Over the last few days, The ForceCast Mailbag received some fantastic feedback in response to our interview with Dean Plantumura and Scott Will from the 501st. Check out these emails from Faithful ForceCast listeners. Troopers rock!
Steve Jarvis writes:
Dear Jason and Jimmy:
Loved the interview with the gentleman who was on last week talking about the 501st.
I can say with absolute certainty that I would not be in the 501st if it was not for your work on the podcast. You inspired me to pull the trigger on the purchase of the armor. It took me all summer, but I finally got everything together and approved in October of 2009.
My TK number is 9177. Why that? Well, it was available. 1977 and 523 were taken. As was 1138 and any other cute inside dates. My kids birth date? Gone. Mine? Gone. 9177 is 1977 with the first two numbers transposed. And it was on the available list.
My first function as a trooper was the Christmas gift exchange. It was the perfect time of year since the people I met that night, including one Denise Vazquez (who I had literally just heard on ForceCast that afternoon). We all had so much in common.
One thing I have to say is that the ladies and gentlemen in the 501st are some of the friendliest, most outgoing and amazing people you will ever meet. Kind, generous and affable. Following one of the troops this year, I had to gush: "501st, where have you been all my life".
One thing. When I "armor up" or "gear up", I will occasionally catch my reflection in a window or mirror and think. That's ME! Followed closely by. This is so cool.
In Anaheim I was walking the Comic Con when a wrangler came up to me and said, "George wants a picture with you." ME? Well TK9177. We stood in front of the car he had built, shaking hands. No it wasn't the maker. It was George Barris and the vehicle we posed in front of? The Batmobile. How freaking cool is that?
I met an absolutely amazing trooper who is a Fett. Daniel is such a good guy and the Fett costume is a bear. There is no way one person can gear up that costume themselves. I also met a person who s arguably the nicest person on the West Coast, and he's a 3P0. You want to talk dedication? Forty minutes standing still while a team puts his gear on. His ears had to be tucked into the back of the skull plate and he had two holes the size of straws to look out of. Ian, you are just freaking awesome.
And Victor is an R2 builder who is super accessible and a fountain of knowledge. (Yes,, I am building my own R2 as well).
One thing I want to make clear. Every member has pretty much built their own costume at great personal expense. It's easier to say the cost to build a TK is a thousand dollars when you're sitting on your chest with your armor in it. Vaders. 2400. Fetts three grand. R2. Don't ask. I mean it. (And If Sansweet wants to purchase my R2 when I'm done, it'll cost him 20 K, firm) What we do is a labor of love. We love Star Wars. We love the galaxy far far away. We quote the lines to each other when we crowd onto an elevator or walk in the sun. We offer suggestions, mods and support. There is camaraderie and class. I hear the line "Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?" around twenty times a troop.
The 501st is a small family, but we are a family. Our CO Lesley Farquahr (pronounced FAR-KWAR) lives and breathes Star Wars. Her energy is inspiring and she is just the best. She advised me on what kit to purchase and helped me with so much of my build in moral support and commiseration. I can't begin to say how much I appreciate her. Short story. I bought the kit and went to buy the flat lenses for the bucket. I had to e-mail her to ask ... errr what kit did I buy again? FX.
One thing. Every time I "gear up" I am so aware that for the time I interact with the public I am Star Wars. I represent the brand that I love. I am a steward of its legacy and I will do my very best to represent in a positive light of spreading Star Wars good will.
To date I have done five troops. I met Ray Park and Daniel Logan, and Denise Vazquez. I shook hands with George Barris. I saw Star Wars in Concert again from a suite. I have had a few hundred pictures taken. (Hey, I blinked, take it again). I have seen a few thousand smiles and faces light up with delight. I have seen first hand that Star Wars is forever and I thank God that I have this opportunity.
Being in the 501st and trooping is a blessing. We do it for free. Venues let us in for free and we feel like we're the lucky ones. Because we are. Star Wars is still the coolest movie ever.
Thank you George. Thank you Jason and Jimmy. Without you, I wouldn't be in the 501st and having the time of my life. And my kids think I'm a pretty cool Dad too. (Twins age 10 - my wife would NOT go for Luke and Leia.) And thank you Albin for forming the 501st.
The best part of any month is when I get to visit the galaxy far far away.
Steve
And Travis Fishburn reports:
Hey guys,
Just wanted to let you know that I wasn't having the greatest day on Sunday. I was pretty much in a bad mood and knew the Force-Cast would help me out on my drive to work. I was about in the middle of your interview with Dean and Scott from the 501st while driving on the freeway when I was suddenly passed by a car with a license plate that read "TK 421". I couldn't help but laugh out loud and had a huge smile on my face the rest of the drive. I just wanted to thank you guys for cheering me up and consistently putting me in a better mood with every show.
Looking forward to CV!
Thanks,
Travis Fishburn
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