July 3rd Birthday Party Thanks!

[Archonius Rexx]

I just wanted to take a moment to thanks the Midwest Garrison, specifically TB-1216 and TK-604 for making my son Maverick's birthday party something he (and I) will remember forever.

I contacted the Midwest Garrison on a lark a few months ago to see if birthday appearances were ever done by members for a charitable donation. From your site I knew that appearances were made but in general they were for public events and hospitals.

So I sent the request, fairly confident that the date of the party (July 3rd) would kill any chances even if there were members interested. A few weeks before the party I sent a follow up email to TK-9989 who put me in contact with TB-1216's wife.

After an email or two and a phone call I stood reeling -- in all likelyhood TB-1216 and possibly a second member would be able to attend my son's party. Every dad knows who excited I felt. I am an avid Star Wars fan and Star Wars is a staple in my house, the thought of having a real trooper as a surprise was too good to be true.

A while after the party started I recieved word that my guest had arrived. We went in an empty room and talked about the appearance and I agreed to come assist him with getting ready. As we talked the support staff suggested that he push the cart with the cake into the room where my son would be waiting on a special chair. We both agreed that was a fantastic idea!

Soon after the second trooper arrived much to my delight! None of the kids had any idea and when the time come for the appearance I think everyone was shocked and after their initial dazed appearances faded they were replaced by smiles.

Pictures were taken and temporary tattoo's handed out (so cool!). One of the mom's at the party, a good friend of ours is the executive director of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce, she got her picture taken with the guys and was going to try to get it in either their website or newsletter (the location, Bounce Town is a chamber member).

All in all it was a huge success. Both troopers were professional, nice guys who took the time to make this a great success. I was very happy to make a donation to the Make a Wish (IL) chapter on behalf of the Lange Family/501st Midwest Garrison.

We loved learning more about your organization and myself and my firned Bill are very much interested in learning more and possibly joining your ranks. Thanks again!

-Stephen Lange
stvlange@gmail.com

[TS826]

Thank you Stephen for that excellent write up.

When I was a kid I got to meet "Darth Vader" during an original
SW promotion.
The memory is as vivid today as it was 3 decades ago.
So, it is always cool to hear news of an appearence on behalf of a child.


Great work 1216 and 604...
Two of the best troops out there.


Damian
TK 826

Midwest G.
GML - GWL

[TK118]

Now THIS is what its all about.

Not the ego, not the media, not any of the ME ME ME stuff.

THIS is what makes us great. Think about what was done here....

A kid was THRILLED, A dad made happy , Make a wish got a donation and 2 troopers had a blast.

I personaly want to thank you both for being able and willing to do this for them. And I am PROUD to be a part of the same group as you ! HATS OFF TO YOU BOTH! Your a true example of what we all should be like.!

[TKvanB]

AWESOME

[SHortTrooper]

Way to go guys!!!!!

In working with some sick children myself it's great to see you have given of yourself on the behalf of another to have some joy in their life, not to mention all the kids at the party!

Glad to hear it went well and I bet the adults won't forget it either

Short Trooper

[badmommy]

I am so glad that Maverick was surprised!

I hope the memory stays with him for at least the next 3 decades:)

My husband and TK604 had a great time and it reminded my husband how much fun birthday parties can be for everyone when a trooper shows up!

You talked about perhaps doing a costume - if you need any help, let us know!