(From left) USS Nomad members Nancy Ehl, Judy Grant, Jen Grant, and Rob Ehl (Sydney Allan)
(From left) USS Nomad members Nancy Ehl, Judy Grant, Jen Grant, and Rob Ehl (Sydney Allan)

New club’s first fundraiser supports companion dogs for veterans

 

Calling all Star Trek fans! USS Nomad, a new chapter of Starfleet, the international Star Trek fan association, has formed in Huntsville and they want you to join.

The USS Nomad is named after the Star Trek ship and has 17 members across Ontario. Five of them are based in Huntsville.

The club, which formed in June, is one of 20 regional clubs around the world.

While the USS Nomad is only a few months old, people have been creating Star Trek-based clubs for more than 40 years.

The club’s goal is not only to have fun and chat all things Star Trek, but also to do charity work and fundraise for causes that are important to them.

“We want to make friends while also giving back to our community and fundraising locally as well,” said president Rob Ehl.

This past weekend the club hosted their first event, in collaboration with the legion, decked out in Star Trek-themed costumes.

The members who are based in Huntsville met at the legion and walked 5km in order to raise money for the third annual Canadian Walk For Veterans.

This year the Walk for Veterans is supporting the purchase of canine companions for veterans and first responders who have PTSD.

“With my background in law enforcement and having family and friends in the military I believe the dogs are often essential for some people’s survival,” said Ehl. “I have witnessed dogs calm people in stressful times and significantly helped their anxiety.”

Due to COVID-19, the new club will be interacting primarily over social media but will meet up when they are able to.

If you’d like more information on becoming a member of USS Nomad, email [email protected]. As a member of the club you’ll be able to participate in courses and classes offered by the Starfleet Fan Association as well as local events. Learn more about Starfleet here.

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One Comment

  1. Bill Beatty says:

    Any relation to Jor Ehl ?
    Good work gang !