While the costume element of the 501st is important, the Legion as a whole also believes in giving back to their communities, by raising money for many charitable organizations. "Starting in 1999, local Garrisons trooped for their hometown causes, including hospitals, Boys Town centers and daycare centers," Johnson says. "Soon there were Garrisons working with Candle Lighters, the Jimmy Fund, Toys-for-Tots drives and Ronald McDonald House. Our first Legion-wide campaign was for the Red Cross immediately after Sept. 11 occurred. We raised about $2,000 from personal donations and efforts to collect while in armor."
Garrisons are full of members who not only enjoy giving back to their communities by working with local charities, but they are also an impressive cross-section of professionals in every career field imaginable. When they're not in armor, they hold diverse careers as lawyers, fashion models, police officers, teachers, air traffic controllers, nurses, social workers, security officers, musicians, accountants, graphic designers, postal workers, helicopter pilots, pediatricians, dentists and more.
By learning more about this diverse and dedicated group of members, Johnson says that he hopes it encourages fans to inquire about a 501st garrison near them. "The 501st is always looking for people with a healthy sense of fun and imagination, who would like to socialize with other fans, who would like to work on props and costumes, and who would like to dedicate their time and energy to spreading the fun of
Star Wars," Johnson says. "Anyone -- and I do mean
anyone -- who would like to learn more should use the 'Find Troops Near You' search function on the home page of
501st.com. If a person is age 18 or older and owns a qualifying costume, they can contact the Membership Liaison in their local area and be processed from there. Also if they are looking for a qualifying costume or have any questions, then the local Garrison can help them. Everyone is happy to answer questions and help fans join the team."
For more information about the 501st, visit the official web site here.
Also stay tuned for profiles about 501st Garrisons and Outposts in your area here on starwars.com.
