After-Action Report: 2007 JDF Walk

Some, like Avenger's Brenda Bell walked briskly and with great pace. Most of us though, enjoyed the sights, stopped here and there, chatted and caught up on things ranging from the latest episode of Doctor Who to Regional news to just plain conversation.

Highlights included our stop at a candy store on the boardwalk (the fact that we were walking for a Diabetes fundraiser was not lost to us in the irony of that stop) watching a Golden Labrador Retriever decide to take a break even if his walk team didn't want to had us laughing. He just stopped near a pavilion and layed down for awhile and looked up to his owner as if to say…I'm taking a break so don't even think about going forward.''

Avenger XO Todd Brugmans enjoyed walking in his monster maroon and got some notice for it even from the Fun Town Pier carousel operator who gave us the hand gesture of "May the Force Be With You" and then got a crash course on the difference between ST and SW.

Food is always a big part of the after event scenario and the Starlord who were in full force with Cadet Taryn Podesta, her parents Joe and Michelle, family and crew heading out to Tiffany's Restaurant in Toms River invited the rest of the 7th Fleet reps along and we had a great time. Challenger MSG OIC Col. Pat Comune nearly lost his hat to sneaker skating Taryn but that was okay it gave some exercise to our Marine since he slept through the walk this year. (Next year Pat we're getting you up in time!) <G>

We all shared new and old stories and discussed the fun we've all had at recent Ren Faires, and fall festivals.

Michelle and Annie Slonski who took point on the two teams of Fleet members  who were part of the walk will have even more details to post but I just wanted to say it was a great, day, we had a fun and morning and every bit of  donated money helped the cause of getting one step closer to finding a cure.

This is shaping up to a real sector tradition each fall and it was also great to see some friends from our PA Sector as well.

It was great seeing everyone again in Seaside Heights especially on the boardwalk where we usually assemble before a painful dip into icy water during the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Walking was much more fun.

Adm. Bob Vosseller
NJ Sector Chief
CO USS Challenger NCC-1676-D

UPDATE: View the JDF Walk Photo Gallery!