MAY 17, 2013 – BATON ROUGE, LA – The new Star Trek movie Star Trek: Into Darkness is coming to BATON ROGUE on May 17 and STARFLEET, the world’s oldest and largest Star Trek fan organization is celebrating with an appearance by STARFLEET personnel at the AMC MALL OF LOUISIANA 16 in BATON ROUGE. STARFLEET members from the award winning local chapter USS CORSAIR will be on hand at the theater in uniform and costume and will have displays of Star Trek memorabilia and equipment, including their 1:1 scale Star Trek Next Generation Shuttlepod. The event will be fun for the whole family!

WHEN: FRIDAY – SUNDAY, MAY 17-19, 2013

WHERE: AMC MALL OF LOUISIANA 16, 9168 MALL OF LOUISIANA BLVD.

For more information please contact STARFLEET media contacts listed below or
AMC at 877-341-NEWS or AMC MALL OF LOUISIANA 16 at 225-769-5176

About STARFLEET

STARFLEET, The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc. is an organization of over 4,400 Star Trek™ and science fiction enthusiasts that have united the world of fandom in their appreciation of Star Trek™, the greatest human adventure. Founded in 1974, STARFLEET has operated continuously for 35 years, making it the oldest Star Trek™ fan association of its size in the world.  This unique organization has over 225 chapters globally, linking members from one corner of the Earth to the other both in person and through the Internet. STARFLEET is made up of people of all ages and from all walks of life who have come together to make new friends, share an interest in Star Trek™, science fiction and space, and to serve their local communities.

For more information about STARFLEET, please visit  www.sfi.org or call 1-888-SFI-TREK.

The next Star Trek Meetup is Thursday, May 23^rd, at 7 :00 p.m. at the Jones Creek Library.

Be sure to RSVP on the Meetup Website!

http://www.meetup.com/BRStarTrek/

Regional / International Awards
2007 – Shakedown Chapter of the Year – Region 3 & STARFLEET International
2009 – Chapter of the Year – Region 3
2009 – Commanding Officer of the Year – Region 3
2009 – Enlisted Member of the Year – Region 3 & STARFLEET International
2009 – STARFLEET Academy Red Squadron Membership - (“Honor Roll”)
2010 – Cadet of the Year – Region 3
2011 – Mothership of the Year - Region 3 & STARFLEET International

Plus many other Regional Commendations and Awards

STARFLEET Marine Corps Awards
2009 – Star of Valor (Brigade NCO of the Year)

Readiness Certification Program
A Starship, Space Station, or other Vessel would pass inspection before it was put into service.  Two types of awards are the Vessel Readiness Certification Program and the Marine Unit Readiness Program.  The membership of the USS CORSAIR have completed several in both categories.  The USS CORSAIR is one of the few chapters of STARFLEET to be certified in 14 different areas for VRCP!

Vessel Readiness Certification Program (VRCP)
* All Departments - (Chaplain, Command, Communications, Counselors, Diplomatic, Education Recreation, Engineering, Intelligence, Marine Strike Group, Medical, Operations, Science, Security, Tactical)

Marine Unit Readiness Program (MURP)
* Aerospace
* Maritime Operations
* Medical
* Professional Development
* Special Operations (primary MOS)
* Support

Location of Operation: USS Corsair Shuttle Bay, Hammond, LA

Operation Objectives: Repair & repaint shuttlepod Beignet, returning her to a space-worthy state in preparation for a regional event in March, 2012

Summary of Operation Events: Structural repairs were made to the Beignet, including adding braces and re-nailing some panels. Discussions of the day included:
• Ways to improve structural integrity
• The intention to permanently mount the shuttlepod on a trailer in the future
• Possibility of placing casters on the nacelles themselves
• The next shuttle needs to be named Cafe’ au Lait
• How the letters, numbers, & pin-striping were originally created
• The original alignment along the front

Follow Up Actions Necessary:
• Several panels need to be repainted
• New lettering and numbers need to be purchased for application after painting

While there was quite a bit of work involved, great fun was had by all. Saints fans are always an engaged and enthusiastic group, but even more so when their team is winning. While working, one does not get to see much of the game, but it was possible to occasionally watch for a few moments. More importantly, $300 was raised to support GNO DCA’s programs. Along with an all-age parade group, GNO DCA supports a variety of youth programs for 8 – 21 year olds. They provide instruction in music and marching skills while also teaching concepts such as teamwork and self discipline.

Star Trek vs. Star Wars Bowling: The Search for (a) Strike

Saturday, July 28, 2012
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Don Carter’s All Star Lanes
9829 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA

Once again the crew of the USS Corsair and the 327th MSG set out to conquer the bad guys of the the 501st Legion and there unwilling allies the Rebel Alliance.  It is time for the crew and marines to step up and find that elusive pocket and score some STRIKES!!!  Members of other SFI chapters maybe joining us to act as reinforcements.

There will be a cost of $10 per person that is bowling. This will cover 2 games of bowling and shoe rental.  Contact the XO if you have any questions.

*Placement of shields on the lanes and/or use of the Force on the pins and balls have been banned this year.

THIS IS A UNIFORM/COSTUME ENCOURAGED EVENT!!!  Local news media did show up and film the event last year.

Updated from the Region 2/Region 3 Joint Summit.

The USS CORSAIR and its members have already won several awards!  Stay tune for an updated list.

A special congratulations go out to the Command Team.  Our Executive Officer, Brian Landry, was awarded the rank of Captain and our Commanding Officer, Trisha Tunis, who was awarded the rank of Rear Admiral (let the butt jokes begin!!!)

USS CORSAIR has also won Region 3 2011 Mothership of the Year!

We have finalized a design for a chapter patch and Marine Unit patch.  Steps are now being taken to obtain physical copies.  More information will follow on the yahoogruops list.

Enjoy these pictures for now.  Hopefully patches will be here in time for the April or May meeting.

UPDATE – PATCHES WILL BE HERE IN TIME FOR THE APRIL CHAPTER MEETING!!!!

Nothing like this series has ever been tried before in cinema history as we watched Daniel, Rupert and Emma age forcing the movies to confront J.K. Rowlings’s central themes, the transition from childhood to adulthood, the loss of parents and loved ones, and of personal mortality. The movie is impressively staged, the dialogue is done properly and not hurried, there are surprises and now possesses an end that befits the most profitable series in movie history.

After a decade of set-up and a preceding film that wasn’t much more than an overextended tease, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part2” is sending the beloved series out with a bang. The best Harry Potter film and at 130 minutes (2 hours 10 minutes) the shortest film. The good news is that Part 2 of this epic saga delivers its expected quota of spellbinding special effects and magical mayhem as it wraps up all the loose ends of the seven book series.

The danger is apparent as both sides battle between extravagant set pieces and eye-catching special effects. Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermoine Granger (Emma Watson) race to find the Horcruxes that can sap the Dark Lord of his undying strength. This leads them back to Hogwarts, where the climax, of course, pits Harry in direct confrontation against Voldemort and good and evil thrillingly face off and what a final showdown it is.
Harry, Ron and Hermoine have become powerful adult wizards, while the actors are now confident stars; like the children the films have also grown. Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) is as demonic as ever, an eternally iconic villain

There are reappearances from nearly all the greats who’ve walked Hogwart’s halls but only enough time to focus on a few and as a result many important moments do feel rushed. Maggie Smith (Professor Minerva McGonagall), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange) and Michael Gambon (Professor Albus Dumbledore) are as charismatic as ever, Alan Rickman (Professor Severus Snape) is outstanding as the de facto headmaster and Julie Walters (Mrs. Weasley) is a powerhouse of a
woman. Two significant subplots feature prominently. The heroism of Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) and the hidden motivations of Snape, whose performance is stellar, villainy take on a new light, given his past history. Every scene carries a heavy sense of importance, with some tears and terror and everyone has done a skillful job bringing this story to screen and eight films later the end comes to soon; confirmation to the series enduring magic.

Splitting the final Harry Potter book into two films was the right choice and to the advantage of Part 2, leaving Part 2 to deal with the final part of the book series. It enabled part 2 to avoid the teenage activities, stage setting and dramatic development and devote almost all its time to action and confrontation with the plot kicking in with a vengeance and climax worthy of the term. The final chapter is a bittersweet farewell and a fitting finale for the most
devoted Potter fans, but the phenomenal franchise will forever be remembered for its creativity, imagination and enchanting vision. All the loose ends come together and everything remaining unfinished saw its resolution. Like most important goodbyes it has been anticipated and dreaded and the end of an era. So many good films come to a bad end, but not Harry Potter. His journey which is the best possible end for the series that began 10 years ago is epic, thrilling,
heartbreaking and wonderful and is as grand as it should be. These films will be around for a long time.

Rated PG-13 (intense violence, scary images) End of an Era movie I give it an A+; because important moments seemed rush I give it a B+.

Chris Evans role as Captain America standing up for common decency is more endearing than his other roles he has portrayed. Almost half of the film is before Rogers gets his super-soldier powers but it’s the most involving part of the film because it takes advantage of Evans’ performance. These early-days sections are so old fashioned that watching Captain America feels like you are watching 1950’s television. Evans is fluid and instinctive in action, stammering and awkward in repose-an effective and endearing part of a great starring performance and a part of a terrific ensemble.

Watching the movie is like walking back in time with some original twists along the way. It has a pleasant and light-hearted tone. The lighting and production design is fantastic, the period setting and charm works and the costumes, even the perfect shade of red lipstick easily capture the look of WWII and all look just right tone of the retro era. The film combined real history and comic-book mythology that work well together. There’s something appealing about its old-fashioned approach with contemporary visual effects and CGI.

Chris Evans and Hugo Weaving as Johann Schmidt/Red Skull did a great job. Director Joe Johnston handles the inevitable battle scenes between the villainous evil genius Red Skull nemesis and patriotic Captain America in workmanlike fashion with a sense of fun and very entertaining. Johnston does a great job giving “Captain America” an American patriotism splendor and a retro spirit and feel with a lot of love, respect and lavish affection put into this film.

Captain America didn’t have a lot of special weapons but was a very interesting character with his trusty shield serving as a thrown deflective weapon. He makes the most of his fists and feet getting up close and personal with his muscles doing the rest of the work.

As Steve Rogers, Chris Evans is well cast in the leading role bringing charm, dignity and intelligence to all-American hero “Captain America”. Evans is likable in role and justice was done to Captain America character. They did a great job with the CGI when Rogers was young and scrawny; what a contrast! The way they made Evans a wimp is truly incredible. CGI is evolving quickly into something that helps the storytelling without getting in the way; very happy with the story and characters. In a digitally altered creepy but seamless special effect and body double work Evan’s head is placed on a skinny body and that deep, serious voice of his gives that character integrity and heart. Evans brings out the right amount of confidence and modesty to Rogers, from a 90lb. weakling to a well-muscled super-soldier whose heart still goes out to the little guy as he is fighting the enemies of freedom with extraordinary strength and speed.

The story is relatable and filled with emotion. If you’ve ever been bullied or belittled you’ll know exactly how tiny Steve feels when he’s pummeled by stronger arrogant men, gets rejected by the opposite sex, and teased about his size, and you’ll cheer on his determination. After he becomes Captain America he stays humble and remains an introvert, which gives us a real reason to root for him. Chris Evans plays out these emotions excellently, and I left the theater believing in the character, and believing in him. Captain America isn’t all about drama and feelings. Film veteran Tommy Lee Jones steals the spotlight in every scene he’s in and provides standout comic relief and nails the movie’s most amusing lines as the gruff and rough commanding officer Colonel Chester Philips with every cynical one-liner. Chris Evans and director Joe Johnston made Captain America a sleek, retro and inspired action film with a lot of heart for the little guy. You’ll leave the theater feeling uplifted and excited.

The perfect casting of Evans and some of the side characters and a mix of sci-fi-tinged wartime thrills and American Patriotism and Retro-Period of WWII makes this a worthwhile movie to see and our Childhood dreams brought to life on the big screen.

Rated PG-13 (for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action) As a superhero beginnings movie I give it an A+. Run time 2 hours and 5 minutes.