Hello From Southern Illinois

[Pale_Rider]

Hi everyone,

I'm from way down south in Marion, Illinois and last week finally took my first steps towards becoming a member of the Midwest Garrison. I've been a Star Wars fan since I first saw A New Hope when it premiered in theaters back in 1977. I have heard of the 501st through the years and always thought highly you for what you do and for the talent that it takes to create such amazing pieces of, what I call, art.

After much research and information gathering I decided to take the first steps towards joining the 501st as a TIE Fighter Pilot. I have a lot to learn with regards to design and craftsmanship but I'm like a sponge when it comes to tackling something.

I have, literally, hundreds of questions but through searching I have found the answers to quite a few questions already. I still have a lot not only about designing a costume but with being a part of the Midwest Garrison and the 501st.

I have seen where a majority of my questions/comments have already been addressed and that is fantastic because it shows that many members thought of the same things as myself.

From what I could gather from the map displaying members and their locations I realize that there are very, few from this part of the state and it would be extremely difficult for me to make it to many of the "troops" up north but I feel that there are other people, like me, around here who would want to come out and join as well.

Anyway, sorry if I seemed to have rambled on. I really am excited to have found you guys and cannot wait to become a full fledged member of such an awesome organization.

Thanks in advance.

Mike (AKA "Mikey")

[huntman]

We have a few souther il troopers. I live in mt.vernon. And a few around fair view heights.

[Pale_Rider]

Hi Jon,

Thanks for the info. Nice to see someone not too far away.

Do you ever do any troops in the area?

[huntman]

We had a parade in mt.vernon last year. Think they might do a miners game this year. I do some over in fair view heights area and st.louis.

[ataylor]

yeah, i'm down in collinsville and i believe we have another in maryville

[Pale_Rider]

A Miners' game would be a blast. I heard that a hockey team did that over in Evansville and it was a lot of fun.

There is a small group of people in Carbondale that do some local stuff. They were at the Carbondale library in 2012 and the kids loved it. Heck, I loved it too.

So what costumes do you guys have? I'm going with the reserve TIE Pilot myself. Started detailing the helmet and have been keeping an eye out for armor and a chest box.

[huntman]

I have a stormtrooper. And commander wolffe clone. And my girlfriend does a biker scout. Working on a Chewbacca.

[Dirty Scout]

welcome

[Pale_Rider]

Thanks TK1692. Appreciate the welcome!

[Shevalik]

Hello, my name is Josh. I am also from way down south. I live in Johnston City, Illinois. I am looking to get startied on my own set of armor.

[138]

Hello and welcome !!
Im southern as well
Bloomington/normal

If you have pilot questions
Mwg is the place !!
I also was a pilot for 5 years
I sold mine this year

If you have questions or just wanna say hello
Feel free to pm
Also james r noland on fb