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Phasma meets TK -11 at the Stollery Children's Hospital
Soulart replied to Soulart's topic in Field Training Exercises
Thank the gods of Tapatalk!!!!! I'm so very grateful for the ease of this app..... Here's some pics!!!!! Please enjoy them Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk -
TK 41307/Soulart reporting in from The Badlands Garrison Alberta OK.... This is something that rips my heart apart, yet is so vital to who we are, what we do, and why we give of ourselves. The fundamental foundation of what makes me who I am, and why I chose to join the Legion and give of myself to all those that may need anything I could contribute. I'll give you a bit of history first, then launch into Sundays troop. Meet Declan. A young boy that I had the privilege of meeting for his birthday wish one year ago. I was one of 4 troopers that went in this initial hospital visit, for this special request. I was the contact for this meeting and met 3 others I had never trooped with. 2 of which, had never trooped before! This experience bonded the 4 of us in ways only something of this magnitude can. It was brutal to see this one, so young, so ill. Declan was just diagnosed with a rare, adult form of leukemia, and we were his wish. Afterwards, I began sending pics to cheer him up whenever I put armor on as this boy eats, sleeps, breathes Star Wars. It cheered him up so greatly. Another chance visit followed and he was SO deteriorated, he was giving up hope.....and then other things happened. We built him his own set of armor after he wished he could be a be a StormTrooper like me, (I love Walts Trooper Factory for this) , made him an honorary member of our Garrison in December, A Facebook page was created for others to send pics and messages as it was so helpful for him. All of which are other field reports I have yet to report in on.... Ugh. I need more hours in a day! I've gone to other visits to cheer Declan up, because his girl Trooper was requested, but none have impacted me as this one has. This one hit me full Force as to the impact we have in the lives of others, or what a difference we can make. What hope we can instill... Declan's mom reached out to me to disclose how poorly he was doing. I felt helpless... what could I do? The Doctors indicated his mental state was so poor, his health and recovery was being so negatively affected, they wondered if I could visit? They were calling in specialists to determine how they could help him. My name kept coming up. Of course I agreed to go. I'd do whatever I could!!!!! On Sunday, a very impromptu private visit was pulled together quickly to boost our little TK-11 's spirit. At a request from Declan's Doctors, psychiatrist, medical team and family, I agreed to go. I drove 5.5 hours in the hopes I could go see him. I packed both my TK and Phasma..just in case. So often he was not well enough for me to go... he spent months and months in hospital after his transplant with no leaving... This last hospital admission crushed what was left of his spirit, and that of his familys as well. It was decided that this would be the time Declan met Captain Phasma. We talked about how we could do this in the past.... As his girl Trooper meant so much to him. I concocted An elaborate story, and discussed it with his Special ops troopers. I asked if I could bring a few with me to help with the validity of the plan. Here we go... Declan was greeted by the Captain in her deep British voice, and he was a bit leary... bit tentative. Bit frightened. In the visit, Phasma told Declan she had something she wished to discuss with him in private, and he timidly said "OK......" the troopers were dismissed, and Commander Sal was given permission to remove her helmet. But before he did, tk11 was told that Phasma had been on a mission in which he was involved, and that it was time to reveal her secret to him. As soon as he saw my face, he was in awe! Pure shock and glee! He grinned and all fear left his eyes! "It's you! My girl Trooper is Captain of all the storm troopers?" I then spoke as myself, and told him I'd been undercover, watching these troopers. To see if they were following orders, I told him I'd been scouting for new first order candidates, to see whom was worthy. Keeping my eyes on them all, And had to assume the place of a TK so no one would suspect. So I could blend in. Then I met him and I knew he had to be a part of my Legion. And as Captain Phasma, that was why he was selected to be a trooper. Because the Order needed a strong, courageous, brave Young trooper. His eyes teared up and he said "That's why you chose me." Yes Declan. I asked him if he wanted the other troopers to then be told. He elected to keep this our secret! He thought it best if they didn't know! Because he thought they might slack or goof off if they knew. So..... His girl troopers true identity belongs to him, and that he was chosen by Captain Phasma to become one of her special Troopers, seemed to make all the difference to him. We put my helmet back on, and I immediately began speaking in my best Phasma voice. He grinned ear to ear. Called back the troops, and I went back to observing their behavior. Overseeing. He watched me like a hawk! This Child misses nothing! The visit ended with the troopers saying goodbye, and I escorted him back to his room where again I removed my helmet and became regular girl Trooper and we discussed the visit and how he felt. I told him I needed to go and check on the tks to be sure they left the hospital, then I'd come back as I had gifts from Legion members to give him. He was so thrilled. Elated. I've never seen him smile like this. EVER! I returned with goodies, had a private visit, and I asked him again if we should keep it a secret. Yep. He thought it infinitely cool to know this secret, and kept saying how cool it was that I really am Phasma. That he knew I was special and the leader of the group, but to be the captain of all troopers, made me the best I could ever be in his eyes. The hospital staff have not seen him so happy, and the secret mission was a success. It's sole intent was to pull him back from a very dark place emotionally, which is hurting his physical health and recovery.. We succeeded. I choked on sorrow in my helmet as I watched him be lifted from his wheelchair to be placed back in his bed. I honestly hope one day, this little boy becomes strong enough to wear his armor, and meet the Garrison to which he belongs to, and To troop alongside of so many of us he has not yet met. That he gets to do the good in it he hopes to do. I have since learnt that he had to call his grand parents, Dad, tell hospital staff that he was chosen. That he was needed. That he had to get better as his girl Trooper really is Captain Phasma and she personally selected him to be one of her special Troopers.... That I really am cool. And because I chose him, he must really be important.... There's hope again in that child's eyes. What does my Phasma or TK now represent to me? Not abs, not characters from a movie we love, not cool costumes, no.... She is now hope. She somehow means the world to this child, and if clinging to her means he clings to this life, I shall forever be his Captain, and be there whenever he has need of her. Thank you to Ben, Ollie, Marlon, Travis, Jon, Jon, Louise and Sal for making yourselves available to myself on this day, and ultimately to Declan. I'm so sorry I could not have had this requested as a public event. And involved all in our Garrison. Declans health and mental state was too fragile, and it was not suggested. One day I sure hope we can have a huge Event. And he gets to finally put on that armor and stand side by side with his fellow troopers. With a Garrison and members I love so much. (I still have not mastered uploading pics of this day, but if you wish to see them, please go visit his D CLAN Special Ops Facebook page and see the posting ) Or if anyone has a suggestion on how to upload pics since we can't access tap a talk, please let me know! It is my honor to troop amongst you all. XO Teresa/Soulart/TK 41307 Declan's Girl Trooper Badlands Garrison Alberta
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Grande Prairie AB Badlands Garrison TK Twins Soulart/Pyrates representing! July. 21st 2017 Hey Brothers and Sisters! Hoping this post finds you well. This troop begins with being out of armor. At work, and listening to the radio. I hear the announcer speak of Summer camps offered through the College in the city nearest to me. A Star Wars Stop Animation Camp for 8-11year old younglings. What the heck???? How frigging cool is this I think to myself... how come this wasn't offered when I was a young girl!? Wait a minute... what could be more Imperially cooler, then to end that Camp with real troopers present to surprise those children .... Must. Do. It. Yes.... You are correct. I promptly called the Summer Camp programs Coordinator and left a message mentioning my idea, and that the offer to have this available to them is but an event request away....(no one is aware of us , and where I live, there's never been a presence) Next morning, I receive the call that "HEY! Were you the stormtroopers that were in the Canada Day Parade???" Why yes... yes we are! Fantastic! We'd love you to be here! Which brings us to the troop. Very quickly this was put together. There are not many of us in the area in which I reside. In fact, for the longest time, I was the only one. Exceedingly difficult to troop alone...it's lonely! I travel a fair distance to troop with my Garrison family. We now have 3 of us close by. I'm still an hour North of my closest brothers. This troop, the other 2 members were regrettably unable to attend, but my TK twin 99725/Pyrates showed up early to be certain I was not alone. I love trooping with my twin. We don't even need to speak! We honestly just mirror one another! This alone is an amazing thing. As we round the corner to the gymnasium, the children start screaming. Cheering. Standing at a full attention, and saluting as Captain Phasma enters the area. So amazing! Even the camp attendants were in awe of the reaction. We greet them all, and truly they were kind of speechless! In awe. Overwhelmed with how cool it was for them. Non stop chatter and excitement. They told us how the camp was. That they animated with our figures. We posed for pics, were hugged non stop, engaged in Pool noodle light saber battles, and were fed Dark side cookies decorated by the children. Thank you to Lisa and Lyle, this areas newest recruits for coming out to handle for us, and to experience firsthand what it is they are going to become a part of, as soon as their armor kits are built. A very enjoyable troop lasting only an hour. A very impactful hour. And rewarding on so many levels. It is My honor, as it always is, to be able to be involved in making a moment in someone's day unforgettable and special. To give of ones self, with the hopes their lives are touched in a positive way that makes a difference to them somehow. To also introduce all we do as an organization - our Legion - to an area that has never experienced us before. Oh but they will...They. Will.... With a happy heart, Soulart TK-41307 P. S. Again, I am unable to upload pics tonight. I'll try again tomorrow. Xo
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Grande Prairie AB Badlands Garrison TK Twins Soulart/Pyrayes kicking Imperial A$$ July. 21st 2017 Hey Brothers and Sisters! Hoping this post finds you well. This troop begins with being out of armor. At work, and listening to the radio. I hear the announcer speak of Summer camps offered through the College in the city nearest to me. A Star Wars Stop Animation Camp for 8-11year old younglings. What the heck???? How frigging cool is this I think to myself... how come this wasn't offered when I was a young girl!? Wait a minute... what could be more imperially cooler, then to end that Camp with real troopers present to surprise those children .... Yes.... You are correct. I promptly called the Summer Camp programs Coordinator and left a message mentioning my idea, and that the offer to have this available to them is but an event request away....(no one is aware of us where I live as there's never been a presence) Next morning, I receive the call that "HEY! Were you the stormtroopers that were in the Canada Day Parade???" Why yes... yes we are! Fantastic! We'd love you to be here! Which brings us to the troop. Very quickly this was put together. There are not many of us in the area in which I reside. In fact, for the longest time, I was the only one. Exceedingly difficult to troop alone.... I travel a fair distance to troop with my Garrison family. We now have 3 of us close by. I'm still an hour North of my closest brothers. This troop, the other 2 members were regrettably unable to attend, but my TK twin 99725/Pyrates showed up early to be certain I was not alone. I love trooping with my twin. We don't even need to speak! We honestly just mirror one another! This alone is an amazing thing. As we round the corner to the gymnasium, the children start screaming. Cheering. Standing at a full attention, and saluting as Captain Phasma enters the area. So amazing! Even the camp attendants were in awe of the reaction. We greet them all, and truly they were kind of speechless! In awe. Overwhelmed with how cool it was for them. Non stop chatter and excitement. They told us how the camp was. That they animated with our figures. We posed for pics, were hugged non stop, engaged in Pool noodle light saber battles, and were fed Dark side cookies decorated by the children. Thank you to Lisa and Lyle, this areas newest recruits for coming out to handle for us, and to experience firsthand what it is they are going to become a part of, as soon as their armor kits are built. A very enjoyable troop lasting only an hour. A very impactful hour. And rewarding on so many levels. It is My honor, as it always is to be able to be involved in making a moment in someone's day unforgettable and special. To give of ones self, with the hopes their lives are touched in a positive way that makes a difference to them somehow. To also introduce all we do as an organization - our Legion - to an area that has never experienced us before. Oh but they will be..... They. Will. Be...... With a happy heart, Soulart TK-41307 P. S. Again, I am unable to upload pics tonight. I'll try again tomorrow. Xo
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Here I go.... I'm going to embark on this data collecting journey/history of all my troops. I've only submitted a few, but feel I must do this. Let you all know what we in The Badlands Garrison are doing! I'll work backwards to my first troops...until I get caught up. .... It's just so hard to keep up! Ugh. Here we go... "Hey!!!!" Dave says in a message to our tiny FB group of 3. "We should go in the Canada Day Parade!" Well, that sounded like a very cool idea.... Ya no.... Not cool. Smokin' sweltering hot idea! We decide to do this, and involve our families. We trooped this baby in full armor, for 7 kilometers, in 30* C weather! -Lyle and Lisa, ready the Vader mobile and trailer. The decorating crew makes it Galactic. Star wars candy in bags, helpers wearing "Support Our Troops" T shirts that Tina has created for the support staff. Parade insurances in place. Check. OK... let's do this! We decided we would walk as best as we could, to make the most impact. Interact the greatest. Engage the crowd, but leap on the trailer if we were dying. We made it 6.5 km before jumping on the trailer. But oh it was SO worth it!!!! The first ever Legion parade presence in this Northern Albertan area. The screams. The cheers. Our float rocked, and we very much pleased the citizens of Grande Prairie. We were noticed, and that was my evil plan all along!!!! Muahahaha... I have been trying to get my remote area involved, and have the Empire reach them. I currently drive 5-8 hours one way to troop with my Garrison mates, and It's exciting to see this happening here. Slowly. Troop by troop. The first few troops here, was just this lone Trooper.... A bad girl, trying to do good.... Then there were 2... then I found my third. Currently on my 4th and 5th... another is working on his officer. That's 6! This parade very publicly declared the Force was with them, and they could feel the power of the Dark Side! I'm so thankful to the little growing family here. For all coming together with me to see this area grow. OK... back to the parade! The cheering! Screaming! (The heat) The smiles! The love of the Empire! ( The heat) I noticed every single Star Wars tshirt or hat in the crowd, including a family wielding light sabers because they knew we were going to be participating in the parade. (Yes... I learnt this day that his children were truly named Luke and Leia!) I need to recruit this fellow enthusiast. Though, I sense his allegiance may lie with the Rebellion. No matter. Where would we be without the light.... I also learnt, that Captain Phasma should never High 5 or fist bump with any sort of Force..... As her shiny finger armor goes flying! (Thanks to the Dad that graciously picked it up and tenderly placed it back on for me.) Oh dear.... I must fix this. It was a great laugh though. I also learnt, that my cape not only weighs 15 lbs, but is exactly like carrying a black canvas tent on my back!!!!! A heat source of Imperial magnitude. Bahaha. Thank Vader most of Phasma's armor reflects the dang sun!!!! (And burns out the retinas of my enemies) more than once I was grateful my gaskets are not rubber! All in all, it was my honor to March in our areas parade, representing the 501st and my fellow Canadians. Celebrating our amazing Country's 150th birthday, and all it means to be a Canadian citizen, with my family, and like minded troopers by my side. My TK Twin Aaron, Kelly, Shanda, Lisa, Lyle, Tina, Grayson, Sooraya, Elizabeth, Emerik, Caden, and Greg, thank you all for being a part of this special memory, and moment. This experience would have be greatly diminished without you. Actually, it wouldn't have happened at all.... For you all, I am grateful. XO Soulart TK-41307 P.S It seems I am unable to load the incredible pics of this day. As soon as I get this figured, I'll get some up.
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Thank you Rat!!!!
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It was a great day. I opted to not be in armor, and handle and photograph as I wanted you all to recall these moments. Having been a Mom that's stayed in a RMH with a sick Child, I know how important it is to have outside distractions, and know people care. The joy that was brought to the children and their families this day, was memorable. Unforgettable For each and every person there. I just wanted to witness it with clear vision. Bently certainly has found his Hero in you, and I'm glad you were given the chance to experience this feeling. Xo dear TK twin. Great account of your day there.
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I have many responses to this last message. Most I will respond to you privately with. One I will discuss is the family issue that is mentioned often. Or the children.... That we cater to or support just children in this Legion. So not true..... I know we support all. Gay. Straight. Black. White. Man Woman Child. Any race, any religion, and color, Creed or sexual orientation. Because..... Humans are humans. Period. People in support or need, are exactly that. We show up to support them. To bring joy. To add happiness. Bring out the inner nerd in them. Inspire that inner child. Through Star Wars. In plastic, metal, fiberglass, foam, latex, and fabric costumes!!!!! This is a hobby! And a volunteer role to make life just a bit brighter for someone. Anyone. Ive attended troops where no children were involved. Or primarily those responding were adults. A Pride Celebration is to support a group of people, ( children included here. Lots of them) that are discriminated against, non supported, abused, alienated, hurt, mentally abused, suffering, hoping for acceptance and wanting to have the right to be just like anyone else. No different than women that endure violences. Children's abuses. Suicide awareness. (Yes, Children kill themselves) Ridiculed because the can't speak properly? Or shunned because they are mentally or physically challenged? Have autism? Cancer? (Yes, children are shunned because they have cancer. Kids can be cruel) Have you ever had discussions with a gay man or woman? Asked what life has been like for them? The mental or physical pain they have endured? Found out how if feels to live in a body you know is incorrect for you as you begin to transgender? Have you attended a Pride Celebration? I mean really taken part in one? Embraced strangers you stood beside? Asked them questions? Listened to a different point of view other than your own? Heard tales of their life and struggles? Have you seen the terror and anguish on a child's/teen/youth/young adults face because they know they are not the approved of sexual orientation, and are horrified to their core to tell someone because the rejection and alienation is so real? Don't kid yourself..... Children very young know they are "different" from the others. It has nothing to do with being exposed to sexuality before they are ready... That they choose to kill themselves over being rejected by their family and peers? (Adults do this too) These hurts or needs are very real struggles for every straight or non straight human being. All of which, we troop for. I think very much this falls under a Legion support. In every sense of what we do! Again, just my opinion. My heart tells me it's right to the core of my being. There are gay children struggling for acceptance. That grow into adults. Struggling To be heard. To be loved for whom they are. And if I'm a child or adults hero in my armor, that brings tears to their eyes when I tell them I will not judge them - that I will support them, that I chose to troop just for them, to make them smile, then I could not be more proud to be TK-41307 in this 501st Legion. I'm struggling to see your point now..... It seems our views of the Legion are what differ here really. Not the gay community. Or offering a support to it. And I'd love to explore this further with you. I'm not understanding where you are coming from, and perhaps you can explain it to me in a way that makes sense to me. From your point of view. I know how I feel. And what I believe in. I'd like to know why you feel as you do. What experiences you have had, that causes your views to be as such. We do not need to agree with one another, but I'm certain we can have a good discussion about it regardless. Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk
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That being said, my brother jokingly gave me heck that my belt was hanging at the end of the parade.... "Jesus Woman.... Your a mess! Pull yourself together! " As they fixed my belt. (Because I'm mostly useless in Phasma ) I knew exactly when it was unsnapped.... Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk
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From a young boy on the sides of the Pride parade lines decked out in rainbow glory, when he ran into the road arms outstretched to hug me..... "Captain Phasma! I love you! Are you really here in support of me? For real!?" As I reached tenderly towards his excited disbelieving face with my clumsy chrome fingers I replied in my best Phasma Brit voice.... "Yes youngling. I'm here for you." He had tears. Of joy. Of Pride. Of acceptance. I was squeezed so hard, he dislodged my belt..... That was a child. A gay Child. Seeking The Captains approval that he was ok.... It was no different the feeling in my heart, than that of my youngling Declan I support fighting for his life through leukemia. Each of those boys deserved this Captains best. And they get it. Every time I step into my armor..... ❤ Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk
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It's funny that you think this is about sexuality.... Or a sexual rally. It was a parade. Full of families. For families and individuals. Oh so many children. This isn't about being gay or straight really if you break it down to its fundamental core. This is about supporting families. Children. People. Adults. People that need a support, Joy, a SW presence to brighten a day or mood. - no different than any other function or event we support. And attend. You just happen to not subscribe to this particular belief or cause. Which is your right. It's also about supporting members in each of our Garrisons that deserve to be treated decently and fair and equal. Every Garrison has a gay man or woman. Lots have transgender. Do we view them differently,? Maybe some do...some dont. I sure do not. Everyone in our Legion has the right to either troop or not if they feel an event doesn't fit their personal volunteering mandate. That is a personal choice. As would be attending a Pride event in support of fairness and equality. I trooped against rape and sexual abuses and violence against women... This is no different. We troop against abuses against children.... Charitable events supporting people in need. That is what a Pride event is. People that need support. I'm so very sorry you seem to find it a negative, questionable non deserving Event. Of Legion participation. But, that is your right to feel this way. To not ever troop it or support its people struggling. I'd hope though, you'd not judge nor condemn or fight against those choosing or wishing to. Though I see your point, and understand your perspective, I disagree. And that's OK. No one has to agree with me. If people cannot support such events, simply do not attend. But it should be open for all that choose to go. I'm grateful our Garrison participates. I choose to go proudly. As I do for any other event needing us. Thank you for speaking honestly, and without hate or cruelty. I really appreciated that you presented your views kindly. I feel differently than you do. It's OK for us to disagree and still care for or be respectful to one another. As I said earlier on in my original posting, this is my log of my day. My thoughts. My views. My opinions. No one else needs to subscribe to them. Thank you for leaving your opinion. ❤ Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk
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Oh no! This isn't my first troop.... Nor my first Pride troop (first troop I felt my stars were aligned in every way though, and I was at ease....) First time we could parade in Edmonton. Yes. It was a great time. As it always is when our Garrison troops together. Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk
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We choose to volunteer and give of ourselves in the hopes to make a difference somehow. In someone's life. To see people smile. To lift them up. To let them know they matter. That they aren't alone. In the Legion, We just happen to also Dress in costume from a sci fi movie from the 70's...... That people lose it over! I have given of myself always. In or out of costume. Simply because I can. I feel the saying "Those that have the ability to give of themselves, have the responsibility to do so" Is true for me. Life is short, and there's so much horror and pain in this world. I'm not blind to it. I know it exists, and it breaks my heart to see. I just choose to participate in the beauty. The caring. I choose to give and share. Dressing in armor not only fulfills my need to anonymously give of my time to others, but also my love of creating. Costuming. Sewing. Being a nerdy/super geeky girl. Ones Garrison mates become a family. One that is connected all over the world! On top of making children and adults smile, we gain oh so much more. We are so much more. ❤ a group of individuals all working together for a common good or goal. -A community. More importantly, a family. Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk
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The one we have in a couple weeks is a family carnival. It's an all day celebration for the entire day, for every age. Not "showy" like the parades, nor blatant in nature. Very interactive, like a con setting. We have our backdrop, our designated area, where we talk to people. Greet them, pose for pics. Last year was the city's first ever Pride Celebration, and I really like the idea of the full family friendly day. It's a fun, safe environment for the LGBT community and all those that support. They have an adult only Party in White (can't get whiter than a StormTrooper) gala afterwards, and this year they have included something similar for teens and children! Healthy. Safe. Involving and supporting all. I'm looking forward to being there again this year. If I was attending the party in white this year, I'd actually choose to head to the teen/children function! Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk
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Good luck!! The rainbow on the armor is wall vinyl. Removable. Will not damage the armor. For our breast cancer runs, we have pink ribbons all over our armor. It's beautiful, and a great temporary way to decorate for events without damaging the integrity in an armor. Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk