Canton Rotary Club

It’s been almost two months since we’d had a trooping event in northeast Ohio.  After a VERY busy 2012, many of us could do with a few weeks off, time to take care of family business, work and just recharge the batteries for another year.  Taking a break is GOOD, but it’s time to go back to work; and there’s no better way to start your “trooping” day then with a good breakfast!

 

Over the weekend, Great Lakes Base, Ohio Garrison and Rancor Clan came together at the Canton Memorial Civic Center for the Rotary Club of Canton annual “Pick Your Prize” raffle and pancake breakfast – an event that helps fund several local programs, including: RYLA, Rotary Scouts, Interact Club, Done In A Day with Junior Achievement, Sponsored Philomatheon Society Annual Picnic, Crime Prevention Program, Secured District Simplified Grant for Stark County Red Cross, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Walk in honor of Tom Vignos, Sponsored Stark County Foster Parent Program Dinner, Sponsored Martin Luther King Breakfast, McKinley Speech Team, McKinley Football Scholarship, Mayor’s Literacy Program.

For our part, the job was simple: “huddle up” and pose for pictures with anyone who wanted one… and let me tell you, EVERYBODY who was there wanted one!  (in some cases, multiple pictures)  At times, there was a line out the door of the dining hall waiting for us, as we’d take picture after picture with kids, grandmas, members from the Canton Rotary Club, “Pozzi” the mascot for the Canton Charge basketball team, and anyone else who wanted one.  We held our ground for almost three hours straight, until everyone had a chance to enjoy some delicious pancakes and get their photo with the Star Wars characters.

GLB "Mission Reports" - Rotary Club of Canton 

Now, if you’ve been around Star Wars costumers long enough you learn a few things; one of which is… standing in armor makes these guys HUNGRY!  So when things appeared to have slowed down, it was time to suit down and enjoy some pancakes.  I’d like to thank all the Canton Rotary Club members who volunteered to serve us, along with everyone else who attended the fundraiser.

Return Of The 80's

by: Tiernan

 Madonna released "Like a Virgin", bright neon shirts with mini skirts, leg warmers, fish net gloves as part of the wardrobe, Gremlins, Star Wars: Episode V were all released and popular in the 80's.  What better way to remember the past: have some fun and dress up for the night other than a Summer 80's bash?  Thanks to the Lincoln Park Firefighters, for hosting the one night of fun and plenty of memories inside Crystal Gardens (Southgate, MI.)   February 22nd was also about raising money for the community and the welfare of its citizens.  Proceeds from the event were put into funds for scholarships, youth baseball programs and other local projects.

photo courtesy dankelzaga

Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison were invited to the Annual Summer's 80's bash; hosted by the Lincoln Park Firefighters.  After changing into costume and waiting for a few minutes, members finally walked out into the reception hall full of partygoers.  The guests were ecstatic to see Star Wars characters and crowded around, waiting to get a picture with each of us.  We entered the banquet room, to the main Star Wars theme, to a packed room of people standing on either side welcoming Rebels and Sith alike.

Party like an ewok!!!

Once inside and at post, we stood as people snapped their cameras and our introduction was given as well as a speech about the fundraiser.  80's music blasted and the crowd dispersed on the dance floor all around the room; that's when our mission started.  Orders were walk around, mingle with guest and take pictures with them.  While Princess Leia, a Rebel Pilot, Endor Trooper and a Jedi got the chance to walk around the venue, it was Chewbacca who got stuck on the dance floor with a giant crowd of fans dancing with him and posing for the camera.

After an hour and half of dancing and photo ops, things began to calm down (but not by much) it was time to break for a few minutes for those who wanted to.  While some Rebels left early, others stayed to party well into the night getting as much attention and having as much fun as possible.

Shadow Squadron, standing by: G-Man

Shadow Squadron, standing by:
Shadow 2 "G-Man"

The next “Shadow” reporting in is Scott Jones, also known as “G-Man.” Scott is currently serving as Shadow Squadron’s Executive Officer; he also designed the current Shadow Squadron logo.

AWRI: What inspired you to do a Rebel pilot costume?
Of all the costumes in the original triogy, the pilots bright orange costume jumps out at you. The costume is simple but has some great details. It also doesn't cost a fortune to put together.

AWRI: Do you have a custom helmet? If so what's the inspiration behind it.
Yes, I picked up an original APH fighter helmet and customized it. I always liked the Hoth scenes, so I put a Wampa on the sides.

AWRI: Who is your favorite pilot in the books or movies? Why?
I always liked Zev Senesca. He seems a veteran pilot that has seen a lot of action and knows what he is doing.

AWRI: What's your favorite Rebel starfighter? Why?
I wouldn't call it a starfighter, but I like the Snowspeeders even though they didn't do a whole lot against five Snow walkers. I also like the fact they have a rear gunner to watch the back.

Star Wars Surprise Party

by: Tiernan

It's really special when us Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison get invited to make appearances at sporting events, conventions, hospitals or the occasional library or two.  These events are the opportunity to get dressed in costume for a few hours, walking around, taking pictures and sometimes talking with fellow Star Wars fans.  During these events, we also get to know our fellow Rebels and Troopers a little better, as individuals. Sometimes, we event go out to eat together after an event.  What's extra special is when one of our own makes a request of his or her comrades for an event that they are hosting.  Moments like these are an opportunity where we are invited to be part of their personal/family moments; even if for the sake of appearing in costume.

February 9th was Dave Sage's (n0c00lgamertag) son Reece’s birthday.  Dave invited troopers both from the Rebel Legion and 501st to help celebrate his son turning 6 years old.  At Waterford Lanes Bowling Alley, we got suited up – as always -- and walked out into the bounce room for Reece's birthday surprise.  The birthday boy and his guest ever over ecstatic with the appearance of Rebel Fleet Trooper, Jedi, Stormtroopers and his dad in costume as well. All of the kids were excited to meet the Star Wars characters, as each took turns having pictures taken and being “captured” by the TKs.

After pictures were taken and the kids went back to playing, our half hour of trooping was over and we sat and enjoyed pizza as we got the chance to stay around and talk for a bit.

Shadow Squadron, standing by: Mieal Deneb and Jacen Deneb

Shadow Squadron, standing by!

Shadows 14 and 15 - Mieal Deneb and Jacen Deneb

It has been said that “the Force is STRONG in your family,” which is also true when it comes to Shadow Squadron’s husband and wife team.

AWRI: What inspired you to do Rebel pilot costumes?

MD: I've wanted an Original Trilogy costume, and since (as a kid) I used to pretend I was Luke flying around in his X-wing, figured an X-wing pilot would be great. Also, we were going to Celebration V, which was at the time of the 30th anniversary of ESB; so I thought it would be fitting to also do Snowspeeder pilot costumes.

AWRI: Do you have a custom helmet? If so what's the inspiration behind it.

MD: Yes, I designed my helmet. I was inspired by another childhood favorite of mine [classic] Battlestar Galactica, so I took elements of the Viper pilot helmets and incorporated it into my X-wing helmet design utilizing Shadow Squadron's colors. I also threw in some hidden Mickeys because I love Disney; which turns out is pretty fitting now that they own Star Wars. When it came to Jason’s helmet, I designed his as well.

Jacen Deneb

Mieal Deneb

AWRI: Who is your favorite pilot in the books or movies? Why?

MD: Luke will always be my favorite pilot. He's the one who destroyed the original Death Star and is the best pilot they have. Luke was my childhood hero growing up.

AWRI: What's your favorite Rebel starfighter? Why?

MD: I will always love the X-wing because that is what Luke (and R2-D2!) flew during the battle at Yavin.

Shadow Squadron, standing by: Jawa Juice

Shadow Squadron, standing by!
Shadow 5 “Jawa Juice”

We move from a veteran to one of the youngest pilots in Great Lakes Base.  Jawa Juice may be a “nugget” compared to some of the other Shadows, but he’s quickly making a name for himself within the squadron.

 

AWRI: What inspired you to do a Rebel pilot costume?
Well, I've always liked the Rebel Pilots.  I feel there is a certain romance that comes with being a Rebel Pilot: a dashing rogue, fighting for freedom and justice in an era of great darkness.  Aces from all over the galaxy, when I was little there was one thing I wanted to be and that was a Rebel Pilot.  I grew up as part of that little generation before the Prequels – though, I was 10 when Episode I was in theaters, I had grown up with the original films before that; and I've always wanted to be a Rebel Pilot since then.

AWRI: Do you have a custom helmet? If so what's the inspiration behind it.
Yes I do, and there is a funny story to that.  I play this game called “Ace Combat,” in the game there is a character known as Captain Bartlet, his call-sign is "Heart Break One".  He had a particular logo on his plane that was the ace of hearts with a knife through it.  Originally, I wanted to do that but I thought that wasn't Star Wars enough, so I took away the playing card, and turned the knife into two vibro-swords stabbing into the heart. I kept the call-sign "Heart Break One"

AWRI: Who is your favorite pilot in the books or movies? Why?
That would be Wedge, and that is mostly from Rogue Squadron. I feel he's a much better leader then Luke.

AWRI: What's your favorite Rebel starfighter? Why?
Oddly enough...it’s an A-Wing!  I like the speed of the fighter and just the way it looks.  I look at the A-Wing and I truly believe it’s a great design.   It may have weaker shields and armor but makes up for that with its speed and maneuverability; also it looks really sleek and mean.

Shadow Squadron, standing by: Vacuum

Shadow Squadron, standing by!
Shadow 10 “Vacuum”

They say “you can’t lose your shadow!”  Well, the same is true for Angela -- one of the original members of Shadow Squadron.  After taking some time away from trooping, “Vacuum” is back and never been better.

AWRI: What inspired you to do a Rebel pilot costume?
Ever since I was a very small girl, I have been mad for anything space and aviation related and could never get enough of sci-fi and real world things involving either.  When ANH (just called “Star Wars” back then) came out in theaters, I was twelve and pretty much lost my freaking mind over it!  And while my friends all wanted to be Leia, Han or Luke, I just wanted to be an X-Wing pilot.  When I stumbled across The Rebel Legion years back and saw people making and wearing real live actual pilot costumes (among others) I knew I had to create own.  Back then, you pretty much had to scratch build a lot of the parts; but I looooved the challenge of figuring out how to reverse engineer things like the flightsuit and flak vest.  I had been out of it for a while due to life, but have been having a blast dressing up and making people smile again recently and am so glad to be back.

AWRI: Do you have a custom helmet? If so what's the inspiration behind it.
Yep. Going back even before joining the Legion, I have participated in writing in various play by post collaborative RPG sites.  More often than not, my favorite characters to write have been the pilots.  One of whom was quite a hothead and had a tattoo of a rebel crest surrounded by flames on her person.  Something I later did myself (yeah, I get into character, seriously ;) ) and then replicated the design as decals for my flight helmet.  Since reactivating, I added my call-sign and Shadow Squadron number as well.

AWRI: Who is your favorite pilot in the books or movies? Why?
Wes Janson (the X-Wing books/comics version). Because I love a smartass.

AWRI: What's your favorite Rebel starfighter? Why?
The Incom T-65 X-Wing. It's a sexy beast that's why.

Detroit Derby Girls

by: n0c00lgamertag

Detroit Derby Girls

On February 2nd, members of the Great Lakes Base and the Great Lakes Garrison joined the Grand Prix Madonnas and the D-Funk All-Stars for the Detroit Derby Girls “Star Wars night” at the historic Masonic Temple in Detroit.  Upon arrival, our gracious host Sam I Slam -- who had requested and arranged our appearance -- greeted us.  We were given a large, spacious changing room and access to the wonderful Derby Girl potluck buffet before the bout that offered many tasty foods from chili to salad, fruit and drinks.

After everyone was in costume, we gathered on the track for some awesome photos with both teams -- followed by a group photo with the entire Derby Girls contingent and all of the 501st and Rebel Legion members in attendance.  We then mingled with the guests in line outside waiting to enter, who needless to say were more than amazed at our presence.  According to Sam I Slam, the advertised Star Wars Derby Girls night helped the match sell out almost a week before the bout.  There were 1,000 fans that showed up to see us, participate in a costume contest and knock back some Star Wars themed drinks!

Once the doors opened, the "official" photo ops began.  Everyone was extremely professional and on their best behavior.  Fans of all ages were giddy with excitement after seeing all of the Star Wars characters that had shown up to make this a great evening.  Chewie, Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Jedi, Stormtroopers, TIE-Fighter pilot and a Biker Scout found themselves mobbed by fans who were waiting to pose with some of their favorite characters.  They literally had to kick us off the track in order for the match to begin, giving us the first of many breaks.

Then came the big parade!  We all marched out and around the track as Star Wars music and clips were played on the big screen.  We high-fived, shook hands and posed for quick snapshots along the way.  After the opening parade it was time for the national anthem.  We all stood tall as the Star-Spangled Banner was played.  After that it was time for the match to begin.  Since I was the only one that wasn't in a mask, I was given the honor of blowing the whistle to start the match.  I was given brief instructions on the when and how, and then stepped to the starting line.  After counting down from five, I blew the whistle and fired up my Light Saber to start the bout.  The girls took off and the action was on!  They play hard and didn't let up for the whole first period.

At halftime, we came back onto the track and once again hung with all the fans.  The costume contest was judged by a couple of Stormtroopers, and plenty more photos were taken while a live band played.  They had to kick us off the track once again, so the second half could begin. At that point, we were basically done.  Most of the guys changed back into regular clothes and hung out to watch the rest of the bout which was as full of energy as the first half.

In addition to bringing some exposure to the Derby Girls, the Derby Girls Star Wars night also helped raise almost $500 in the 50-50 raffle that was donated to the Boys and Girls Club in the name of the 501st, the Rebel Legion and Derby Girls.  This event was one of the most fun I have ever participated in.  The energy was high, the fans were appreciative, and the Derby Girls were really glad to have us there; I would definitely do another one of these events without thinking twice about it.

Dave Sage "n0c00lgamertag"

Des Windu/TK-9241

Salvation Army - UPDATE

The Salvation Army has reported donation levels increased significantly during the 2012 holiday season, particularly during bell-ringing events where Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison members were present.

photo courtesy Great Lakes Garrison

 According to Salvation Army, normal donations at specific locations/times average $50.  Whenever Star Wars characters from GLB and GLG were present, donation totals reached over $400.  Obviously, having Chewbacca, Darth Vader, TKs and Rebel Pilots standing alongside Salvation Army’s signature red kettles and ringing bells tends to draw attention – but I wouldn’t dismiss how meaningful it is that Star Wars fans (both costumers and the public) are generous people who want to help their fellow man!

If you follow The Rebel Legion on Facebook, you would have seen Bases across the country volunteered with their local Salvation Army chapters’ “Red Kettle” drives.  Now, try and imagine the impact of the Michigan contingent’s participation – but at a national level?  That is significant and something both Rebel Legion and 501 st should be proud of.

Great job Rebels and Troopers!!!