GLB Holiday Party 2012

This past weekend, members of Great Lakes Base from both Ohio and Michigan gathered – along with some of our friends from Great Lakes Garrison, Ohio Garrison and Rancor Clan – to celebrate the end of a record-breaking trooping year; as well as enjoy the holiday season together with friends.  Rebels, Troopers, and Mandolorians alike braved the snowy weather those who live/troop around Lake Erie are accustomed to -- with “Jed’s Fireballs and Brew” restaurant in Maumee, Ohio as our destination.

Before I say anything else, I want to thank the staff at Jed’s for their excellent service and great food! Second, how about the job Lindsay did on the decorations!!! And lastly, WELL DONE to the folks at Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for keeping the roads clear – allowing our guys to drive in/home safely from as far away as Cleveland, Cincinnati and those who journeyed in from “that state up north.”

As for the party itself, we’re a fairly entertaining bunch on a “normal” day – you put nearly thirty of us together in a room and OMG!  After dinner, Jaster and BrianKenobi made a few announcements – including the news that GLB trooped 225 events in 2012… breaking our record from last year.  Later, many of us participated in Sheikahchica’s White (Bantha) gift exchange – which you had to be there to truly appreciate.  Then it was time to test our newest Jedi’s lightsaber to bust open the pinata – like it was a Jedi Training Probe (full of candy).  Even after the party left Jed’s, the night wasn’t over as several of our group found a local karaoke bar and kept the party going late into the evening.  Overall, the GLB Holiday Party was a day to be long remembered.

This also marks the 1-year anniversary of “All Wings Report In!”  Those of you who’ve been following us since day one (thank you BTW) recall this blog was originally designed to broadcast news from all across The Rebel Legion, before we became the official web blog of Great Lakes Base.  Well, I’m pleased to report the AWRI is getting a bit of an upgrade in 2013 as the all-NEW “All Wings Report In” Rebel Legion podcast is scheduled to launch in the New Year!  I’ve been asked to join the podcast team, as well as continuing to post here at “All Wings Report In!”

That being said, there’s only one thing left to say about 2012…

“Your Highness, there's nothing more we can do tonight. The shield doors MUST be closed." - Major Bren Derlin (ESB)

Fight Like a Jedi

by: dankelzaga

On December 16th, members of the Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison joined forces to help a young Jedi Knight and his family in their battle against cancer.  On Halloween of this year, young Jedi Matthew Litchfield (a huge Star Wars fan) was diagnosed with brain cancer.  He has since been receiving ongoing treatment at the children's hospital in Ann Arbor.  A fundraising event was held at the Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City, Michigan with a goal of providing funds to help Matthew's family with the medical costs associated with his fight.

Jedi "youngling" Matthew

Rob Humphrey, a friend of Matthew's family, decided to work on organizing an event to show community support for Matthew.  Given that Matthew is a huge Star Wars fan, it was only natural that the theme of the event revolved around "a galaxy far far away."  The event was given the title of "Fight Like a Jedi", and the slogan became not only the name for the event, but the moniker for all aspects of young Matthew's ongoing brave battle.  Members of the community, Star Wars fans/costumers, and even Lucasfilm rallied to the cause.  Thirty artists -- each incredibly talented -- created one of a kind licensed Star Wars sketches for Matthew.  Copies of the artwork were combined into a sketchbook that was available to purchase at the event.  A silent auction, traditional auction, sales of "Fight Like a Jedi" t-shirts and sketchbooks, along with donations from local businesses all raised just shy of fifteen-thousand dollars for young Matthew and his family.  The highlight of the day was watching Matthew receive a portfolio of all the original artwork as well as various other Star Wars related tokens.

Shadow 6 and "Red Leader"

Costumed troopers from the Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison, as well as R2-D2, attended the event; bringing forth smiles from Matthew and all the attendees.  The original "Red Leader" -- otherwise known as Santa -- was also in attendance to lend his support.  Darth Vader even received a formal lecture in the ramifications of being "naughty"!

The outpouring of support and love witnessed during this event was both inspiring and heartwarming.  As members of these Star Wars costuming organizations, we are often asked by the general public just what the motivation is behind our "trooping."  Words can't express the good feelings that come from assisting in this sort of community endeavor.  To share something that is so special to us as Star Wars enthusiasts, in a way that truly makes a difference in a child's life is an amazing privilege and gift.

GLB "Mission Photos" - "Fight Like A Jedi" fundraiser

“The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.” -- Frederick Buechner

Until next time, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of you!

As always, “stay on target” and “straighten up and fly right!”

Lt. Daan Kelzaga

Shadow 6

Great Lakes Base

Rebel Legion

Mike's Place

Mike's Place "Fill the X-Wing" event

The truth is, the “Fill the X-Wing” Toys For Tots event this past weekend as something of a guilty pleasure for me.  I’ve wanted to troop at Mike’s Place in Kent, Ohio for as long as I’ve been a member of Rebel Legion.  The X-Wing replica has been one of my favorite local landmarks, ever since I was a student at Kent State University.  So when the opportunity presented itself to organize our annual Toys For Tots trooping event for Great Lakes Base, Ohio Garrison and Rancor Clan… there’s no place like home!

This past weekend, we met up at Mike’s Place early Saturday morning for breakfast prior to the event.  After some good food and laughs, it was time to suit up – made interesting by the fact that our changing area was right next to the bus dining booth’s windows!

Mike’s Place had put the word out that any customers who donated toys during the Toys For Tots event would get a discount on their meal.  In addition, several GLB members helped put the word out to friends and family (living in the area) to stop by and donate toys.  Even my longtime Kent State buddy and his family – including my godson – showed up with some toys.  However, the “medal of honor” mention of the day has to go to the folks at Schumann’s Roadside and Towing LLC – who pulled in with a tow truck, filled with toys, specifically for our toy drive!  After just a few hours, we’d managed to fill an entire Toys For Tots collection box.

GLB "Mission Photos" - Mike's Place "Fill the X-Wing"

Talking with Mike, the owner, he shared some history of the famous X-Wing – and hinted that 2013 could see the legendary starfighter getting a complete overhaul.  If/when that happens, Shadow Squadron will be sure to offer the old girl a proper sendoff!

Mott's Children's Hospital

by: Tiernan

In 1965, C.S Mott's Children's Hospital opened and is among the nation's leading pediatric health care centers. The staff at Mott’s has dedicated their time and energy to research and giving children medical attention that is needed.  On December 1st, members of the Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison had the pleasure of spending the day with children staying at Mott's, as well as their families.  It was a humbling experience that left smiles on both their faces as well as ours.  It was a time for the kids and their families to relax and have fun.

photo courtesy of Blasty

As we all gathered in a conference room inside the Family center to change, staff members gave us details and our “mission” for the day.  It was a day for the Rebels and the Empire to call a “cease-fire” for the better of citizens at the hospital.  The “mission” was to walk around and meet with as many children and their families as possible, say hi to them, sign pictures and hand out books to them.  We were led to the 12th floor of Mott's with nurses, doctors and visitors stopping us to take pictures -- or to just have a look.  When the troop reached a room that was setup to host a party for the kids and their family, we were all greeted with an applause and excitement!  Children lined up with their mother, father, siblings and/or nurse, we greeted them with smiles on our faces, happiness in our hearts and for some -- if not all -- the yearning to do more than give an autograph and shake hands.

After spending some time with those who were able to leave their rooms for a larger gathering, our team split off into groups -- each taking a different floor, with a specific Ward specifically designed to suit the needs of the patients.  Two of the floors we visited were the Cancer Ward and the Cardiac Ward.  While both squads took extra care not to be too loud or overcrowd a patient’s rooms -- while still trying to visit as many rooms as possible, the squad visiting the Cancer Ward made a special visit to one patient who really loved Star Wars!  Even as tired as he was, the young boy managed to smile, say hi and tell us how big a fan he was.  It turned out to be so much more than a "Hi, I'm a Jedi." or "Hi, I'm a Stormtrooper."  After visiting a few rooms in the Cancer Ward, there was one patient who was overly excited and thrilled to see a Jedi, Storm trooper and R2D2.  Skittish and unsure at first, he warmed up to the volunteers and followed them around floor, going from room to room with the group.  In between visits, the Trooper and Jedi took pictures with him and his mom, and even went as far to let him play with a light saber hilt.  With a smile on his face, laughter and full of energy, he raced the R2 unit down the hall and had as much fun as possible.

On all floors that we visited, Mott's staff, parents, visitors and even some children stopped to have their pictures taken with Troopers, Jedi and R2.  As the day came to an end, the last of the pictures were taken and we all ended back in the Family Center.  But as troopers marched in from their final rounds, their were a few more children in the center playing, with smiles on their faces and happy to see "The Star Wars Guys" as we refer to ourselves at times.  They were handed an activity book just like every other kid there.  Most gathered around to play with the two children for the last few minutes left before it was time to change and leave.  

This event was an honoring and humbling event with many great moments that left the children and their families of Mott's along with doctors and nurses smiling and filled with joy and fun even if it was just for a few hours and a small break from reality.  Even though members of the GLB and GLG left wanting to do more for these people, we gave them a small break from life.  Just moments for them to forget about what was happening, to play and have fun or talk for a short time was our gift to them.  We reached out to these people and made a small difference, which is what matters!  It was a moment for us to look back on proudly and inspire us to want to do even more next time. Even though we gave the children a moment of fun and games for their joy, it was them who gave us so much more and touched our hearts.

Good Neighbors

Good Neighbors - Tallmadge

Since their founding in 1957, Good Neighbors, Inc. has been helping those in need through the help of volunteers. Good Neighbors is a non-profit organization that asks for volunteers who are willing to donate anything -- whether it’s their time, talents and sometimes cash or food donations -- to help those less fortunate in their local communities.

This past weekend, Great Lakes Base, Ohio Garrison and Rancor Clan offered to be Good Neighbors -- with members of Tallmadge Police Department -- during their “Fill the Cruiser” food drive at Giant Eagle. As you’d expect, a bunch of Star Wars characters standing around a police cruiser will draw a lot of attention. Once people realized what we were doing there, many were more than willing to hand us cash donations; others went inside and came back with extra groceries -- specifically for the purpose of donating to be “Good Neighbors” to those in need!

As the morning passed by, our police cruiser was starting to run out of room -- so we had to “call in for backup.” Even with the second cruiser, food donations kept coming in! As we got near the end of the toy drive, one of the managers showed up with grocery carts filled with bags of food -- donated on behalf of Giant Eagle staff members. By then, the second cruiser was filled to nearly to capacity as well and it was safe to say that we’d had a very successful food drive!

GLB "Mission Photos" - Good Neighbors (Tallmadge)

When everything was said and done, we helped bring in two police cruisers filled with groceries as well as $1,000 in cash donations -- all going towards Good Neighbors’ efforts to help feed those in need during this holiday season.

I think next year… “we’re gonna need a BIGGER (transport)!”