Posted in Trooping, tagged 501st, breaking news, Jacksonville, show your colors run @ JU, Squad 7, Star Wars, starwars, stormtrooper on July 18, 2015| Leave a Comment »
Troop Date 10-25-2014
After a 9 month absents from the 501st, I am back trooping, however this post is the last one that I did before my absents. So there is not much to say other than this was a fun and successful troop, here are a bunch of photos from the color run.
Posted in News Flash, tagged 501st, 501st Legion, Adam savage, breaking news, discovery channel, Jamie Hyneman, myth busters, mythbusters, News Flash, Star Wars, starwars, stormtrooper, Stormtroopers on January 2, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Join the 501st on the Mythbusters as they show up on the show this season.
The 501st Legion will gain more national attention from the up coming season of the Mythbusters as some of the 501st members will appear on the hit TV show.
Mythbusters will be putting to the test some of the things we see in the star wars movies and to help them Star Wars up the place some very lucky 501st members will join in the fun.
Honorary member to the 501st Legion, Adam Savage and his co-host Jamie Hyneman looks into a galaxy far, far away to see if some of what we see in the movies can be busted as Myth’s. This episode is shaping up to be fun and educational for us all.
As for the 501st Legion, what great exposure to the global TV watching community. As a member it gives me great pride to see our brothers and sisters in armor on the TV representing the 501st legion with style and class.
The work that the 501st Legion does to help raise money for a long list of charities is sometime over shadowed by people who want to point only to the costuming part of who and what we are.
It’s true that our members has a love for Star Wars and costuming, but they also have the same passion to bring a little joy and entertainment to children and parents alike, by showing up in costume and allowing the families to excape from their daily troubles and smile for a change, if only for a short time its still means a lot to them.
It great when TV shows like the Mythbusters will allow groups like the 501st Legion to join in on the fun and help spread the message of the work that the 501st legion does each year. I truly believe the exposure that is gained when represented correctly will only help these charities in the long run. It also helps with recruitment to the 501st Legion as there are fans out there that are not aware that there is a club that embraces the movies as the 501st does and allows them to build a costume and become more then a fan, it allows them to live in that world and at the same time help raise money for people in need.
So buckets off to the Mythbusters and Adam Savage for this episode that’s coming. I know I thank you, I am sure the Legion thanks you and I hope the fans of your show will thank you for bringing something so awesome to your show.
Watch some video clips of the upcoming episode by following the links below.
Watch a small promo from Mythbuster website here: 501st and the Mythbusters
The 501st Legion website: here
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Image Credits DCI
Copyright © 2014 Discovery Communications, LLC.
Posted in Trooping, tagged 501st, breaking news, FL, Gator Bowl, Gator bowl parade 2013, Jacksonville, Squad 7, stormtrooper, tax slayer on January 1, 2014| Leave a Comment »
It’s 9:30am on December 31, 2013 and Squad 7 members are gathering in the parking lot to get prepared for the 1 mile troop in the Gator Bowl Parade at downtown Jacksonville, Fl.
The sky was overcast and there was a cool breeze coming off the St Johns river that put a chill in the air. As the first few members showed up, we setup tables and started laying out the food and drinks for everybody as the got here. This was a great idea to kind of tail gate before the troop. it was a hit and everybody pitched in with everything needed to make for a successful tailgate party.
There was excitement in the air as more and more members showed up. We had plenty of time to visit and get to know each other better, tell stories of past troops or talk about future troops and why we all love to part of the 501st and Squad 7. The food was great and the company was better, now we start getting ready for the troop.
We had a new addition to Squad 7, It was a M35 Deuce, It drove up to our little party and boy was it bad to the bone. its big, mean sounding and sporting the Imperial Cog on both sides. It was some kind of cool.
Standing on the street waiting for the line to move, the troopers were ready to head down the one mile journey to wave and bring smiles to the crowed as we passed them by. It was great to see all the families out there even with the cool weather and being in the middle of the week. We trooped on and did what we do and did it so good.
As we came to the parade end we all loaded up int the Deuce and trust me as a Stormtrooper that was a trick as the Deuce stands so high of the ground that we needed ladders to climb up. Troopers don’t climb latters so well but we managed and took the mile ride back to the staging area where we dismounted and attacked the food tables again.
Rounding out the day squad members wiped out the rest of the food and chatted it up and then we called it a day and for some headed to our evening places to celebrate the incoming new year.
Here are some photos of the event.
Photographers: Walter Woodruff and Kaelin Clevinger
Posted in Trooping, tagged 501st, Art Walk, breaking news, Downtown Art Walk, Jacksonville, Squad 7, Star Wars, stormtrooper on December 4, 2013| Leave a Comment »
The December Art Walk was a success. The crowed was great and the weather, well it was ok. maybe a little warm once all suited up but we managed just fine tonight.
The crowed turned out and the mood was upbeat and exciting.
The Art Walk is held on the first Wednesday of every month. So come on out and enjoy the sights and sounds, take a picture with a Stormtrooper or two and just enjoy an evening at downtown Jacksonville.
here are some photos from the night. Enjoy and remember you to can enjoy some Art Walk fun.
Photos by: Victoria Nelson – handler
Posted in News Flash, tagged 501st, News Flash, Squad 7, Star Wars, starwars, stormtrooper on November 17, 2013| Leave a Comment »
One Anniversary as a 501st Squad 7 member.
After just over a year of working on my Stormtrooper armor I submitted my images for approval to the 501st legion. As with anything it took a few more submissions to get there but on November 16th, 2013 I got the Email. it Welcomed me to the legion and to Squad 7 my local Florida garrison. I was so excited for a project completed and a new phase in my personal life.
One Year later: So I have been a member for one year now, I have completed over 21 troops in that year and I could not be more happy with the decision I made to start this great adventure in my personal life. I have met some incredible people in this organization. I am always impressed when I see the people that give of their time to go and troop the events that we do. The passion for there work and their hobby, I was not sure how I would feel going into this about putting myself out there. people knowing that I was a Star Wars fan and even bought and put together a costume to wear out in public. I was unsure of the reaction, the labeling or the cost of respect from co-workers or you bosses and piers. But once I went out and trooped a few events and saw the impact it has on the children and their parents, my mind was put at ease and the response from my piers was acceptance and understanding. This made it a bit easier to proceed with this new adventure of mine.
The Future: What does the future hold, well as for me it getting out there and Trooping more events as I can. I love the work that the 501st does and provides and I want to be part of that. So let see what year two brings me and the 501st.
Posted in Trooping, tagged 501st, breaking news, Downtown Art Walk, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Art Walk, Jacksonville Downtown, News Flash, Squad 7, stormtrooper on October 2, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Nothing brings the freaks and the geeks together like a beautiful evening spent at the Art Walk in October at downtown Jacksonville . This one was no exception and it started out great as 501st members meet up and a new home location.
We are now stationed at the Mid Town Deli on Laura street. I really like this location and the thanks goes to Michael Boyce, Sandtrooper TD-9813 for securing this location for us.
This location provides us with a place to setup a table for things like our props and propaganda materials, a place to change with nice clean bathrooms, food and drinks right at hands reach. So the location is not only great for us to suit up and spread the word about the 501st. but it is only a block away from the action.
We had Vader at this troop and when he shows up, well he steals the show. From the moment we turned the corner the crowd mob him and his handlers. The first hour it seemed was stuck on the corner right where we started. We at some point managed to move forward to the next block, still not reaching the center of Art Walk action. But really its good that we never did as the crowded would not allow us or Vader to move. After about another 45 min we gathered up Vader and escorted him back to the staging area.
This was another great evening out at the Art Walk. Here are some pictures of the event. enjoy and post a comment or two.. thanks for the support.
Posted in Trooping, tagged 501st, Art Walk, Gator Bowl, Gator Bowl Parade 2012, Jacksonville, parade, Squad 7, Star Wars, starwars, stormtrooper on January 2, 2013| 1 Comment »
Group Photo with 501st Members – I am on the right.
So for my 3rd Troop I was able to march in the Gator Bowl Parade in downtown Jacksonville. This was a mile long troop and it was packed with spectators on both sides of the street. This was my first parade since marching band in high school aside from the Disney parade which was more a production then a march and then it was not one on this level. I had a blast hanging with all the 501st members and learning what to do and not do. Everybody was friendly and helpful which is one reason I am proud to be a part of the 501st the people are very open and inviting.
Even the Empire has it’s cheerleader. black and white strips and me second to the right with pom poms.
This would be the first troop where I would run head on with photo fans. I had been warned that when you do a troop like this what would take 15 min to walk a mile could turn into an hour because of all the photo ops.
Yep that me with a pom pom cheering on the empire lol.. I am the one on the left
On this day the photo op’s started the moment we hit the staging area. It seemed the cheerleaders like guys in uniform with all the photo request we got, I think they would be surprised to know there are some women under some of them buckets lol. but I was taken back by how a crowed of people will flock to you. I had seen it a little handling for the Art Walk but this was a big crowd and were in the parade along with us. But it was enjoyable and interesting all at the same time.
Stand around waiting for the 3:00 pm step off for the parade. poor Vader (Michael Joiner) had to wear his helmet longer then the rest of us.
That would be me, Rob and Mongo (I think its Mongo) hitch’in a ride on the ST Augustine Ghost tours bus
here we are marching down the street. I would be the one on the left behind the young Jedi.
After standing around for an hour in costume we started lining up and I was lucky enough to march along side Vader. I stood to his right and tried to keep pace but being a first time and my own excitement I would tend to walk ahead of Vader from time to time and would have to slow down. I liked the fact unlike the Disney Parade that we could walk over to the fans and give high fives or a wave to the people waving back to you. some of the guys, the one who have done this for years really interacted with the crowed. they were great as they danced around and posed for photos but I was good to give high fives and try to keep pace with Vader. I must say for a mile long troop once we got started walking it didn’t take as long as I first thought. Before I knew it we were done and gathering up for some last min instruction.
This is me on the long walk back to our cars. I was walking with Mongo, Rob and a few others. we were all tired and ready for some water and shade.
Once the short meeting was done we had options to take a shuttle bus (with crowed) or walk back a few blocks from the parade. So I decided to walk the mile back and get back to the staging/parking grounds. It seemed longer walking back then the parade itself. The other guys were correct and I followed their lead whenever we got close to a crowed of people we put the helmets/Buckets back on and like clock work were stopped for photo. even being tired and feet hurting it was nice to stop and see the smiles on the kids faces as they got a chance to get a picture with a real life Stormtrooper.
I had a really good time at this event I was happy to talk with so many of the other members and I am still trying to remember all the names and faces. So this was Troop number 3 and I plan to do many more so if you want to read about my new adventures you can sigh up on right side of the menu bar. you will be sent an email anytime I post to this site.
Take care
‘Trooper Out
501st Members group photo with buckets on.
Photos courtesy of Rob Wojczyk
here is the “uncut” feed from the parade on Channel 4. Look for us just after the 36 minute mark…
http://www.news4jax.com/news/Uncut-Gato … index.html
Posted in Event Stories, Trooping, tagged 501st, birthday, Cerebral Palsy, Jacksonville, Squad 7, Star Wars, star wars costume, starwars, stormtrooper, Stormtroopers, troopers, Wolfson children's Hospital on December 30, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Ethan 11-year old , had his 9th surgery at Wolfson Children’s Hospital this past July
I got the privilege to troop Ethan’s 12th Birthday party and it was great to be a part of and one to be remembered.
Here is a bit of the story as told by his Mother Jennifer.
“Dear Squad 7,
This past July, our 11-year old son Ethan, had his 9th surgery at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. He was born 10 weeks premature and, as a result, has Cerebral Palsy. He has had 4 major surgeries in the past 2 years alone! We are so grateful that this most recent surgery should be last for a very long time to come!
During the summer of 2010 Ethan watched his very first episode of Star Wars…and has been obsessed ever since! We are quite certain he could recite all 6 movies from start to finish! His love for all things Star Wars has become a family affair, including his 2 younger sisters, Emma 8, and Ella 5. We regularly attend Disney’s Star Wars Weekends, have many Star Wars character costumes hanging in closets, own all the Nintendo DS games (including Lego) and proudly sport our family of storm trooper helmet decals on the back of our minivan! All that to say, we wanted to send a note of appreciation for something you, Squad 7, did for our family.
While waiting in the waiting room at the hospital this summer, as we have become so used to doing, eagerly anticipating Ethan’s surgery to be over, we were given a very unexpected surprise!
We quickly felt as though we were in a scene of a movie when the elevator doors opened and out marched Darth Vader and some of his closest friends! Needless to say, we could hardly believe our eyes. We were beyond excited to take pictures with some of the beloved characters that our house has come to know so well!
We so desperately wished our precious Star Wars loving son could have been there, too! We were given a couple of James Hance’s adorable signed prints and Wookie the Chew book! Winnie the Pooh has long been one of Ethan’s favorites since he was a “youngling” 
so we knew he would be over the moon about seeing this combination!
When he was brought up to his hospital room after his surgery and recovery time, we shared with him the exciting news that Star Wars characters were actually in the same hospital that he was, showed him the pictures, book and prints. He was so thrilled at the thought of everything, even though he was unable to see you all in person, that we are confident it helped lift his spirits.
On behalf of our son and the other children at the hospital, thank you so much for using your time, talents and love, to come visit kids and families who need a little pick-me-up and smile!
May God bless you all!
Sincerely,
Jennifer and Joel Weaver ”
Some of us with Ethan
Needles to say when we got to the party we approached the door with Vader leading the way. Vader knocked on the door and Ethan and family opened the door. Ethan’s face lit up with big smile and you could see the excitement as Vader wished him a Happy birthday. we all filed in one trooper after another and his eyes got bigger and bigger. We stayed and mingled with all the guest and took many photos for him to be able to look back on. One by one we wished him a happy birthday as we were leaving and we left him all smiles.
This was a great event for me and I am glad to be apart of making Ethan’s birthday on he will remember for the rest of his life.
Posted in News Flash, tagged 501st, ForceCast, ForceCast.net, Jacksonville, Jimmy Mac, Star Wars, starwars, stormtrooper, Stormtroopers on December 23, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a person was stirring because of the Force Cast was playing and echoing all through the house.Link to A Galaxy of Music (The Christmas Version)
The ForceCast.net Website
ForceCast Podcast Mobile Apps:
Have the entire ForceCast archives at your fingertips, plus bonus shows and exclusive content!
Posted in Kit Building, tagged 501st, costume, Squad 7, Star Wars, starwars, stormtrooper, Stormtroopers, TK, TK Klroy, troopers on July 1, 2011| Leave a Comment »
TK-Kilroy
One piece at a time and tonight its the AB plate and belt. I have been working on it slowly the past few day and tonight I put the finial touches on it. now I will start working on the front and back chest pieces over the next few days. Things are coming together real nice and I am excited for what to come. so here are some images of what I completed tonight.
AB Plate Front
AB Back Plate
TK-50167 STORMTROOPER 