12/02–Holiday Drive in Support of Blue Ribbon Project, Annapolis

The Blue Ribbon Project took over the parking lot of a shopping center, set up some tents, and really threw a great party for the community and the project’s kids.  The theme was Christmas in Candyland, and all the decorations made the children feel like they were inside the game.  Kids were treated to reindeer antlers, MANY sweets, and photos with all kinds of costumed characters.  We posed for many photos and smacked numerous high-fives.   One youngling almost tackled our TIE Fighter Pilot to the ground with a surprise hug – she was VERY happy and grateful “we came to visit her.

Troopers:
Bill – TI
Cheryl – ID

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12/2–ESC Children’s Holiday Party, Ft. Meade

We arrived in kit and were shown to the back part of the gymnasium where the Spouses Club members were dressed as Jedi. They explained that they would have groups of kids coming through every half hour; they would receive training in lightsaber combat, then test their skills against Darth Vader and Kylo Ren (also both members of the Spouses Club), make their way through a cave to find a kyber crystal, cross a lava pit, and then a balance beam. After all these Jedi trials, they would be rewarded with a certificate, and then finally have their picture taken with us (saved the best for last!)  Each group had about two dozen children, and they loved the lightsaber training and obstacle course.  However, even upon receiving their Jedi training certificate, we were successful in convincing most of them to join the Empire!

Troopers:
Bill – TI
Cheryl – ID

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12/2–VFW Children’s Christmas, Rosedale

We arrived, were greeted warmly, and then shown to the spacious changing room. Once there, we were introduced to a friend of Eric’s, who portrays an amazing Rey (she is working on her Rebel Legion approval). Once we were ready, we were led to doors to a large hall. The hosts introduced us by playing the SW theme music (unfortunately they didn’t have the Imperial march). As we entered the kids and adults went crazy. They had no idea we were coming. They were told “special guests” would be appearing. The TK’s entered, followed by Rey, then the TI’s followed by Darth Revan. After processing in, we formed a semi-circle near the DJ table at the front of the hall. Since everyone was so excited, they all wanted to run up to us but the host organized everyone into a single file line for picture opportunities with the whole group. Once all the group pictures were taken, we broke rank and interacted with the audience until it was announced that Santa Claus was about to arrive. We made our exit and proceeded outside to get a picture by the howitzer located in the parking lot in front of the VFW. We did this quickly as traffic began to slow down and cars started pulling over. So as not to cause an incident we returned to the changing area, de-suited and talked for awhile. The organizers were very pleased and could not thank us enough for coming.

Troopers:
Eric – TK (First Troop!)
Melissa – TI
William – TK
Charles – TI
Matt – SL
Bryan – TI

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12/02–NSA-CWF Holiday Party

We arrived at 08:00 and were shown to an office area to change. We were a little overzealous and were ready to troop by 08:30, but the party didn’t start until 9:00. We hung back as McGruff the crime dog, the Baltimore Oriole, Poe from the Ravens, and Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer all joined us. It was getting a little cozy, so we headed out to the game room at 08:45. CWF provided us with a volunteer escort, appropriately attired in a wookie sweatshirt. We patrolled the game room, giving out many high fives and hugs, and posing for photo ops. Occasionally, we were able to surprise unsuspecting guests who were too immersed in their games to see us approach. The party was most impressive, with face painting and balloon animals in addition to the games and food. Once the last call was announced, we stationed ourselves near the exit for last minute high fives and photos before heading back to change.

Troopers:
Melissa – TI
William – TK

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12/03–Baltimore Ravens Star Wars Day, Baltimore

We arrived at our designated gate and were then escorted to locker rooms in the underground level of the stadium to suit up. Once we were all in kit, we posed for some pics with Poe (Ravens Mascot), both outside the locker rooms and on the field. Afterwards, we were led out the the RavensWalk in front of the stadium where we set up a backdrop, and took pics with fans for 3 hours. At 1pm, we were led back into the stadium to de-kit. Our contact with the ravens presented us all with tickets for the day’s game.

Troopers:
Emily – CC
Jesse – TS
Matt – Echo
Jason – R2

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12/9–Star Wars at Your Library, White Marsh

We arrived at 13:00 and headed in to a conference room off to the side of the library. We got suited up and stored our bins in a closet, as the conference room area was to be used for some of the event activities. We headed out into the main library just before 14:00 to greet the arriving patrons and pose for some photos. We patrolled various areas of the library, pausing for some time to play balloon toss with an excited youngling. We took a brief venture outside and enjoyed a snowball fight. The TKs, alas, were mostly ineffective but the Jawa scored several direct hits. As the event died down, we headed back to the conference room at a 15:30 to change, heading out around 16:00.

Troopers:
Melissa – TI
William – TK
Chris – ID
Bry – TA
Pat -TK

Galactic Academy:
Connor – Jawa

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12/9–Ocean City Comic Con, Ocean City

We arrived at our designated area to set up around 8:30am. We were given 2 tables right in the main lobby of the hotel. The Con organizers were extremely helpful and generous. They provided us with a huge green room around the corner from our table that had private, curtained changing areas, a bathroom and enough water and snacks to feed the Imperial Army. The three of us suited up around 9:30 and hung out at our tables not expecting much action given the weather and the fact that this was their first con. Even the organizers were shocked by the immense turn out. The lobby doors remained open for 5 hours straight to allow the long line of people into the con. That of course meant the cold air poured continuously into the lobby freezing us in place. The attendance was incredible for what was supposed to be a small time con. We hung out for pictures, talked to folks, and patrolled the hotel for a while. We were joined by a handful of our Galactic Academy kids who actually outnumbered us. We packed out around 3:30 as things began to wind down.

Troopers:
Warren – TA
Jesse – TS
Rob – TK

Galactic Academy:
Delaney – BH Boushh
Gabby – ID Staff Officer
Bobby- SL Kylo Ren
Izzy- TB

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12/9–SW Intergalactic Celebration, Annapolis

We arrived around 2:00PM. There was a fairly decent crowd. My squire took a lot of pictures with all the kids
and adults. The library had Star Wars activities set up for the kids. We wrapped it up around 3:30pm, taking a final picture with the librarians

Troopers:
Nick -TK

Squires:
Dan & Lisa Dinko

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12/11–TFA Viewing Party – Oxen Hill

Librarians of this branch were hosting a Viewing party of TFA for its teen audience in order to promote excitement and entertainment in anticipation of TLJ’s upcoming premiere. There were various activity stations set up for participants to include a selfie/picture station with 501st members. Troopers arrived between 5pm and stayed until the event ended at 8pm.

Troopers:
Robert – TI
Phil – DZ (Jawa)

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12/11–Cub Scout Holiday Party, Fort Meade

Wow, what an exciting night for the Cub Scouts of Pack 337!  Shep and Charlie arrived at the church at 5:30 and met the Scout Master. They reviewed the plan for the evening and were shown to the changing room. The Fort Meade police had their mobile command vehicle available for the scouts to check out. It is practically a monster truck! The pack meeting started at 6:00pm and the scouts were recognized for the many badges and belt loops they had earned. The ugly sweater contest began, and we made our entrance to the sound of the Imperial March. After reviewing the ugly sweaters, we selected the Christmas tree with actual glowing lights as the winner. The scouts took pictures with us, then headed outside to meet Santa and receive their pinewood derby kits. The meeting wrapped up right on schedule with cookies and juice in the church foyer and we had a final photo with all of the adult leaders.

We also received a really awesome ornament from Pack 337!

 

Troopers:
Allen – TR
Charlie – TI

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12/13–Childrens National Medical Center Virtual Santa, Washington DC

We arrived at the location @ 9:15 and parked. We then proceeded to the Seacrest Studio on the main floor and got suited up. Jason was already onsite with R2. Once we got suited up, a representative from Seacrest Studio’s went over the game plan. We were to take photos with the patients, guests, employees, etc., and then direct the patients to a table where they could pick out a gift. We posed for tons of pictures and the kids were really excited to see us and R2. We danced a bit while R2 played some Christmas songs as well. Around 1:15, we packed it as the gift table was empty and the crowd started to thin out.

 

Troopers:
Charlie – TI
Jesse – TS
Jason – R2

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12/14-17/2017 – The Last Jedi Premier @ the Senator – Baltimore

12/14

Once again the Senator Theater was very accommodating for us. Most of us showed up between 1530 and 1630 and started getting changed. The Senator provided us a changing room in the form of Theater #4. By 1700 everyone was suited up and headed outside to greet those crazy enough to have braved the elements and lined up early.  People as always really enjoyed us being there to be their pre-movie entertainment. At 1745 we piled into the main theater were we continued the tradition of taking a group photo in the front of the historic theater. Once the photo was completed we headed to the lobby where we set up our honor guard lines and greeted the guests as they came filing into the theater to grab their seats. After that we desuited and grabbed our seats, ready for the latest installment in the Star Wars franchise.

Troopers:
Allen – TR
Barron – TB
Bob – TI
Bob – TI
Emily – CC
Eric – TB
Geoff – TK
Jason – R2
Lue – TI
Mark – TB
Melissa – TI
Patrick – TS
Todd – TK
Warren – TA
William – TK

Other Garrison Troopers:
Josh
Arielle
Jess
Matt
Rich
Shiloh
Marc
Brian
Kellie
Liz
Ed

Galactic Academy
Delaney – BH

Squires:
Kelly

Late Show:

Troopers:
David – FOTK
Tom – TI
Melissa – TI
William – TK

Other Garrison Troopers:
Andrew
Jamie

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12/15

We suited up around 4:30 am and milled about the Theater for a while listening to the 98 Rock Morning show broadcasting from the stage. ABC2 News was there in the morning and did a couple of interviews about the 501st with Pat and Ladies of the Legions with Chloe. We took a few photos with people in the lobby until it was time to unsuit.

Troopers:
Chris -TR
Devin – TB
Emily – CC
Pat – TS

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12/16

Rob arrived with Bobby at 10:15 and the manager showed us to the storage room for changing. They were joined shortly after that by Devin Minnich. We put our kits on and proceeded outside to the front of the movie theater’s entrance. This was a fantastic crowd as everyone was happy to see two Biker scouts before entering the theater. We took many pictures and waved to onlookers from there cars. The scouts happily report no Ewoks were spotted and some droids were found but they had papers and moved along.

Troopers:
Rob – TB
Devin – TB
Bobby – GA Kylo

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12/17

Jesse and Bry arrived at the theater at the same time. The Senator was very accommodating allowing us to change in their stock room. While they were suiting, Rob arrived already dressed (he drove to the event that way!) Once we were ready, we went out front and proceeded to wave to passing traffic and take pictures with patrons and passers-by. We had very favorable reactions including honking horns, cars pulling over to take pics, excited kids in cars, thumbs up from drivers, and compliments from the movie-goers. Jesse had an excited debate with a group of young fans as to who the good guys and bad guys were pictured on the Last Jedi poster. The result was a stalemate. At 1pm we desuited and went on our way.

Troopers:
Rob Heck-TB
Jesse Pollock-TS
Bry White-TI

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12/14-16/2017-TLJ Air & Space Museum -DC/VA

12/14

Troopers from OLG, Tyrannus, and the Mandalorian mercs were represented. We arrived around 1600hrs, got suited up and walked the halls of the museum and then stayed near the theater entrance/ line area once the films were playing. We also gave an interview with WUSA 9 News.

Troopers:
Robert – TI
Matthew – CT

Other garrison Troopers:
Christian – ID
Joe – RL
Amelia – RL
Kat – MMCC
Sean – MMCC

Squire:
Bill – MMCC

***

12/15

By 1715 the first shift of Troopers were already out taking pictures with the Museum goers as well as those already lined up for the 1930 showing of the movie. A few more troopers started showing up and getting in kit for the 1830 shift.  We then headed out and joined those that were there for the first shift. By this time the Museum was closed, and we only had those that were waiting for the next showing of the movie so we did our standard walk around and take pictures with those that had yet to get theirs. Once the theater was ready to move the 1930 audience, we stood in an honor guard line and guided the moviegoers to the theater which they enjoyed and tried to snap some last minute photos of us. After that, the earlier showing let out and the crowd went wild seeing Star Wars costumes waiting for them.  Of course they had to grab a quick photo with us before leaving the Museum.  After that, we got together and did a group photo at the moon lander in the entrance area and then people either started dekitting or took a break until the 2230 crowd started to show up. All in all, it was another successful troop at the Air and Space Museum and they said they, of course, wanted us back for the Han Solo movie coming out in May 2018.

 

Troopers:
Allen – IG
Brian – TK
Charlie- TI
Corey – TB
David – FOTK

Other Garrison Troopers:
Ben – GT
Bria – GT
Joseph – GT
Julia – GT
Lance – GT
Marc – MM
Jamie – RL
Nick – RL

Squires:
Corry
Rowan

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12/16

We suited up around 4:30 pm and headed to the front area of the museum to take pictures with people at the museum. Once they closed the museum, we entertained people lining up for the movie and those coming in from security.

Troopers:
Robert – TIE
Corey – TB
Emily – CC

Troopers From Other Garrisons:
Bria – FO Officer
Clayton- TX
Anna – Jango
Christopher – Montross
Lance – TIE
Lance’s son- Officer
Christian – Officer

Squire:
Nishaad

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12/14–TLJ @ Leitersburg Cinemas, Hagerstown

Some of us arrived at 4, but the crowds had not yet arrived. The theater gave us an office to change in, luckily the stairs didn’t cause too much trouble. Closer to the movie showtimes, the crowds started getting larger. There was a DJ set up playing Star Wars music, as well as an R2-D2 from Droid Builders. We interacted with moviegoers, some of which were in costume, and took plenty of pictures. The theater was kind enough to offer us 20 tickets to see the movie. Excitement was high, and Star Wars was in the air. We wrapped up just before the 10 o’clock showing.

Troopers:
Nick – TI
Cayla – DZ
Joshua – TI
Jess – TK
Brian – FOTK
Maureen – TR

Squires:
Michelle
Christina
Andrew

 

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12/16–Toy Drive & TLJ – Frederick

We suited up in a storage area across from one of the theaters. We had great attendance, so we spilled out into the hallway a bit. Once we were ready, we headed out shortly before 13:00 and stationed ourselves front of the theater with the toy donation box. We were joined by sever members of the RL and Mercs. Many of us brought toys, so the box was well seeded when we got started. Visitors came by in waves, bringing toys, and posing for pictures. It was a little cold and windy, so we took a few breaks inside to keep warm. As each showing of TLJ ended, movie patrons were extra excited to interact with us on their way out. At 15:30, we wrapped up and headed back inside. Congratulations to Becca and Henry for their first troop.

Troopers:
Andy – TR
Brian – FOTK
Henry – TI (first troop)
Jess – TK
Maureen – TR
Melissa – TI
Rebecca – TI (first troop)
Rob – SL: Vader
William – TK

Visiting Garrison Troopers:
Scott (GC) – TI
James (GC) – Snowie
Sarah – TD (GA)
Jason – R2

Squires:
Drew McLain

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12/20–Lucas’ Toy Chest – Washington, DC

What a heartwarming event at the Children’s National Hospital Center!  Our troopers arrived at the hospital around noon, and were escorted upstairs to the fourth floor Art Center. The Metropolitan Police Department officers were already bringing up tons of toys that were donated by members of MPD’s 5th district. They created a wonderful display around the room. We quickly changed into our Imperial outfits and the first few children arrived. They were welcome to choose any toy they wanted for the abundant cornucopia. Some were a little intimidated by the Empire, but warmed up after checking us out from a distance. We also had some passionate discussion with Rey about who truly are the “good guys” in the galaxy. We then visited the patients rooms to make sure everyone had a chance to see the Star Wars characters and choose a toy. Officer Brent’s son Lucas, who was the inspiration for the whole event, joined us toward the end.  Congratulations to Amelia from Terrapin Base for trooping her first official event as Rey!

Troopers:
Charlie – TI
Corey – TB
Robert – TI

Rebel Legion:
Amelia – Rey
Nick – Jedi

Galactic Academy:
Nick’s daughter – Rey

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