(Update regarding the 4th of July Roddenberry Scuba Trip at bottom of this page.)

Shatner Solicits Contributions for Walter Reed Vets

In the wake of the recent scandal surrounding Walter Reed Army Medical Center — in which The Washington Post uncovered the systemic neglect of wounded Iraq War soldiers at what was supposed to be the premier veterans hospital in the nation — William Shatner and his wife Elizabeth are determined to help ease the burden of those servicemen and women and their families. They are soliciting donations, not of money, but of specific items for the Soldier Family Assistance Center at the Washington D.C. facility. Here is a letter from Shatner to his fans, as posted on WilliamShatner.com:

Dear friends,

Elizabeth and I were shocked to learn that an alarming number of wounded U.S. soldiers are not necessarily receiving adequate treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, one of the country's most prestigious hospitals for our armed forces. Many of these brave people have been severely injured and their lives forever changed. It's horrible to contemplate that they are not getting the class-A care that they truly need and deserve.

Instead of waiting for and hoping that the government will remedy the situation, we've taken it upon ourselves to do what we can now. The hospital needs several items for their patients — and we sincerely hope that you will join us in giving back to the men and women who have given so much for our country. Some of the things they need include:

Luggage
Electric Razors
Portable DVD Players
iPods
Men's & Women's Summer Clothing (dress shorts & shirts)
Hair Trimmers
Sports Bras
Ankle Socks
Casual Polo-type Shirts

Gift Cards:
Walmart
Target
Macy's
JC Penney
Grocery cards
Gas cards
Pre-paid Visa gift certificates

You can send your items to:

Maurice McDaniel
Soldier Family Assistance Center
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue
Room 3G04
Washington, DC 20307
202-356-1012 x40706

Thank you for all your help and generosity. This is a great way to tell these brave people how grateful and thankful we are for them.

My Best,
William Shatner

Shatner speaks further about this in a video posted on ShatnerVision.com ("A Passionate Plea for Your Assistance!"), and why he and Elizabeth decided to get involved. "Suddenly the shame of America has occupied my mind," he says.

He shot that video in conjunction with his promotion of Fast Cars & Superstars, a racecar reality show which premiered last Thursday on ABC, in which Shatner competes with other celebrities and athletes on the racetrack. He comes into the show in the fourth episode — scheduled for next Thursday, June 14, at 8 p.m. ET/PT — for his initial "Time Trials." If he's not eliminated in that first round, the 76-year-old will move on to the "Accuracy Challenges" in episode 6 on Tuesday, June 19. If he makes that cut, he'll be one of six contenders for the championship in the finale on Sunday, June 24. Keep track of the standings at GilletteYoungGuns.com — click on "TV Show" in the top menu. On Shatner's Celebrity Bio page at that site, you can see an "on-the-set" video of him struggling with the initial challenge of just getting into the car.

Roddenberry Jr. Hosts Independence Day Diving Trip

While we're printing letters from Trek folk, here's one from Eugene W. "Rod" Roddenberry, the son of Star Trek's creator, who runs Roddenberry Productions:

Dear Friends of Roddenberry,

I have been an avid Scuba Diver for almost 15 years. I have found the world beneath the sea to be one of the most exotic and magical places on Earth. For me, diving is a unique experience that quenches my thirst for adventure and discovery. To take a page out of Star Trek, I love exploring the strange new worlds and seeking out new life in our oceans.

For a while now I have been trying to meld the world of Scuba Diving with the world of Star Trek. Finally, these two worlds are about to meet! I am proud to announce the Roddenberry Scuba Club Inaugural Dive Trip. On July 4th, 2007, the dive boat "Peace" will leave Ventura Harbor [approx. 1 hour northwest of Los Angeles] on a one-day scuba diving voyage to the California Channel Islands. The trip includes 3 dives, air-fills and a hot lunch buffet. The boat departs at 7:00 am and returns at approximately 6:00 pm.

I look forward to seeing you underwater!

—ROD

There are 28 spots available on the dive boat. You must be a certified scuba diver to enter the water, however non-divers are also welcome on the trip. Tickets are $99 for divers and $59 for non-divers. Scuba gear is not included, but meals will be served. You are allowed to arrive the night before (Tuesday the 3rd) and sleep on the boat. For complete information visit Roddenberry.com — if you don't see the Dive Club featured on the home page, click on "Store" in the top menu, then under the "Categories" menu on the left, click on "Specialty" and then on "Miscellaneous." The "Roddenberry Dive Club Scuba Trip" will be on that page. You can also call (866) 979-9979. UPDATE 06.12.07: Tim Russ has been confirmed as a guest on the Roddenberry Scuba Trip.

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"Khan," TNG Rank High in "Sci-Fi 25" List
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