Generic Rebels - Heroes Made Here!

Over the years, I’ve listened to people question WHY anyone would want to join The Rebel Legion as a “generic” character?  They don’t seem to understand why someone would chose NOT to costume as one of the well known “face” characters from the Star Wars universe.  What makes this even more confusing is that, unlike the 501^st – where a group of TKs are instantly recognizable, Rebel Legion focuses more on the individual costumer.  As a result, the term “generic” has been branded with a negative image.

Recently, I have been asking Rebel Legion members, who portray generic characters, what inspires them to “rebel” against this belief.  One person in particular --  dankelzaga – posted something so true and well spoken, that I’m going to do what any good wingman would: move out of the way and let him take the shot!

“The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country.”

― George S. Patton Jr.

"A Rebel Pilot, Dad… Really? But why don't you want to be someone really cool? You could be anything you wanted. Nobody even knows who you are"

These are the words I first heard when talking to my youngest son about my goal towards becoming a member of The Rebel Legion in the role of a "generic" Rebel Pilot.  It's a bit difficult to explain the thought process behind choosing a specific role when it comes costuming. I believe everyone is drawn to a certain costume or look from the very beginning of their fascination with a movie/film/interest.  Who hasn't had the "that is just so cool" moment upon viewing something some particular scene from some particular movie?

In my case, it was always a fascination with the pilots of the Rebel Alliance.  Of course, there are the named pilots we've come to know and love, names like: Luke, Wedge, Biggs, and Porkins… but what of the others?  Surely there were many other brave pilots fighting against the tyranny of the Evil Empire.  The bright orange flight suit, gadgets aplenty, and a battle-worn decorated helmet; how can one not be drawn to the costume?  Personally, the concepts of flight, aircraft, and space have always been things I've been fascinated with.  I remember reading of the bravery of WWI and WWII pilots as a youngster.  Many a childhood day was spent pretending to fly a Corsair around the yard like my hero -- Pappy Boyington and the rest of Black Sheep Squadron.  A part of this fascination is what led me to enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.  My wife often jokes that I simply traded my USMC uniform for a new one in regards to my Rebel Pilot costume.

Rebel Pilots are certainly not the flashiest of costumes, but I've yet to go unrecognized at an event.  The Rebel Pilot costume also allows me to easily enjoy any type of event; in just about any condition.  It is fairly easy to suit up and provides for a very good degree of situational awareness and movement.  The costume also allows my face to be seen.  It is this freedom that allows me to truly mingle with both fans and children.  A welcoming smile to an apprehensive child is often the single thing needed to change their attitudes towards the costumer and experience.  As I'm not restricted to acting a certain way or repeating specific lines, I have a great deal of freedom relative to the way in which I can mingle with fans.  The freedom of movement allows me to dance on dugouts, kneel to be at a youngster’s level, become a "human hockey puck", or assist other less flexible characters while they mingle with fans.

Another benefit to being a Rebel Pilot is that there are no restrictions relative to gender or race.  An entire squadron of pilots can be represented at an event.  While their costumes may all be uniform in appearance, their distinct helmet designs and individual characteristics allow for a true melting pot of "good guys/gals" ready to take on the Evil Empire.  Despite the source of our material being fantasy, groupings of multiple characters in similar uniforms tend to lend credibility to the fantasy/costumes in the eyes of a child.  The galactic civil war would most certainly have involved numerous "un-named" combatants.  Even children understand this concept both with soldiers of the Rebel Alliance and with the Stormtroopers of the Empire.  Seeing a large gathering of either group tends to produce many an "ahh" and "ohhh" during events.

I am very proud to be a part of the Rebel Legion.  While I certainly don't gain the attention of Darth Vader, Princess Leia, or Boba Fett -- ultimately, a smile, along with the previously mentioned "oohs" and "ahhs" are what make everything worthwhile.  I have spent a lot of time working on my costume, while ensuring things are as accurate as possible.  Every minute was absolutely worth it.  I feel that regardless of the costume, I will always be happiest in a "generic" role.  I am extremely proud to be a Rebel Pilot and even prouder to be a part of the Rebel Legion.  So, in the immortal words of Davish "Pops" Krail (Gold Five) and Nat King Cole…

“Stay on Target” and “Straighten up and fly right!”

Lt. Daan Kelzaga (Dan Hench)

Shadow 6

Shadow Squadron

Great Lakes Base

Rebel Legion