By Heide Dziardziel

Exciting manifestations have been taking place at the USS Challenger’s NCC 1676 D located at 1000 Bay Blvd, at Seaside Heights, N.J.

On stardate 202506.01 numerous events are in the planning stages and they are for members’ active participation. To date, we are proud to acknowledge three of the honored members who donated much of their time, wisdom, and inspiration to make our Starship a sustainable success.

Sam Saporite, Lieutenant Jr. Grade

Sam was inspired as a child by the television series Star Trek, and when approached by Bill Schmidt, the recruiter, to join the Challenger, he accepted.

As an ensign member for several years, and through his energetic participation in club projects, he rose to the level of Lieutenant Junior grade, he was assigned as an aide-de-camp to the admiral.

His ingenious plans help revitalize archaic methods used in the Challenger’s ideology.

What he is proposing is

1. Use of the ship’s bell to commence meetings and announce its conclusion.
2. Send care packages to military space force recruits and organizations to assist with personal hygiene and any immediate personnel issues.
3. Introduce and organize a renewed manual of the USS Challenger with current notifications and activities contributed by its members.
4. Obtain a storage bin that contains items used at meetings.
5. Create a Starfleet Oath and motto proposal that will encourage members in good standing to abide by.
6. Create new programs that contribute to the general community’s benefit.
7. Invite guests as speakers on space and astronomical topics.
8. Maintain a memorial of all who received honors, awards, plaques, and photos as their contributions added to the club’s success.

Sam anticipates the club’s expansion when more activities are accepted by the members, implemented and forever challenged in space.

He believes, “To boldly go where no one has gone before, and every success is a process of learning.  Imperfections lead to success, and the ultimate goal is progress.”

We honor Sam Saporite with a certificate naming him Lieutenant JG. for the USS Challenger NCC-1676-D.

Vincent Ceraso, Lieutenant, Jr.

As a young man, Vincent was a very popular writer at Rowan University, where he developed his writing talents in his junior year between 2018 -2019.

His, talent was recognized when he became a member of the USS Adamange Starfleet group for a 10-month term.  Because the location was too remote, he wished to have access to a more accessible one, to the USS Challenger in South Jersey.

Admiral Bob Vosseller, the ship captain, assisted in Vincent’s transfer. As an ensign, he devoted himself to the fleet’s activities through writing, organizing, and interacting within the organizations that held conferences in Long Island, New York, etc.

As an avid writer, his diplomatic efforts were recognized when he was featured on the 5th edition page of the Starfleet Events Horizon, a scientific magazine.

Vincent is very vivacious and passionate about charitable causes.  He visualizes his goals as contributing to the Challenger’s work with the homeless, food programs, and general charity.

Vince is assisting with the development of the challenger’s newsletter.

The USS Challenger NCC-1676-D honors Vincent with a certificate for his ambitious and appreciated effort, granting him the title of Lieutenant Junior Grade.

Bill Schmidt, Lieutenant Jr. Grade

Since his youth, Bill always watched Star Trek. When Admiral Bob Vossler, the ship’s captain for USS Challenger NCC-1676-D, met Bill through his expertise in delivering the (Hindenburg Experience Talks) at meetings, he invited him to join the Challenger Crew. He has been a longtime member, passionate about participating in recruitment for the USS Challenger NCC-1676-D for the past three and a half years.   For more information open Hailing Frequencies at 732-575-6904 or e-mail billschmidt1000@aol.com

Bill believes that promoting open conversations about their members’ skills makes us “Better than we were before” and increases membership.

His competent leadership encourages others to take a more active participation in group activities.  As a scifi – Starfleet club, members enjoy movies, dining, and sharing ideas for future events.

For his intensive energy in promoting good faith, trust, and leadership, he is bestowed an honorary certificate titled Lieutenant Junior Grade for the USS Challenger NCC-1676-DChallengers NCC -1676 – D’s 35

On stardate 202508.03, more than two dozen STARFLEET officers attended a potluck BBQ at the Seaside Heights Community Center 1000 Bay Blvd., Seaside Heights NJ. BBQ was at the USS Challenger ship. Also in attendance were members of the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Avenger and USS New Jersey.

Before eating, there was a discussion on STARFLEET business. Admiral Bob Vosseller, CO of the Challenger, briefed the crew on upcoming chapter events. Rear Admiral Keith Shikowitz, CO of the Abraham Lincoln, briefed everyone on the upcoming 7th Fleet Regional Conference in October, such as location, schedule and to make sure we purchase tickets.

Potluck food included:

• Ham and cheese ( also turkey) sliders

• chicken meatballs

• Baked goods

• Mac and cheese

• Potato salad

• Homemade cookies

• Beef with rice in tomato sauce

• Smoked Vulcan fall of the bone Ribs
  
  …and more.

The crew of the USS Challenger extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who came aboard for good times and great food!

-LT.JG. Vince Ceraso