November 2015 Newsletter - Sith Edition

[thechosenhitman[TK]]

Will have internet later this week on the 20th when I can get to my office at the Red Cross to update the Xbox & battlefront

[Darth Aloha[Admin]]

Hmmm. I've been in such a terrible legion mood lately. Let me see if I can turn that around and write something up.

 

When do you hope to drop this one?

 

-Eric

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

Hmmm. I've been in such a terrible legion mood lately. Let me see if I can turn that around and write something up.

 

When do you hope to drop this one?

 

-Eric

End of month. So it's like a Nov-Dec NL. We will be taking a break in Dec but I might plan a light NL for that month.

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

Eric, just a suggestion you might have already thought of: use the opportunity to alleviate fears about Anovos armour and regarding belts and TDs and people bashing on it. Just like how you've mentioned in so many posts that we should worry less and focus on trooping and helping troopers build armour. At least you'll get more people reading your statement instead of your post being covered by other spiel.

 

That is unless you want to avoid mentioning anything Anovos related all together. Personally I'd like not to publicise armour makers in the NLs. Maybe use "Pink white fluffy bunnies/unicorns dancing on rainbows" instead of Anovos..

[Darth Aloha[Admin]]

Yeah man. I've been giving that a lot of thought and I think I may talk about negativity and wild speculation and dance around the A word. I'm not sure I want to fuel any more anovos talk on our forums as is. 

 

I might talk about CRLs and morale a bit to dance around fluffy rabbits and puppies shucksting on rainbows. 

 

-Eric

[thechosenhitman[TK]]

Maul Photos are up!!! yay fresh data plan data!!

[thechosenhitman[TK]]

here is the, sadly, only Kylo pic I have currently.

 

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

No worries Matt, I've grabbed some photos from the forum on her build and plan to use them.

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

Do we have a posed pic of Luke Daley?

 

I feel bad for putting all the pictures of Dawn but not a single one on Luke. I can't find Luke's thread for his Kylo pictures.

 

Edit:

 

I have also added in Maul's photos and tutorial with the amazing photos into my first post.

[thechosenhitman[TK]]

I do not have any pics of Luke. I know his is still in progress

[thechosenhitman[TK]]

First parts on:  leather undersuit,  Boots,  Shins &  cod

 

 

Next on: Inner cape, belt

 

 

Next to last: Face mask, chest armor (over mask) 

 

 

Finally the cape & dome

 

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

Thanks Matt!

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

I've received the "basic" write up for the Memoirs piece.  I'm doing some editing and putting my intro/outro into it and it will be ready.

 

I'm also still working on the write-up for Germain.  That one will be done pretty soon also.

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

Team, what's the status of your columns?

 

If everyone has been too busy I understand as I too been really busy at work and barely had time over the week ends with so many upcoming troops and all.

 

I've been slowly updating the first post and the image gallery with pictures that we will us. I plan to have a shortened version for the bulk email.

 

I also plan to do a recruitment drive in the "From the PRO". While we have a great and solid team, I feel that we are yet understaffed. I am hoping to get fresh and eager candidates to help with more of the existing columns we have (or to think up of new ones).

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

Possibly tomorrow, more than likely, Tuesday.

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

Thanks Tim!

[thechosenhitman[TK]]

No clue if I have everything in

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

Tuesday.

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

Matt, I believe you have everything posted that is needed for the NL. The rest is for me to fill up.

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

Clint, would you be able to get a SLD edition banner by this week? If not I can just use the standard banner.

[thechosenhitman[TK]]

Matt, I believe you have everything posted that is needed for the NL. The rest is for me to fill up.

To hear that is a weight off my shoulders.

 

When things are ready I may do a email blast on the SLD side of things, pending LDR's permission of course.

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

FISD Achievement Award

 

Troopers Helping Troopers.  How many times per day do we see those words here at FISD? 

 

There are countless singular examples of it here daily.  They come in many forms, encouraging others to keep on building when it gets overwhelming, congratulating individuals on achieving EIB and or Centurion, or even supplying advice to new forum members when it comes to considerations to look at before choosing armor.

 

As previously mentioned, examples abound.

 

Still, it is rare that any one member does something that has a legitimately tremendous impact on the TK community at large – but it happens.

 

Recently, one member did something that can be described in exactly that way.

 

With a new movie imminent, there are bound to be many new costumes and props that enter our universe.  Naturally our world is a-flutter with detail debates, and photo analysis while everyone attempts to learn what is right and accurate so that the costumes and props can be accurately reproduced. 

 

At the height of these discussions Germain Graziano, TK-14492 of the French Garrison (FISD’s own “The5thHorseman”), taught himself to use 3D rendering and print software in order to complete a personal project to bring a very accurate printable representation of the F-11D, complete with some functioning parts, and ready for electronics installation with very little modification.  As if being able to have a near-screen accurate blaster months before the movie even premiered was not enough, Germain made the files available for everyone to have and print - for free.

 

This undertaking (http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/32544-free-tfa-f-11d-3d-printable-files-available-now/) that he poured himself into is the epitome of Troopers Helping Troopers, and it is these actions that have earned Germain the FISD Achievement Award.

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

This edition of Memoirs comes from three Stormtroopers and is centered on a Troop that took place just about a month ago – 7 November, 2015. 

 

Daniel Nickeson (TK-7586, ZacMuleer) the Garrison Events Coordinator for Star Garrison, and Andrew Repasky (TK-24218, Fuumantroop) and Bob Martin (TK-82954, BobMerge) of the South Texas Squad, Star Garrison. 

 

Each of these troopers were involved in a recent Star Wars centered, globally significant event.  #ForceForDaniel recently was a very highly circulated hashtag, being heavily campaigned for by no less than John Boyega and Mark Hamill.   The Story of Daniel Fleetwood was one that we are all likely familiar with, and were all very likely touched and moved by in a very personal way.  If you’re not familiar with the story, then I invite you to read the following accounts of the troop for Daniel, and then do a quick internet search to become familiar with his story.  Nearly every time we put on our shiny white armor, we have an impact on people’s lives – many times, we will never know this. 

 

Once in a while, a person or a troop have an impact on our lives, and these moments are the stuff memoirs are made of.

 

Daniel Nickeson:

 

As we all know, being members of the 501st, our facebook feeds tend to catch Star Wars stories early in their cycle.  I was immediately drawn to the story of Daniel Fleetwood, and his call to Disney and JJ Abrams to see The Force Awakens early - the exact plot of Fanboys, a movie very close to my heart about a group of friends' love of Star Wars and each other.  In addition to the early stories about the Fleetwoods, we received a message from Joshua Rhoads, a friend of the Fleetwood family and 501st member with more information about the severity of Daniel's diagnosis and how he was working to do what he could to help the family - and more importantly - that the Fleetwoods resided near Houston, TX. 

 

We began discussions almost immediately amongst the Star Garrison leadership to coordinate a troop, while we attempted contact with Ashley Fleetwood.  With the story gaining traction and news and blog sites all over the world starting to reach out to her, I was frankly amazed and relieved when I was able to reach her.  She was so incredibly kind and thoughtful and generous with her time.  We expressed interest in visiting Daniel as soon as he and the family would be willing: after all, we didn't want to take too much time away from his family.  Ashley was so excited for Daniel to meet our troopers; something she knew would give him a huge boost of joy.  She wanted to make sure he knew of the troop to give him something to look forward to.  While I asked if we should limit the number of troopers (knowing we were trooping in the residence and not wanting to overcrowd the family or Daniel), she initially said that maybe 8 troopers should attend.  A moment later, she came back and said, "Scratch that.  Daniel is so excited to see you that he wants as many as can make it." 

 

Within days, we had a dozen troopers from all over Texas willing to stand by Daniel, hoping to bring a smile to his face and more attention to the #ForceForDaniel campaign.  Little did we know that Disney, Lucasfilm, and the Bad Robot company were granting Daniel's wish, showing him The Force Awakens at his home.

 

There was no objection among the leadership to grant Daniel immediate Honorary Membership into Star Garrison.  We were able to contact Damien Metz and get plaques and name tags made and shipped, and put out the call for our members to send in donations for the traditional "swag bags" that go out to honorary members.  Except more than the usual swag came in - including a full metal DL-44 blaster - showing again how the Fleetwoods story had touched the lives of 501^st members around the world.  

 

When the news story came down the wire that Daniel's wish had been granted, we also heard that his condition had taken a turn for the worse.  We limited the number of troopers and time out of respect for the Fleetwood family, but were encouraged by Ashley - Daniel definitely was looking forward to our visit.  He wanted to meet the troopers of the 501st.

 

Sometimes, as troopers, we forget that there are fans out there that love Star Wars as much as we do, but just don't get into costuming or prop replicas.  So when they see us, they aren't just seeing other fans, but the entities they love.  

 

The day of the troop came, and you could see the love and awe that Daniel felt in the photos and videos of the visit.  Any troopers who could not make it to the troop personally posted videos to the Fleetwood's facebook walls to welcome him to the garrison and congratulate him on his honorary garrison membership.

 

Ashley was so grateful afterward.  She noted that Daniel gets tired easily, especially when excited, and after the troop he slept most of the next day.  Which she was grateful for, because when he was sleeping, he wasn't in pain.  She thanked us for giving him that.  

 

We heard he passed a few days after the troop.  

 

Compared to screening an unreleased movie, coordinating the troop in a short amount of time is a piece of cake.  Everyone in Star Garrison wanted to help the #ForceForDaniel campaign in some way, and many altered their schedule in order to be a part of it. He brought us all together in a way few have, and we were honored to be a part of it.  We are honored to have Daniel as an honorary member of Star Garrison.  Once a trooper, always a trooper.

 

 

Now, a collaborative Memoir from Andrew and Bob:

 

Only days before our arrival to boost everyone's spirits, Daniel Fleetwood and his wife, Ashley, were given the chance to see "The Force Awakens" before the release date in December.  This gift, directly from J.J. Abrams, Disney, and Lucasfilm, was granted to Daniel due to a simple hashtag that took the internet by storm, #ForceForDaniel.  This seemingly acute movement, started by his wife Ashley, began on social media and was implemented, with force, due to Daniels ongoing battle with spindle cell sarcoma.  This rare form of cancer, which effects connective tissue, began to worsen, and would ultimately claim his life, but not before the power of the internet made its presence felt.

The day started off as any other day before a troop.  Some people I knew were scheduled to be there, and some were there I hadn’t met before.  We all had our directions to Daniel’s house with the loose plans that we would be changing in the street or in our cars for our surprise appearance.  His story had globally inspired tens of thousands with his (and wife Ashley’s) fight with cancer and his unparalleled love of Star Wars.

As we all began to arrive, we were greeted with warm faces by excited family and friends.  Since it was raining, they had us all pile into a front room so we could get suited up. They tried to cover doorways with blankets to hide us until we were all ready. Our secret was kept until Daniel caught a glimpse of a Tusken Raider through the doorway (way to go DZ-24241!).  We then, one by one, marched into the living room where Daniel and his wife were.  Though it was difficult, Daniel stood up almost instantly as we entered the room.  His face was full of excitement; he couldn’t decide who to look at first.  Daniel shook hands with a Sith Lord (Darth Nihilus), got photos with a Shadow Stormtrooper, and Ashely was handed a bag full of goodies like t-shirts and stickers.  A fellow member donated an all metal DL-44 blaster and Brandon Crismon(TK-32917) presented it to him. Daniel was bursting with excitement, he must have said “Wow” about 5 times and then turned to his wife Ashley to say, “but I don’t have anything to give them!”  We all felt that genuine appreciation and we, in the South Texas Squad, were absolutely honored to be there. Marshall Conover(TK-7932) stepped up to present him with his Star Garrison Honorary Member Certificate, his official name tag, and an engraved Plexiglas plaque commemorating his membership. As Marshall tried to read the certificate out loud, he choked up a bit, as I am sure any of us would have.  I think everyone with buckets were glad to have them on.  We all got to thank Daniel for sharing his inspiring story with the world, and it was so rewarding to see the smile on his face, even if it was only for a couple of moments.  This is what trooping is all about. 

 

 

After we had all removed armor and uniforms, we headed outside to load up vehicles. Marshall stayed behind and was talking with Daniel’s father in the doorway.  Daniel’s father was attempting to pay us for our visit with Daniel, and just would not take no for an answer.  Marshall wanted no part of it, but eventually agreed to take it with the excuse that we would use it for lunch.  Once we were all out of earshot, the easy decision was made to donate the money right back to the Go Fund Me account that Ashley had set up to help cover the medical expenses for Daniel.

It was only three days after our visit that Daniel passed away.  It was amazing how little time we spent with both Daniel and Ashley and how connected we all felt afterwards.  The love of a movie franchise, along with something as small as a simple hashtag, touched the hearts of tens of thousands across the globe.  Forever in our memories, until we meet again Daniel, thank you for sharing your time with us in the 501st Legion.  Buckets off.

 

On Wednesday, November 4^th Daniel received a phone call from JJ Abrams, informing him that representatives would be at his house the next day to allow him to see an unedited version of The Force Awakens. 

 

The Troopers of Star Garrison (and members of the RL’s Kessel Base) visited with Daniel on Saturday, November 7^th. 

 

It was early in the morning on Tuesday, November 10^th that Ashley announced to the world that Daniel had passed via a Facebook post that read:  "Daniel put up an amazing fight to the very end," she wrote. "He is now one with God and with the force. He passed in his sleep and in peace. He will always be my idol and my hero...Rest in peace my love. This was the last selfie we ever took together.‪#‎forcefordaniel"

 

 

Daniel Fleetwood was 32 years old.  Thank you, Daniel and Ashley, for sharing your story with the world, and thanks to Dan, Andrew, and Bob for sharing their Memoir.

 

With Unquestioned Loyalty,

 

Tim
TK-51878 "Dark CMF"

FISD Amabassador

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

 Done, and Done!

[Darth Aloha[Admin]]

Oh I guess I should give Germain the award...

 

Tim: do you want to post what you just wrote in the FISD achievement award thread. I'll give him the award in the admin control panel once you do. Please link text instead of posting the URL when you do... and in the NL too.

 

Matt: When are you going to replace that cod? It hurts my feelings. Don't make me unleash Thxboy on you. 

 

Evan: I keep forgetting to get you set up on the FISD gallery... I think you have access to it and you're free to create a new album for photos, but if you have a non personal photobucket that will work too.

 

I'm writing stuff now.

 

-Eric