Throughout December 2025, members of the USS Challenger donated toys to children in need through local drives. There are drop-off locations in every city and county in New Jersey. This was part of a wider charitable effort by the STARFLEET Marine Corps to support Toys For Tots.

Challenger CO Admiral Bob Vosseller along with FCAPT Emily Vosseller dropped off their toy donations at Slice House, a pizzeria in Tom’s River. Commander Julia Victor brought her donations to the Ocean County Mall. LTJG Vince Ceraso brought his to a supermarket in Sewell.

Many STARFLEET officers in Region 7 reported participating in their local toy drives each year. If you have unopened toys, please consider a donation to children in need.

The next ship monthly meeting is on January 4th, 2026. Business Meeting 12-1, Fun meeting 1-3. 1000 Bay Blvd., Seaside Heights, NJ.

Over the weekend of stardates 202510.10-202510.12 (10/10-10/12), members of the USS Challenger attended the 2025 STARFLEET Region 7 Conference. This year’s regional summit took place in Fairfield, New Jersey. Hosted by the Starships Abraham Lincoln, Theresa Sylvester and Justice, the theme of this year’s conference was Voyager’s 30th anniversary.

Held over three days at DoubleTree by Hilton in Fairfield, STARFLEET members hosted panels about ST: Voyager, Star Trek fandom, and even a James Webb/Hubble presentation by NASA Solar System Ambassador and former Fleet officer Willy Yee.

On Saturday morning, Challenger CO and R7 Coordinator Admiral Bob Vosseller briefed attendees on official regional business. Several attendees, including LT Stephen Vetrano and LTJG Vince Ceraso from the Challenger, provided updates on some of STARFLEET’s auxiliary services such as Medical, Sciences and the Diplomatic Corps.

The USS Challenger and Region 7 have a very busy year coming up with plenty of Star Trek 60^th anniversary celebrations in the works.

Next Ships monthly meeting on November 2nd, 2025, Sunday Business Meeting 12: noon. Ships Fun meeting at 1: PM. at 1000 Bay Blvd., Seaside Heights, NJ. Come Join Us: Contact us at Cell Phone # 732-575-6904 or email at BillSchmidt1000@aol.com

–LTJG Vince Ceraso

On stardate 202509.28 (September 28, 2025), members of the USS Challenger participated in AristaCare’s 3rd Annual Walk to Remember. This yearly event raises awareness for Alzheimer’s and dementia while honoring members of our community impacted by the illnesses.

The walk was held in Whiting, New Jersey, at World War II Veterans Memorial Park. There, we saw many tributes to local service members and relics of the armed forces like Army jeeps and trucks turned into interactive tourist attractions and even playgrounds for children.

Members of our ship were led by Admiral Bob Vosseller and the event drew a crowd of a few dozen participants and volunteers—along with us for the walk was Mayor Joseph Hankins. Some volunteers offered NJ mental health resources and information on Alzheimer’s and dementia.

As STARFLEET members, we’re always eager to support charitable causes in our community. We look forward to next year’s Walk to Remember. Next Ships monthly meeting on November 2nd, 2025, Sunday Business Meeting 12: noon. Ships Fun meeting at 1: PM. at 1000 Bay Blvd., Seaside Heights, NJ. Come Join Us: Contact us at Cell Phone # 732-575-6904 or email at BillSchmidt1000@aol.com

—By LTJG Vince Ceraso