However, we can’t get lazy, and expect everything to continue along on its own inertia. Quite a few chapters have ended by complacency, and allowing interest to disappear. It’s always good to let others know about Starfleet and Valkyrie, especially all who are Star Trek fans. Everyone knows someone who’s a Trekker, or Trekkie, or both (if that’s possible).

There are more than a few who want to get involved with Star Trek and science fiction, but don’t know how. They haven’t been invited, and would if they were. Valkyrie has the luxury of not really needing more members. Only a minimum of ten are required to stay commissioned, and we have more than twice that. So for us there’s no nasty pressure to recruit and force others to join.

Valkyrie is a correspondence chapter, and not a meeting one. We are scattered all over the country, in different states. We communicate by e-mails, postal mail, telephone calls, Facebook posts, and perhaps even by psychic mind melds. Well, I don’t have any psychic powers, but some of you others probably do.

I want to thank all of you for joining, renewing, and contributing so well. We all have other interests, activities, and obligations. And it’s good when you can devote some spare time. I’m always amazed at just how much talent and capabilities there are among our Valkyrie crew members. I’ve learned new and useful things from each and every one of you.

Our chapter will continue to grow, slowly but surely, in the upcoming seasons and years. I am proud that the Valkyrie crew ranges in ages from 20’s to 60’s. There are an equal number of male and female crew members. The ten officers are six males and four females who have passed both Starfleet exams. Some currently inactive people will return when (and as) they can. New members will be recruited and join.

The Database is an excellent way to sign up, and annual dues are only $10. There are hundreds of interesting classes to take (for free!) at the Academy, and all kinds of fun activities to participate in. Starfleet currently has 4,600 members, organized into 236 chapters, in 18 regions, all over this planet. We cannot safely assume that everyone is from Earth, but we never really need to.

Our Star Trek is for all worlds, and all futures. We’re way more than glad you’re here.