1/21–Cosmic Comix SW Celebration, Catonsville

Lord Vader would be pleased to know that the Sandtrooper Squad, with Biker Scout back up, arrived and established a strong Imperial presence, to the delight of the locals. Many photos were taken as was a rather amusing video that Lord Vader must never see, for it contains evidence of a slight relaxation of Imperial protocol as the troopers joined an enthusiastic cadet ina dance.  There was a Jawa who kept trying to take the binders off one of the troopers belts, but then was distracted by a droid. Once the troops made certain no Rebels were hiding among the populace, it was time to return to base for chow.   Trooper Joshua conformed to all Imperial protocols throughout the event. Congratulations on your first troop!  The staff was very accommodating with a changing room (though a little small) offers of refreshments and pizza, and provided staff to assist with all our needs. The event was well attended and we will be asked back next year.

Troopers:
Jesse- TD
Joshua – TD
Mike – TD
Andrew S- TD
Bry – ID
Keira – TB (GA)
Regan-Jawa (GA)

1/21–Hailey Swann’s Birthday, Catonsville

We arrived around 2:30/3pm and were treated to a light dinner while they finished getting the upstairs (the entire upstairs) setup for the party. We got suited up around 4:00pm and were led into the party by the birthday girl’s little Darth Vader sister. The troop started off pretty typical with folks taking pictures with us and the Hailey, who was dressed as Princess Leia. After a little while, we dispersed a little and wandered into the moon bounce room and the face painting room. But then it was time to dance. And dance we did. After a few DJ-arranged dance offs, we said our good byes and headed to the first floor to unsuit. It was one heck of a party.

Troopers:
Matt – TK
William – TK
Melissa – ID
Emily – Rex
Jess – TK
Sebastian – Scarrif trooper
Sebastian’s daughters – TB, pink TB & Jawa
Jason – R2

Squires:
Amy
Sebastian’s wife

1/21–All Time Toys Grand Re-Opening, Ellicott City

Old Line was joined by store owner Jason, many Mandos, and Terrapin Base. We arrived and took our places outside the store front to welcome patrons and Ellicott City supporters. Around 11am, Jason said a few words and did a ribbon cutting for the new store while we stood behind him and the county officials. Right after that, Warren presented Jason with Imperial Medal of Valor for his bravery the night of the flood. We continued to take photos with people going into the store and walking main street. We wrapped it up around 1:30pm.

Troopers:
Matt – TK
Warren – Veers
William – TK
Melissa – ID
Emily – Rex
Jess – TK
Jason – R2

A Message from the Folks at All Time Toys:

Hello!

I wanted to post this to your forum but hope this will find the right place. The Old Line Garrison did an amazing job last Saturday. Jason and I look forward to working/hanging out with you all again really soon! So this is our Thank you letter to everyone:

Members of the 501st Old Line Garrison, the Mandolorians of the Kyrimorut Clan, Terrapin Base Rebels, and Jason with R2-D2. Starting out by saying thank you is not enough to express our undying gratitude for your participation in our Grand Re-opening. You all made that event so much more fun and special for everyone involved. The level of professionalism and detailed interactions that we witnessed were incredible. Expect more event invites from us. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

May The Force Be With You

For The Empire

Aliit Ori’shya Tal’din
BEEP BOOP WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE (My binary is rusty, forgive any insult.)

Sincerely,

Jason, Patrick, Christine, Max and the extended All Time Toys Family

Photo courtesy of Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman Facebook page.

1/22–Birthday Party, Annapolis

We arrived at the bowling alley by 13:30, and were shown to a large room in the back to change. The father was psyched to see us there. We suited up, and waited for our cue. At 14:30, the bowling alley played the Imperial March and we made our way to the assembled party goers. Mara Jade fetched the birthday girl, while ID-13621 read charges of rebel sympathies and harboring rebel fugitives. The birthday girl confessed, but the Empire agreed to let her off with a warning; after all, it was her birthday. We moved back to the room and posed for pictures with the party goers and several parents. After that, we did a quick patrol of the premises and took a few more photos with patrons. We headed back to change at 15:15 and were on our way by 15:45.

Troopers:
Jesse – TS
Stephanie – MJ
James – TI
William – TK
Melissa – ID
Thomas – TK
Nick Dinko (GA)

Squires:
Andrea
Amir
Sebastian

1/28–Huesmann Star Wars Wedding Shower, Columbia

TK-86347 and ID-13621 arrived at 9:45 and were ushered away to a back room. We were joined by TK-10596 and our outstanding squire/photographer, Gabby, shortly after 10:00. We chatted with the sister of the bride, who aspires to join the Rebel Legion in her home state of North Carolina. We got suited up and joined the arriving guests at 10:30. There was a photo booth set up so that the guests could take pictures with us and a beautiful assortment of Star Wars themed cupcakes. The bride wore a dress that looked like a familiar blue astromech, and both she and the groom were thrilled to see us. We took door duty, with the troopers asking for identification from each entrant. Most guests were surprised and delighted to see us. One youngling was especially impressed and kept touching the Stormtroopers’ shins and cackling with glee. The Empire should keep an eye on him as a potential recruit. Our hosts were most hospitable and they even provided ID-13621 with an complementary glass of blue milk. After everyone who was interested had their photos taken, we changed and departed shortly before noon.

Troopers:
Rob H – TK
Melissa – ID
Williams – TK

Squires:
Gabby

1/29–Birthday Party, Fallston

After arriving at the house around 13:00, TK86347 made contact with the family and was snuck past the pizza man and into a room to change. Soon after TK63079 arrived for his first patrol and the two suited up. Unfortuately,  ID13621 was under the weather and spent the morning in med bay recovering. The patrol went well, though the birthday boy was the least excited that we were there. We played keep away with some of the younglings and pin the lightsaber on the yoda, which, to form, both TKs missed. After singing happy birthday to the boy, we unsuited and left the party at 15:00 before they started hitting a Vader shaped pinata and arrests would have needed to be made.  Congrats to Pat on his first official troop!

Troopers:
William – TK
Pat – TK

1/31–Red Cross booth at the Washington Auto Show

We arrived and it took awhile for them to figure out where they wanted us to go for getting dressed. We finally settled in to a room on the second floor. Stephen and Randy got suited up and headed for the main floor where they were doing the hands on car competition.

We went there and they wanted us to pose for photos with a couple guys from TV and DC101. We then headed to the Red Cross booth and hung around there for awhile. We didn’t have a squire and were getting stopped too much so 3/4 of the way thru, Randy got undressed and squired for Stephen. We went to the floor and to the Star Wars car and checked it out. After a ton of photos with the Nissan people we made our way back so Stephen could get undressed, and we headed out about 6:45.

We enjoyed the day, be sure to have a squire tag along next time if anyone does this one in the future.

Troopers:

Stephen – TK
Randy – TK