region one summit
May 15-17, 2026
Raleigh, North Carolina
Landing Party Report: Race to Raleigh
By CAPT William M. Walker, Jr.
From May 15 to May 17, Admiral Linda Smith, Admiral Willy Smith, and I attended the Region One Summit in Raleigh, North Carolina. I arrived around noon on Friday and completed my registration. I began introducing myself to other attendees at the registration table, but it was not long before the “Admirals Smith” arrived. Given that Linda and Willy’s history with STARFLEET extends back to before the internet was invented, and this was my very first STARFLEET event outside the Heimdal, I mostly followed in the Smiths’ wake as they greeted familiar faces.
The evening began with a cocktail party hosted by the hotel in the lobby, followed by the opening ceremonies. The summit was organized by the USS Kitty Hawk, so their CO, Colonel Kelly McDermott, served as our host for the weekend. The Colors were marched in, speeches were given, and dignitaries were recognized.
One noteworthy dignitary in attendance was Fleet Admiral Jeannette Maddox. She was Linda’s first Vice Regional Coordinator and later became Commander of STARFLEET. Many in attendance spoke highly of her and her stewardship of SFI over many years.
During the day on Saturday, several panels were held on various subjects. I attended sessions on Communications, Convention Fundamentals, and STARFLEET Special Operations. Other sessions covered topics such as the Klingon language, comic books, and model building. During breaks, attendees could view a replica of “LaRue’s Beehive” car from the Transformers franchise. I believe it even honked at Willy!
The afternoon concluded with a “Final Mission” ceremony honoring members of STARFLEET Region One who had passed away over the past year. The ceremony was dignified, but especially somber for those of us from the Heimdal, as Glenda Blanks’ name was read among those remembered.
Saturday evening featured the banquet, which was sophisticated yet merry. The food was excellent, and the conversation quite interesting. While dessert was served, regional awards were presented, and I was proud to see that the Heimdal was well represented.
The chapter won awards for both Best Monthly Newsletter and Best Overall Newsletter of the Year. Willy Smith received two science awards: the Quasar Award for Outstanding Chief Science Officer and the Albert Einstein Award for the most submissions to Region One Science. The chapter also received certificates for attending the summit and participating in the newsletter exchange.
Fleet Captain Darrell Millner received the award for Regional Department Chief of the Year, as well as Best Regional Department Newsletter for The Engineering Link. Since Darrell was not present, I went up to collect the first award on his behalf, announcing, “I’m not Darrell!” For his second award, I went up again and announced, “I’m still not Darrell!” I quickly added, “But I am Darrell’s other brother,” to much laughter. (Google the Newhart TV show for an explanation)
Sunday morning featured just one event: the closing ceremonies. Farewells were offered by members of the USS Kitty Hawk and Region One staff, and additional certificates were presented, including one for “Dearest Blood” in memory of Glenda Blanks. The Colors were formally retired, and the summit concluded amid many goodbyes and promises to see one another again next year.
