Around the MWG

On Saturday, February 10th, members from all three states of the MWG gathered in Sheboygan, WI, at the Blue Harbor Resort and Conference Center . We were joined by Rebel Legion Members making a total of 24 Costumers and 2 R2 Units. An Imperial presence was felt by the stormtroopers who guarded each floor of the resort lobby. Darth Vader, Darth Maul, Boba Fett, and a Gamorrean Guard quickly became the crowd favorites along with the droids. Children and adults were delighted to see so many "real" characters in attendance. The money raised with autographs and pictures from this event has been donated to the United Way . Thanks to Robb Roidt (TK321) for organizing this event.

posted by TB 5852

It was a frigid winter evening in the western suburb of Naperville, IL, when members of the Midwest Garrison were called to assist with the debut of the newest Star Wars book, "Allegiance" by Timothy Zahn. The book has been known about for quite a while now, and many Star Wars readers across the galaxy have been anxious to get their hands on this new book from one of the best Star Wars authors. With loyal members from the MWG including Imperial troopers, bounty hunters, Darth Vader and some Rebels, the evening turned out to be quite a show for all those shoppers in Borders bookstores. It appears to have been a successful mission for us, as no lives were lost in protecting the newly released book, nor did any books leave the store without proper payment.

Members of the Bloodfin and Midwest Garrisons also invaded the Borders bookstore in Highland, IN, to be sure that every customer left with their copy of "Allegiance." Despite the strong Imperial presence of two stormtroopers, Boba Fett, two snowtroopers and Lord Vader himself, a stealthy Rebel Fleet trooper tried to infiltrate and undermine the Empire's mission. She was quickly captured and forced to work for the Empire, greeting customers and handing out temporary tattoos to young prospective recruits. Lord Vader and his minions quickly worked the crowd, taking pictures only with those who vowed their loyalty to the Emperor, including some employees of the bookstore itself. Most of the employees were truly amazed at the presence of our group and were easily turned to the dark side. There were a few, however, who tried to resist Lord Vader's powers and holed up in the snack bar. Lord Vader and company quickly overtook the snack bar as several customers looked on. Our night ended as Lord Vader stepped onto his shuttle, declaring another successful mission for the Empire.

posted by dustrho

According to Legion charter, nominations for the position of Commanding Officer are to begin promptly on January 1st. Even with his hectic schedule in California for the Rose Bowl Parade, Rome Ohnui made sure the forums were properly set to handle any nominations that were made. At the end of the two weeks allowed for nominations, the current CO, Kathy VanBeuningen, was nominated and named Aimee Jorgensen as her XO. Mike Plesha was also nominated and named Michael Washko as his XO.

The last two weeks have been a Q&A with many members posting questions for the nominees. Following the Q&A, both nominees had the chance to make a closing statement. Effective yesterday (2/1), members with an active status are allowed to begin voting. Voting will run until midnight on February 14th. All active members are urged to take a moment, read the answers and closing statements, and VOTE!

Michigan Squad nominated Jon Leopold for their squad leader. With no other nominations, Leopold is once again MI Squad Leader - congratulations Jon!

posted by dustrho

The Rose family barely escaped with their lives much less anything else when their home was destroyed by fire, January 19, 2007. A neighbor took Scott Rose tk-346 and his daughter Savanah and autistic son Brandon in until they found another house to rent. The home, Scott's car were a total loss. They got out with only the clothes on their backs.

Things couldn't have been worse. However, what Scott didn't know was, that help was on the way.

For a number of weeks Tom Schaefer tk-118 of the Midwest Garrison had been rallying the 501st to aid the family with posts and reports on the Legion board, yahoo chat rooms and constant phone calls to members of other garrisons and organizing a relief mission that would rival the Berlin Airlift.

Soon donations began rolling in from all over the Empire to a covert operation that would relieve the trauma the family had barely survived. Clothes, toys, household goods, furniture from local charities and even a used pickup were donated. Scott even found a new job at IMPERIAL MORTGAGE CO., to replace the one he had lost two weeks before the fire. Still the trauma and loss were overwhelming.

From different starting points on February 10th, Schaefer and Jim DeJan ti-3853 took off from points in Northern and Central Illinois to travel to Georgia with a van full of goods and collection of funds from Legionnaires all over the globe. J.R. Presnell from Forsyth, Georgia received donations locally and was scheduled to meet Schaefer and DeJan at a secret location. Erin McBride tk-8018 and her Husband, Biker Scout, Jed McBride tb-3389 worked closely and in secret to rally local troops into action. Jayne "ARX" Rogers ti-822 was preparing to have a washer and dryer delivered to Scott's new house. Amy and Ryan Daval, longtime close friends of Scott and his family, and Jimmy Burns tk-1025, prepared a cunning diversion to get Scott and his kids out of the house while the forces converged on the target, Alpharetta, Georgia.

While Scott and the kids were having family portraits taken to replace those lost in the fire, the conspirators closed in on Scott's new rental home. Family friend, Arlene got the key to allow the crew to unload the car loads of boxes into the family's living room. Hundreds of action figures, toys, dishes, DVDs, collectibles, dishes, clothes, household goods, even a fax machine were unpacked and displayed around the room. The two troopers and biker scout armored up and took up positions in front of the home to await the arrival of the family. DeJan, Presnell and Erin McBride took up positions to take video of the Family as they arrived.

When Scott got out of the car, he knew something was up. It's not every day a trio of TROOPERS, Jed McBride tb-3389, Hal Clay tk-9609, Alec Smith tk332 guard your home. The fact that every possible parking space was taken up was pretty much a tip off too. Plus having strangers taking video of his coming home, even Scott knew this wasn't going to be a normal day.

As he entered the front door he started seeing the donations stacked up in the room. Schaefer (the architect of this whole mission) had weaved the web of deception that allowed this Surprise to unfold. He hid in the bathroom as Scott and his kids took the spectacle of gifts in. As Ryan Daval helped Scott take in the reality of the moment and regain his composure he then told Scott that, "There is someone else here who wants to say Hi.". As Scott spied Schaefer, he exclaimed, "YOU SON OF A BANTHA!" (paraphrased).

Laughs, tears and hugs were exchanged and then Schaefer brought out the BIG SURPRISE. Schaefer handed a huge "Happy Gilmore" presentation check in the amount of $6,932.00 donated by individuals and Garrisons from all over the Empire to Scott. He was stunned to say the very least. This, in addition to the $1,140.00 donation he had received the previous day which the Florida Garrison had raised from a benefit they had held for the family, set the stage for this day's surprise.

While the cameras rolled, the group gathered with the check before them and sang Happy Birthday Greetings to Legion Founder Albin Johnson tk210.

Donations had come in from all over the world. From Garrisons in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Italy, England, Monaco, Costa Rica, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Norway, just to name a few, From 501st, Jedi Assembly, Rebel Legion, Atlanta science fiction society, Fan Force, 118's Groupies and co-workers, Federation Toys, Mount Prospect fire department, family, friends, even from "Heart of an Empire" folks Natalie and Jay. Starting with a single post on the Legion Forum, this miracle of good will had snowballed into a day that would be long remembered in the Empire, and especially by Scott Rose and his children, Savanah and Brandon.

Though he would never admit it, Tom Schaefer, tk-118 showed that his is truly, the Heart of the Empire, as did all of the Troopers and friends that participated in this most wonderful example of what the Legion is all about. This was a proud day to be a trooper.

After the shock of the presentation had subsided the group got into their transports and convoyed to a local restaurant, Bahama Breeze for lunch. Schaefer who is never far from his laptop began burning photo CDs for those attending.

After lunch we drove to Scott's former home and viewed the total devastation the fire had caused. If it had been any drier, neighboring homes could have been in peril.

As Schaefer and DeJan departed on the thirteen hour drive to return to Illinois, they knew they had been a part of a very special day.

Report by: Jim DeJan ti-3853


SPECIAL NOTE FROM TK-118

"I want to give a HUGE PERSONAL thank you to each and every single one of you who helped, Whether it be donations, a kind word, showing up in armor, helping me organize this or putting up with me. YOU are all who make the 501st what it is and who helped make this a PROUD day for us, and more importantly turned a tragic event into A New Hope for a fellow trooper and his kids.

I knew when I posted about what happened to Scott people would step up. I NEVER thought that the response would be as large as it turned out to be. There are STILL items coming in as we speak.I wish I could hug and thank each one of you personally for all you have done. It means a lot to Scott and his kids, but also to me."



Youtube video can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT6U3ZDKUr4

More photos and video can be seen here …..
http://www.tk118.com/scott1.htm

posted by DarthMarStoq

New York City was once again host to the annual American International Toy Fair which celebrated its 104th year at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. This Toy Fair boasts the title of being the largest toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere. While each year showcases new toy products, this year in particular belonged to the fans of Star Wars. George Lucas, better known as 'The Maker', was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. Thanks to his original trilogy, toys produced in a 3.75" scale hit the stores in the late 70s spurring other toy lines to follow suit with smaller scale figures.

Chris Spice TD7306 sports the armor of a sandtrooper but braved the snowy conditions of NYC to attend the Toy Fair. Spice reports that it was well worth the trip! He always has an eye on what is new in the world of Star Wars toys and keeps his fellow SW toy collectors up-to-date on the latest. Besides getting to see what is upcoming for fans, Spice was able to meet Lucas who was gracious enough to sign an autograph for Spice's son. Read more about Spice's adventure at Sandtroopers.com.

posted by dustrho