDS USA has voted that Sandy, André, and yourself are the recipients of 2019 HDS USA Nick Icorn Diving Heritage Award, for your establishing HDS Netherlands.
My sincere congratulations on the significant international recognition of your combined efforts.
We are set to make the official announcement in the 100th issue of the Journal.
My sincere congratulations again to Sandy, André and yourself on a well deserved recognition.
Please let me know that you have received this notification so I do not have to resend it.
Best wishes from California.
Your friend, Leslie Leaney
HDS USA Awards Committee Chairman.
The official report appeared (see photo) in the 100th issue of the Journal of Diving History, the issue of HDS USA.
