Chapter Profile - U.S.S. Maat
"We are the Dreamers of the Dream."
The crew didn't sit idle for a second. They began recruiting, trekking to conventions to set up dealer's tables, and began work launching their own newsletter. The very first issue of The Short Circuit claimed an "Honorable Mention" in the Quarterly Publication category in the 1986 Starfleet newsletter contest. Future issues of the chapter publication would claim "Best Quarterly Publication" and "Best Cover."
On October 31, 1987, all the hard work was rewarded by headquarters when the U.S.S. Maat NCC-1794 was launched. Maat was chosen early as the chapter name, as it had special meaning to several members of the initial crew. In Egyptian mythology, Maat is the goddess of universal truth, harmony, and justice - all things the crew thought were symbolic of Gene Roddenberry's vision. The chapter emblem consists of the winged goddess over the Starfleet emblem.
Maat members have not only shown dedication to their chapter, but have used their unique talents in various positions within Starfleet. The chapter's first Executive Officer Marcy Harter, retired, served as the First Fleet's first shuttle chapter coordinator. Former First Officer and Chief Medical Officer Cheryl Willcox, retired, served as the region's Surgeon General until her promotion to director of Starfleet Academy's College of Medicine. Tammy Willcox, former Chief of Special Services, and current Commanding Officer helped create and served as Director of the Regional Relief Fund for the First Fleet and has served as Regional Division Chief of Special Services/Quartermasters for the region and is currently Starfleet's Treasurer. ADM Tom Monaghan served simultaneously as Regional Counselor/Chaplain and Vice Regional Chief of Communications and as Chief of Operations during FADM Mike Smith's first term in office.
The Maat launched it's one and only shuttle chapter, the Tezuka/Wasp, in 1989. That year, we were approached by Thurman Wilson and Bud Shinall from Bristol, VA/TN who were interested in starting up their own Starfleet chapter. Several months later, in September, 1989, the two launched the Tezuka, later renamed the Wasp, and on June 23, 1990, the U.S.S. Wasp was officially commissioned as a full-fledged Starfleet chapter.
The Maat has had numerous ongoing community service projects, many that we continue to this very day. Our very first project was the delivery of food baskets during Thanksgiving for SEVAMP, the Southeast Virginia Model Program, to elderly members of the local community. Since then, we've collected canned goods for the local Foodbank, sponsored families for Christmas, and worked with Green Pastures, a home for abused children, and adopted the science fiction/mystery section at the Virginia Beach Public Library. At this time, our major projects include working for our local PBS station, WHRO, helping the Norfolk branch of the SPCA, collecting stamps for the Starfleet Stampede, recycling aluminum cans, and gathering batches of coupons for the Overseas Coupon Project.
For fun, the crew holds numerous activities in addition to our monthly business meetings. By popular demand of the crew, a monthly social night and a monthly activity night were added. The social night usually centers around watching the current Trek episode and assorted videos. For the activity night the crew treks out to the movies, mini-golf, or anywhere the group might have fun. To cater to our more literary members we established our own fanzine, The Magnolia Files. Our two major annual activities, Casino Night and our Anniversary Party, have become must-attend social events of the year for several other groups in Hampton Roads in addition to our own. The crew often treks out to local museums and Trek conventions. An occasional hand of cards and role-play gaming round out the crew's recreational time.
In the Fall of 1992, the crew pitched in and purchased a "paver stone" for the chapter at the new Virginia Air and Space Museum in Hampton, Virginia. The museum officials say we're immortal. At least now it's official.
Maat Data Banks
Chapter Motto
Chapter Mascot
Chapter Patch
1341 Maplewood Ave,Norfolk, VA 23503
http://members.aol.com/ussmaat/index.html
Email inquiries about the Maat to: U.S.S. MAAT
ADM Thomas J. Monaghan, Jr.
LTSG Erik Roberts