Garrison News
| Stormtrooper Prom, 2012! | |
| By Fleetfang on Jan 27, 2012 at 8:51 AM. | |
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THE MIDWEST GARRISON’S 3rd ANNUAL FORMAL BANQUET Saturday, January 14, 2012 – Schaumburg, IL  We recently held our 3rd Annual Midwest Garrison Formal Banquet! It's an evening of dinner, dancing, and simply enjoying the company of our fellow garrison members. And as much as we all love to show off our costumes to the public, once a year it's nice to gather together with our friends without being sealed up in plastic suits! We all got dressed up in our Sunday best and after a formal dinner, our Commanding Officer Aimee Jorgensen (TB-101) and our XO Cheryl Whitaker (TB-3127), presented awards to dozens of members to mark their 10th, 25th, 50th, and even 100th event trooped!  TB-101 and TB-3127 Several special awards were also presented, including the past year's Trooper of the Month Certificates to those honorees, the Event Coordinator award to Mark Berry (BH-4265) for heading up the most events in 2011, and an award of special recognition to Thomas "Crix" Turner (SL-4913) for excellence in trooping. The final award of the evening was given to the MWG’s 2011 Trooper of the Year, Chip Childress (SL-9965). Chip serves as the Garrison's Web Liaison and has been instrumental in developing the Garrison’s East-Central Illinois presence. Last year was one of the busiest ever for the garrison in the Champaign area, in no small part thanks to his efforts.  Chip Childress, Midwest Garrison Trooper of the Year 2011 With the awards portion of the evening complete, the celebration could really begin! We danced and partied well into the night, and when the music stopped, we continued the after-party outside the ballroom long after most ewoks' bed times. A few well-fortified souls, not wanting the night to end, stayed up talking and laughing long enough to see the sun rise over Schaumburg.  The Midwest Garrison and friends In the morning, it was time to pack up and say our good-byes until the next event, when we would once again don the armor of the Galactic Empire. While most of the Formal's attendees lived relatively nearby, this year’s group of eighty-four not only consisted of MWG members, but also members of the Wisconsin and Central Garrisons of the 501st Legion, Central and Nar Shaddaa Bases of the Rebel Legion, spouses, significant others, family, and friends - some of whom traveled more than eight hours to be there! What a great group, and a great time! We're already making plans for our FOURTH Annual Midwest Garrison Banquet in January of 2013, and we hope you'll join us there! You can check out more photos from the evening in the Midwest Garrison's Phtobucket archives! http://s1099.photobucket.com/albums/g39 ... ?start=all . Based on a Mission Report by TB-3127 |
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| Happy New Year from the Midwest Garrison! | |
| By Fleetfang on Jan 1, 2012 at 9:19 PM. | |
 The Midwest Garrison wishes all of our friends and fans a happy and prosperous 2012! Looking back over 2011, the MWG had an incredible year. We participated in more than 175 events across the state of Illinois, many of which helped raise thousands of dollars for charities like Autism Speaks, the American Cancer Society, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and many other worthy causes. Through our efforts and from contributions from people like you, we raised direct funds of more than $21,000. We also helped promote several large fundraising events that raised more than $1,178,000 in total! Our membership swelled over this last year, as well. We gained a stunning sixteen new members in 2011, including Stormtroopers, Bounty Hunters, Imperial Crewmen, Biker Scouts, Clones and Sith Lords. If you're interested in joining the fight to preserve the Emperor's New Order, there is never a better time than right now. Seize the day in the new year and take your first steps into as larger world by registering on the MWG message boards on this website, introducing yourself, and letting our members know what you're interested in constructing. We're always on the look out to help new recruits find their way, and we'll do our best to answer whatever questions you have! We already have several great events scheduled in 2012. Here are just a few of the public events we'll be attending this year: In February, the Midwest Garrison will be returning to Legoland in Schaumburg, IL for their third Lego Star Wars Days weekend (Feb 9th to 12th)! That weekend will also see the release of Star Wars: Episode One: The Phantom Menace in 3D, and you can be certain that we will be trooping opening nights at movie theaters all across the state! On March 10th, we will be assembling in Fairview Heights, IL for the annual Walk For Wishes in support of Make-A-Wish Foundatiton, a fantastic event for one of our favorite charities. The Joliet Public Library's 3rd Annual Star Wars Day will be on June 2nd, and it promises to be even bigger than it was last year! If sports are your thing, the Midwest Garrison will be participating in Star Wars Nights for a number of teams in the Chicagoland area, including Chicago Express hockey (March 18th), Chicago Slaughter arena football (March 31st), and the Kane County Cougars baseball (May 4th and Sept 1st)! If you like really big events, the MWG will be at several conventions again this summer, including C2E2, the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo from April 13th to the 15th, Cyphan from July 27th to 29th (featuring General Veers himself, actor Julian Glover!), and Wizard World Chicago Comic Con from August 9th to the 12th! And of course, members of the 501st Legion from all over the world will be making the trek to Orlando, FL from August 23rd to 26th for Star Wars Celebration VI! You can keep up to date on all of the places that the Midwest Garrison will be in 2012 by checking the Calendar on this website, and don't forget that you can also find us on Facebook by clicking the link at the top of this page, or by "Liking" 501st Midwest Garrison! It will definitely be a year long remembered! We're really excited about trooping in the coming year and hope to see all of you soon! Semper Imperius! |
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| MWG Trooper of the Month: SL-9965 | |
| By Fleetfang on Jan 1, 2012 at 9:18 PM. | |
The Midwest Garrison honors its Trooper of the Month for November, 2011: Chip Childress, SL/TK/CT-9965 In November, Chip put in many hours of his time creating the Star Wars Christmas Tree for the Festival of Trees in Vermilion County. Along with that, he organized our Troop at the Festival of Trees Heroes Lunch for kids on November 13th. Chip also organized the Champaign Library event on November 19th, our second year for it and a very good event for the local area. He has done this work as well as other troops during a busy November (coming out of a very busy October, too!) while balancing it with a very important time in his personal life. This year has been one of the busiest ever in the Champaign area, and Chip has been instrumental in developing our presence in his area. Chip is widely seen by his peers as the driving force of the Midwest Garrison in east-central Illinois. For this, Chip Childress is honored as Trooper of the Month for November 2011. Congratulations, Chip! Photos of Chip in action: http://picasaweb.google.com/TK9965 |
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| Troopers for Toys for Tots | |
| By Fleetfang on Dec 17, 2011 at 7:31 PM. | |
In this season of giving, the troopers of the Midwest Garrison have been doing their part to support a program that provides a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas: The Marine Toys For Tots Foundation. Toys For Tots has been at a number of events in the Chicagoland area recently, and our members have been there to help in their small way.  At Cantigny Park, the Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club presented their 10th annual LEGO Train Show, an exhibit of fantastically original LEGO creations. The centerpiece was a huge train set, with each car contributed by a different builder. The most important contributions there, however, were the toys that the attendees donated to Toys For Tots. Marine Javier Martinez oversaw dozens and dozens of toys donated to underprivileged children over the course of the weekend. The Midwest Garrison was all too happy to help make the event even more fun and memorable for the crowds of people there.  Alex M. Martino Junior High School in New Lonox, Illinios, hosted their second annual "Star Wars Museum" exhibit to benefit Toys for Tots. In addition to viewing the impressive array of props and collectibles, younglings were also treated to a Jedi Training School, coloring centers, Star Wars-themed concessions, and more... including an appearance by members of the 501st Legion's Midwest Garrison and the Rebel Legion's Nar Shaddaa Base!  To learn more about The Marine Toys For Tots Foundation, to make a donation, or to find the toy drop-off station nearest you, go to http://www.toysfortots.org/ |
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| MWG Trooper of the Month: BH-4265 | |
| By Fleetfang on Dec 3, 2011 at 2:46 PM. | |
The Midwest Garrison honors Mark Berry as our Trooper of the Month for October 2011! The MWG was busy in central Illinois during the month of October (and September), in large part due to Mark's efforts. Mark was a busy man through both September and October. He took part in several events during these two months, sometimes trooping alone. Doing any event solo is always a sign of great courage and worthy of all the praise one can heap on a trooper. Many of these events netted donations to charity or were just good old-fashioned great public relations. This is the second time that BH-4265 has been named Trooper of the Month. He has previously been honored for his work in August, 2011. Congratulations again, Mark! The MWG would also like to congratulate our other October Trooper of the Month nominee: Adriane "Beans" Bean (TK-4541), who coordinated her first event on behalf of the garrison. Being nominated for TotM is an honor in and of itself, and you've made the garrison proud! |
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| The Empire Gives Thanks | |
| By Fleetfang on Dec 3, 2011 at 2:42 PM. | |
 For the second consecutive year, the Midwest Garrison was invited to participate in the McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago. Dozens of members and friends of the 501st Legion gathered in downtown Chicago on Thanksgiving morning to march down State Street for the thousands gathered there and in front of their television screens at home. The Empire made an excellent show of force for the citizens of Chicago, and in honor of the holiday, a truce in the Galactic Civil War was called for the day, allowing members of the Rebel Legion's Nar Shaddaa Base to join in the festivities. If you weren't able to catch their appearance in person, you can see a portion of the garrison's march on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cysFz-3AAOY The Midwest Garrison wishes all denizens of the Empire a safe and happy holiday season! |
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| MWG Trooper of the Month: TB-101 | |
| By Fleetfang on Nov 2, 2011 at 3:23 PM. | |
The Midwest Garrison honors Aimee Jorgensen as our Trooper of the Month for September 2011! During September, Aimee coordinated two events for Stand Up to Cancer in conjunction with Lucasfilm and Major League Baseball. She acted as our point of contact with both the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox to make sure that the garrison's appearances at Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular Field both went off without a snag. Many members commented afterwards that the White Sox event was one of the best troops they've ever attended. Her actions during September were indicative of the commitment that Aimee has shown to the Midwest Garrison for years, as a trooper, as an event coordinator, as an officer, and in her current post as the Commanding Officer of the MWG. This is the first time that TB-101 has been named Trooper of the Month. Congratulations, Aimee! The MWG would also like to congratulate our other September Trooper of the Month nominees: Janine Jender (TI-4838) and Thomas "Crix" Turner (SL-4913). Being nominated for TotM is an honor in and of itself, and you've made the garrison proud! |
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| The Midwest Garrison Makes Strides Against Breast Cancer | |
| By Fleetfang on Oct 17, 2011 at 6:39 AM. | |
 "Star Wars" is the story of epic battles. Each October the members of the 501st's Midwest Garrison and the Rebel Legion's Nar Shaddaa Base fight the most epic battle of all: the battle against breast cancer. Fundraising for this event started in April of this year at the hugely popular Joliet Library Star Wars Day event and continued on through the summer with t-shirt, patch, and even homemade jam sales. Buckets were also set out at several events and in September "Donation Stations" were conducted in Algonquin and Mokena. At last count, our team raised $4,779.00, with no corporate backers and no matching funds. This money was raised by hard work and dedication of many of our members. Team "501st Legion and Rebel Legion United" came in 3rd place out of 65 teams of fundraisers. Not too shabby for the most unusual team of breast cancer fighters you are likely to find....anywhere! Our team was led by breast cancer survivor and mother of MWG and NSB member Cheryl Whitaker (TB-3127), Rosa Winters. Rosa faced the morning's foul weather in the same way she faces her disease... with courage and resolve. If you'd like to contribute, you can still help by making a donation to the American Cancer Society through our team's website, here: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/Makin ... r_id=36067 Our most sincere thanks go out to all of our supporters who helped us in the fight, and to all of the troopers and family members who came out and braved the rain to march in the fight against breast cancer! 
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| Trooper Spotlight on Neil Auer | |
| By Fleetfang on Oct 6, 2011 at 6:30 PM. | |
The Trooper Spotlight returns! This time it shines on Midwest Garrison member Neil Auer, TK-3446, from Cary, IL! Neil is always ready to lend a hand to his fellow troopers, and he recently participated in his 50th event with the 501st Legion! Neil, backstage with "Weird" Al Yankovic So, Neil, how long have you been a part of the garrison, and what is it that sparked your interest in joining? Well, it started in a galaxy far far away……. Actually at the John Williams Tribute Concert in Ravinia, back in August of 2008. My oldest son Gehrig who was going to be 4 later that month had gotten into Star Wars, so we decided to see this concert. We got to the concert early thinking, “Let’s find a good lawn spot.” Well when we arrived, we started seeing Stormtroopers and TIE Pilots. The family and I thought, “This is awesome!” Gehrig and I spent most of our time before the concert by the Star Wars tent. I started talking to a Stormtrooper and asking what they were all about. He told me they do birthday parties too, so of course the next day I contacted the 501st about seeing if anyone could make Gehrig’s 4th B-day party. Ed and Cherri Kryzowski (TIs -4438 and -4026) along with Tom Schaefer (TK-118) came out for the birthday party. After the party, I talked to them about the costumes and how they made them. This got me thinking of course. I talked to Tom via emails about getting TK armor, and the rest is history. Of all of the MANY troops that you have done, what would you say is the one that stands out in your mind in meaning the most to you and why? This is a tough question to answer. I can’t think of any that I didn’t love doing. I guess if I had to choose that one special one it would be the Hope Children’s Hospital visit this past August. Seeing the look on the kids’ faces as we walked around from room to room. This is the reason I joined. Putting smiles on children’s faces! I admit I got choked up a few times while in armor that day. I started to think about my children and how blessed I am that they are all healthy and what the families must be going through with their children in a hospital. It had its tough moments for me, but it was worth every minute. How has being a part of the MWG impacted your life? It’s impacted it big time. I have a new family of friends who are all awesome. Even my wife, who thought I was crazy putting on a costume in the hot summers, has made new friends in the garrison. My sons have their own costumes and love to participate at events and now understand what giving back means. I love helping raise money for all kinds of great charities or volunteering my time at promo events like the "Weird" Al concert and trooping at the Star Wars in Concert event and being treated like a rock star! Doesn’t get better than that! Outside of trooping and 501st related stuff, what do you do for a living, and what are some other interests or hobbies that you have? I’m a Realtor and Property Manager for R.E.I.T. Homes Realty. My office is in Grayslake, but I work from home 90% of the time. My job gives me that flexibility, since I don’t have set hours. But I am always on call for emergencies at any one of the properties I manage. This can be a pain, getting a call in the middle of the night. The family and I love traveling and nature, so we like to get outdoors as much as we can and go hiking or camping. I like to dabble in photography, so I’m always looking for that great shot while traveling. I’m an avid fisherman and head to northern Minnesota every late Spring with the family. Love to watch my favorite sports teams whenever I can, and of course I love to watch movies. Can you give us an idea as to the kind of support you get from friends and family regarding the 501st and all the great things that you have done for the garrison? I am glad to say all my friends and family support me 100%. They know of all the charity work we do and the smiles we put on peoples faces young and old. The recent Chicago Tribune article about the 501st really helped to show what we are all about and prove we don’t live in our basements. I made sure all my family and friends read that article. (Haven't read it? Find out what Neil is talking about here! http://tinyurl.com/3njdxtw) And lastly, is there anything, Star Wars related or not, that people might not know about you that they might be surprised to find out? The only thing I can think of right now is I accidentally got my wife on “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire!” It’s a long story (send me a private message if you want to hear it), but yes, Andrea was on the show back in 2001. Two months after we got married and two months before 9/11. We had a blast getting a free trip to Manhattan, but she didn’t get on the hot seat. She did get to meet Regis and go on national TV though, so that’s not too shabby. You can even see me sitting in the audience in a few shots! Thanks for sharing with us, Neil! Smell ya later! 
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| Wizard World Chicago Comic Con 2011 Recap | |
| By Fleetfang on Aug 15, 2011 at 4:05 PM. | |
Thank you to all of our friends and fans who came out to see us at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con this past weekend! Photo illustration by RiverWalk Studios We conducted a successful Droid Hunt, recovering hundreds of droids and thwarting the efforts of any Rebels who stood in our way. Our grand prize of a Sideshow Collectibles Luke Skywalker statue went to a fan who had played the Droid Hunt three times before but had never won anything. In his stunned words, "I guess if you're going to win, win big!" On Saturday, we presented our first-ever Wizard World panel on the 501st Legion and the Midwest Garrison to a packed room of 200 people. It was led by Brian Troyan (Garrison PR Officer, TK-8968), Javier Esqueda (MWG Founding member, TK-265), Aimee Jorgensen (Garrison Commanding Officer, TB-101), and Augie Webster (Rebel Legion Nar Shaddaa Base XO, BH-9397) with welcome contributions from troopers Robert "BatBob" Dziura (TK-1656), Kevin "Rebel Doughboy" Skiera (TK-9336), and Matt "E-I-E-I-O" McDonald (TK-8148). The presentation was very well-received, and the Garrison is looking forward to building on this experience at Wizard World to make the next MWG Panel Discussion even better. On the community service front, our continuing toy drive for Bug's Pals brought in many more donations, and our "Shoot-A-Trooper" game raised an amazing $450 for Make-A-Wish Foundation! Our most sincere thanks go out to those who donated toys and money to these great causes. Your generosity will brighten the lives of children who are going through some very tough times. On top of all of this, we had a fantastic time talking to everyone who came by our booth to hang out and talk about Star Wars and costuming in the Empire. Thank you all for being a part of our experience at Chicago Comic Con, and we'll see you at the next troop! |
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