trooper96

Starting up the project again with a proper 1-1/2" tube. Template applied. Rough drilling and cutting. After cleanup and sanding, a little trial fitting with L2A3 parts just for fun. Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Thanks, guys!

This is a mission report from the Carolina Garrison forum... Date: July 16, 2016 Location: Old Towne Pizza Buffet 273 Market St. Seneca, SC 29678 Description of Event (Please share as much info as you can): Today, the Empire celebrated the 4th birthday of Billy, a very smart and polite little boy with a form of autism called Asperger's syndrome. Kirk and I arrived at Old Towne Pizza Buffet in Seneca, SC and were shown our changing room. The weather outside was HOT and muggy, so we were grateful not to have to suit up in the parking lot. We met Billy's parents and talked with them a few minutes before changing. We got dressed and made our entrance. Billy was a little overwhelmed and shied away at first. Slowly, he got the courage to approach us, then talk to us, then eventually take a picture with us. We let him use the Force to push us back across the room, Kirk let him hold his light saber, and I let him hold my blaster. Once he warmed up to us, he challenged me to a game of air hockey. He put both me and Lord Vader to shame. Billy wore his Kylo Ren costume for most of the party. We presented him a gift from the Legion, a 12" Kylo Ren action figure. When he opened the rest of his gifts, he thanked us for each one. Of course, we shamelessly took credit. The winning comment of the day came when he opened an R2-D2 bank and his dad convinced him to tell us "This is not the bank you're looking for!" After the party, we mingled with the other restaurant patrons and employees, then changed and spent a little more time with the family. They were very grateful for us making an appearance and said this would be all Billy would talk about for weeks. We met his uncle Tommy from the Charleston area, who is a true Star Wars fan and a member of the R2 Builders Club. He said when the family told him the Legion was coming, he said yeah right and was expecting someone to show up in cheesy costumes. When he saw us, he said he was impressed. We found out he met David Prowse once and had a long conversation with him. Tommy (age 49) was probably jus as excited about seeing us as Billy was. He expressed interest in pursuing a Legion worthy Vader or Stormtrooper costume and joining someday. Billy's mom said she had been communicating with someone in the Garrison about a costume as well. As we were getting ready to go, the manager of the restaurant treated us to a free buffet! Yes, it was good to serve the Empire today! This was a very good troop. Children with Asperger's syndrome have great difficulty with social interaction and nonverbal communication. To have him open up to us like that was an amazing thing to experience. I am very proud to represent the 501st Legion and the Carolina Garrison. Did this event support a charity? If yes, which charity?: No Event Length (Hours): 2.5 hours Items Collected (toys, food, clothing, etc.) and how many of each: 1. 12" Kylo Ren action figure (1) Carolina Garrison Members in Attendance: 1. Bryan Roller (TK-14082) ANH Stunt TK 2. Kirk DeWeil (SL-21370) ROTJ Vader Handlers: 1. Kaden DeWeil

This mission report was posted on the Carolina Garrison forum. Date: Saturday, May 14, 2016 4:00pm – 10:00pm Location: Westside High School 806 Pearman Dairy Rd. Anderson, South Carolina 29625 Description of Event (Please share as much info as you can): We arrived around 4:00 and were escorted by the event organizer to a secure changing area. We suited up and made our way to the event, where we were greeted by very enthusiastic high school students and their equally enthusiastic families and event staff. After many pictures were taken, we participated in the “Heroes Walk”, taking a lap around the track. Of course, we were stopped many times for hugs, fist bumps, and pictures. We made our way around the track to the big Relay For Life sign for more photo-ops and hijinks with the school’s Ram mascot. After about another hour and a half of mingling, we went back to the changing area to cool down and get rehydrated, and were treated to some of the fine grilled hamburgers they were making for the event. As darkness set in, we suited up for round two. I had been putting together an Imperial Staff Officer uniform (which I hope to be submitting for approval soon) and wanted to try it out, so I packed away my white armor and took the huge risk of being force choked by Lord Vader for “failing him for the last time”. As the event ended, the staff thanked us for appearing and sent us on our way. I enjoyed this troop very much. The facility was very nice. The weather was a little warm, but a constant breeze made it bearable. Our hosts were very gracious. Best of all, we had a blast entertaining the participants while helping to raise money for a very worthy cause. On a side note, this was especially cool for me, as I am a cancer survivor. Seven years, three months cancer free! Did this event support a charity? If yes, which charity?: Yes, Relay For Life: American Cancer Society Event Length (Hours): 6 Indirect Funds Raised (Total money raised by event): TBA Carolina Garrison Members in Attendance: 1. Bryan Roller, TK-14082 (ANH Stunt TK) 2. Kirk DeWeil, SL-21370 (ROTJ Vader) Handlers: 1. Blake Fisher 2. Laura Brown Check out some of the event photos below:

I'm pretty sure this is the same Jason Hill that is the Carolina Garrison's GML. http://www.501st.com/members/displaymember.php?userID=16623&costumeID=126 There is a place on the page to donate money if you like.

Thanks! Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

I remember you!

This event was held April 2-3 at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, SC. This was my first Comicon ever. I jokingly say I “sorta” went to comicon because I didn’t actually get to see much of it. My first order of business was to get to the 501st table. It was not to be. We were mobbed by fans before we got halfway down the first aisle. Someone stopped us to ask for a photo. When I looked around, a line had started to form. We finally moved another 30 feet and the same thing happened. An hour and a half later, we made it to the 501st table. I am so thankful for my wife who helped manage the crowd and keep things in order. Here are a few pictures...

Way to go, troops! Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Way to represent!

Me and Malachi. ------------ Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Backyard astronomy is one of my other hobbies. Combining that with Star Wars, for me, would be epic! Nice work! Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Anthony Conte of the Carolina Garrison received this email from Malachi's aunt... Please consider sending this little boy a card or letter. It would really brighten his day. Anthony suggested maybe sending a trading card. Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Silicone will stick to silicone, but almost nothing else. Stick a piece of thin, porous fabric to the bottom of the hand guard with 100% silicone sealant. I did this once with a scrap piece of a t-shirt. Now you have a surface on the bottom of the hand guard that will accept an adhesive that will stick to the glove.

Thanks, Jason! It was an honor to be a part of this. Malachi's dad posted this "thank you" on Facebook... ------------

I wanted to share with you guys a troop I participated in this past Saturday. Of all the times I have put the white armor on so far, this is the one I will remember. Here is a cut-and-paste from the Carolina Garrison's Mission Reports... I’m waiting for the family to email me more photos, but for now here are a few: Troopers with Malachi and his day, Jay. Buckets off, troopers. A few of the gifts presented to Malachi, courtesy of the Carolina Garrison. There were actually more than this since Bryan and Blake also brought some. Our MAW donation in Malachi's name. Malachi's book.

My worst experience was self-inflicted. The first time I (unofficially) trooped in my armor was at a fall carnival. I had just completed assembly and this was the first time wearing the suit for an extended time. My right shin was not properly trimmed and fitted, and the bottom migrated up top of my boot, causing the top rear edge to press sharply into the back of my knee. It was literally too painful to walk. Fortunately, this was when the crowd spotted us and we were instantly mobbed. I didn't have to move a step for the next two hours.

Still better than a Rubies...

Awards were presented today. They didn't ask us to appear in costume, but we did anyway! We walked across town to the Visitor's Center. Had to stop several times for pictures. Just a fun time! Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

It's not easy, but if you unsnap the crotch, shift the cod hard to one side with one hand and can wrestle the plumbing from your spandex with the other, it is possible. OK, that wasn't awkward at all...

Here are some pictures from tonight. 501st members in attendance were TK-14082, TK-71063, and TI-3855. Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Hey, we are ringing the bell again tonight from 6:00-8:00, same place! More pictures to come!

Thanks. As for the employee, I find their lack of Christmas cheer dusturbing! Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Here's a picture of my copy of the paper...