Where Storm Troopers Come From

This is a really neat look at how Lego Storm Trooper helmets are made.

Clone Wars Novelization News!

This in from the Official Star Wars Blog:

Del Rey & LucasBooks announce Novels Based on Star Wars: The Clone Wars Feature Film and Animated Series
June 25, 2008

This just in from the wire:

NEW YORK, NY – June 25, 2008 – LucasBooks and Del Rey, an imprint of Ballantine Books at the Random House Publishing Group, announced today that Del Rey will publish five novels to tie-in with the upcoming Star Wars: The Clone Wars feature film, premiering on August 15, and the animated TV series that will air in fall of 2008 on Cartoon Network and TNT.

The first novel – Star Wars: The Clone Wars – is written by fan-favorite Star Wars author Karen Traviss, and will go on sale July 26, 2008. Popular science-fiction/fantasy author Karen Miller will write the second novel, to be published in December 2008. Both books will add depth, color and background to the screen stories and characters, making them must-reads for every Star Wars fan.

The story follows the heroic Jedi Knights as they struggle to maintain order and restore peace during the tumultuous Clone Wars. More and more systems are falling prey to the forces of the dark side as the Galactic Republic slips further and further under the sway of the Separatists and their never-ending droid army. Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan learner Ahsoka Tano find themselves on a mission with far-reaching consequences, one that brings them face-to-face with crime lord Jabba the Hutt. But Count Dooku and his sinister agents, including the nefarious Asajj Ventress, will stop at nothing to ensure that Anakin and Ahsoka fail at their quest. Meanwhile, on the front lines of the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda lead the massive clone army in a valiant effort to resist the forces of the dark side.

Del Rey Editor Shelly Shapiro says, “It is a gift to all Star Wars fans to see the franchise continue to grow and develop under the watchful and ever-inventive eye of its creator, George Lucas. The Star Wars galaxy is one of the richest fictional “worlds” ever invented, and it is exciting to be able to explore this new area with novels, as we’ve done with so much success–and so much fun–with the original six movies.”

The Western Michigan Whitecaps Will Restore Balance To The Universe

The Western Michigan Whitecaps Will Restore Balance To The Universe

Welcome to Minor Enterprise. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.

Saturday is Star Wars Night with the Western Michigan Whitecaps, where once again science fiction geek and baseball stat nerd call truce and come together for a night of revelry and excitement ("Hey, give me back my inhaler!"). Never before have so many costumed Star Wars characters descended on a minor league ballpark. Never before have your children witnessed Emperor Palpatine taking a leak in a trough urinal. Never before have so many adults been driven to the game by their parents. Plus, the players will be wearing Star Wars-themed jerseys (shown following the jump), Darth Vader will throw out the first pitch, and the National Anthem will be played on guitar by a Clone Trooper. And it's all for charity!

Many Bothans died to bring us this information.

To get you in the mood, here's an action-packed promotional video by the Whitecaps staff, featuring their mascot, Crash, in deleted scenes from Star Wars: A New Hope. (Even though he's wearing a mascot gopher head and can't change expression, he's still a better actor than Hayden Christiansen). Oh, and the young Anakin Skywalker will be there, bragging about his Midichlorian count and using his powers to get all the foul balls. This has become an annual event with the Whitecaps, with members of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costuming fan group, showing up each year and helping to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation (last year's haul: $3,000). Whitecaps players will be wearing custom Star Wars jerseys for the game, some of which will be auctioned off afterwards for that same charity. Here they be.

Full Article: http://deadspin.com/5019790/the-western-michigan-whitecaps-will-restore-balance-to-the-universe

501stCast: Episode 18: June 26, 2008: Jumpin’ in with Both Feet

Jumpin’ Joe Stevenson joins the 501stCast crew as we report the latest news on R2-KT, Honorary Member Katie Cook, Celebration Japan, and other 501st events around the world. The Rebel Legion also returns to give us a progress report on the RFT costume, and we conclude our exclusive interview with Gerald Home.

Show Notes: Episode XVIII (June 26, 2008)

Hosts: Dean Plantamura (TK-899), Varza (DZ-8772) and Jumpin’ Joe Stevenson (TK-6064)

Post-Production: Dean Plantamura (TK-899) and Lor (TK-7883)

Content Development: Nicky Blum (DZ-8397) and Dean Plantamura (TK-899)

Contributors: Andrew Liptak (TK-3220), Burr Martin (TD-9993), Chris Richards (TK-1073), Adam Scott (RC-6124), Bob Gouveia (BH-1171), Matt Hoffman and Chris Baker

Recent News

• Imperial Public Service Announcement (videos)
• New Honorary Member: Katie Cook (Blogs: MCCC, 501st, R2-KT)
• R2-KT on the big screen (starwars.com gallery)
• R2-KT Commemorative Coin (picture) (how to order)
• Dutch Outpost: The Force Unleashed sneak peek

Honorary Member Interview with Gerald Home (part 2 of 2) (SWORA website)

Mission Reports

• Great Lakes Garrison: Nick Jr. Kid Expo (Cupid Shuffle, Jaster & the 9 Volts)
• Taiwan Formosa Outpost: Call for aid for Sichuan earthquake victims (World Vision Taiwan)
• MidSouth Garrison: Night Stalker Family Fun Day (gallery, video)
• Swiss Garrison: Zurich Comic Convention
• New England Garrison: Hasbro Kids Carnival (gallery)
• Florida Garrison: Star Wars Weekends
• Golden Gate Garrison: Foster a Dream Gala
• Great Lakes Garrison: Drive-In Movie Night

Rebel Legion Segment

Upcoming Events

• Japanese Garrison: Celebration Japan
• Weird Al Yankovic concerts (tour dates)
• Nordic Garrison: Star Wars: The Exhibition
• Midwest Garrison: Wizard World Chicago

Other

• Trooper Websites: TK-8541 - Faithful Servant of the Empire
• Contest/Giveaway - win an exclusive patch!

• Honorary Member Birthday Wishes

  • Steve Sansweet (June 14th)

  • C. Andrew Nelson (June 22nd)

  • David Prowse (July 1st)

  • William Hootkins (July 5th)

  • Bruce Boa (July 10th)

• 501stCast MiniCasts - Detachment Briefing and Stump the Trooper

Standard Podcast: Download

+ 1 TK in VT

Vermont numbers grew by one more person today! Mike Anton, who came along with me for the Kellogg-Hubbard troop and whom I helped build armor with, was just approved. Welcome TK-2084 to the New England Garrison!

Pictures from Kellogg Hubbard Library

Here's a couple of pictures from this weekend's event at Montpelier's Kellogg Hubbard Library:

More to come soon, I hope.

Mission Report: Summer Reading Kickoff at the Kellogg Hubbard Library

On June 21st, two troopers from the New England Garrison trooped at Montpelier's Kellogg-Hubbard Children's Library start to their summer reading program. We were contacted by one of the librarians in preparation for another event, and agreed to come out to this one.

This was a pretty low key event. Perhaps twenty children, ages 5 to 10 or so, attended the event, which was intended to promote reading for children. Over the next month and a half, they are going to be working towards reading as many books as possible, and will have the chance to win an FX lightsaber if they read 12 or more books during that time.

We, (Recruit Mike Anton and myself) mingled with the children and posted for a photograph with each child holding the lightsaber. I brought along my spare TK and TB helmets, which they were able to try on. They were very excited to see two troopers in the flesh (or plastic, so to speak).

A couple of the kids were a little over-excited with our presence, and we had to make sure that they didn't hurt themselves or us. (Their parents stepped in only after a couple minutes). Ben, the librarian, posed for a couple of pictures with us, and took some pictures for the library's website or newsletter. We'll be working with them again during the July 3rd Parade in Montpelier in a couple of weeks. Overall, a good, short troop, very fun.

We didn't have any problems on our end, although Mike had misplaced his shoulder straps, which we were able to correct with several stripes of duct tape. I had some problems with one of my thighs, but we didn't have any issues on the floor.

Pictures will be coming soon.

Upcoming Troops

I just compiled this list to see what events I'm doing this summer. There's a lot!

Upcoming Troops:
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, VT, June 21st
Montpelier Independence Day Parade, VT, July 3rd
Weird Al Concert, NH, July 15
Jump Con, Boston, MA, July 19/20
Borders Opening, MA, July 19
Midnight Toys R Us Event, NYC, July 25th
ConnectiCon, August 2
Montreal Kid's Day, August ??
Clone Wars Release, August 15
Montreal Balloon Festival, August 9
Birthday Party, August ??

Further out:
Woburn Halloween Parade, Oct 26
SuperMega Fest, November ??

Weee!

Events Report - June/July

The following events have been reported between June 20th and July 12th, 2008. Please remember that all events are subject to change without notice and to contact the hosting garrison prior to attending any event. As always, please report any omissions, errors or additions.

Friday Jun 20
Great Lakes Garrison - Drive-in Movie Night for Make-a-Wish - Chesterfield
70th Explorers - Wonderscope Space Camp - Shawnee , KS
UK Garrison - Summer Fayre for Hearing Impaired - Eggbuckland Vale Primary Schoo, Plymouth
Mountain Garrison - Relay for Life - Rio Rancho, NM
Ohio Garrison - American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Holmes County - West Holmes High School Stadium, Millersburg, OH
Midwest Garrison - ACS Relay For Life - Sussex/Menominee Falls, WI
German Garrison - GG-Event im Freizeitpark "Schloss Thurn" - Heroldsbach
UK Garrison - Dave Prowse NSPCC & Childline troop - Lampton Worm Hotel, Durham
Carolina Garrison - HeroCon - Charlotte, NC
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 3

Saturday Jun 21
Ohio Garrison - American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Holmes County - West Holmes High School Stadium, Millersburg, OH
Midwest Garrison - ACS Relay For Life - Sussex/Menominee Falls, WI
German Garrison - GG-Event im Freizeitpark "Schloss Thurn" - Heroldsbach
UK Garrison - Dave Prowse NSPCC & Childline troop - Lampton Worm Hotel, Durham
Carolina Garrison - HeroCon - Charlotte, NC
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 3
Alpine Garrison - Museum of the Rockies exhibit - Bozeman, MT
70th Explorers - Toys R Us Grand Opening - Topeka, KS
Golden Gate Garrison - Alameda County Fair Parade - Downtown Pleasanton, Pleasanton, CA
70th Explorers - Fulton Street Fair Grand Parade - Fulton, MO
German Garrison - Free Gaming - Rotterdam - Rotterdam
New England Garrison - Kellogg Hubbard Library Summer Reading Program, Montpelier, VT
Garrison Excelsior - Saratoga Springs Comic Con - Saratoga Springs, NY
Garrison Carida - WV University Childrens Hospital
Garrison Carida - Relay for Life - Coal Township, PA
UK Garrison - Fundraiser - Dale Primary School, Preston
Southern California Garrison - Foster Kids Picnic & Wellness Fair - Vista, CA
New England Garrison - Hasbro Kid's Carnival - Benefit: March of Dimes - Pawtucket, RI
Connecticut Garrison - Star Wars Outdoor Concert - Danbury, CT
Garrison Tyranus - Beachstreet USA in VA Beach Make A Wish Benefit - VA Beach
UK Garrison - Ty George Thomas Hospice - Tŷ George Thomas, Cardiff
Bloodfin Garrison - CMN Fundraiser - Greenwood Indiana
Florida Garrison - Stars of Hope Charity Fundraiser - N. Pinellas Park, FL
Florida Garrison - End of Year Party - Gulf Breeze, FL
Alpine Garrison - South Jordan City Parade & Festival - South Jordan City
UK Garrison - Rocket & Space - Royal Gunpowder Mills, Essex
Southern California Garrison - American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Fullerton, CA
UK Garrison - Forbidden Planet ~ West End Live - West End Live, London

Sunday Jun 22
Carolina Garrison - HeroCon - Charlotte, NC
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 3
UK Garrison - Rocket & Space - Royal Gunpowder Mills, Essex
Southern California Garrison - American Cancer Society Relay for Life - Fullerton, CA
UK Garrison - Forbidden Planet ~ West End Live - West End Live, London
Costa Rica Outpost - Cosparty
Southern California Garrison - ICAN Strike Against Child Abuse
Cloud City Garrison - Cloud City Garrison Meeting

Thursday Jun 26
Midwest Garrison -Wizard World Chicago - Rosemont, IL

Friday Jun 27
Midwest Garrison -Wizard World Chicago - Rosemont, IL
Neon Garrison - Weird Al Concert - Henderson, NV - Henderson, NV
UK Garrison - National Autistic Society ~ World record - Lego House, Berks
Midwest Garrison - Relay for Life - Normal, IL
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 4
Terror Australis Garrison - Super Nova - Perth

Saturday Jun 28
Midwest Garrison -Wizard World Chicago - Rosemont, IL
Midwest Garrison - Relay for Life - Normal, IL
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 4
Terror Australis Garrison - Super Nova - Perth
Alpine Garrison - June Squad Night
70th Explorers - Toys R Us Grand Opening - Joplin, MO
Dune Sea Garrison - Arizona Babies and Children Expo - Glendale, AZ
UK Garrison - Summer Fayre for Disabled Children - Granta school for disabled chi, Cambridgeshire
Weird Al Concert - Kelseyville, CA - Kelseyville, CA
Alpine Garrison - West Bountiful 4th of July parade
Costa Rica Garrison - FESTIVAL CULTURAL DE CORONADO - San Pedro De Coronado
Southern California Garrison - Humane Society Event, - San Diego, CA
Carolina Garrison - Hemby Children's Hospital Visit - Private - Charlotte, NC
Alpine Garrison - Lehi Days Parade - Lehi City, UT
Great Lakes Garrison - West Michigan White-Caps Star Wars Night - Comstock Park, MI
Central Garrison - Hibbing Mines & Pines Jubilee Parade - Hibbing, MN
Garrison Excelsior - Buffalo Bisons Star Wars Night - Buffalo, NY
Nordic Garrison - Star Wars: The Exhibition - Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
UK Garrison - Amagh Planetarium Astro Family Event - Armagh Planetarium, Armagh

Sunday Jun 29
Midwest Garrison -Wizard World Chicago - Rosemont, IL
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 4
Terror Australis Garrison - Super Nova - Perth
Nordic Garrison - Star Wars: The Exhibition - Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
UK Garrison - Amagh Planetarium Astro Family Event - Armagh Planetarium, Armagh
Connecticut Garrison - Barnum Festival Parade - Bridgeport, CT
Garrison Excelsior - Ridgewood Manor Tract Party - Greece, NY
Cloud City Garrison - Sci-Fi / SuperHero Costume Bowling nite! - Kiezer OR
UK Garrison - Ty Hafen Hospice Fun Day - Ty Hafen Hospice, Sully
Weird Al Concert - Ventura, CA

Monday Jun 30
Weird Al Concert - San Diego, CA - San Diego, CA
Southern California Garrison - Stormtrooper Olympics at San Diego County Fair - San Diego, CA

Tuesday Jul 1
Southern California Garrison - Stormtrooper Olympics at San Diego County Fair - San Diego, CA

Wednesday Jul 2
Golden Gate Garrison - Marin County Fair - Marin Civic Center, San Rafael, CA

Thursday Jul 3
Golden Gate Garrison - Marin County Fair - Marin Civic Center, San Rafael, CA
70th Explorers - Salute to America Parade - Jefferson City, MO
Garrison Excelsior - Buffalo Bisons Game - Buffalo, NY
Bloodfin Garrison - Weird Al Concert
Great Lakes Garrison - 4th of July Celebration - Grandville
New England Garrison - Montpelier Independance Day Parade - Montpelier, VT
Bloodfin Garrison - Weird Al Concert - Indianapolis, IN

Friday Jul 4
Golden Gate Garrison - Marin County Fair - Marin Civic Center, San Rafael, CA
Central Garrison - Ralston Fourth of July Parade - Downtown - Ralston, NE
Garrison Carida - 4th of July Parade - Pottstown, PA
Southern California Garrison - Stormtrooper Olympics at San Diego County Fair - San Diego, CA
Alpine Garrison - Provo Freedom Days Parade
Carolina Garrison - Tega Cay parade - Tega Cay, SC
Midwest Garrison - 4th of July Parade - Racine, WI
Weird Al Concert - Louisville, KY
Neon Garrison - 4th of July Parade - Las Vegas
French Garrison - Japan Expo - Paris

Saturday Jul 5
Golden Gate Garrison - Marin County Fair - Marin Civic Center, San Rafael, CA
French Garrison - Japan Expo - Paris
UK Garrison - The Percy Hedley Foundation Summer Fair 2008 - The Percy Hedley Centre, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Southern California Garrison - Crestline Parade - Crestline, CA
Bloodfin Garrrison - Weird Al Concert - Merriville, IN
UK Garrison - Hardwick Primary School Carnival an Evening Social - Hardwick Primary School, Cambridge
UK Garrison - Derby Relay For Life - Moorways Sports Complex, Derby
French Garrison - Salon Collexion - Macon

Sunday Jul 6
Golden Gate Garrison - Marin County Fair - Marin Civic Center, San Rafael, CA
French Garrison - Japan Expo - Paris
French Garrison - Salon Collexion - Macon
Midwest Garrison - Independence Day Parade - Bartlett, IL
Ohio Garrison - Weird Al Concert

Tuesday Jul 8
Garrison Excelsior - Webster Public Library Comic Book program - Webster, NY
Garrison Tyranus - Weird Al Concert

Wednesday Jul 9
Weird Al Concert - Atlantic City, NJ

Thursday Jul 10
Southern California Garrison - Family Day at Camp Pendleton - Camp Pendleton, Oceanside California
Empire City Garrison - Weird Al Concert
Dune Sea Garrison - Bookman's Free Kids Summer Events - Phoenix, Az
UK Garrison - Sandhurst 'Science Explosion' - Sandhurst School, Sandhurst

Friday Jul 11
UK Garrison - Sandhurst 'Science Explosion' - Sandhurst School, Sandhurst
Old Line Garrison - Weird Al Concert - Baltimore, MD
Canadian Garrison - Polaris 22 (Formerly Toronto Trek) - Doubletree International Plaza Hotel, Toronto, ON

Saturday Jul 12
Canadian Garrison - Polaris 22 (Formerly Toronto Trek) - Doubletree International Plaza Hotel, Toronto, ON
Midwest Garrison - Surprise Party - Gurnee Mills, IL
Garrison Excelsior - RPO Concert at CMAC - Canandaigua, NY
Bloodfin Garrison - 3 Rivers Festival Parade 2008 - Downtown Fort Wayne, In
Old Line Garrison - Weird Al Concert - Washington, DC
Midwest Garrison - Adler Planetarium wedding reception - Chicago, IL
UK Garrison - Heroes For Sale - Heros for Sale, Inverness
Midwest Garrison - Old Settler's Day Parade - Rockton, IL
UK Garrison - Pirates of The Carribean Fair - Hartford Junior School, Huntingdon
Garrison Excelsior - Monroe County Fair Intergalactic Reception - Dome Arena, Henrietta, NY
UK Garrison - Frome Victoria Hospital - Frome Victoria Hospital, Somerset
Garrison Carida - Relay for Life - Pittsburgh, PA
UK Garrison - Macmillan Cancer Support Charity event - The Wulfrun Shopping Centre, Wolverhampton
Canadian Garrison - Paradise Comiccon - Holiday Inn on King Street, Toronto, ON

Total Stats thus far:
Jan - 31
Feb - 52
Mar - 112
Apr - 151
May - 291
Jun - 138
Jul - 84
Aug - 60
Sep - 29
Oct - 24
Nov - 10
Dec - 4
Total - 986

Connecticut Garrison In the News

The Connecticut Garrison just made the news:

'Invasion from Outer Space' in Danbury
Dress as your favorite 'Star Wars' character for pops concert Saturday on CityCenter Green
News-Times Staff
Article Last Updated: 06/20/2008 02:09:55 AM EDT

Storm Troopers from “Star Wars” will do battle as the Danbury Symphony Orchestra...


DANBURY ­-- Saturday the CityCenter Green will be invaded by "Star Wars" Storm Troopers. Have no fear, though ­-- this invasion is just for fun.

The Storm Troopers' appearance, plus a great family-friendly concert featuring the Danbury Symphony Orchestra, kicks off CityCenter Danbury's Summer Music Festival.

Everything gets started at 7:30 p.m. The Storm Troopers will do battle as the Danbury Symphony, directed by Ariel Rudiakov, performs a medley from "Star Wars" by John Williams. The DSO will also perform other selections including 2001: A Space Odyssey; "Fanfare for the Common Man," by Copland; "William Tell Overture," by Rossini; "Superman" by John Williams; and much more.

"Most of the music is from the movies, but there is a segment that we're dedicating to the armed forces," said Rudiakov. He also joked, "The music director may be fighting Darth Vador."

Everyone is invited to come dressed as "Star Wars" characters. At the end of the concert, which is free, parents may take pictures of their children with the Storm Troopers.

The Storm Troopers are from the Connecticut Garrison of the 501st Legion of Storm Troopers, a volunteer organization that appears in "Star Wars" costumes at various charity events. Charles Corrente, a founding member of the Connecticut group, organized the troopers for Saturday's show. He and other members, wearing impressive, homemade trooper costumes, are receiving a small donation for their appearance, which
Advertisement
they will give back to the Danbury community.

"The music is fantastic and the kids love us," Corrente said. "And the adults do, too."

Saturday's event will conclude with an outdoor laser light show presented by CityCenter.

The Danbury Symphony Orchestra has been the premier orchestra in Danbury since 1935. Its mission is to provide opportunities for area residents to perform great music and present concerts of high quality to the public.

Rudiakov said over 800 people attended last year's kickoff concert, and he's confident this year's event will be just as successful.

While the fun begins at 7:30 p.m. on Danbury's CityCenter Green on Ives Street, early arrival is suggested. Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic supper if you wish.

Lawn chairs are available for rent; ample parking is available at the Patriot Garage; downtown restaurants will provide take-out meals; and refreshments will be available for purchase.

In the event of bad weather, the rain location is at Danbury High School. The decision to relocate will be made by 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Source: http://www.newstimes.com/ci_9643377?source=most_emailed

At AdventureCon, fathers become superheroes

At AdventureCon, fathers become superheroes
KNOXVILLE (WVLT) – Fathers Day was Sunday, and for many, their dad was a hero all weekend. In downtown Knoxville, a convention of superheroes proved to be the perfect spot for dads to celebrate fatherhood with their sons and daughters.

"Why not wear purple spandex on a Saturday?" asked Joe Reinwald, who attended the Great Smoky Mountain's AdventureCon Show at the Knoxville Conventional Center with his young son. "There are other people here who are just as freaky as we are!"

During a trip through the large exhibition hall, you could run into Storm Troopers from Star Wars and even the Ghostbusters. Nearly 70 vendors took up residence in the shows booths and sold various sci-fi and superhero collectibles.

For the father-son, superhero-sidekick duo of Reinwald and son, it was a love for comics that brought them downtown.

"I'm dressed as Zan from the Wonder Twins, my son is my faithful sidekick Gleek and we're from the comic books," said Reinwald, before taking pride in his son following in his own footsteps. "He's just now starting to collect the Iron Man series, mainly because I was tired of him tearing up my own."

Another father and son duo included Andy Lane's and his boy, who was dressed in a homemade Storm Trooper uniform.

"It took a lot of trimming, sanding, and gluing stuff together," he said, mentioning he passed up wearing his own homemade uniform. "It's a little hard to dress up with a three year and follow him along."

According to Lane, sharing his passion for Star Wars is what made the weekend so special.

"Just having fun with him is better than actually getting a gift," he said.

Organizers admitted that they had heard similar stories from many people attending AdventureCon.

"I was watching the ticket booth, and all these dads and sons and dads and little girls were coming in," said JP Parks, an organizer. "It was very special."

AdventureCon warped up on Sunday, June 15th, 2008. Tickets cost $12.

Source - http://www.volunteertv.com/home/headlines/19949534.html

Aliens invade Tampa Convention Center for Scout Con 2008

Aliens invade Tampa Convention Center for Scout Con 2008

By Robbyn Mitchell, Times Staff Writer
In print: Sunday, May 25, 2008
TAMPA — Jacob Polk and Clay Cumbee came all the way to the Tampa Convention Center from Dade City to see characters from one their favorite movies, Star Wars.

Flanked by storm troopers, Christian Allyn, known to his fellow Klingons as tIn’HIch’nuj, and Richard Woods, also known as Qahoine thlolrop, wait for the verdict in the Scout Con 2008 costume competition. The Klingons, from Clearwater and Tampa, respectively, took first place.


"There was an Ewok and a storm trooper," Clay mused.

Dressed in their Boy Scout uniforms, Jacob, 12, and Clay, 13, took photos with Vader's 501st Legion, which tours sci-fi conventions in full battle gear with replica weapons of those in the movies.

Hundreds of people came out to Scout Con 2008 Saturday to talk about space and see the stars of their favorite sci-fi TV shows.

The proceeds of the miniconvention will help maintain Scout troops in low-income areas that got a huge funding cut from the state this year.

Classic actors like Erin Gray of Buck Rogers and Grace Lee Whitney of Star Trek mingled with Scouts and their excited leaders and parents to help try to bridge the gap between space curiosity and exploration.

"I'd been to a lot of events like this before," said Ted Johnson, director for the Scouts' gulf region. "And I thought it would be great to do something like this in our area."

Johnson said 90 percent of all NASA's astronauts had been in Boy Scouts, so tying the organization to sci-fi didn't seem like a stretch.

Other actors better known for their work outside of Science fiction, such as Police Academy's Michael Winslow, also participated in the event.

"I was in the Scouts back when I was in Colorado," he said. "So any time I get a call from them, I'm interested."

Winslow, who is famous for his beat-boxing and noise imitations, was sure the Scouts would get a kick out of requesting sounds from him at his performance in the afternoon.

"I always get requests," Winslow said. "That's why I know the value of hot tea with lemon."

Sunnie J'oy Planthold, dressed in Star Trek gear with matching red and white hair, greeted children as they entered the convention.

"I'm a retired teacher, so I love to come to these things to help out my kiddies," she said.

Planthold and her husband, Ralph, run the USS Gasparilla, which gathers Trekkies to do community service in the area.

"It's great to translate something I'm a fan of into something good for the entire community," she said.

Johnson couldn't agree more.

"Events like this bring together Scouts from all over, and it benefits our lower-income Scouts," he said. "I can't think of a better reason to do it."

Robbyn Mitchell can be reached at (813) 269-5313 or rmitchell@sptimes.com.

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/article523614.ece

PHOTO: War on Trash

PHOTO: War on Trash

Kristin Quick dons her Storm Trooper helmet at the Red Spring picnic area near Las Vegas on Saturday. Quick was attending "Don't Trash Nevada," an event sponsored by various public lands agencies to raise awareness about illegal dumping in the desert.
Photo by John Locher.

Source: http://www.lvrj.com/news/19437589.html

MR Helmet Stripes

Last night, I made the last external modifications to my MR bucket. As I've mentioned a couple of times now, there are several changed that need to be made to make this already cool helmet better.

Caulk Seam
Replace Lenses
Replace Stripes
Screws (I'm not going to do this with this helmet)

The stripes in question are the vents on the side of each helmet. The MR bucket's stripes are too dark and a little too small. Thus, they need to either be repainted or have decals applied. Fortunately, there's some reasonable and cheap decals out there. I've since purchased a couple of these for people who've also recently gotten the helmet.

I found that I didn't even need to take the old stripes off. These new ones covered it nicely. The decals that I purchased could probably be applied as a stripe, but my experience with that has been iffy, and my FX helmet really shows as the stripes are pretty lopsided. So, I removed the backing and applied each decal individually, over each pre-existing stripe to get the proper placement and orientation. It took me about a half hour in all, very quick and painless, and my helmet is now, for all in tents and purposes, done.

R2-KT In Clone Wars?

This story has been making it across the various Star Wars news places over the day: R2-KT might be in the Clone Wars movie when it's released this year.

R2-KT, for those of you who don't know, is a pink R2 unit that was created in honor of Katie Johnson, the 501st Legion's daughter who we lost to cancer a couple of years ago. This is absolutely fantastic news. Kudos to theforce.net for the good news.

501st Mention in If magazine

I came across this mention of the 501st in this interview with Liam Sullivan:

iF: Your videos have Stormtroopers from STAR WARS, and dancers, and zombies, and a wide variety of interesting background players. Are these all people you know?

SULLIVAN: Yeah pretty much. The Stormtroopers are from an organization called the 501^st Legion. They donate their services at function and then you donate charity in their name. I found them online and contacted their local chapter. Everyone else were friends or friends of friends. It still has that feel of ‘hey guys you want to shoot a video?’

Read the full interview here.

The video that they mentioned is here:
(Caution, there's a lot of strong language here)

..

Gas Prices, The Economy and Trooping

In August of 2007, two major lenders in the American Subprime mortgage industry, American Home Mortgage and Countrywide Financial filed for bankruptcy or came close to doing so. This helped trigger a ripple effect that eventually led to the current economic recession in the United States. This ripple effect, augmented by rising fuel prices, has caused monetary problems throughout the world and the US. The American dollar has dropped, employment and domestic sales has dropped while the cost of oil breaks records almost everyday, contributing to a rise in global food prices.

This has several discrete effects on the activities of the members of the 501st Legion. With members in every state around the US and in numerous countries, the combined rising prices and fuel and goods is beginning to influence the activities of the members within the Legion.

The primary effect that this is having is in the ability of the members abilities to travel to and from events. Troopers have reported fuel prices anywhere from four to five dollars a gallon, which in some cases leads to an increased cost when it comes to attending events.

Some garrisons are harder hit than others. Some have members concentrated in a smaller area, such as the Neon City Garrison of Nevada, or the New England Garrison, which is mainly concentrated around Boston. Other garrisons, such as Excelsior and some of the California garrisons, cover a lot more ground, with troopers spread out much more. This in turn makes it much harder for members to make it out to events.

Carpooling seems to be the most common way in which people get to and from events. Numerous people have stated that they will often try and get several troopers together in each vehicle, which helps cut down on gas prices per person traveling, and has the added effect of getting cars off the road, which then in turn leads to fewer emissions, if one looks at all the benefits of this. Others limit which events they are attending. Several have said that they won't attend an event that is more than a couple of hours away from where they live, and pick and choose events more carefully.

Another major effect that the rising prices of petroleum is increases in prices for ABS and other types of plastic. According to at least one armor maker, because the price of plastic is rooted in the price of crude oil, the prices of raw materials has gone up, which will most likely cause this already fairly expensive hobby to get a little more expensive.

Some people have coped by selling off their sets. A number of sets have come across the trading section on the legion forums prefaced by: 'I really hate to do this, but...' followed by the sale of a suit in order for one of our members to focus on more important things, such as the regular onslaught of bills and food. It is an unfortunate thing to see happen. I for one had to contemplate selling off my scout armor at one point (I didn't, for which I'm very glad), and I cannot imagine selling my TK armor for any price. It's far too special for me, and I think this underscores the problems that some people are having during these difficult times.

I can't say that I've been wholly effected as badly by the economic crisis. Vermont has been largely spared in the housing market, and I feel that I have a job that is both secure and leaves me with enough time and money to continue this hobby. Since I've gotten back into the swing of things, I've attended a number of events that have been three to four hours away from where I am, and I'm planning on doing it several more times this summer. Currently, my expenses are fairly low, and this helps keep me active and able to attend events.

Because of my location, I have found it difficult to arrange events up here in Vermont. Many members in my garrison aren't willing or able to drive the distance up, and with prices the way they are, I can hardly blame them - it can cost around $60-$70 in my car to get to and from some of these events. This has largely influenced me to recruit more in the state, which is slowly happening, to help build up a good local base, and to work more closely with the Canadian Garrison, which is much closer to us than most of our members.

A positive note is that while the fuel prices have mainly effected troopers abilities to get to and from various events, translating into lower attendance at various events, there hasn't been any firm indication that donations at and for events has gone down at all because of current events. While it certainly makes people think twice about driving to and from events more, its a positive sign that what we do is still valued and needed.

Darth Vader Dances To Thriller

Okay, I don't know whether to laugh or cry...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfIH-Bn_fbE

..

And We're Back!

This has me really, really excited. The Unofficial Clone Wars site is now back and running!

From 2003 to 2006, I worked on this webpage in the leadup to the movie Revenge of the Sith, helping put together one of the biggest and most comprehensive Clone Wars databases out there, with information on the characters, locations, battles, reviews and interviews. After Revenge of the Sith, we all took a break, and the site went by the wayside.

Until now - with the movie coming out this August, we decided to dust it off and start again, and the side can now be seen at its new home: http://theclonewarz.net. Go check it out and let us know what you think!

Events Report - June 13 - June 30

The following events have been reported for the 501st Legion between June 13th and June 30th, 2008. Please note that all events are subject to change without notice and to contact the hosting garrison prior to attending any event.

Friday Jun 13
Empire City Garrison - American Cancer Society: Relay for Life - Fishkill, NY
Florida Garrison - Orlando Predators Half-time show
70th Explorers - Relay For Life - Ozark, Mo
Midsouth Garrison - ADCON
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 2

Saturday Jun 14
Midsouth Garrison - ADCON
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 2
Northeast Remnant - Walk for Autism - Mount Laurel NJ
Southern California Garrison - Garrison Start of Summer Picnic
Garrison Carida - Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games - Newark, DE
Old Line Garrison - Provinces Library
Southern California Garrison - Encino/ Sherman Oaks Optimist Dad's Day Dash
Garrison Carida - Indiana Township DARE Day - Indianola, PA
UK Garrison - Cotswold Wildlife Park Sponsored Walk - Cotswold Wildlife Park, Oxfordshire
UK Garrison - Rhiwbina Primary School Fete - Rhiwbina Primary School, Cardiff
Garrison Tyranus - Great Wolf Lodge Resort - Williamsburg
Garrison Excelsior - Fort Drum Centennial Celebration
Garrison Carida - Race for the Cure - Allentown, PA
Garrison Carida - 11th Annual Ford City Relay for Life - Ford City
70th Explorers - Pevely Flea Market Sci/Fi & Comic Book Show - Pevely , MO
Star Garrison Crimson Nova Squad - Family Fest @ Sylvan Hills Church of Christ - Sherwood, AR
Florida Garrison - Stars of Hope Charity Fundraiser - N. Pinellas Park, FL
Carolina Garrison - Special Olympics - Winterville PD Car Show - Winterville, NC
Florida Garrison - ASSIMILATION 2008 SciFi Event

Sunday Jun 15
Midsouth Garrison - ADCON
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 2
Midwest Garrison - Relay for Life / Star Wars Breakfast - Racine, WI
Garrison Carida - Shriners Children's Hospital - Philadelphia, PA
UK Garrison - Sheffield Childrens Hospital Theo Bear's Party! - Sheffield Childrens Hospital, Sheffield
UK Garrison - St Patrick's Church Garden Party - St Patricks Church, Scotland
Swiss Garrison - Comic Convention - Schauspielhaus in Volkshaus

Wednesday Jun 18
UK Garrison - Terry Cooper book launch - The Friary, Cardiff

Friday Jun 20
Great Lakes Garrison - Drive-in Movie Night for Make-a-Wish - Chesterfield
70th Explorers - Wonderscope Space Camp - Shawnee , KS
UK Garrison - Summer Fayre for Hearing Impaired - Eggbuckland Vale Primary Schoo, Plymouth
Mountain Garrison - Relay for Life - Rio Rancho, NM
Ohio Garrison - American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Holmes County - West Holmes High School Stadium, Millersburg, OH
Midwest Garrison - ACS Relay For Life - Sussex/Menominee Falls, WI
German Garrison - GG-Event im Freizeitpark "Schloss Thurn" - Heroldsbach
UK Garrison - Dave Prowse NSPCC & Childline troop - Lampton Worm Hotel, Durham
Carolina Garrison - HeroCon - Charlotte, NC
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 3

Saturday Jun 21
Ohio Garrison - American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Holmes County - West Holmes High School Stadium, Millersburg, OH
Midwest Garrison - ACS Relay For Life - Sussex/Menominee Falls, WI
German Garrison - GG-Event im Freizeitpark "Schloss Thurn" - Heroldsbach
UK Garrison - Dave Prowse NSPCC & Childline troop - Lampton Worm Hotel, Durham
Carolina Garrison - HeroCon - Charlotte, NC
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 3
Alpine Garrison - Museum of the Rockies exhibit - Bozeman, MT
70th Explorers - Toys R Us Grand Opening - Topeka, KS
Golden Gate Garrison - Alameda County Fair Parade - Downtown Pleasanton, Pleasanton, CA
70th Explorers - Fulton Street Fair Grand Parade - Fulton, MO
German Garrison - Free Gaming - Rotterdam - Rotterdam
New England Garrison - Kellogg Hubbard Library Summer Reading Program
Garrison Excelsior - Saratoga Springs Comic Con - Saratoga Springs, NY
Garrison Carida - WV University Childrens Hospital
Garrison Carida - Relay for Life - Coal Township, PA
UK Garrison - Fundraiser - Dale Primary School, Preston
New England Garrison - Hasbro Kid's Carnival - Benefit: March of Dimes - Pawtucket, RI
Connecticut Garrison - Star Wars Outdoor Concert - Danbury, CT
Garrison Tyranus - Beachstreet USA in VA Beach Make A Wish Benefit - VA Beach
UK Garrison - Ty George Thomas Hospice - Tŷ George Thomas, Cardiff
Bloodfin Garrison - CMN Fundraiser - Greenwood Indiana
Florida Garrison - Stars of Hope Charity Fundraiser - N. Pinellas Park, FL
Florida Garrison - End of Year Party - Gulf Breeze, FL
Alpine Garrison - South Jordan City Parade & Festival - South Jordan City
UK Garrison - Rocket & Space - Royal Gunpowder Mills, Essex
Southern California Garrison - American Cancer Society Relay for Life - CA
UK Garrison - Forbidden Planet ~ West End Live - West End Live, London

Sunday Jun 22
Carolina Garrison - HeroCon - Charlotte, NC
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 3
UK Garrison - Rocket & Space - Royal Gunpowder Mills, Essex
Southern California Garrison - American Cancer Society Relay for Life - Fullerton, CA
UK Garrison - Forbidden Planet ~ West End Live - West End Live, London
Costa Rica Outpost - Cosparty
Southern California Garrison - ICAN Strike Against Child Abuse
Cloud City Garrison - Cloud City Garrison Meeting

Thursday Jun 26
Midwest Garrison -Wizard World Chicago - Rosemont, IL

Friday Jun 27
Midwest Garrison -Wizard World Chicago - Rosemont, IL
Neon Garrison - Weird Al Concert - Henderson, NV - Henderson, NV
UK Garrison - National Autistic Society ~ World record - Lego House, Berks
Midwest Garrison - Relay for Life - Normal, IL
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 4
Terror Australis Garrison - Super Nova - Perth

Sunday Jun 29
Midwest Garrison -Wizard World Chicago - Rosemont, IL
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 4
Terror Australis Garrison - Super Nova - Perth
Nordic Garrison - Star Wars: The Exhibition - Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
UK Garrison - Amagh Planetarium Astro Family Event - Armagh Planetarium, Armagh
Connecticut Garrison - Barnum Festival Parade - Bridgeport, CT
Garrison Excelsior - Ridgewood Manor Tract Party - Greece, NY
Cloud City Garrison - Sci-Fi / SuperHero Costume Bowling nite! - Kiezer OR
UK Garrison - Ty Hafen Hospice Fun Day - Ty Hafen Hospice, Sully
Weird Al Concert - Ventura, CA

Monday Jun 30
Weird Al Concert - San Diego, CA - San Diego, CA

eFX Helmets On Sale

This in from theforce.net, which posted this story (which seems to be from a press release):

eFX ANNOUNCES JULY 8, 2008 AS THE ON-SALE DATE FOR THE STORMTROOPER(tm) HELMET

We are very excited to announce that our very first product, the Episode IV: A New Hope(tm) Stormtrooper(tm) Helmet will go on sale Tuesday, July 8, 2008. In the U.S. it will be available on our website, www.efxcollectibles.com, and Star Wars Shop will have a very limited quantity, as well.

- Full size Stormtrooper(tm) Helmet - Asymmetrical, hero version
- Worldwide Edition: 500
- Digitally scanned and cast of an original screen used helmet
- Fiberglass construction with fully padded interior
- 2 sets of “bubble” lenses, grey and green
- Display Stand
- Numbered Plaque and Plaque Stand
- Certificate of Authenticity

ORDERING INFORMATION AND RULES
- Order date and time is July 8, 2008 at 9AM Pacific Daylight Savings Time.
- THIS IS NOT A PRE-ORDER. Product will be ready to ship in 3-5 business days.
- The limit is 1 (one) per person on the first day. If any remain after the first day, you can order a second one. Any order with more than 1 (one) helmet or duplicate orders on the first day will result in the cancellation of BOTH orders.
- Ordering will be via www.efxcollectibles.com ONLY, no phone or mail orders.
- Payment by VISA, MasterCard and American Express ONLY.
- Please review our Return Policy on our website before purchasing.
- International customers can purchase either through an authorized retailer in their country or on our website. However, if you order directly from us, you will be responsible for all shipping costs, duties, taxes and other fees.

As we had announced previously, if you ordered a Stormtrooper(tm) Helmet DIRECT from Master Replicas and your order was cancelled, you will have priority ordering for this helmet. And now It is even easier since Master Replicas has graciously agreed to verify anyone whose order was cancelled, so you can stop trying to hunt down your cancellation e-mail. So, if your order was cancelled and you are interested in purchasing one of these helmets, please e-mail Amy your contact information with the best time to contact you during business hours, at customerservice@efxcollectibles.com and she will contact you to give you the ordering instructions. You must contact Amy by July 1, 2008 to reserve your helmet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Amy at customerservice@efxcollectibles.com

501st Caught on Camera

Here's a series of pictures of the 501st from the past week:

Trooper in Austin Texas:


I just found this hilarious:


A clone trooper, Garrison unknown:



Trooper at Dragon*Con:

Troopers from Brazil:




UK Garrison and London Cops:


UK Trooper in Maidenhead:


Troopers in Omaha:

Some fun at Wizard World Philly:







Scout Trooper:

Some more Star Wars Weekend pictures:




TK at the UK Games Expo:


TKs at a wedding:


TKs:


TK at Warsaw, Poland:

501stCast: Episode 17: June 13, 2008: TK-899, Why Aren’t You at Your Post?

The latest podcast is now up!

501stCast: Episode 17: June 13, 2008: TK-899, Why Aren’t You at Your Post?

June 13th, 2008 — Uncategorized

Part one of an interview with Gerald Home (Squidhead/Mon Calamari Officer), an on-site report from Disney’s Star Wars Weekends, a Droid Hunt roundtable, and 501st news and event coverage from around the globe.

Show Notes: Episode XVII (June 13, 2008)

Hosts: Nicky Blum (DZ-8397), Varza (DZ-8772) and Lor (TK-7883)

Post-Production: Dean Plantamura (TK-899), Lor (TK-7883)

Content Development: Nicky Blum (DZ-8397)

Contributors: Andrew Liptak (TK-3220), Burr Martin (TD-9993), Dean Plantamura (TK-899)

Recent News

• Mountain Garrison member competing in World Stickfighting Tournament
• New 501st unit: Outpost Venezuela
• Possible Darth Vader statue for Brisol, England (article)
• New Honorary Member - John Ostrander
• R2-KT and R2 Builders Club featured in Servo Magazine and Nuts and Bolts Magazine
• R2-KT Commemorative Coin Announced (picture)
• Stormtroopers with “The Rock” in new Race to Witch Mountain movie? (youtube video)

Honorary Member Interview with Gerald Home (part 1 of 2) (SWORA website)

Mission Reports

• Garrison Carida: Wizard World Philly
• Golden Gate Garrison: Middle School Spring Concert
• Carolina Garrison: Relay for Life
• Malaysia-Brunei Outpost: Droid Hunt at Movie Carnival 2008 (video)
• Star Wars Weekends On-Site Report (video)
• Hong Kong Shadow Outpost: Global Gaming Expo
• Central California Garrison: Troy Denning signing
• German Garrison: Science Fiction Days

Upcoming Events

• Central Garrison: Where Science Meets Imagination
• Great Lakes Garrison: Star Wars at the Drive-In
• New England Garrison: Hasbro’s Kid’s Carnival

Other

• Droid Hunt roundtable discussion

• Midwest Garrison: Out of this World finale thank you letter

• Contest/Giveaway - Win autographed photos from Gerald Home!

• Unit Anniversaries

  • Bloodfin Garrison - 6th Anniversary

  • Garrison Tyranus - 6th Anniversary

  • Hong Kong Shadow Outpost - 2nd Anniversary

• Honorary Member Birthday Wishes

  • Ralph McQuarrie (Conceptual Artist for the Original Trilogy) (June 13th)

  • Michael Sheard (Admiral Ozzel) (June 18th)

• Detachment Briefings - new 501stCast segment

Standard Podcast: Download

Cheerleaders

Hey, these guys are pretty good:

..

501st Caught on Camera

Here's a bunch of videos from the past couple weeks of the 501st:


Snowtrooper playing Guitar Hero



501st Malaysia-Brunei Outpost V (Droid Hunt) - 31 May 2008











501st Legion Garrison in NY


501st Costa Rica



Stormtrooper owned



Stormtrooper Blooper and Spoof



A Nice Stormtrooper



Don't Get Pulled Over by a Stormtrooper!



Prop SHop: Star wars Stormtrooper binders / handcuffs



storm trooper brasileiro


storm trooper brasileiro 2

New Clone Wars Trailer!

Yahoo Movies has just posted up a new Clone Wars Trailer: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809991325/trailer#8273357

This one's slightly longer with a ton of new images and scenes. It's looking better and better.

May the Force be with you, Owen

From the Lake Oswego Review:

May the Force be with you, Owen
Star Wars wish is coming true for Lake Oswego boy
By Cliff Newell
The Lake Oswego Review, Jun 12, 2008

Matthew Ginny / Trillium Media Services

Lake Oswego’s Owen Miller takes on Darth Vader with his new light saber last week at Pioneer Place in Portland as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s kick-off event in Oregon. In addition to the light saber, Owen also was given a full Stormtrooper uniform. The Miller family soon will depart to Disney World in Florida for a special Star Wars vacation. The Star Wars characters are from Cloud City Garrison, a local chapter of the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers.

Owen Miller is getting some re-enforcements in his brave battle for life – the Star Wars Stormtroopers.

Last Tuesday, the 6-year-old Lake Oswego boy was totally unaware of why he was standing at Pioneer Square in Portland, along with his parents Rich and Lisa Miller and his 2 ½-year-old sister Sela.

Then a MAX train pulled up, the doors opened, and out poured steam and smoke while the Darth Vader theme from Star Wars played. Out bounded Darth Vader and his Star Wars Stormtroopers, to shake Owen’s hand and present him his new Stormtrooper costume, because his old one was almost totally worn out from him wearing it several times a week; plus a light saber, with which he got to duel with Darth Vader, as cameras clicked.

Truly, the Force was with Owen.

“It made Owen feel very special,” Rich said. “It went above and beyond anything we expected. It was something extra special for our whole family.”

This whole operation was called “Destination Joy,” and it was just the beginning of what Owen will experience for being a recipient of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It was the kickoff event for Make-A-Wish in Oregon, and while it was quite special in and of itself, Owen’s Star Wars wish will really be fulfilled June 18 to 23 when the Miller family will travel to Disney World in Florida for the Star Wars Weekend.

“Make-A-Wish asked Owen what would be best and most appropriate, and the trip to Disney World worked best,” Rich said. “It will be great for our family to have this time together, especially with everything that has happened the last few months.”

It was last September that young Owen was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumor, a cancerous condition, and the idea of contacting Make-A-Wish came up soon after Owen had to be taken to the hospital.

“We knew about Make-A-Wish, but we didn’t know much about it,” Rich said. “We knew they did good work, but we didn’t know anyone who had been granted a wish. Our oncologist and Emmanuel Hospital told us we should get in touch with them and that started the process.

“We were not sure that Owen would be chosen. Only about half of the people who apply get their wishes granted.”

Coming up with an idea was no problem.

“Just about every 6 ½-year-old boy I know is obsessed with Star Wars,” Rich said.

But a lot of hard work and effort went into making Owen’s wish come true. One of the people most responsible was Marlene MacEwan of Lake Oswego, who has long been a liaison with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“It helped so much to have someone here like Marlene, who could talk to Owen and who would work so hard to make sure he received his wish,” Miller said. “For a kid like Owen and a family like ours, who have had so much control of our lives taken away, this is something great, something for our whole family.”

For the Miller family, Owen’s condition made life not just a matter of day to day, but hour to hour.

“To be so focused on the present is tiring,” Rich admitted. “This is something we’ve been looking forward to for months through the whole process. It’s like a carrot on a stick. We thought, ‘There’s something good up ahead.’ It was a constant incentive for us. To have something on the horizon that was super fun was very meaningful.”

When Owen and his family get to Florida they will be greeted by people from the movie, parades, special events, and, of course, more Star Wars Stormtroopers.

While Owen knew that the trip to Florida was coming, he did not know what to expect at Pioneer Square, and his parents only knew “a teeny bit.” But Owen had been chosen by the Oregon chapter of Make-A-Wish as the state representative for the national Destination Joy campaign. Just one child is picked in each state.

But if anyone is deserving of Star Wars treatment, it is Owen Miller.

For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit the Web site www.orwish.org or call 800-934-WISH.

Full article

Star Wars Weekends

Here's some photos from the activities down in Florida:

R2-KT Commemorative Coin

From the Legion:

Now fans of R2-KT, the pink Imperial droid with the heart of gold, can get their own collectible "challenge" coin and contribute to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the charitable organization that was so supportive to R2-KT's inspirational namesake Katie Johnson. The commemorative coin is 1.5 inches in diameter with antique silver and nickel finish, dual plated with gold and soft enamel for the coloring. There is no limit to how many coins you may purchase, and all proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish. To pre-order your R2-KT coin, PayPal $10.00 US (includes fees and worldwide shipping) to plfarquhar@cox.net or e-mail for other payment options. Click here for an image of this very special coin which commemorates the girl who moved a Legion.

Random Costuming Things

It's been a little while since I've done anything on what I've been up to costuming wise. Currently, I'm slowly putting together a Scout Trooper, which I've done a little work on over the past couple of days, as I had a nice, free weekend to putter around with.

For a while now, the parts have been trimmed out and sanded, and it's just a matter of doing the following:

- Trim and Sand Armor parts : Done
- Attaching straps & Velcro : Done
- Sew on Straps on upper, fore arms and knees: Not Done
- Sew Cummerbund : Not Done
- Paint & Affix Resin Parts : Done & 1/2 Done
- Assemble Belt : Not Done
- Get Gloves : On their way
- Get Boots
- Get Head/Neck covering

Over the weekend, I cut up some of the Velcro that I had around the house and assembled the shoulder bells. With Industrial Velcro, I've put contact points for a strap to hold the shoulders in place, as well as to keep the shoulders together. So far, it's holding up nicely, although I may try and go for something more permanent in the future.



The shoulder bells have four points of contact. One on the top to link up the shoulder, two on each side for a strip to hold the part on my shoulder and a fourth on the bottom to hold the forearm part in place. This part is where my newly painted greebles have been glued in place. To demo the entire arm, I used duct tape and found that I'm going to need something sewn in place, rather than velcroed, so I have to cut holes for the straps at some point, then get them sewn on.






This setup seems like it should work pretty nicely. To get these in place, they will need to be taut, in order to better fit my arm. I need to buy more webbing.



I'm contemplating whether or not to save up and get a pair of CA Scout boots. They're $160, but it'll save me a lot of trouble. On the other hand, I can build the boots myself for a lot less. Hm...



While I painted up the Resin parts, I also touched up my E-11, which has been getting some wear and tear over the years, and touching up the spots with a sharpie marker just doesn't look all that good. I did two at once, mine, which just needed touch up, and Mike's, (our new VT Member) who needed the entire thing repainted. Both look pretty damn good. I'll need to pick up some resin parts to make mine more accurate, but that's not really a priority at the moment.



Next, I did a quick build of some handcuffs that I plan on bringing out for pictures and the like. While driving home, I came across a PVC pipe joint that was left on the road, so I picked it up. I can stick my hand entirely in it, so these aren't really going to be any good at securing people, but for pictures, it should be helpful.

The first thing that I did was cut the proper section off into two rings, one for each hand, and then cut those in half. I initially wanted to get some small hinges, but I couldn't find any on my dad's workbench, so I went with the next best thing - duct tape and random bits of velcro. One side of each ring is attached with a couple reinforced strips of duct tape, which allows me to open and close each loop. On the other opening, I've created a tab with a bit of Velcro on it to close the loop. Then, I tapped both rings together in a cross and reinforced it. To finish it off, I looped tape around at intervals. Screen accurate? Not on your life. But, it doesn't look horrible, and it should be an interesting thing to pose with.


And lastly, my two buckets, an FX and MR. I'm really, really liking my MR helmet. I have the stripes which need to go on, but after that, it should be finished. I need to touch up the seam a little more, and clean it up a little first though.

Star Wars Weekends Video

The first Star Wars Weekend at Disney is now down, three more to go. Here's a video:

Where are those transmissions you intercepted?

PSA from 501st.com:

Where are those transmissions you intercepted?
by knightshade on Fri Jun 06, 2008 8:01 am
We have recently discovered that there have been technical difficulties with a number of email addresses @501st.com. The issues are being addressed - but many emails that have been sent between May 16th and June 5th have only recently been directed to the appropriate Legion Officers. We are certain that those waiting on replies are displeased with our apparent lack of progress, and we assure you that we shall double our efforts to process this backlog of messages. If your waiting for a reply - don't hesitate to send a follow-up email. I foresee that we will fully catch up with replies over the weekend.

Events Report - June 6 - June 30

The following events have been reported to the 501st Legion between June 6th and June 30th. Please remember that all events are subject to change without notice and to contact the hosting garrison prior to attending any event.

Friday Jun 6
70th Explorers - American Cancer society Relay for Life - Barstow School, 11511 State Line Rd, Kansas City 64114, MO
Terror Australis Garrison - The Great Australian Sunny Sizzle - MELBOURNE VIC
Alpine Garrison - Relay For Life Cancer
UK Garrison - Testimonial Dinner for Jeremy Snape - National Space Centre, Leicester
Dutch Outpost - Day for the ill child - Amersfoort ZOO
Carolina Garrison - CDS Carnival - Greenville, SC
Mountain Garrison - Relay for Life - Albuquerque, NM
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 1

Saturday Jun 7
Mountain Garrison - Relay for Life - Albuquerque, NM
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 1
Dune Sea Garrison - Phoenix Prowlers (WFL) - PCH Night - Mesa, AZ
Garrison Carida - Relay for Life - Coal Township, PA
UK Garrison - William Ransom Primary School Fayre - The William Ransom Primary School, Herts
Bloodfin Garrison - Elizabethtown Parade + Fire dept. Fish fry - Tenative
UK Garrison - Newport Fantasy Event - Newport Indoor Market, Gwent
Midwest Garrison - Brookfield Public Library Meet and Greet - Brookfield, WI
Garrison Excelsior - Toys R Us Grand Opening - Utica, NY
Capitol City Squad - School Fair
70th Explorers - 190th Air Refueling Wing - Topeka, KS
Great Lakes Garrison - Relay for Life - New Baltimore
Southern California Garrison - City of Hope Cancer Survivor's Picnic
Troy Denning Signing - Orlando, FL / Part of Star Wars Weekend
Midwest Garrison - Summer Festival - Fairbury, IL
Nordic Garrison - Star Wars - Medborgerhuset, Taastrup, Denmark
Southern Californica Garrison - Neonatal Intensive care Survivor's Picnic - Naval Medical Center San Diego
Empire City Garrison - Big Apple Con - New York City, NY

Sunday Jun 8
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 1
Empire City Garrison - Big Apple Con - New York City, NY
UK Garrison - Bredgar School Fete - Bredgar Village School, nr Sittingbourne
Empire City Garrison - LI 2-day Walk to fight Breast Cancer - Shirley, NY
Empire City Garrison - Walk Now for Autism - Purchase, NY
German Garrison - "Orang(e) County"-Promo beim Stadtfest Jülich - Jülich

Thursday Jun 12
Garrison Excelsior - Special Olympics Summer Games - Binghamton, NY

Friday Jun 13
Florida Garrison - Orlando Predators Half-time show
70th Explorers - Relay For Life - Ozark, Mo
Midsouth Garrison - ADCON
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 2

Saturday Jun 14
Midsouth Garrison - ADCON
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 2
Northeast Remnant - Walk for Autism - Mount Laurel NJ
Southern California Garrison - Garrison Start of Summer Picnic
Garrison Carida - Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games - Newark, DE
Old Line Garrison - Provinces Library
Southern California Garrison - Encino/ Sherman Oaks Optimist Dad's Day Dash
Garrison Carida - Indiana Township DARE Day - Indianola, PA
UK Garrison - Cotswold Wildlife Park Sponsored Walk - Cotswold Wildlife Park, Oxfordshire
UK Garrison - Rhiwbina Primary School Fete - Rhiwbina Primary School, Cardiff
Garrison Tyranus - Great Wolf Lodge Resort - Williamsburg
Garrison Carida - Race for the Cure - Allentown, PA
Garrison Carida - 11th Annual Ford City Relay for Life - Ford City
70th Explorers - Pevely Flea Market Sci/Fi & Comic Book Show - Pevely , MO
Florida Garrison - Stars of Hope Charity Fundraiser - N. Pinellas Park, FL
Florida Garrison - ASSIMILATION 2008 SciFi Event

Sunday Jun 15
Midsouth Garrison - ADCON
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 2
Midwest Garrison - Relay for Life / Star Wars Breakfast - Racine, WI
Garrison Carida - Shriners Children's Hospital - Philadelphia, PA
UK Garrison - Sheffield Childrens Hospital Theo Bear's Party! - Sheffield Childrens Hospital, Sheffield
UK Garrison - St Patrick's Church Garden Party - St Patricks Church, Scotland
Swiss Garrison - Comic Convention - Schauspielhaus in Volkshaus

Wednesday Jun 18
UK Garrison - Terry Cooper book launch - The Friary, Cardiff
Midwest Garrison - YMCA Camp Duncan - REQUEST/TENATIVE - Ingleside, IL 60041

Friday Jun 20
Great Lakes Garrison - Drive-in Movie Night for Make-a-Wish - Chesterfield
UK Garrison - Dave Prowse NSPCC & Childline troop - Lampton Worm Hotel, Durham
70th Explorers - Wonderscope Space Camp - Shawnee , KS
UK Garrison - Summer Fayre for Hearing Impaired - Eggbuckland Vale Primary Schoo, Plymouth
Mountain Garrison - Relay for Life - Rio Rancho, NM
Ohio Garrison - American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Holmes County - West Holmes High School Stadium, Millersburg, OH
Midwest Garrison - ACS Relay For Life - Sussex/Menominee Falls, WI
German Garrison - GG-Event im Freizeitpark "Schloss Thurn" - Heroldsbach
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 3

Saturday Jun 21
Ohio Garrison - American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Holmes County - West Holmes High School Stadium, Millersburg, OH
Midwest Garrison - ACS Relay For Life - Sussex/Menominee Falls, WI
German Garrison - GG-Event im Freizeitpark "Schloss Thurn" - Heroldsbach
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 3
Alpine Garrison - Museum of the Rockies exhibit - Bozeman, MT
70th Explorers - Toys R Us Grand Opening - Topeka, KS
Golden Gate Garrison - Alameda County Fair Parade - Downtown Pleasanton, Pleasanton, CA
70th Explorers - Fulton Street Fair Grand Parade - Fulton, MO
German Garrison - Free Gaming - Rotterdam - Rotterdam
New England Garrison - Kellogg Hubbard Library Summer Reading Program, Montpelier, VT
Garrison Excelsior - Saratoga Springs Comic Con - Saratoga Springs, NY
Garrison Carida - WV University Childrens Hospital
Garrison Carida - Relay for Life - Coal Township, PA
UK Garrison - Fundraiser - Dale Primary School, Preston
New England Garrison - Hasbro Kid's Carnival - Benefit: March of Dimes - Pawtucket, RI
Garrison Tyranus - Beachstreet USA in VA Beach Make A Wish Benefit - VA Beach
UK Garrison - Ty George Thomas Hospice - Tŷ George Thomas, Cardiff
Bloodfin Garrison - CMN Fundraiser - Greenwood Indiana
Florida Garrison - Stars of Hope Charity Fundraiser - N. Pinellas Park, FL
Florida Garrison - End of Year Party - Gulf Breeze, FL
Alpine Garrison - South Jordan City Parade & Festival - South Jordan City
UK Garrison - Rocket & Space - Royal Gunpowder Mills, Essex
Southern California Garrison - American Cancer Society Relay for Life - 201 E. Chapman Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832
UK Garrison - Forbidden Planet ~ West End Live - West End Live, London

Sunday Jun 22
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 3
UK Garrison - Rocket & Space - Royal Gunpowder Mills, Essex
Southern California Garrison - American Cancer Society Relay for Life - 201 E. Chapman Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832
UK Garrison - Forbidden Planet ~ West End Live - West End Live, London
Cloud City Garrison - Cloud City Garrison Meeting
Southern California Garrison - ICAN Strike Against Child Abuse

Thursday Jun 26
Midwest Garrison -Wizard World Chicago - Rosemont, IL

Friday Jun 27
Midwest Garrison -Wizard World Chicago - Rosemont, IL
Neon Garrison - Weird Al Concert - Henderson, NV - Henderson, NV
Midwest Garrison - Relay for Life - Normal, IL
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 4
Terror Australis Garrison - Super Nova - Perth

Saturday Jun 28
Midwest Garrison -Wizard World Chicago - Rosemont, IL
Midwest Garrison - Relay for Life - Normal, IL
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 4
Terror Australis Garrison - Super Nova - Perth
Garrison Excelsior - Binghamton Mets SW Night - Binghamton, NY
70th Explorers - Toys R Us Grand Opening - Joplin, MO
Dune Sea Garrison - Arizona Babies and Children Expo - Glendale, AZ
Weird Al Concert - Kelseyville, CA - Kelseyville, CA
Costa Rica Garrison - FESTIVAL CULTURAL DE CORONADO - San Pedro De Coronado
Carolina Garrison - Hemby Children's Hospital Visit - Charlotte, NC
Alpine Garrison - Lehi Days Parade - Lehi City, UT
Great Lakes Garrison - West Michigan White-Caps Star Wars Night - Comstock Park, MI
Central Garrison - Hibbing Mines & Pines Jubilee Parade - Hibbing, MN
Garrison Excelsior - Buffalo Bisons Star Wars Night - Buffalo, NY
Nordic Garrison - Star Wars: The Exhibition - Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
UK Garrison - Amagh Planetarium Astro Family Event - Armagh Planetarium, Armagh

Sunday Jun 29
Midwest Garrison -Wizard World Chicago - Rosemont, IL
Florida Garrison - Star Wars Weekend 4
Terror Australis Garrison - Super Nova - Perth
Nordic Garrison - Star Wars: The Exhibition - Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
UK Garrison - Amagh Planetarium Astro Family Event - Armagh Planetarium, Armagh
Connecticut Garrison - Barnum Festival Parade - Bridgeport, CT
Garrison Excelsior - Ridgewood Manor Tract Party - Greece, NY
UK Garrison - Ty Hafen Hospice Fun Day - Ty Hafen Hospice, Sully
Weird Al Concert - Ventura, CA

Monday Jun 30
Weird Al Concert - San Diego, CA - San Diego, CA

TK-7888 & Del Rey

Anna, TK-7888 made Del Rey's photo of the month on the Del Rey Internet Newsletter, alongside Terry Brooks and Robert Napton.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

We think this photo encapsulates all things Del Rey: Star Wars fan Anna Jannsen stood in line at the New York Comic Con to meet one of her favorite authors, Terry Brooks, and have him sign a copy of the new Del Rey graphic novel, Dark Wraith of Shannara. On the left is Robert Napton, who scripted Dark Wraith.

Photo by Judine Brooks

New Outpost: Venezuela!

Looks like another country has been taken over by the mighty 501st - Venusuela. An outpost for the country has just been approved, with six members in the country. You can view their website here.

Congrats to all members down there! They are joined by Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica and Argentina in South/Central America.

TKs Spotted

This is interesting. Find the TK:

Weekend Troop: Hallmark Strides for Health

On Sunday, I participated, along with seven others, in the Hallmark Strides for Health for a couple hours. It was a very low-key event, one that we had a limited participation in. The event was a walk put on by a company that one of our members works at, with a two and five mile walk, for which we mingled with the participants and provided general entertainment.

I arrived around 8:40 or so, with most everyone already there. We got suited up, posed for a couple pictures and cheered on some of the walkers. After that, we went out for lunch, which was a lot of fun.

Overall, I think this was more of an excuse to put the armor on and hang out with one another. We had a very limited participation, and for the most part, it's not really one of the events that I'm terribly fond of. I like doing things with a fairly clear purpose - I think I would have much rather participated in the walk, than cheer on the walkers - while it was fun to get suited up like it generally is, I asked myself a couple times what several other people asked us - what does Star Wars have to do with a Stride for Health. I'd much rather participate and demonstrate a sort of civic responsibility and volunteerism than essentially just sit around. I think this was in part due to a lack of organization on the part of the organizers, which had been noted.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed going out and being with the other members of my garrison - I wish that we could do this sort of thing more often, but I'll take events as we get them, and there are certainly other things that we could do that would be worse. In any case, it was well worth it to see people face to face.

So, overall, not one of my top ten troops out there. But, it was a troop, and it's always entertaining and fun.

501st Invades KARE 11

These promos were recently filmed for an upcoming promotion of the Star Wars Meets Imagination, which is coming to a museum in Minn. Watch the Central Garrison in action!

501stCast: Detachment Briefing 01: Jolly Roger Squadron

This is the first of a new series that the podcast crew is working on, a look at each detachment:

501stCast: Detachment Briefing 01: Jolly Roger Squadron
June 2nd, 2008 — Detachment Briefing, MiniCast

Welcome to the first episode of the 501stCast’s Detachment Briefing.
During these briefings we’ll be talking with 501st Legion members from the various detachments about the costumes they specialize in.

This episode, recorded on 12 May 2008, features an introduction to the Jolly Roger Squadron which is the costuming detachment for the TIE Fighter Pilot costume.

Visit the Jolly Rogers online at: www.jrsdetachment501st.org

Hosts: Nicky Blum (DZ-8397) and Lor (TK-7883)

Guests: Jim (TI-3853) and Tom (TI-118)

Content Development and Post-Production: Nicky Blum (DZ-8397)

We welcome your feedback via our comment form below or by emailing podcast@501st.com

Standard Podcast: Download

John Ostrander Inducted!

This in from the Legion:

John Ostrander Inducted
by tuskentrooper on Thu May 29, 2008 9:59 pm
The mighty 501st Central Garrison marched upon ICON-2008 (the Iowa Comic Book Convention) to seek out prolific Star Wars comic book author John Ostrander and induct him as an Honorary Member of the Legion. Ostrander, whose writing is often paired with the artwork of 501st Honorary Member Jan Duursema, received his plaque and custom name badge with pride at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on May 3rd. Congratulations, John!

About time! John's a fantastic guy, whom I'd interviewed a while ago when I worked for Clonewarz.com.

Dressed as 'Star Wars' bad guys, club makes appearances for charity

This really good article just came through over the weekend from the Arizona Republic:

Dressed as 'Star Wars' bad guys, club makes appearances for charity
Karina Bland
May. 31, 2008 12:00 AM

The sun is barely up, and an army from the dark side gathers in the parking lot of the Tempe Center for the Arts. Clone troopers emerge from between cars. A Sith lord pulls on his shirt. A Tusken Raider adjusts his helmet.
The only thing that can bring these characters to this part of the galaxy - especially this early in the morning - is a charity event.
The evil Empire, it turns out, does a lot of good.
About 40 bad guys make up the Dune Sea Garrison, the Arizona chapter of the international Star Wars costuming club known as the 501st Legion. They dress in authentic costumes from the Star Wars movies, representing bad guys only. Worldwide, there are 4,000 members.
"We're all huge geeks, " says Jennifer LaFortune of Gilbert, a 36-year-old attorney and mom of two. She dresses up as Mara Jade, a fierce assassin with fiery red hair. Her husband, Joe, 37, public-safety coordinator for Queen Creek, is a clone trooper.
But they're geeks for a good cause. Their mission is not to destroy the Republic, but to assist it with charity work. On this April morning, they're appearing at a benefit race for Junior Achievement, a non-profit program that teaches children about business and economics.
The group walks in parades and poses for pictures at parties. The group's favorite event is visiting young patients at Phoenix Children's Hospital.
"In the hospitals, we make the sick kids smile," says Stephen Lentz, a 35-year-old Mesa police officer and part-time sandtrooper.
Members bring Star Wars action figures and other toys for the kids. If the kids aren't well enough to get up, Darth Vader and the others go to their bedsides.
While not endorsed by Lucasfilm Ltd., the studio behind Star Wars, the members of the Dune Sea Garrison dress in otherworldly garb with the approval of filmmaker George Lucas. They are not paid for appearances but ask that donations be made to their favorite charities, like the children's hospital and Make-A-Wish Foundation. They deliver any donations of toys to the children's hospital, too.
Members are avid Star Wars fans, obviously, some from the time the initial movie hit theaters in 1977. Lee Palmer of Phoenix, a 42-year-old superintendent for McCarthy Construction, saw Star Wars seven times in one day when he was 13.
Four years ago, his wife told him to find a hobby. She's not sure this is what she meant, nodding at her husband, who's dressed as a stormtrooper, but it makes him happy.
"Where else can I dress up like an action figure and help kids?" Palmer asks, grinning.

Constructing costumes
The runners are gathering near the parking lot, alongside Tempe Town Lake, so the group heads that way. Tristan Moriuchi of Phoenix walks stiffly in a new set of armor. The 23-year-old accountant is likely to be bruised later.
"It's a work in progress," Palmer explains. "Every time you wear it, you find a new place that rubs."
A woman points a camera at Moriuchi, and he points right back at her menacingly. She giggles and snaps a picture.
Scott Chana of Phoenix pulls on a Darth Vader helmet. His costume is the real deal, pieced together from parts found on the Internet or built by a prop maker. Some of the members make their own armor, heating plastic in their garages and shaping it to foam molds.
The lights on the front of the Vader costume blink in the same order as they do in the movies. Helmets are fitted with voice amplifiers and fans. Such costumes can cost $5,000 to put together.
The 24-year-old flight instructor has dressed as Vader for about two years. He's shy in real life, but when he pulls on Vader's helmet, he's someone different.
"This might sound a little bit silly, but I love taking center stage," he says.
As the ultimate bad guy, with the trademark breathing and death grip, Vader gets a lot of attention wherever the group appears.
Josh James, 34, of Phoenix, is a Tusken Raider (also known as Sand People). His robes are made of muslin, held together with fabric glue since he can't sew. His headpiece is fashioned from a baseball helmet, fitted with fans and covered with strips of khaki-colored material. His costume cost about $100 to make.
So he's a little jealous of Vader, especially when kids mistake him for Yoda, a 3-foot-tall Jedi.
"I'm not even green," he mumbles.
As Darth Maul, 22-year-old Ryan Denton, an Arizona State University Polytechnic student, signs autographs for kids, writing, "Join the dark side" or "Stay in school."
It takes him 2 1/2 hours to look like Darth Maul, covering his face and head with black and red paint and popping in yellow contact lenses ringed in red. He shaves his head the night before.
His girlfriend, Ashley Estes of Mesa, says people tease her, saying, "Is it funny that your boyfriend takes longer to get ready than you do?"

Mingling with fans
The characters wander among the spectators waiting for the runners' return from the 5K route, posing for picture after picture.
"My heroes," says Albert Salinas of Mesa, flanked by Darth Vader, Princess Leia and a stormtrooper for a picture. The 53-year-old is a longtime Star Wars fan.
"It just takes me back," he says.
Back to a simpler time when - at least in the movies - good always won out over evil.
"I grew up on Star Wars," says Brian Teille, 35, of Queen Creek.
He saw the first movie in the theater with his mom. Now he watches the movies with his six kids.
A sandtrooper walks up behind a group of young girls undetected. When they notice him, they squeal and run away only to come face-to-face with Darth Vader. The girls laugh and stumble over each other, trying to back up quickly.
Nine-year-old Ryan Kidd of Mesa isn't scared. He talks to the storm- and clone troopers about weapons and spaceships. His generation of Star Wars fans knows the characters not only from the movies and action figures but also the video games.
Near the finish line, the Tusken Raider plays air guitar with his staff, and Lentz, as a sandtrooper, hollers at weary runners: "Move out! Move out! You're almost there. Run, trooper, run!"
When the last of the runners come in, Lentz pulls off his helmet. He admits, "OK. I'm hot."
The sun is high in the sky, and Vader is moving slowly in his 50 pounds of black costume. One of the fans in his helmet stopped working.
Everyone is red-faced and sweaty, but satisfied. Palmer says, "That was a lot of fun."
They strip off armor, ease into air-conditioned cars, and head home. The evil Empire needs a shower.
Source