FIRST CLASS TRAVELER – LTJG CODY ROGERS

Stardate August 1, 2008

Greetings all! When it comes to traveling across the country and around the world, I am your traveling mascot. I can’t believe that ever since I became a part of daddy’s life, I never knew that I would do so much traveling in my young life. Now I know what the traveling bear at the National Air & Space Museum went through, well except I haven’t been in space … yet.

I have traveled along the eastern seaboard of US of A and have been overseas to a place called England where I met four wonderful kiddies whom I miss so much. I guess you gain a fan club from all the traveling you do. So far, I had many people wanting to hold me and keep me forever. Although, one little boy from Washington state got his wish when daddy found another me and sent him off to Patrick Garrison. He is the 3-year-old son of Russ Garrison, the CO of the Antares which launched off my daddy’s ship. I know that the two Cody's must meet eventually. Now I must be going back to my fan club, Cody’s Roadies. The price of admission is to simply take a photo of me in a place I have never been to. By the way, unlike the traveling Spock which I heard gets shipped in a shuttle box; I prefer my travel like normal people do.

So far, I have traveled to North Carolina to see our science chief graduate in 2006. I also went to Atlanta to see our former chief medical officer get married which was very sweet! In 2007, my most exciting trips happened that year. I went to NYC to see the sights and the lights. Then a few months later, I traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii for a week and I didn’t want leave after seeing all the pineapples, mountains, and beautiful sunsets. Then later in the year, I went to Tampa where my mommy is from. Tampa was amazing and loved it down since it doesn’t snow. The best part about that trip was that I took along my little brother Jonathan. He is adorable and I have a feeling he may get his own fan club soon.

For 2008, there were not too many trips. I got to learn how to drive a shuttlecraft from the USS Farragut. Then, I did travel up to see Boston, Massachusetts to see my dad’s best friend Laura as she graduates from Harvard Law School which I heard is one of the best schools in the country. Congrats, my friend!

I also went to Ithaca for another International Conference in which my dad became Alex Trebek and met an old friend from Ithaca and her young daughter Sage. I must admit that I missed mommy while she was away in Florida and my brother Jonathan. Before I close my log, Daddy, can we go back to Hawaii next year and invite Jonathan, pwease?!?!

“ONE CRAZY SUMMER OR WHAT IS IC JEOPARDY!”

This is IC 2008 Jeopardy!
Here are the contestants:
A Teacher from Pomona, New York – Keith Shikowitz
A Visiting Lecturer from Ithaca, New York – J.G. Hertzler
and A Real Estate Agent from Upstate New York – Robin Curtis!
And now, here’s the host of IC Jeopardy! Dean Rogers!

Good afternoon all and welcome to another half-hour of answers and questions. I know,I know. Dean, this is the Miramar Times not an audition for Jeopardy! However, Jeopardy played a role in my one crazy summer. It has been the best of times and the worst of times. For this issue, we are going to reflect on the best of times. After all, that’s what life is all about isn’t it? For starters, as you all well know. I am currently a Senior at Bowie State University. The journey has been a great one filled with many opportunities and wonderful times. As time passes, I have begun to wonder about the future. I am not talking about the 24th Century. I am talking about life after college when I get my Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Communications. How does one start their final journey as a college student?

For me, it went a little something like this. The first week of June was the start yours truly being a busy beaver. In my first week, I started my internship at CTV76 on a Tuesday. Within one hour of my arrival, I was called to do a story. I remember it so well. I covered a single dump truck accident in Largo. It would be the first of many stories I covered as a reporter. During that week, I journeyed to Cambridge, MA to see one of our own crew graduates from Harvard Law School. It brought tears to my eye that she and I are in the same class of 2008. We became the best of friends, and we have eBay to thank for that. Late June bought out the Trebekian spirit in me to bring Jeopardy to the International Conference. As you see from the pictures above, it was a grand success. Now I can honestly say, never put a human against a Klingon and a Vulcan in a trivia match ;-)

July brought our fourth year of Top Gun’s existence. During Shore Leave 30, we experienced our rebirth. Plenty of members have returned or joined the Top Gun. I couldn’t be happier. I have high hopes that this is Top Gun’s year to shine. With new spirit, new members and current members, and the same drive that compels us all; Top Gun will set the bar for Region 7 Chapters to come. Alright, we have our mission, let’s get it on!

FLEET CAPTAIN Dean Rogers
Commanding Officer
Friday, August 1, 2008 10:44 AM

FROM THE XO's CONSOLE - CDR DONNA DiMATTEO

On Open Positions:
The following positions are open: Chief Medical Officer and Chief of Communications. Other positions are possible upon request. If you are looking to change your department or your specialty, or advance in your Starfleet career, please contact the CO or XO.

On Department Changes:
We welcome the new department of MWR (Morale/Welfare/Recreation) into our chapter! Several events are now being assisted by this department and it's Top Chef. We also have the new department of MECHA! They are developing new MECHA units for our Marines in the MECHA BAY. We had a few changes in the roster for departments: New Marine OIC of the 786th is Staff Sgt Lacey Burke. New Chief of Special Ops is civilian Thomas Stubbs, Jr. We also welcome PO2C Scott Ritz to sciences.

On Chapter Strength:
During the last few months, we have gained several new members even as some members have requested personal leave. Most are Starfleet (SFI) members, as we continue to maintain the ten or above SFI membership counts to maintain our chapter status. Among our new members are the following: Joe Horton, who transferred from another R7 chapter to ours, holds the rank of Captain and is our MWR Officer; Lacey Burke, who has re-joined our chapter and SFI after a few years of service elsewhere in the fleet and is our new Marine OIC for the 786th MSG-AE Squadron; Thomas Stubbs, who is a civilian specialist, and Mike Arnuad (and his family) who served with me years ago. He will be in the Ops Department. His wife has not decided on a department at this time. Success in retaining expiring members was good this year.

On SFI Academy Coursework:
Both our CO and Chief of Security both completed courses in July - Dean completing 23 courses and Walter completing 1 course. Both received awards for their progress.

On Projects:
Projects completed: new logo.
Projects started: crew t-shirt/polos, challenge coin, recruiting brochures.
Projects on drawing board: new MECH units, chapter patches.
SHIP WIDE PROJECT: Making life-size scale convention fundraising pieces.

End of Report.

OPERATIONS – CDR DONNA DiMATTEO

For those who may be new to the Top Gun, Welcome!
The Operations Department on our ship keeps the Calendar of Events current and coordinates with other departments to create and carry out events and projects. Over the last few months, members of our crew have gone to several conventions: Balticon 42, Starfleet's IC2008, and Shore Leave 30. We also have an event schedule for general info, but if you want to participate and get last minute details, please contact us.

Thank You! to everyone who took time out of their day at Shore Leave to be together as a group for the meeting and for the meal afterwords. Those attending got a chance to meet new faces and to share many ideas, which are now on the table and into our thoughts!

Balticon is a fan-run sci-fi fantasy convention that has twenty-four hour, four-day fandom held typically over Memorial Day weekend. Next year, it would be great if more of us could attend this con. If you volunteer, you can usually find yourself getting free food, free crash space (bring a sleeping bag), and a free membership. An added bonus to this con is the 24/4 day marathon of space they keep open. This con has a totally different feel to it then Shore Leave. If you want to go on an interesting away mission next year, contact me at rua_chandra@msn.com.

Starfleet's IC2008 was a marathon road trip where the CO performed flight maneuvers several times - both arriving and leaving the area. During the trip we realized there are ROUTE signs with color label that mean you are going either north or south. Ask either of us about “Dean and the Perfect House” next time.

Anyway, during the International Conference, which is the face to face business meeting of Starfleet which must be held every year, we got a chance to meet and speak with lots of different crew from all over the world, and many different regions. The Icelanders were very interesting. And, uh, in for a surprise. Next time you see Dean or me, Donna, ask us about “Helen and the Helmet”. We got a chance to meet Martok (JG Hertzler) and he and Robin Curtis decided to spend a little time with us on Saturday in the training center hallway. Klingons rule!

During the closing ceremony, we found out that SFI members will soon be getting perks! More details as we get them as they are not in effect yet. After the ceremony, a group of various ships members including myself went on a hike thru a short gorge.

Going to an IC is a great way to make contacts across the US and Abroad, to say hello or share a meal. Next years IC is in Greensboro, NC and the one in 2010 is in Oklahoma. Traveling to the one in 2010 would be an interesting trip to take on as a group effort - and it's theme is "Wagon Train to the Stars"!

End of Report.

SHORE LEAVE 30 REPORT – CDR LASHANNA BROOKS

Shore Leave 30 was pretty awesome, hot as all heck, but pretty awesome!
A lot of things happened that weekend.... Hmmm.... where should I begin?

I met new friends at the meeting Saturday afternoon. That meeting was really off the hook! We had 5 new members including Jayden - the new Marine OIC and Medic, and Joe Horton - the new Chief Chef and Morale Officer. I must say, if he can make some nice spaghetti, I will bow to him and call him the Iron Chef of U.S.S TOP GUN!

George Takei is the best actor I have ever seen while at Shore Leave! This was my first time seeing him at any Con, and I was deeply moved but still shocked by his panel. The one thing that shocked me the most was when he put on his cowboy hat! He sang and talked about the movie that made him a REAL Captain - “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country”.

I also saw some fantastic Cosplays as well. Cosplays are people wearing uniforms, costumes, and assorted headgear and makeup devices while walking around Cons or Stage Costuming. When at Cons, Anime and Cosplay items are the first things I look for in the dealers rooms. There were some Katana Blades and a light saber I saw for Cosplay use. Since I didn't have the cash, it was mainly window shopping. I was really blown away when I found a nice “Star Trek” jumpsuit, but I couldn't get it! Man! At least I had a chance to see it and some DVDs - the cartoon version of “The Incredible Hulk” and the 3D version of “Captain Scarlet”, a rare must have DVD. Maybe next time.

For an Off the Hook time, make sure to make it to the next Shore Leave!

MEET THE MORALE OFFICER – CAPT JOE HORTON

I would like to introduce myself to the crew of the USS Top Gun. My name is Captain Joe Horton and here are some things I'd like to share with you about me and what I like to do for fun:

• I am a "foodie" – someone that simply loves food and could watch and read about food for hours or days on TV.
• I am a chef and work as a Sous chef for a private women's club in Philadelphia, PA.
• I really enjoy cooking and participating in food-related events.
• I've been a member of Starfleet International for many of years now.
• I have prepared many theme-styled foods for regional and fleet level events.
• My last ship did a King Tut themed event and I made an Egyptian styled dinner for the crew to eat prior to going to the Franklin Institute which was very interesting and fun. This is just an example of an event my old crew organized. Another example of an event we organized was at this past Shore Leave convention where we had a small dinner party for all of the different ships among the region. We had a great time at Outback Steak House.
• I have been associated with the Avenger and participated in many events with them and actually have been an active participant in their picnic for a couple of years now and it's been a blast grilling burgers for these picnics.
• Annually, I have contributed creative food dishes to the USS Challenger's Food Fest in Tom Rivers, NJ and I think it would be great if the USS Top Gun goes as a group.
• I have also been doing a cooking show over the last 4 years and I have done everything from how to grill for a cookout to how to throw a simple tea party. And, I have had Dean as invited speaker to tell my guests about Starfleet International and what it is all about.
• I am a part of Starfleet International's Headquarters as a Fleet Fundraiser and I have also been raising money for Region 7 for a few years now.
• I make some really cool alien heads and candy bars and I hope to make something cool for Top Gun events in the future.
• I have been in Starfleet for over 13 years now and I am really good at party and event planning or at least making things move and getting people involved.
• I am enlisted as the Morale Officer and I want to keep people involved and energized about USS Top Gun and Starfleet International. And, if this requires me to get some energy drink injected with kryptonite then I'll just have to go to Smallville and pick some up. I have told Dean that I am full of energy and will have lots of fun on Top Gun. I would like to plan to do a barbecue in the near future and am planning to make some good food during the cabin trip.

Everyone that met me during Shore Leave will realize that I like to do things, be involved, and that I just want to have fun. And so far, it's been a blast on the USS Top Gun. I do live in Philly but that won't stop me from having fun with the crew and I hope to see you guys as much as possible. I'm looking forward to going to Bowie, MD for the event being planned for this October and I hope the event will be a fun one.

See you guys soon!

HISTORIAN – CDR EUGENE SANFORD

During the month of June, Commander Eugene Sanford has been working on various ideas for two historical records department. One for Top Gun, expanding on various ideas to complete the full history, and the second is for the Region Seven Historical Archives. After the program was resurrected at the 2007 R7 Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, the commander began working on various ideas to found and create a second regional historical records office. The Chief Historian chatted with Commander Donna DiMatteo, who was recently promoted to full Commander at Shore Leave 30. She checked with Commander Sanford on updating new contact information for the crew roster as Fleet Captain Dean Rogers is in the process of making the new list.

The crew of Top Gun has a Facebook Page, each member with their own bio and information, and the Chapter has a "Group" page. An event was posted on this account, pertaining to an upcoming camping trip to be held in New Jersey. Commander Sanford is now in the process of getting this weekend cleared so that he can attend.

This event will mark the 4th camping trip for FCapt Rogers and Commander Sanford. Back in the late 90's, they both attended a camping trip on their former chapter, the USS Alpha Centauri at Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont, Maryland. This camping trip will mark the 3rd anniversary of the Starship Top Gun.

Other department news includes the upgrading of the ship's timeline aboard Top Gun, as well as that of the regional timeline, to which Commander Sanford has already copied and included in his second HR department. He is also running for the position of Region Seven Historian, and has made contact with the newly-appointed Regional Coordinator, Fleet Captain Wayne Auguston. Uniforms from different eras of star trek are discussed. Costuming does fit into the historical aspect of the star trek era. Top Gun is still going strong with over ten members, now entering its third year of service. Next year, FCapt Rogers is stepping down as CO of Top Gun, but is unsure as to when he will step down.

Within Commander Sanford's office, there is a new project in the works. It was an idea that Captain Horton had presented while chatting with the commander. It will be simply titled "The Evolution of USS Top Gun". This is a complete historical retrospect of the award-winning Sovereign Class chapter of the 21st century. It will include the pre-shuttle/Shuttle/Chapter eras. Now that August is here, Commander Sanford will continue to have an online presence, and will also continue to work on piecing together ideas to unveil the newly-minted Region Seven Historical Archives.

For those new members who do not know Commander Eugene Sanford, or what he does, he is the Chief Historian and founder of the department listed above in this report. It is named after three historians from our universe, as well as that of the Star Trek universe. McGivers is the name of a historian who served aboard the original starship Enterprise under Captain Kirk, and Whalen is a historian who served aboard the Enterprise-D.

Thus the name of this department is the Sanford-Whalen-McGivers Department of Historical Records. More details to follow soon.

ASK DOCTOR HMMMM

Hi there Everyone and welcome to the first session of answers to "Ask Dr Hmmmm". As you all know I’m the ship’s emergency back up Holodoc and when I get to work you know full well there is a serious emergency to deal with because no one will turn me on for any reason... well, except the late Lt Cmdr Jadzia Dax.

Ok, let’s get on with the questions:

1. I feel very tired lately and I get light headed. My legs sometimes feel weak as though I may collapse and I keep getting unexplained bruises. It's been going on for a month and the only thing new I've been doing is really dieting and exercising. What could be wrong with me? CRMN G. Shrub

Well, CRMN G. Shrub, I was hoping no one would notice I’ve been working the night shift in the Artificial Gravity Control room. Gravity goes high, gravity goes low, gravity goes high, and gravity goes low, oops sorry - that switch is way too much fun to play with.

2. Hello doc, I was wondering about these spores I picked up from Omega Theta IV, why are they pulsating and should they be doing that? CPL C.C. Ryder

Ah, CPL Ryder, as you know Omega Theta IV is renowned for its deadly pulsating spores that make you forget all you know …………. Ok who am I again and what exactly am I doing here, ah here’s a nice switch - gravity goes high, gravity goes low - oops sorry, I remember now.
CPL Ryder, please dispose of those spores immediately and write on your PADD “I will not collect spores from strange worlds again” 2,000,000 times and no using holodeck representations of yourself to do it for you!

IRON MAN REVIEW – LT ROBERT DiMATTEO

Welcome to Warlock's Review of the Major Motion Picture of the Marvel Comic's character:IRON MAN.

As the head of MECHA development for the TOP GUN, there is just something special about a guy running around in a human-sized MECHA.

What can I say about this film? Kick @$$!

It was by far the best superhero movie of the summer. It could be the best one this year. Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Tony Stark was spot on. The acting and directing were great and the special effects made you believe that Tony really could fly.

I saw the film when it came out and then again a month later. I was still 'giddy as a schoolgirl' during the final scene after the credits finished rolling. If you like superheroes being heroic and blowing the crap out the bad guy, this is the film for you. If you missed it in the theater, don't worry because the release date for the DVD is September 30th.

So until next time, Warlock says, "When its time to party, SUIT UP!"

SECURITY – LCDR WALTER GREEN, III

On the weekend of July 17th-19th, 2008, Members of the USS Top Gun Security aided Shore Leave Convention Personnel by providing security personnel for three days. This year the amount of attendees to the convention seemed as large as even possibly larger then some prior years, yet few if any incidents occurred. Our staff worked under the supervision of John Hain, the Chief of Security for STAT (Star Trek Association of Towson) the organization responsible for holding the convention.If any the crew wishes to be a part of the security staff for next years convention, contact me or John Hain one or two months before the next Shore Leave Convention.

In other business it has been my observation that few if any of our crew have been trained in various areas concerning security operations, and combat techniques. I have therefore decided to device training in the form of various away missions. I shall leave the decision on the types of training you wish receive up to you.We should provide archery lessons for those away missions to more primitive worlds. Laser proficiencies for more advanced civilizations. Hand to hand combat could include Tai Chi, Swords, Bo Staffs, and et cetera. My idea to be able to have said training would be to attend the Maryland Renaissance Festival and to see “Fight School I” and “Fight School II” as well as the jousting, and Hack and Slash. Awards could be given for each of these to denote attendance of each program and a Certificate for attending all of them. We could also get together and have mock sword fights in a football field, or other open field. Wood Swords and shields and football or other pads. As for archery, we could go to places listed in the following web site: Maryland Archery Association: http://www.md-archery.org/md_clubs.htmI recommend the following because it has indoor ranges and can be used year round: Vingt-neuf Bowmen: http://www.md-archery.org/vnb.htm I have to do more research on Laser Tag facilities or whether we could buy our own laser tag equipment. Anyone having information on Laser Tag facilities please contact security at this email address.

Finally paint ball.
Numerous paint ball facilities exist; also we could acquire our own paint ball equipment. One such facility exists near the northern end of Route 3 as you drive from Bowie. It is located just before you reach I-97. We should try to find indoor facilities however, as outdoor possibilities will soon be unavailable. The route 3 facility is outdoors. Anyone with suggestions again please contact security.

SCIENCES – CDR SARAH BOLICK

This is Sarah giving you all the details on Sciences during the summer of 2008.

My goals for the rest of the year as Science Chief are encouraging more activity with the department, researching new science material, encouraging more unity with the ship, and exploring different aspects of science with our crew.

On a good note, I would like to welcome Scott Ritz and Candace Webb to the Science Department. I hope that the new additions will be beneficial for the many weeks to come. Also, the Vice Chief has been traveling the country during the summer, having lots of fun and doing well. On a personal note, my birthday is approaching and I am looking forward to it. P.S. It’s October 1st!

I am currently dealing with a family situation, and have been out of contact in recent days. I apologize for any problems this may have caused. My grandfather had surgery a couple of weeks ago and as of this time, he is still recovering. I ask that you keep him in your thoughts.

After months of wishing, hoping, and searching, I am very close to getting a new job in a Greek/Italian restaurant not too far from where I live. I am going to be a waitress. So, tip your waitress well ;-)

That’s all I have for right now. If you have a science topic that you want to know more about, drop me a line or write a comment!