Injuries:
TKjr Jospeh discovered Armour bites!
Maverick is sun burnt!

Malfunctions:
TD1535 snapped his groin….his armour that is and was unable to attend in armour

Public Incidents:
The only real downer of the day was that some rotten little Rebel grot stole Moxxxie’s thermal detonator. The authorities at the school have been advised and will put details into the next school flyer news letter

Mission Status:
Success! Monies raised, photos taken, Imperial Citizens happy

Congrats to the Redbacks who set a new record for blood donations in one day!

Location: Dreamworld, Gold Coast
Weather: Started a little wet, then fined up for the photos and parade, then bucketed down.
Date /Time: 27/02/2010 0700 – 1730

Troopers:
SL4035 Kev Vader – Darth Vader
TD3409 Apok – TD
TK8226 Mouldman – Incinerator
TK0889 Cobra – Commander
TK6232 Moxxie – TK
TS4159 Beanie – TS
ID2153 The Scotsman – TK/ID
TB8995 Muppet – TB/DZ
TC1535 Doug – TC
TK4132 Wolf – TB/TK
SL3208 Kitiara – Darth Traya
TK8321 Lestat – TK
TK4598 Tachyon – TK
TK7622 Sniper – DZ (Tusken)
TK2620 Crypto – TK
TD8375 Dredd – Gamorrean
TK4306 SuperAzza – TK
TD3087 Spaniard – TD
TK9133 Gremlin – TB
TS7675 Phil – TS
TK4423 TK-Tex – TK
TK0758 Scorp – TK or TD
TK7384 Bigmac – TK/IG
TB6263 Redpaint – TB
TB7253 Zerebin – TB
TK4633 EXPLOSION ED – TK
TK2192 Ryan – TK
TK4881 Hopfot – TK
TI2478 Rents – TI
TK7829 Michael – TK
TK9893 ReDaV – TK
TK9287 Brissytrooper – TK
SL8996 Tanna – SL Mara Jade
DZ6354 Ripley – DZ Jawa
SL 2562 Draco -SL Darth Raven
TD9220 Spacebandit – TD
TD4384 Rookie – TD

Wranglers:
Calamity
Nick
Supatrooper
Chief
Brock
Jocelyn
Ray
Sheralyn
Wilza
Louise (mrs ScOrP)

Please if I have made a mistake with anyone being there or not being there please let me know and I will fix it immediately. Next big troop there will be a sign on sheet. So many people!!!!

Mission: Raise money for the Starlight Foundation and amaze the locals of the Empire!!!

Summary: Well what a day!!!! 37 Troopers in total. 35 Troopers in the parade. 34 in the group photos. A group of wranglers that were everywhere and a whole lot of fun that was had by all.

The day started with bad weather but the sky cleared as we made our way to the fountain for a group photo. Wolf, SuperAzza and Hoppy lead the force donning their suits early to hit the front gate to start the day off. Success! Apparently they were stopping traffic.

Then to the group shot where all got into the photo (except Tanya who was not happy but someone had to watch the kids…Muppet next year haha). Kenny Koala, Belinda Brown and Goldie the Clown, all of whom live at DW paid us a visit and got some photos as well. Some funny photos were had. Than we had Nick, Cobras little mate come in for a group photo, very cool. All the different units had their photos and then the fun started with the public.

All troopers gave their all in the photo department on the day. All troopers volunteering more than a few times to get in on the action. In fact the number of troopers was meant to be 6 but most of the time we exceeded that to about 10. Wranglers did a fine effort controlling the crowd and handing out cards and flyers. Special mention to Wilza and Chief. I think they had a competition to see who could hand out the most cards to the most kids. Most kids were coming back for more. And also to Sheralyn as she just seemed to be everywhere at the photo areas. Brock you are going to be dangerous when you get your suit when you have the enthusiasm you have now.

Then to the parade at 1130am. What a sight!!! 35 Troopers (Tanya got someone else to mind the kids. No way she was missing out on this one). In the compound all massed together was an amazing sight. A quick run down on marching from Scorp and putting everyone in place we were ready to go…5 minutes early. Everyone was so excited and pumped they all followed orders so well we ended up having to wait 5 minutes so we went out on time. Good work troopers. Then it was off to wave to the public. They came from everywhere to say hi and we even had the face painting fairies bringing up the rear looking after the kids that came in costume to which there were quite a few. Around the fountain we went and before you know it 35 troopers were cheering in the marshalling area and feeling pretty darn good. A quick shout to the Entertainment Department at DW who whooped and cheered and then went to the other side of the road to do it all again on the return trip home.

Then back to the photo area to have more photos. Thought the area had to be changed due to the weather people were still coming over. One family in fact were stalking us so that they could get photos with every character. Great work all on the photo sessions. We had a great system (thanks Moxxie for co-ordinating there) and it seemed to work really well. Our roving patrols didn’t happen that much but that was due to the weather. The Spaniard and Rookie (who are we kidding he may as well change his handle to Sandy Andy) did brave the pouring rain to rattle the can with the Spaniard sister and girlfriend wrangling for them. Good job there guys.

Now for some of the weirder stuff. A small force ventured into the Australian Wildlife Experience at the back of DW. Myself, Rents, Luke and the Wolf made or way with Wilza, Brock, Nick and Pez. I was lucky enough to feed the crocodiles not once but 5 times. Yes I did drop the stick the first go but it was really cool and fun to do. All the footage will be up soon I hope. Then we had photos with the Oakey Creek boys and then to the koalas. Wolf and Luke got to hold one but Rents couldn’t due to his Tie box. Luckily I spotted a python getting photos and before you know it all three lads were sitting down (no I wasn’t sitting) and getting photos. Not to be out done I had to get the python around my neck. Again very cool!!!!

Then at 3.30 it was time to get the TB’s on the Motocoaster. Funniest thing I saw on the day. Muppet, Gremlin, Luke and Wolf all got to ride it in full kit. Hilarious to watch. Unfortunately Michaels back plate was a hindrance for him so he had to sit it out. Unlucky as well was the fact that both video cameras ran out of batteries so we only got still photos of it. Next year lads. Next year!!!

By the time we got back the heavens had well and truly opened up. Troopers we soaked and getting tired. When the 3.30pm troopers came in at 4.00pm we decided to pull the pin on the photos as most people were leaving and the cameraperson (Rebecca Burton you rocked the whole day!) was getting her equipment wet. But what to do…..To AVPX!!! Alien vs Predator vs us. DW’s laser tag arena was a hoot. Most of us had buckets on so it made it really difficult but a lot of fun. Bec got some great photos of that as well.

Well that was it time to pull up stumps. It was pouring rain, troopers were tired, the park was closing and most had a long drive ahead of them. Time to go….or so we thought. As I was buying my group photo at the Kodak shop a lady enters in tears asking where are the stormtroopers. Apparently she works in Brisbane and when she finished work she sped back down to the coast to pick up her 3 boys and see us at the end of the day. She got in when we were in AVPX and was beside herself. A quick phone call and a sprint (ok I was knackered by then so stumbling amble) and Moxxie in her ID, Scorp in his TK and me in my TD were in the marketplace having photos with the boys. Needless to say Mox and Scorp that was above and beyond. And FYI she bought a lot of photos from Kodak and put $20.00 in the tin as well. Bec was great making sure she got all the photos she needed.

Amazing day. Amazing memories. Amazing people. To everyone involved well done. A couple of mentions though.

Muppet and Moxxie for the effort they put into all the new troopers getting approved and their photos done. Without them we would be down at least 10 troopers for the day. records had to have been set!! Also Mox thanks for putting things on the website for me. Yes I do need some lessons.

Kev for his behind the scenes work sorting out the Starlight stuff and listening to me stress a bit on the phone.

Goose. Mate even though we didn’t the backdrops or banners up due to the conditions your efforts are really appreciated. And a big thank you for the lanyards again for another massive troop. Next year we will be bigger!! Dredd and Mel thanks for bringing the banners and Mel for making sure we didn’t have a big green pig to pick up off the floor haha.

Ray from the Rebel Legion (do I dare thank him haha). Mate your wrangling and looking after Kev and general enthusiasm on the day was awesome. Most thought they saw a bit of the darkside coming out in you haha.

To all the Wranglers thank you so much. With so many armour changes in the day and so many troopers to look after you all did a great job.

To Pez and Nick we cannot wait to see what you have shot on your video cameras. Thanks and we all wait in anticipation for your footage. Good work lads.

A big thanks to Rob Buchanan for allowing us to come to DW and hold this event. Let’s hope he gets us back next year!!

Melinda Lloyd from the PR department at DW. She went above and beyond to make things happen and get the word out there. And to Jason Gearing for getting me on the radio a couple of times. Thanks you two!!

And thanks for all you guys and gals that turned up. I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone. Don’t blast me if I did. Without the numbers that turned up it wouldn’t have been as spectacular as it was.

Injuries: Other than the regular chafes and stiffness everyone came out of it only a little tired. I think that was mainly thanks to the great support team that just wanted to help all the time.

Public Incidents: Funnily enough not 1 incident that I heard of. Unless you count me dropping the stick in the croc pen.

Malfunctions: Hoppy blew a leg press stud out but other than that out of 37 troopers that was it. Hoppy was not happy!!

Happy People: Everyone!!!! The public, the staff, the troopers and most importantly the DW management. Fingers crossed we get the gig next year so it will be bigger and better!!!!

Not Happy People: I did not met anyone that was unhappy even in the rain. Well the WWW staff were upset we didn’t visit them. Next year maybe guys.

Mission Status: Even with the weather being crappy which made donations down a little I think we were a massive hit and everyone held themselves very well and our behaviour was beyond reproach. Well done again everyone.

Apok out

PS See you all next year!!!!!!!!

The member’s of the 501st Legion’s Redback Garrison, known as Vader’s elite troops, will be hanging up their lightsabers and holstering their blasters as they go on a mission to ‘do good’ with the hope to raising $5000 for the Starlight Foundation.

Stormtroopers, Sandtroopers, Biker Scouts, Tusken Raiders, Clonetroopers and even the Sith Lord himself, Darth Vader, will be taking on the high profile operation, posing for photos with in-park guests and fans with one dollar from every purchased photograph going directly to charity.

The mission will also include face painting and the chance for guests to make donations as the troop rattle the Starlight tins around the park.

Spokesperson for the 501st legion, Adam Lochowicz said, “These characters are so realistic, it’s like stepping into one of George Lucas’ movies.”
“Our legion brings the fictional to life and we find that hundreds of fans enjoy coming out to see the troopers altogether. It’s a great way to create interest and use our hobby to give back to the community,” he continued.
Fans can take to the skies with the characters as they flip, spin and soar on some of Dreamworld’s fiercest thrill rides. Children under 12 years are encouraged to dress in their best Star Wars costume to receive a discount on entry and a space in the legion’s march through Dreamworld’s Main Street at 11.30am.
Despite being notorious for their evil ways, the 501st Legion, the only Star Wars costuming group endorsed by George Lucas, have ‘harnessed the force’ on many occasions, assembling for the Starlight Foundation to raise valuable funds and perhaps clear their conscience from all the intergalactic battles fought previously.

“Starlight is the perfect charity for us to support. We aim to bring people’s imaginations to life and Starlight work to bring the dreams of seriously ill kid’s to life. Plus the 501st legion members are all big kids,” said Mr Lochowicz.

For more information on the upcoming Stormtrooper charity event at Dreamworld please phone 5588 1111.

Date:
16 January 2010

Venue:
Adidas Originals, 3170 Surfers Paradise Blvd (Cnr Cavill Ave), Surfers Paradise

Time:
1000hrs – 1400hrs

Mission:
To maintain a strong imperial presence for the launch of the Adidas Originals x Star Wars Collection Launch

Trooper Attendance:
TK5705 Goose
TD8375 Dredd
TK8321 Lestat
TI2478 -Rents-
TK9893 RedaV

Wranglers:
Mel
Cristy
Mouldman

Detail:
Whilst the armory was a little on the cramped side (even for the Economical Assault Troopers) everyone geared up and was ready for any possible rebel disturbance. With the sun blazing down and humidity rising the toopers bravely took up their post at the main entrance to the store.
It wasn’t long before the local inhabitants fell under the charm and influence of the darkside with alot of smiles and photos being taken.
After several hours it was time for the troops to head back to the deathstar knowing that the Gold Coast was now safely an Imperial stronghold.

Injuries:
None that I’m aware of.

Malfunctions:
No major malfunctions reported except a belt or two that kept sliding down.

Public Incidents:
One rebel infiltrator attempted to tackle a trooper but no injuries were sustained.

Mission Status:
A big success with Adidas staff and the local inhabitants having a great time.

Photos:
http://s45.photobucket.com/albums/f69/50…an%202010/

Location: Queen Street Mall, Brisbane
Landscape/Weather: Permacrete, hot
Date /Time: 16/01/2010 11:00-13:00hrs

Troopers: SL4035 Kev Vader
TK 2153 The Scotsman
TK 2620 Crypto
TK 4132 Thewolf
TK 4423 TKTex
TK 6232 Moxxxie
TK 7384 Bigmac
TK 7622 Thesnifer
TK 8995 Muppet
TD 1535

Wranglers: SL 3208 Kitiara
TB 889 Oz_Scout
Tirilia
Kookaburra the artist formally known as Kobukuro
Tanna

Special Appearances:  TR 6263 Redpaint

Report: To maintain a strong imperial presence for the launch of the Adidas Originals x Star Wars Collection Launch

Summery:

Troopers and Sith Lord arrived well before deployment time of 11:00 hrs. Troopers were first out for a little re-con and secure the shop front before the arrival of our supreme commander. Lord Vader was escorted through the shop with his finest troopers while the Imperial March was played on the shops intercoms. Lord Vader and Storm Troopers presence put local inhabitants at ease, when they realized that the Emperor’s compassion could extend to the outer rim territories. Many holopics were taken, and Adidas shoes walked out the door.
Alas, even the most loyal servants get tired, and it was 13:00 hrs before we knew it.

Injuries: TD1535 was pushed over by a couple of aliens, further investigations to follow

Public Incidents: 1 but wont go into it.

Malfunctions: Nil

Happy People: Everyone that had their picture taken, Foot Locker staff

Not Happy People: Those whose cameras malfunctioned

Mission Status: Complete success

TK 8995 out

PS. Personally i wish to thank all troopers and wranglers for their professionalism shown at the troop. Redback Garrison leading the way.

Some pics from today’s troop. Was a blast.

Date:
16 Dec, 2009

Venue:
Springwood Aquatic Centre

Time:
11:00hrs – 15:00hrs

Trooper Attendance:

SL 4035 Kev VADER
TB 0889 oz_scout
TK 4423 TKTEX
TS 7675 Phil – FIRST TROOP

Support Crew:
Kellie – FIRST TROOP

Detail:
TK-TEX and Kev Vader were the first to arrive and they executed a covert recce mission covering the target trooping area.

Kellie was next to arrive for a briefing session and mission details. Phil reported for duty next to put in his very first troop as a member of the fighting 501st. Phil chose from his already impressive range of costumes that of Imperial Snowtrooper to launch his opening salvos for the Empire.

Oz-scout was soon on the scene and impressed us all with his latest example of Imperial travel goods (separate post incoming to provide Imperial Specs and budgetary requirements).

The team met with TRACC management at the Aquatic Centre and were shown to the changing room, which set a new standard in trooping excellence!!! Fully air-conditioned and best of all, scantily clad swimming instructors in and out all the time!!

Started trooping on schedule and were immediately swamped by incredulous kiddies all looking for hi-fives, photos and all with lots of questions for Lord Vader and the troopers.

Kellie assisted for her very first troop as Wrangler by helping out with lots of photos – and passing out Imperial literature for the educational edification and enlightenment of the attendant gob-smacked throngs.

Happy kiddies, happy carers and lots of Christmas goodwill shown to all. Santa arrived to hand out the many presents donated to TRACC during the year, and we retreated once again to our change room so as to give him half a chance of even being noticed!!!!

Injuries:
Extreme heat conditions led to some serious weight loss for all troopers, particularly Lord Kev – fixed by frequent trips back the Imperial Changing Room for water.

Malfunctions:
Some minor armor malfunctions for Phil, nothing that couldn’t be repaired in the field.

Public Incidents:
Many Many happy kiddies

Mission Status:
Success – Phil’s first troop made the victory at the Battle of Hoth pale by comparison!!!
Two ‘first troops’ completed with honors by Phil and Kellie.

Big thanks to those troopers who tried to make it for this one. Especially TK 5705 Goose who was unfortunately re-deployed to Mos Gold Coast but still had armor standing by.
(no photos allowed for this one – sorry)

Childrens Ward

Location: Bundaberg Base Hospital Childrens Ward

Landscape/Weather: Indoors Aircon

Date / Time: 21/11/2009 10:00-11:00hrs

Troopers: The Snip

er TK 7622
TheWolf TK 4132
TS 4159 Beanie
TB 8995 Muppet
SL 3208 Kit

Wranglers: nil

Report: To spread the word and love from the Emperor’s finest

Summery: Troopers arrived at the Bundaberg Base Hospital already in armour, after making a dash across town from the PCYC in the black blinged cruiser. After being stopped by some local inhabitants and holopics taken, we found our way into the Childrens ward. We made contact with our local intelligence agent,nurse Cathy, who was totally blown away with our presence. Troopers then visited the patients, who too were in shock but they soon discovered that the Empire are a very loveable group. Once loyalty was shown, gifts were given and troopers were rewarded with huge smiles and thankyou’s. It was soon time to leave but not before the word had gotten around, that the Emperor’s finest were in the building, and more Doctors and nurses from the other wards wanted their picture taken.

Casualties: nil

Happy People: the whole Bundaberg Hospital

People not happy: nil

Mission Status: Complete success,

Malfunctions- TK 7622 suffered a major malfunction with his suspender retainers coming unstuck-probably caused by the ride over

TB 8995 out

Venue: Bundaberg PCYC, Maryborough Street, Bundaberg

Time : 9:00hrs to 14:00 hrs (Minus about an hour we spent at the Hospital)

Mission: Family Entertainment Expo

Trooper Attendance:
The Sniper – TK 7622
TheWolf – TK 4132
Muppet – TB 8995
Kitiara – SL 5968? (Approved but ID not confirmed)
Sandman – TS 4159 (And Jedi)

Guest Trooper Attendance:
None

Wranglers: None

Detail: A recon shuttle containing Muppet and Sandman was despatched early Friday night to recon the flight path to Bundaberg, with reinforcements to follow early the next morning, departing the flight deck at 2am. A rendezvous was pre-arranged for 6am, at a suitable location just outside Maryborough, approximately 1 hours and 20 minutes from our target.
Radio contact was established with the advance recon shuttle at the appointed time, and the rendezvous went without a hitch. The two shuttles then travelled the remaining distance in formation, utilising the radios to keep the crews entertained. A game of “Guess this song” was played over the airwaves, and it managed to make the time to target fly by.
At approximately 7am we arrived in Bundaberg, and proceeded to a local food outlet to secure fresh supplies. The “McDonalds”, not only provided sustenance, but also had a free primitive information service available, called “Wi-Fi internet”. The troopers, currently in civilian disguise, utilised this information system to secure lodgings for the night, for the two advance party troopers.
Once fed and refreshed, we proceeded to the main target. Upon arrival we scouted the area, and established contact with our local liaison, Cathy. We had a quick scout of the area we were to control, and the room provided as out base of operations.
Once suitable attired, we proceeded to move amongst the crowd. The five of us were an impressive sight, and wowed ,any of the people at the venue, and scared many of the children. An intimidating sight, we continued to circulate, having many photo taken, and answering many questions about who we were, an d what we do. After a half an hour or so, we were asked to do a Television interview for the local Chanel 7. An Impressive sight, we should be able to obtain a copy of the footage for future records.
After an Hour of spreading intimidation and fear, we all piled into the larger of our two shuttles, (in armour) and moved off to the Bundaberg Base Hospital. .) Along the way, many other shuttle drivers were startled to see a load of the Empire’s finest go past them. (Please see the separate troop report for that event
Upon arriving back at the PCYC, we once again restored order, and proceeded to promote the empire. We continued this for a while, until a lunch break was called, and we retired to out base for a drink and some food.
Once again refreshed, we were invited to a game of Laser Skirmish, against some of the indigenous population. Having the best technology and armour onsite, it was no doubt going to be a one sided affair. Upon starting, we realised the average age of our opponents was about 10 standard earth years. A walkover some might say, but given the 30 plus degree heat outside, out skills were going to be taxed. Added to the fact that our young opponents soon worked out that if they ran behind us, we could no longer see or hear them, and we had to change our strategy. Soon we worked as a team, covering each other’s backs, and holding a corner post against the onslaught of ewok sized opponents. Once the game was finished, I had a new found respect for our fellow trooper stationed on Endor.
Having all nearly overheated from this, we retired once again for a drinks break, but were soon once again on the job. As things slowed a little in the afternoon, but the heat persisted, we tried to remain in the air-conditioned Gymnasium section. Although still a hot room, Muppet found time to do some colouring in, which he later signed and gave to a young attendant.
Shortly after this, the day was getting on, so we retired to make ready to depart. Upon saying our goodbyes, we boarded our shuttles and made our way to our lodgings for the evening.
Once there we retired to some serious team building and recruiting exercises as we sat in the pool sipping at exotic beverages. Once wrinkled from this, we moved on to a local cantina for more food, and were treated to many odd looks and questions about our shirts, what we do and who we were. Once the local population was suitably educated, we finished off out meals and retired for the night, as many of us had been up for the past 21 hours.
The following day we moved off to investigate the local area, stoping off at the seaside area known as Bangara. A lovely little spot, we must be sure to return one day in force and subjugate the town.
We then moved our operation to a local tourist attraction, where they produce a beverage called “Bundy”. All members of the troop and the recruit known as “Gangrel” were taken on a tour of the facility, and provided with samples of their product to test. After a while, the barman departed for a short time, and the Redbacks took control of the facility, and the bar. (See photos).
When it was time to leave, many of the troopers purchased some of the product for future use. The shuttles then departed for home base, stopping once at a northern town for food once more.

Injuries : The usual small armour bites, although heat was a problem. No other problems were reported, although the water may have been a little cold for Sandman’s liking, from what we saw.

Malfunctions: Sniper had a near complete malfunction of the strapping system that holds up the bottom half of his armour, as a result of sitting in the car on the way to the Hospital. No other faults were reported.
Public Incidents: None reported.

Mission Status: Completed! Word of the Empire has been spread to Central costal Queensland, and our recruits in the area have been suitably briefed.

Photos: Have been uploaded to the Photobucket web site here… More photos to come at a later stage as they are obtained.