Kessel Run[TK] Posted July 6, 2014 Report Posted July 6, 2014 In Memoriam Around the Legion Around the Detachment Notable Troops Related News Off Topic Lance Starmer, SL-2640 of the 501st Legion, passed away on the 5th of June, 2014. Lance joined the 501st in 2000 as a member of the Empire City Garrison and later found his home in the Northeast Remnant.Lance always made trooping fun. He had an infectious smile and an uncanny ability to make the folks around him laugh. No matter what kind of day a person was having, Lance could make a comment about something from out of the blue, and you couldn’t help but feel better in his presence. He never took things too seriously, and he had a sharp wit and a twisted sense of humor - a dangerous combination around a bunch of guys and girls dressed in plastic, clinging on to our childhood.Known for his dedication to charitable causes, Lance was adamant about helping others achieve their costuming best in both the Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica communities, sometimes staying up all night to help a friend build a costume. He is survived by his children Christopher, Lance Jr., Aaron, and Clarissa. He will be missed by all who knew him.It is with great pride that we now enter Lance’s name into the 501st’s Hall of Eternal Legionnaires. Buckets off.. In mid June, members of the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, Mandalorian Mercs, and numerous Star Wars fan clubs in 21 countries participated in the first World Blood Drive, helping to attract hundreds of blood donors and their families to blood donation centers and hospitals. In several countries, Star Wars fans organized events at multiple locations, resulting in a total of over 40 World Blood Drive events. Most events were scheduled for June 14 to coincide with the World Health Organization's annual World Blood Donor Day. Star Wars book author Ryder Windham, who conceived and helped organize the World Blood Drive, sent us photos from the blood drives. On his Facebook page, Windham announced: "The next World Blood Drive is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2015. June 13 happens to be Ralph McQuarrie's birthday. Without Mr. McQuarrie and his incredible influence on Star Wars, it's possible that you and I and a few million other people never would have connected. I predict that even more Star Wars costume groups and more countries will join next year's event!" A set of Stormtrooper armor is currently making the rounds among girls who need it, and the results should make us all proud.It started back in 2010 when a then 7-year-old Katie was being teased for how much she liked Star Wars. Other kids told her that only boys could like it, and they taunted her for carrying a Star Wars water bottle.When Katie's mom, author and HuffPost blogger Carrie Goldman, wrote about her daughter's experience, she got the attention of the 501st Legion, who sent messages of support and started the hashtag ‪#‎maytheforcebewithkatie‬. The legion even began wearing Star Wars gear in her honor.She was a viral internet sensation.Two years later, when Katie asked her mom if she could be a Stormtrooper for Halloween, Carrie knew where to turn for costume advice. She went back to the legion, and the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment, who went above and beyond to help her out. They raised funds to make a custom set of armor in Katie’s size. Mom wrote on her blog, "Katie rocked that armor at her school’s Halloween parade. And again while trick-or-treating. And in spring at the Purim Carnival. And in summer at Star Wars Day in Joliet. Getting her ready each time was a cosmic task, but the outcome was always stunning."But Katie is 11 now, and it’s time for a new girl to wear the suit. Late last year, the 501st Legion emailed Carrie with the idea, and asked if Katie might be ready to pass along her armor to another little girl who has been bullied and who needs a little love and a reminder that she shouldn't ever need to hide who she is. referring to an 11-year-old named Allison.Katie agreed to pass along the suit without hesitation. “I was surprised, because I knew it was special to her,†her mother said.Allison was given the armor at an Autism Speaks event. The Friday before members came to pick it up, Katie, her sister and friends spent the afternoon writing notes to Allison to accompany the armor. After its presentation, Allison couldn’t wait to try the costume on! The Stormtrooper armor's adventure won't end there. Once Allison outgrows it, the legion will work to pass the costume to another child in need of a confidence boost.“Even if someone tries to make fun of them for something, that doesn’t mean they should be ashamed of it,†a spokesperson said, explaining a mantra both girls now know very well. The Force is strong with these girls. The Canadian Garrison was invited to participate in the Toronto Animation Arts Festival Internationals (TAAFI), Nelvana Bouncing Ball 2014. They were asked to bring six TKs and a Vader. (Sadly, Vader got called back to the Death Star at the last minute to oversee some slow moving construction activities. A Sith Lord's work is never done!) "Before the show, we were hanging in the lobby with our fancy Canadian Garrison bowling shirts and bins and a group of folks recognized the 501st Legion," TK-25267 reported. "This was based on a 'cross-over' pitch meeting that they attended in L.A. a while back that had some 501st folk attending. At the time I was not sure who they were.".The armored attendees were asked to patrol the premises under strict orders to take photos and don paper beards for the amusement of everyone involved. "Those folks mentioned earlier? turns out they are the Co-creators of Phineas and Ferb," he continued. " Dan Povenmire, co-creator and voice of Dr. Doofenshmitz, and Jeff 'Swampy"'Marsh , co-creator and voice of Major Monogram." It seems like it was a blast for everyone involved! It was that time again: the time where costumers gather at Supa Nova in Perth for a weekend, where group shots from a highly talented member were being taken. "We spent the weekend shaking the tins for a local group, RDA, Riding for the Disabled Association," TK-85421 relayed. They were able to raise $2,653.70 through their endeavors! Excellent work, Troops. We have all heard about episode VII, and Star Wars Rebels. But have you heard about Elstree 1976? Elstree 1976, is an upcoming documentary by Jon Spira, that seeks to enlighten us with the storys of many of the actors from our favorite film. These were actors with smaller roles and their tales are yet untold. Have you wondered what it was like on the set when George Lucas sat on the director’s chair and coordinated Darth Vader’s scenes? or the iconic cantina scene? Ever wondered why the Stormtrooper hit his head on the gantry? This film intends to unmask (and unhelmet) these characters each of which have an exciting account of Star Wars behind the scenes. Their thoughts will be uncovered; how they felt about their role back then, and how they feel about it now. they will tell us what Star Wars means to them, and how it has impacted their lives. Among the cast and actors featured in this documentary are: Dave Prowse MBE (Darth Vader) Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett) Paul Blake (Greedo) Anthony Forrest (Sandtrooper) Garrick Hagon (Biggs Darklighter) Pam Rose (Leesub Sirln) Angus Macinnes (Gold Leader) Derek Lyons (Rebel Massassi Temple Guard) John Chapman ( X-Wing Pilot) Laurie Goode (Hrchek Kal Fas and Stormtrooper) Check out their Facebook page for more details or to watch the trailer: Here With Unquestioned Loyalty, Evan LohTK-24127 "evan-loh"IPM Corespondent Your first troop When did you have your first troop? Share your experience here Show your Star Wars TattooGot a Star Wars inspired tattoo? post it here Glen RhodesTK-85421 "gmrhodes13"Imperial Attaché Don't Forget We're on Facebook and Twitter!Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitearmor If you're on FB, stop by and say hi, ask questions, and share stories!Twitter: www.twitter.com/FISD501st or @FISD501stfollow FISD on Twitter! Instagram: www.instagram.com/501stfisd With Unquestioned Loyalty, Sam KisselburgTK-85254 "Kessel Run"Public Relations OfficerOn behalf of the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Command Staff.End Transmission. Quote
Dark PWF[Staff] Posted July 6, 2014 Report Posted July 6, 2014 (edited) Busy month, June! Excellent coverage and awareness brought to the teeming masses of TKs, yearning to be informed. Thank you, as always, to the staff. Excellent work! Edited July 6, 2014 by Dark CMF Quote
Snaps[TK] Posted July 6, 2014 Report Posted July 6, 2014 (edited) Great edition and pics! I love the story about Katie and Allison and honored to be part of the 501st because of stories like that! Thanks for including the first troop experience topic I started... Edited July 6, 2014 by Slangen Quote
Tolo[TK] Posted July 7, 2014 Report Posted July 7, 2014 Great NL. Bucket off Troopers Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk Quote
Redforce[TK] Posted July 7, 2014 Report Posted July 7, 2014 Excellent newsletter as always! I'm a contributor to the Elstree 1976 documentary ... I'm glad to see it mentioned! Quote
Izzy Posted July 8, 2014 Report Posted July 8, 2014 As usual, another great newsletter! I loved hearing about Katie passing her armor to another bullied girl. Thanks for the hard work! Quote
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