Feb 18th / 23rd, 2013
The Dune Sea Garrison was proud to provide some Imperial escorts recently. TK members Michael Qoyawayma “Q”, and Keith Grigg were on hand to support the announcement of the new toy line release for Dagedar Star Wars, being exclusively test marketed in Arizona. On a whirlwind tour of 8 radio stations, one TV station, and two retail stores the Dagedar team, sponsored by Cepia LLC, was able to really ‘get the word out’. In addition to this 8 hour day (in armor) our troopers got back with the promotion team on Saturday the 23rd to further help promote the new toys. At the 2013 Scout-A-Rama, a statewide BSA festival, Keith and Q were joined by Isaac Irvine as the 3 TKs brought much appreciated attention to the Dagedar Toy display tent. Working side by side with Radio Disney Phoenix the Scout-A-Rama troop was a huge success. So much so that the Cepia wrote a donation check to Kids Need to Read for $1000 in the Dune Sea’s name.

A group of costumers were given the chance to deliver a very special message to a wheelchair bound young man recently.  At the request of Make-A-Wish Arizona, the Dune Sea Garrison’s Jundland Wastes Squad sent some of their finest to Jacob’s home in Tuscon, Az to escort the Make-A-Wish team and inform him of his wish coming true.  Jacob’s wish was to be able to attend Star Wars Celebration Europe this summer in Germany.   And now, thanks to Make-A-Wish Arizona, that dream will come true.  Seven white armored troopers and a Clone Wars Mandalorian  were on hand to help deliver the gift, but it was apparent that Jacob’s favorite was the 9^th trooper, the Tusken Raider.  ”Congratulations, Jacob.  You’re in for the time of your life.”

Photo courtesy of Mike Alvear

On November 10^th, the Dune Sea Garrison was joined by the Mandalorian Mercs Shonare Vhekadla Clan, the R2 Builders, and the Rebel Legion Mos Eisley Base for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk in Tempe, Arizona.

In addition to posing for pictures and bringing some Star Wars magic to the event, the Dune Sea Garrison was also there as a special guest of Jack W, the events’ honored patient.  In this capacity the Star Wars costumers paid a special visit to the 5 year olds “Jack Strikes Back” tent, and led the walk with lightsabers lit, followed by a sea of glowing balloons.  We would like to thank both the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Jack for inviting us to be a part of this heartwarming celebration.

On November 5, 2012 the Dune Sea Garrison deployed to Tempe, AZ to join in the fight to cure MS. Arriving at 5:00 am the troops set up their base of operations in the SRP parking lot and prepared for the long march through the desert.  At 7:00 am the Empire’s elite lined up to begin their march joining with other groups that were also joining in the fight. Stepping off, the Imperial Troops set a blistering pace through the designated battle zone visiting fear upon the evil that is MS.  By 9:00 am the 5 mile march through the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Gardens was completed and the Garrison troops had exceeded their goal of $1000 by raising $1100! The war against MS is not won, yet, but this battle can only be described as a victory for the Empire’s march to rid the galaxy of MS. A great many thanks go out to our supporters those that donated, as well as those that supported the troops during their march. THANK YOU!

The morning of August 18, 2012 was cool and clear as 4,300 people began their trek to ‘Climb for the Cure’.  The annual event in Flagstaff, Arizona is a fundraiser to help find a cure for cancer, and for the third time, members of the Dune Sea Garrison participated.

At 7:00AM, eight troopers and one wrangler took part in the days activities which included everything from encouraging walkers to keep going, to actually doing the 7 mile climb themselves.  The walk begins at the base of the San Francisco Peaks on Snowbowl Road, which is at an altitude of 7000 feet and steadily climbs to the Heart Prairie Lodge at 10,500 feet.  There is no doubt that the name of the event is an accurate description.  It is truly a climb, and in just under 2 hours the final trooper crossed the finish line to cheering crowds.

Several people mentioned to the troopers that the ‘Star Wars Group’, as they have come to be known, are the “highlight of the climb” and something they now “look forward to every year”.  It inspires people to keep going when they see someone dressed in plastic walking right along beside them.  The event raised an impressive $291,000.00.

The participating members of the Dune Sea Garrison were:  Chuck Lamphear, Jordan Lamphear, Will Rogers, Tristan & Michelle Moriuchi, and Neils & Jana Maclellan.  They were joined by a future member of the DSG, Aaron Valencia for his first trooping event.  Way to go Troopers!