This visit was a bit different that the Children's Memorial in that we were allowed to go room to room to visit the children, and I know that all the participants were looking forward to having the opportunity.
When we got there it was immediately apparent that the staff was excited for us to be there... all smiles and anxious to get us going! After getting suited up, we began walking the halls to go room to room, but almost immediately got stopped by many of the staff members there for pictures. After some of the staff got the photos they wanted, we were able to move on to the task at hand, and what we do best, bringing a little joy to the kids there.
We visited numerous floors, from the floors with the younger children, then the floors with the older children, next the children in ICU, and finally the outpatient lounge. Everyone we saw, even the ones who said that Star Wars was "OK", smiled at one point or another, so it was a win-win no matter how you look at it.
Pat Engle, our Vader for the event, was outstanding. Armed with his platforms and voice changer, he transformed from his average-sized charming self to the towering, deep-voiced Dark Lord of the Sith we all know and love. His quick wit and immersion into character made him an instant hit.
Phyllis Schulte aka Schph Gochi, came as her jedi for the event. Her personality and heart are second to none at troops, and this day she did not disappoint (she never does...). Even though the "bad guys" get more oohs and aahs, she manages to bring a certain something to events that is irreplaceable. Able to get her saber ok'd for this troop (no weapons allowed, but sabers are ok now after it was a huge hit!), she gave the kids a part of the Star Wars universe that they could hold, touch, and feel. She was definitely able to find a few "rebel supporters" at the troop, and the abillity to interact with the children in ways that armored troopers is not to be overlooked.
Steve Szyndrowski came as a nice, clean TK for the event. New to the garrison, Steve has thrown himself into troops and has quickly shown that he fits in with the MWG perfectly. He is always a joy to troop with and despite a few minor costume malfunctions, did a fantastic job as our TK for the event. Now, to just get him into a Vader... saying he is tall does not accurately describe him...
Augie Webster was a huge part of this event as well, stepping in to be photographer/support for this troop. Given the limitations on the group size that we could have (four costumed characters), I was still able to find a spot for another garrison member to attend in a support capacity. Augie did a great job taking pictures, helping the troopers out, and interacting with the staff and patients.
I attended as my Shadowtrooper for this event.
Some of stories that stand out for this event:
A staff member said that they never had visitors at the hospital in such outstanding costumes, and hoped that they would see us back again.
A girl was in the ICU and wanted us to just go by and wave, because she thought we were scary, still managed to get up the nerve to have Vader pose for a picture for her.
Vader talking to one of the patients brothers on the cell phone.
And my favorite, relayed to me by Phyllis:
"...I will take with me the memory of the little boy that could not even make it from the bed to his wheelchair....
yet ...
after we left his room...
...he got out of bed...
grabbed his IV cart and came after us on foot for an autograph...on his own.
I feel fortunate that since I didn't have a bucket on so that that the Mom of that boy could come up and speak to me easily....
and let me know this fact....
and that truly blew me away.
The mom was so excited that her child got out of bed and walked on his own.....a simple thing for us...yet huge for her and her son..."
Some pictures from the event:
In attendance were:
Patrick Higgins- TX-3697 (Shadowtrooper)
Pat Engle- SL-6312 (Vader)
Phyllis Shulte- ID-1951 (Jedi)
Steve Szyndrowski- TK-3052 (Stormtrooper)
Augie Webster- BH-9397 (Photos/support)
More photos:
http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/ ... it%208-21/
http://s760.photobucket.com/albums/xx24 ... 8-21-2009/
Great Job everyone! I can almost guarantee that we will be asked back for another visit!
(sorry I could not help myself, Master Jedi)
