Event Round Up, October
November 4th, 201610/1/2016 St. Mary’s Library ComicCon, Lexington Park
Arrived at the library about 15 minutes before the start time. The staff doing registration provided the kitchenette / break room for a locked changing area. The convention was small, with a few vendor booths lining the entry / lobby area and two conference rooms providing activities (Trivia w/ prizes, Podcast, fan fiction reading and panel discussions). It did not extend into the main library area, leaving those who came to use library resources relatively in peace.
I mainly stayed by the registration area to greet new entrants, going outside to wave and draw interest as weather permitted. It did not seem well-advertised / publicized with minimal signs out front and a significant portion of people not knowing about it until getting inside. There is a firehouse / banquet hall next to the library, with wedding coordinators wandering over during a break for selfies. Overall attendance was modest and mixed between younger kids and their parents and a few teens.
Troopers:
Brian – TK
10/1/2016 Junior Soldier Rally, Cumberland
So the troop was at the Salvation Army in Cumberland, and they were excited to have us there. The theme for the function was Star Wars. The kids were playing different Jedi games, and then they played the Imperial March when I came out. We did some photos, had lunch, and then the awards ceremony. For the awards, the kids got a certificate and I handed out the foam lightsabers they were to get as well. Shortly after that, we packed it up and left. It was a fun little troop.
Troopers:
Jake- TK
Squires:
Kami
10/2/2016 Independent of Autism Fair, Westminster
This was a very quiet, but fun event. The event was delayed a day due to rain. It was still misty, but the rain held off. Unfortunately, it scared away most of the attendees. All the vendors were very supportive. The Pangborn and Morley families came out and spent most of the morning with us. I suited up and started trooping at 0900 and then changed at 1200. Despite being quiet, it was an enjoyable morning.
Troopers:
Matt – TK
Jason – R2
10/8/2016 Heather and James’ Wedding, Bel Air
TK-86347 and ID-13621 arrived at the mansion shortly before noon. We suited up in the dining room during the ceremony and met the bride and groom outside, where they were posing for photos. They were surprised but ecstatic to see us. We posed for some formal photos with the wedding party and then made ourselves available for selfies and for the photo booth. After several photos, the groom asked us to join him on the dance floor. TK-86347’s moves were most impressive. After a group hug with the groomsmen, several of whom had enjoyed meeting members of the 501st at the Weird Al concert in Baltimore, we said our goodbyes.
Troopers:
William – TK
Melissa – ID
10/8/2016 SW @ Towson Library, Towson
The library was very appreciative that we were able to attend today. We were provided with a changing room and water. It was not very busy so we were able to get some fun pics around the library interspersed with pics taken with the staff and attendees. It was a nice, easy, and short troop. We were there about an hour and a half or so. The staff would like to have us back for more events in the future.
Troopers:
Jesse-TD
Bry-TA
Regan-DZ (GA)
10/8/2016 Light the Night, Rockville
TK86347 and ID13621 rushed to the event and quickly got dressed in the parking garage. After exiting, we were instantly set upon by many people who were very surprised to see us. We went and stood by the volunteers tent and talked to Maggie, who was equally surprised to see us there but jumped up and down when she saw we had come. Soon after we met up with TK27426, and we slowly moved our way up the street posing for pictures and greeting patrons of the various restaurants in the square. It was a very rewarding troop and the thousands of lit lanterns as the participants began their walk were a sight to see. Both TK86347 and ID13621 lost family members to leukemia, so this was a very important troop for us both.
Troopers:
William – TK
Melissa – ID
Bryan – TK
Squires:
Mike
10/14/2016 Sandymount SW Reading Night, Finksburg
We arrived and were suited up by 6:15pm, and paraded into the auditorium to meet the kids. We were given a brief introduction for each of our characters then the kids were separated into groups. Each groups of kids (and families) rotated through activity rooms: the library with us, a craft room, a media room, and the gym for exercise. It was wonderfully organized, kept the kids occupied, and made the time go by quickly and without incident. After the rotations, everyone gathered back in the auditorium/gym where R2 led the parade of kids while we saluted them. Most of the kids were in costumes ranging from the prequels to Ep VII. At the end, we capped it off with a little dancing, some more photos, and lots of smiles. I think the best was the tiny TK that went down the line to shake our hands and thank us for coming out. The Carroll County Times also covered the event.
Troopers:
Emily – Rex
Matt – TK
Rob Heck & Gabby – TK & 1st Troop!
Bill – TK
Brian Jones – FO TK
Melissa – Officer
Michael K & Ronan – TIE Pilot
Jason & Dan – R2
Jess – Mando
Josh – Mando
10/15/2016 Brother’s Surprise 40th Birthday Party, Perry Hall
This is was a nice birthday party. It went longer than most. I got there at 1700 and changed. The birthday “boy” arrived blindfolded at 1730. I stuck around until 19:30. The guest really loved having us there. I had two little ones follow me around all night. I got lots of hugs from and was lead around by a little boy. The little girl was really excited to see a grownup dressed up, because she was really into being Spiderman. The birthday boy will be a future member. He has a TK on order. One of the Event Sponsors might be joining up as well. I was able to slip into the kitchen to get a bite to eat. The caterer was also excited to have us. He may have some requests for us in the future. The family just made a $150 donation to the Ronald McDonald House!!!
Troopers:
Matt – TK
10/20/2016 Forest Hill Elementary Fall Fest, Bel Air
This was a really pleasant little event. The book fair was happening inside the library, while just outside were a good number of fall-themed crafts and activities. Several hundred students, parents, and siblings were in attendance throughout the evening. We suited up and made our grand entrance at about 5:45, with the principal making sure the DJ had the Imperial March playing for us. We mingled, took plenty of photos, and gave out lots of high-fives until about 7:15 or so. The crowd was surprised to see us, but enthusiastic in their interactions. Afterward, the school had drinks snacks and pizza for us, and most of us headed over to a local Italian place for yet more food. The staff (especially the principal) and PTSO parents were really grateful to have us there.
Troopers:
Chris – TR
Mike – TK (Carida)
Andrew – TK
Zoe – Sabine (GA)
Saffy – DZ (GA)
Ryan – DZ (GA)
Chloe – ANH Leia
Squires:
Nick
10/22/2016 DISA Trunk or Treat, Ft Meade
Everyone arrived between 1600 and 1630 and was ready to go before 1700. The Trunk or Treat was set up in the 1st level of the parking garage with tables and cars decked out in Halloween fun. We seemed to be a big hit with the crowd. We wandered around and took pictures with those that wanted and then set up as a group in an area beside the main trick or treat setup and posed for pictures. After that, we milled around talking with one another and those that approached us. We desuited around 1900 hours.
All in all a fun troop entertaining the kids that were there.
Troopers:
Shep – TI
Matt – TK
James – TI
Stephanie – DS
Josh – TI
Squires:
Brit
Bill
Chery
10/22/2016 Baltimore Buddy Walk, Baltimore
TK86347 and ID13621 showed up to the Rusty Skipper parking lot a bit early to meet some awesome film students, so we could suit up and do a quick interview for a PR/class project they are doing. After that, we walked down to the event and greeted all the kids and adults who came out this chilly morning. (Last time these two were here there was a heat index of 120, so the cold was welcomed) we took photos with all the kids and supporters, including the Oriole Bird. One little girl was very curious of the TKs name and kept asking him several times during the event. We unsuited around 11:30 when our appeal seemed to diminish. Great event and great cause!
Troopers:
William-TK
Melissa-ID
10/22/2016 Picker Family Annual Halloween Party, Glenelg
TK86347 and ID13621 were the first ones to show up to this Halloween party and were greeted by the host who was very happy to see us there. We were escorted into a small office where we suited up and stepped out to wait in the foyer to greet guests as they came in. We received a lot of nods from the adults and the children were a bit confused. We only took a few photos as people showed up at the door. We had the pleasure of meeting a rather short Lord Vader and Stormtrooper (he was very short for a stormtrooper *face palm*) we stayed about two hours before unsuiting. It came out later that the host didn’t inform people who we were, so many thought we were her friends in rather cool costumes. The host ended up donating $130 to the Make A Wish foundation.
Troopers:
William-TK
Melissa-ID
10/22/2016 Autumn Indoor Flea Market, Westminster
This was a nice troop. The folks that we met at the Salute to Heroes invited us to come out and support the Carroll County Ag Center. They provided us a large office to change in. Andy and I wandered the flea market a bit before getting suited up. We did find a few Star Wars things, but nothing worth buying. We did get an invite to a Baltimore Sci-Fi convention that I had not heard of before, though. After suiting up, we wandered the market and met with kids that were trick-or-treating at the booths. I think we got more attention from the vendors than some of the kids. 
Most importantly, it was Andy’s first official troop! Congratulations! (No trees were injured during the trooping of this event.)
Troopers:
Matt – TK
Andy – TB
10/22-23/2016 Brick Fest Live, Lutherville-Timonium
Stuart, myself and Jason showed up about an hour early to get the lay off the land and figure out what we were going to do. Luckily Jason had his nifty backdrop with him so we set that up, suited up and hung out for photos once the doors opened. The line for photos was pretty constant with a good crowd and a lot of excited kids and adults. Once the 76ers and Joe arrived they suited up and took over the photo op for a bit while Stuart and I wandered around. Then the TD’s took a little time to wander around. We broke down around 2 to 2:30 and called it a day. Overall it was a pretty good experience. No real issues and a lot (and I mean a lot!) of people were excited we were there. Definitely worth doing again if they come back around.
Also, it was awesome to have Stuart from San Diego join us. I’d meet him before, but it was the first time I got to troop with him. Hopefully he’ll be able to join us again someday 
Troopers:
Eric – TB
Jesse – TD
Michael – TD
Joe – TK
Stuart (Imperial Sands) – Gunner
Regan (GA) – DZ
Olivia (GA) – TB
Jason – R2
10/27/16 Spooktacular Perryville Middle School, Perryville
Everyone was suited up and ready to roll by the time doors opened at 5:30. The early crowd was light, but it picked up rather quickly. We were on stage, where visitors could pay $1 to come up and take as many pictures as they wanted. The money raised will go towards school programs. Since we had a fairly large crew, we alternated between large group photos, and small sets of 2-3 troopers. This kept the crowd moving nicely during the busiest times. It was a nice family event that wound down around 7. The school was once again excited to have us, and several of the teachers took pictures with us once the crowd had disbursed. They were also kind enough to provide water, pasta, bread sticks, and salad. It was a great joint-garrison event!
Special congratulations goes out to Juan for his 1st troop!
Troopers:
Mike – TK (GC)
Juan – TK
Andrew – TK
Chris – TR
Kevin – TR (GC)
Saffy – DZ (GC GA)
Zoe – Sabine (GC GA)
Jason – R2
Marty – Chewie (Ghost Base)
Peter – Rebel Trooper
10/28/2016 Liberty HS Homecoming Parade, Sykesville
We arrived at the school and were shown to the special ed classroom to change. Our hosts had snacks, water, and Gatorade for us. Once we suited up, we made our way to the Junior Class float, which was decorated with stars and a TIE fighter up front. The students were all in home made costumes with a Han, a Leia, and several ewoks. We followed the float through the parade route, which was a bit longer than expected (just shy of 2 miles) and at a very brisk pace. The students threw candy to the crowds lining the parade route. The sports teams behind us kept trying to throw candy at our student friends, hitting the troopers instead. While their targeting skills might indicate potential as future stormtroopers, their temperament wouldn’t meet the Empire’s standards. The spectators were glad to see us and cheered when one of the TKs high-five his miniature doppelganger. The parade lasted about an hour, after which we returned to the classroom to change and share some pizza.
Troopers:
Jason – R2
Melissa – ID
William – TK
Todd – TK
Squires:
Prameya
10/29/2016 KidsPeace Trick-or-Trot 5k/1 Mile Walk, Baltimore
We all arrived at the parking lot early in the morning and proceeded to find someone to open the gate to the interview room where we tend to change when trooping the stadium. After getting suited up, we all gathered at the registration area and greeted people and took pictures. After the race began, we gave high fives and cheered the runners on as they approached the finish line. The troop was fun and we all were happy to see Jamie at her first official troop. Hopefully this will get us closer to The goal of a Star Wars Night at the Orioles stadium.
Troopers:
Melissa -ID
William – TK
Chris – TR
Jamie – TK
Jason – R2
10/29/16 SW Reads Month Cockeysville Library, Cockeysville
TK 86347 and ID 13621 showed up to the library who had placed signs around saying the characters would not be there. After the initial excitement that we were there they gave us a conference room to change in. After suiting up we greeted a few fans and took many photos with the staff. The troop was rather short but still very rewarding.
Troopers:
William-TK
Melissa-ID
