How we got started:
Chris was a member of the Arizona Army National Guard and now a member of the California Army National Guard and had spent a year in Iraq, returning April 2004, so Chris is well aware of the need for a bit of home when serving so far away. Chris began developing this outreach idea during conversations with J. G. Hertzler (DS9’s General Martok) and with Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry while in Los Angeles on February 25th.
Chris first approached the USO, but they were not interested in the idea at the time, however, the folks at Armed Forces Entertainment are very excited and would be happy to assist once the details are worked out. Rod has stated that he would love to be a part of such an outreach project. Rod would be following in the footsteps of his father, the Great Bird of the Galaxy himself, Gene Roddenberry, who did an Armed Forces Entertainment show in Germany in 1984, and it was a big hit. Rod has 10,000 Trek scripts that he would love to give away to the troops during the tour.
The Trek legacy is rich with those who have distinguished themselves in service to their country. Among them, Gene Roddenberry, who served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II, and James Doohan, who served with the Canadian Forces during World War II and was wounded while coming ashore on D Day? Because of the service that our troops are doing for us (U.S.), it is only fitting that we try to give something back to them.
Chris is working hard finding celebrities and other volunteers who are wishing to join the Journey of entertaining the brave men and women of the Armed Forces. Without the support of fellow fans this project wouldn’t have made it off the drawing board. |
