Sector Leader for Sector Three

Greetings!

Since we've got lots of activity going on in Louisiana these days, I think it's time we had a Sector Leader for Sector Three. I'd like any folks who are interested in the job to please send me an email and let me know why you think you'd make a great sector leader for the trio of vessels in that group - any any future ones that may be a'building!

I'd like the sector leader to consider it their duty to help plan cooperative events within the sector, and foster a spirit of camaraderie between the vessels in that sector. Activities, fun, that sort of thing.

So let see who's interested in taking on the challenge!

JEFFREY A. WEBB
Commodore, SFI
Commanding Officer, USS Ark Angel (FF-1889)
Vice Regional Coordinator, Third Fleet South
Contact

Summit Friday Night Social - Hospitality Suite

Along with the Social in the ballroom that will have Wii games, xbox 360 game and plenty of room for any other games that any see fit, we will also have a Hospitality Suite sponsored by the USS Rhyanna and staffed by the Region's enlisted members.

The summit staff is asking all Vessels attending Region Three Summit to help cater the Hospitality Suite with food. We will need Deserts, Appetizers, Vegetarian Dishes, Meat trays, and Drinks. If each ship brings one or two items we will have plenty to go around. We appreciate any food donated to the Hospitality suite to help make this an great Summit - maybe you'll walk away with a certificate for Best Dessert or Best Appetizer. Yes, we've gone above and beyond the Chocolate contest to offer folks more of a variety of taste sensations to sample and rate. OK, not in the mood to whip something up and cart it all the way to Waco? Well, how about stopping at the convenience store on the way to the hotel and grabbing a couple of 2-liters of soda, and a package of Oreos? If you bring it, they will eat it. :D

CLINT HILL
Command Master Chief Petty Officer, SFI
Summit planning Committee Vice-Chair

Staff Opening - Regional Financial Officer

We are looking for a new Regional Financial Officer or as I call it the our money person. Here is the current but out of date description.

The Regional Financial Officer (RFO) is responsible for creating and maintaining a record of the financial transactions of the Region and shall submit timely reports to the Regional Coordinator as requested. The RFO is responsible for preparing a bimonthly report on the current fiscal state of the Region for submission to the Regional Newsletter.

The Regional Financial Officer is appointed by the Regional Coordinator and will report to the Deputy Chief of Staff as needed.

The more I get into the financial issues of the region, the more I find what we need to have in slot. So the job will be changing and the lucky person will get to help rewrite the description. I envision the role as a reviewer of summit bids for cost issues, Paypal helper, auditor for any large expenses, tax brain, etc. I am currently using Quicken, but if one can handle the job with another program, I am game. The biggest factor is time; they should be primary to this slot. Normally I don’t have a problem with the two hat rule, but I will be working them full time. Not on the REC yet, but I think that is a real option, once we get the details worked out.

If you are interested, send your resume to myself and to Raymond Ford by July 1. If possible, I would like to meet with the parties at summit for a final chat and get the person working with me after the event.

Shell

Admiral Michelle Fanelli
RC Region Three

Staff Opening - Chief of Communications

We will be looking for a new Chief of Communications. Mark’s real life is getting very busy and he feels the need to step out of the slot. No he is not leaving staff, I will still be abusing him as Special Advisor, which is the jack of all trades for the region. I thank him for all of the hard work he does on Fleet Channels.

From the handbook, the ever popular job description.

The Chief of Communications (CoC) is responsible for the collecting of input from the Chapters in the Region, and the publishing and issuing of the Region Three Newsletter, Fleet Channels. The CoC will generate a calendar of events which includes intership activities, Region Three events, STARFLEET events, and any known conventions. The CoC will select their assistant, the Regional Division Chief for Communications.

The Chief of Communications is appointed by the Regional Coordinator and will report to the Chief of Staff by the end of each month.

We plan to find someone with Mark easing them into the job during the rest of the year. So don’t panic. We are currently using Pagemaker but are open to other publication programs like Quark Express and InDesign.

Sadly, Microsoft Publisher (2003 & 2007) and Microsoft Word (2003 & 2007) are just not strong enough programs to do the kind of newsletter we need. The major goal is a newsletter that is informative and fun. And if you wish to bring your own style to the publication, go for it. One must work with deadlines and well with others.

If you are interested, send your resume to myself and to Raymond Ford by July 1. I would like to have the new person working with Mark after summit.

Shell

Admiral Michelle Fanelli
RC Region Three

VRCS and VRCW — 28 Apr 08

I want to thank all three - Raymond Ford, Robert Graham, and Jeff Webb for wanting to assist the region. Several said it was a difficult decision which I agree with. The region was lucky with whomever would be chosen.

Drum roll ......Jeff Webb has been selected as the new VRC - South. I know he will do a fine job and I look forward to what he will bring to the new role.

Again my thanks to all three of you.

Shell
R3RC

Congratulations to John Johnston, it now official. <G>

He is our new VRC West. I thank him for wanting to get involved and will be putting him to work.

Shell
RCR3

NOTE: This make it official that Robyn becomes the SVRC. Congrats to all.

Region Three Summit 2008 Website — 28 Apr 08

Greetings,

Summit is almost upon us. I know many of you have been itching to register, so... without further ado...

Summit Homepage -- http://www.region3.org/summit/

This site will include information on Summit, the hotel, the scheduled panels, etc. Further content will be added in the coming days. For the time being, the site, after a 5 second delay, will redirect to the Summit Registration page (also reachable directly at http://www.region3.org/summit/reg.shtml).

Also, this year, as with Game Day last fall, when you register, you can pay immediately through PayPal. If you select "Yes" for the PayPal link, the page will pop-up the payment screen at PayPal. No more waiting to be billed. Instant gratification. What more could you ask for? <DON'T ANSWER THAT!!!> For those of you who don't want to do that, you can still pay by check.

Make it so... ye scurvy dogs!

VRC-N Results — 19 Mar 08

All of the chapters have voted and Robyn is reconfirmed as North. I thank all for voting and thank you to Robyn for wanting to continue in the job.

Fleet Channels Deadline — 29 Mar 08

The deadline for the March / April 2008 issue of Fleet Channels is Monday, April the 7th. Contact ADM Mark Vinson for further information.

USS CORSAIR Commissioning — 28 Mar 08

This is your next to final call for boarding for the USS CORSAIR Commissioning April 19th! This is the current list of people RSVP ing and their payment status. I have been told by the USS KIDD that there are 15 ADDITIONAL slots available, so if you think there isn't room…yes there is, but don't wait until the last minute! We are also having a "Party only" option for $10 a person.

We are encouraging people to dress in pirate garb, bring swimsuits (the pool will be open if the weather cooperates), but please bring OLD clothes if you are planning on eating crawfish. It can be quite messy. (and yes, we will teach you how to properly eat 'em cajun style)

For more information, e-mail FCAPT Trisha Tunis.

VRC-N Results — 19 Mar 08

All of the chapters have voted and Robyn is reconfirmed as North. I thank all for voting and thank you to Robyn for wanting to continue in the job.

Poll Removal — 12 Feb 08

Effective 12 Feb 08 at 01:00hrs CST, I have removed the poll from the homepage. Until I have a way to secure it, it is of no use as an accurate gauge for the Region. Within 48 hours, approximately 100 votes were placed for the previous third place choice to boost it into first. I find this extremely suspect, as there were not 100 votes total before that point. I will be looking at the access logs for the website to try to determine what exactly happened. Until that time, the will no longer be polls under the Left Nav. Sorry for this inconvenience.

Lone Star / Gunslinger Anniversary — 12 Feb 08

The USS Lone Star and USS Gunslinger will be celebrating their 12th and 4th anniversaries, respectively, in El Paso, TX. We will be having a dinner on the 15th and some entertainment and events that are being planned now. If you or someone you know would like to do a panel, or demonstration, please let us know so we can get it coordinated.

If your ships crew would like some shore leave, and you don't mind the drive, contact the USS Gunslinger so we can fit in all the details at the Hotel.

Although not a part of SFI, the IKV Doq nej will be celebrating their anniversary with us, and we expecting Klingons coming from Dallas from the IKV Melota and IKV QIn vagh and also the IKV Black Demon out of Lubbock. We are sure to have a good time!

Please let us know with in two weeks, as we are getting the Hotel line up right now, and that the numbers coming may will be a deciding factor in any discount we may get.

Also, for the dinner, we will be putting up the entree choice in a few days, but it will likely be between Steak and Chicken, (type of serving to be determined) with another choice of sides and likely some Klingon dishes, as well!

The cost of the dinner will most likely be no more than $20 per plate for adults, $10 for children. If requested, we can have a kids menu prepared in no time, but you have to give at least a little notice.

We also invite any chapters with-in reasonable driving distance, whether in Region 3 or not; this is an open event, and we welcome all to come and participate!

Website Updates

Over the last few days, I've had the CompOps Code Monkeys working overtime. Now, after working their furry little fingers to the bones and nearly depleting my supply of caffeine-injected bananas, I am proud to announce that all Region Three webpages, except for the Calendar page, have been completed and are linked on the left nav. I will be testing a Calendar solution over the next couple of weeks and hope to have it in place by the end of the year. Feel free to drop me a e-mail with comments, criticisms (keep them constructive... the monkeys are a bit sensitive at the moment), and suggestions.

Game Day Assistance Needed

In addition to Game Masters for Game Day V, we're looking for one more type of specialist - Child Care! LT Mary Webb, our Youth Services Officer, is looking for two to three people who are willing to help out at Game Day by working part of the day helping watch after the little ones. If we can get enough volunteers, we will be able to offer free child care during the event. We have the space, we need the extra hands.

Will all volunteers please contact me? We will be offering half-price admission/dinner for child care volunteers. First come, first served on the volunteer slots.

Game Day V

Join us at the Round Rock Public Library for a day of gaming, food and fun. We'll have many no-experience-neccesary games ready to go, with game masters ready to teach players how the games are played. From cards to miniatures, board games to RPGs, we'll have something interesting for everyone with food and drink provided for by the Region-famous Travelling Ogre. In the evening, join us for the charity dinner and auction, with a delicious Italian banquet served by Rocca's Catering. The USS Ark Angel's Change of Command and Awards Ceremony will take place, and the charity auction will follow. After cleanup, there will be an opportunity for more Lazer Tag for those who wish to participate.

For more information on this event and to register for Game Day V, go to the Game Day homepage and we hope to see you there. Remember, register early and register often.

Staff Updates

With Randi moving into the position of Shuttle Operations Chief, it is my pleasure to announce that Master Chief Clint Hill from the USS Ark Angel has been selected as the new Region Three Senior Enlisted Advisor. Please welcome Command Master Chief Hill to his new position on the Region Three Staff.

OPEN Staff Positions

Due to her taking on the duties as the new CO of the USS Rhyanna, RAdm Heather Ford has stepped down from both of her Region Three staff positions, Regional Financial Officer and Regional Special Projects Officer.

If you are interested in either of the positions, you will need to submit a resume to the Region Three Chief of Staff and the Regional Coordinator and let us know that you are interested.

Resumes NEED to be in no later than 21 October 07 so both of these positions can be staffed ASAP.

Sales Tax Situation in Region Three

Members of Region Three,

Wanted to follow up to the situation that was brought to our / your attention during the CCO Meeting at Summit this year.

As a result of the Enforcement Officer for the Texas State Comptroller's Office visiting us on Summit Saturday, I have gone back and made sure that Region Three is in complete compliance with the Texas Sales Tax laws.

On 09 July 2007 I went to the local State Comptroller's Office and paid the sales tax that had been overlooked / incorrectly underpaid for 2001 thru 2006. Then on 10 August 2007 I went back and paid the sales tax that had been overlooked / incorrectly underpaid paid for 1998 thru 2000. Both payments were made before the 15 August 2007 deadline for the amnesty program the state offered, and I can say for a fact that both checks have cleared the bank.

While I am still waiting to get a confirmation letter from the State Comptroller's Office for the second payment, I do have a letter dated 12 July 2007 acknowledging that the first payment was received and our request for amnesty was granted. Based on this letter, I may not get one for the second payment since they have already granted us approval to us the amnesty program.and thus I have decided it best to let you all know that the Sales Tax situation in Region Three has been completely taken care of.

--
Adm Brad Pense
Commander, Third Fleet
www.region3.org

Region Three Regional Coordinator Election - UPDATE

Region Three Commanding Officers,

On 25 August 2007, the Nomination Phase for the election of our next Regional Coordinator was closed by the STARFLEET IG, COMM Ray Brown. Per his post to this list on 26 August 2007, the next step was to verify all the nomination forms and letters of intent to ensure that everything was in order. With that done, it is my pleasure to announce the Nomination Phase results.

Out of the 22 Chapters in Region Three, 17 returned a nomination form on or before the set deadline. Of those 17 nominations, only one person was nominated, and that person had also submitted a Letter of Intention. In other words, we have a winner and thus their is not a need to hold the Election Phase since a majority of our chapters have already decided who they wish to be the next Region Three Regional Coordinator ... and that is:

Admiral Michelle Fanelli

CONGRATULATIONS to her, may The Powers That Be have mercy on her soul. <g>

Per the process approved at the last CCO Meeting, effective 01 October 2007 as RC-Elect, Michelle will become my Sr VRC.

Since that is a position already held by Michelle, nothing will change (at this time) with regard to that position. What will need to change is who will be the next VRC-South. Due to this, I will be contacting the Southern Chapter COs to begin the selection of the next VRC-South. Just like the STARFLEET process, only nominations from Southern Chapter COs will be accepted.

--
Adm Brad Pense
Commander, Third Fleet
www.region3.org

Space Center Houston

Saturday September the 15th -- Join Region Three’s space junkies for our twelfth visit to Space Center Houston Saturday, September 15, 2007. Discover the latest in NASA’s space exploration with such offerings as Rocket Park, IMAX Theater, Kid’s Space Place, and the tram tour of the Johnson Space Center facilities.

We hope to offer the regional Top Gun Tournament - landing the space shuttle will happen during the day. Bragging rights, certifications, and shuttle mission decals are awarded to the best team, best individual, and the infamous "Swamp Rat". The ever popular, much sought after, Space Goodie Bag is back. We raise a few bucks for region while you get some neat NASA items. We will provide packets for the kids attending.

We will have dinner at the end of the day. Either at a local restaurant or what is becoming the tradition of invading the Rhyanna’s hotel for pizza poolside.

Check out www.spacecenter.org for features, prices and traveling information. www.nasaclearlaketexas.com is for hotels and area information. In past years, folks have stayed at the Best Western and the site does have a booking link to the hotel.

And you can look at www.cityofwebster.com for a free vacation package of the area.

For more information, contact Michelle Fanelli.

Summit Registration Page Closed

Attention on Deck: Effective midnight, 01 Jun 07, the 2007 Regional Summit Registration page is officially closed. Those of you still wishing to attend Summit will need to register at the door on the day of the event. Also, the tentitive schedule for summit is also online. You can view it at http://www.region3.org/summit/files/program_book.pdf (.pdf - 1.22MB).

Summit Registration Page Online

Attention on Deck: The 2007 Region Three Summit registration page is now officially online and open for business. In the upcoming weeks, more content will be posted to the Summit site as it becomes available. Register early, register often at http://www.region3.org/summit.

Fleet Channels Uploaded

Thanks to the Regional Communications department, the new version of Fleet Channels is up for your viewing enjoyment. With this issue, Fleet Channels enters a new era. From this point forward, the regional newsletter will be available for download only. This gives Communications greater freedom to utilize larger photos and color in the publications.

Fleet Channels is available by clicking the link on the Left Nav or pointing your browser to the Fleet Channels homepage.

Pool and Darts Tournament

Saturday July the 21st -- Resumption of Region Three's Annual Pool and Dart's Parrises Squares Tournament in Killeen/Harker Heights TX.

Here is the Schedule:

11 am Lunch: TBA

Pool and Darts Tournament

Location: Killeen - Harker Heights Moose Lodge
125 West Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Harker Heights, TX 76548

URL for Map to the Moose Lodge: Link

12 pm Sign-up / Practice
1 pm Darts Tournament
3 pm Pool Tournament
7 pm Steak Dinner *
8 pm Finals (if needed)

* The 3rd Saturday of each month is the Moose Lodge's Steak dinner night and it is open to everyone attending our Pool and Darts Tournament. The meal includes a steak grilled the way you like it, a baked potato, a salad and a dessert. Cost is $8.00 per dinner.

Those of you interested in taking advantage of this GREAT meal need to e-mail VADM Mark Vinson NO latter than July 1st so the Lodge has an idea on how many of us will be eating that evening.

Recommend Hotel (just a few blocks from the Lodge)

Heights Inn: 410 West Veterans Memorial Blvd
Harker Heights, TX 76548
Phone: (254) 690-8700

Rates: 1 Bed $45 (tax included)
2 Beds $52 (tax included)

Call NOW for your reservations... they will fill up fast.

URL for Map to the Heights Inn: Link

Rules
Following are the rules that will be used for the Region Three Darts and Pool Tournament; these rules are from the published ADO rules.

1. Each Sector will have one four (4) person dart team and one four (4) person pool team.
2. If enough cadets show up ... each Sector can have a dart and pool team also.
3. Each tournament (Darts and Pool) will be played as Single Elimination events

Darts
1. A match will consist of a game of cricket and a game of 501.
2. Dart teams will be two (2) people to throw in the 501 game and two (2) people to throw in the cricket game.
3. A tie breaking game will consist of a team 801 game in which all four team members throw.
4. Example: Sector 1 wins the cricket game; sector 3 wins the 501 game. The two teams will then play a tie breaker game of 801.
5. All darts will be thrown from behind the throw lines in place already.
6. Scoring is as follows: outer ring is Double value, big sections are single value, inner ring is triple value and bulls are outer ring single inner circles double.
7. To close a number you must hit that number with either three (3) different darts or with a double and single or just a triple.
8. Remember ... the SCORE KEEPER in each game is NOT a target!

Pool
1. Pool tournament will be played with a two (2) person team for the 8 ball game and a two (2) person team for the 9 ball game.
2. If a third game is needed, it will be decided on by a flip of the coin.

Final Rule

Come out and ENJOY.

New E-mail Server

Attention on Deck: All previous region3.com e-mail addresses, aliases, and discussion/announcement lists are being migrated to a new server and new domain name. All previous addresses will now end in region3.ORG instead of region3.com. About half of the lists are currently in place. The rest will be coming online over the coming weeks. Thank you for your patience.