Around the MWG

The Midwest Garrison was contacted by the Chicago Force (a FanForce chapter) to participate in Brookfield Zoo's "Zoo Stars" parade on August 20th, in Brookfield, IL. Joined by Rebel Legion, over 40 costumed folks showed up to march through the grounds. An excited group of parents and children followed the parade to the stopping point in front of the Discovery Center. Young and old alike eagerly awaited their turn to take a picture with Vader, Troopers, and even the Rebels!

Phyllis Schulte (TK-1951) not only organized the groups participation but started a donation to become a "zoo parent" to August's featured animal, the snow leopard. Money raised as a "zoo parent" goes to help with the animal's care and expenses. With members contributing nearly as much money as time, a sizable donation was made on behalf of the MWG and the RL.

posted by Rome

Newcomer to the MWG, Mark van Slyke (TB-8063) has wasted no time in becoming an active member. Mark organized a group of 4 to participate in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Held at the Premium Outlet Mall in Aurora, IL, the 501st Legion and Friends Team joined over 1,000 other participants on Oct. 15th.

Since 1993, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has been one of the largest events that bring awareness and donations to help with the battle against breast cancer. Donations not only fund research but also aid with educating the public about cancer and funding services to cancer patients. The 501st Legion and Friends Team raised over $6,000 for this worthy cause. Outstanding job!

posted by Rome

What a night! Tons of kids of every age showed up for the three-hour event at the Rockford Discovery Center for a night of Star Wars and science. Members of the Rebel Legion joined the MWG for this event. Most of the time, the 501st troopers remained upstairs in the museum as that was the "Imperial" zone, while the lower level was the Rebel Base.

The objective of the night for the kids was to save Luke Skywalker. In order to do this, the kids had to find four codes hidden throughout the Rebel Base to get to pass through (go up the stairs) "Hyperspace." Once they found the codes, the kids were to find five new codes hidden throughout the Imperial zone. Once they found all the codes, they were allowed to enter the "Imperial Base" where they could help rescue Luke. They made Stormtrooper masks in order to fool the Imperial lift guard to allow them to take the lift down to the detention level to save Luke.

The kids were thrilled to see all of the troopers. One of the cutest moments from the night was the table where the kids made the masks. Many of the kids came to the event in costume and were excited to take pictures with the troopers or Jedi who had similar costumes, but once they made the masks, they would put them on and take pictures with the troopers.

They also had the chance to make little X-wings down in the Rebel Base and little medals once they rescued Luke. Also in the Imperial base were a poll to see which was the "Best Darth" (Vader won by a landslide, but his presence at the polling was suspicious) and a "Guess How Many Figures are in the Jar" with the chance to win either the Luke and Han in Stormtrooper Disguise Galactic Heroes or Death Star Escape Galactic Heroes 10 pack.

posted by Rome