Legion Number:
SL 6749.

Member Since:
August 2003

Primary Costume:
AT-AT Driver

Other Costumes:
Darth Maul, Imperial Officer, Clone Scout: BARC Trooper

Legion/Garrison Offices Held:
Commanding Officer (CO)
Executive Officer (XO)
Garrison Membership Officer (GML)
Garrison Event Coordinator (GEC)
Deputy Legion Forum Admin (DLFA)

Favorite Event:
My favorite troop is one that I do with Garrison Carida just about every year. It is the Special Olympics at Villa Nova University. The first time I went I was very nervous as I was unsure of how to act and what to say or not say to the Olympians and their families. I learned really fast that I could be myself, have fun and not worry. The families were wonderful and the Olympians were so full of life, love and happiness that I felt elated the whole day through. I received so many high-fives and hugs that first day. This event helps to remind me of all the joy there is in life and how much fun it can be.

Most Memorable Trooping Moment:
I was at a library event and it was my second troop in my AT-AT driver. I saw a little girl hiding behind her mother. I waved to her but she hid. I started doing funny things, dancing around, etc. She smiled a sheepish smile but wouldn’t come out from behind her mom. I knelt to the ground and waved to her again. Her mom slowly walked to me, with the girl attached to her legs. Her mom and I talked, then I talked to the girl. After about 20 minutes she moved to stand beside her mom. After 10 more minutes of talking to her she surprised both mom and me. She detached herself from mom, walked up, hugged me, and said “You are my favorite.” I melted. Her mom teared up as she said the girl was scared to death of mascots, people in helmets, and costumes. She thanked me for helping her daughter get over her fear. This was my most memorable trooping moment.

First Contact with the 501st Legion:
My wife and I were attending Shore Leave as it was her first convention. While sitting outside eating lunch I saw a Stormtrooper walk up the sidewalk. I jumped up and ran to him. I asked if I could get a picture with him. He said yes. Then we began to talk and he said his name was Ward. He said I could do what he does if I was interested. I got all the information about the Maryland Squad and soon became a member.

Reason for Joining the 501st Legion:
My wife and I love Star Wars and costuming. After joining, I was happily surprised to find out about all the fun events we were able to do and how much we were able to help the community. It was a great feeling knowing that I could make a child smile, help adults re-live their childhood, help many worthy causes, and have fun with so many new friends in the legion.

Favorite Star Wars________:
Empire Strikes Back is my favorite movie. The reason is simple: AT-AT’s.

Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter is my favorite SW book as it helps to understand where Maul came from.

Battlefront is my favorite SW game as it is a lot of fun.

Favorite Star Wars Character:
This is tough as I don’t have one favorite, I have four: Darth Maul, Baron Fel, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Wedge Antilles.

Other Hobbies:
Photography
Video Games
Biking
Art
RPG’s