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.

The members of the Dune Sea Garrison would like to congratulate Wayne Spence, SL-9410 for earning the “Spotlighted Trooper” recognition!
Voted on by the entire Garrison for his hard work and continued dedication to his fellow troopers, Wayne was nominated for his “Determined effort and successful execution of the Fiesta Bowl Parade including coordination of the collective groups, a terrific float.”

A 2 year veteran of the DSG, Wayne integral part of this Garrison and we are fortunate to have him.

We, your fellow troopers salute you Wayne!

By: Wayne Spence | SL-9410

Photo courtesy of Amber Jackson | ID-6775

Another successful Fiesta Bowl Parade Event in the books! The 2011 Fiesta Bowl Parade featuring a total of 130 volunteer costume members, recruits, family, friends and the Desert Edge High School Marching Band members was a success and one for the record books not because of it being one of the coldest in Fiesta Bowl Parade History but because of the following.

What comes to mind first and is the most important is the enthusiasm and sacrifices of the Desert Edge High School Marching Band members from Goodyear, Arizona; there has been no spectator of the Fiesta Bowl Parade to date that was witness to the full Star Wars experience unfolding before their eyes live and in person with the accompaniment of live Star Wars music performed by a marching band alongside the vast display of Star Wars costume characters..

Under the direction of Kasey Romero, the musical talents and flag presentation by the Desert Edge High School Marching Bands 44 students made this year’s Fiesta Bowl Parade event, a very special moment for the thousands of spectators and the club members whom participated. We were all treated to three renditions of musical scores from the Star Wars Movie Saga, The Imperial March, Star Wars Main Title and the end credits theme.

The students put in numerous hours of both school and personal practice time to assimilate the musical scores for the event over a very short two month time frame, a time frame that also included school finals and the holidays. A major hurdle to this endeavor came early on when research revealed that the sheet music for these particular musical scores for marching band performances was no longer in production. It was the Band Director’s hard work and determination to her students that sheet music was located and obtained. The volunteer members of the 501^st/Dune Sea Garrison, Rebel Legion/Mos Eisely Base, Arizona R2 Builders Club, Mandalorian Mercs/Shonare Vhekadla Clan and the Republic Service Organization/Imperial Service Organization (RSO/ISO) are deeply grateful and appreciative of all your efforts and hard work making this first ever concept of having a marching band in the formation with us a reality. I look forward to the very near future when I have the privilege to visit the school and present to the Band Members a very special trophy currently under construction and the likes of which cannot be found in any other school in the State of Arizona nor can it be purchased.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Denton and Amanda Estes

As I reflect back on the day I recall another defining moment of this event, the debut of the Rebel Legion/Mose Eisely Bases pending C-3P0 character portrayed by Jordan Lamphiere of Flagstaff Arizona. There was and is so much enthusiasm for this character to be in the Arizona region and for it to be added to the regions vast and diversified representation of Star Wars Characters. As we watched Jordan transform into C-3P0 we not only saw his emotional joy and pride for the work he put into making this day a reality, but also the awe of the spectators and Star Wars Fans all around anxious to get a picture with C-3P0. This new addition to the Arizona Region is already destine for the lime light that we all share for our craft but also our desire to make children and those less fortunate happy if only for a moment. Jordan has represented the 501^st/DSG very well over the years as a “Shadow Trooper” and I have the utmost confidence that he will exhibit the same pride, and dedication to the members of the Rebel Legion/Mos Eisely Base as their new C-3P0.                                                                                                                       

Another milestone of our participation and contribution to the Fiesta Bowl Parade was our number of volunteer costume members as well as non-costume support staff totaling 130. In addition was the collaborative effort of time, funding, and labor by all five clubs to complete and present a fully scratch built parade float. In addition this year we were able to showcase two charity campaigns which two of the clubs are actively working with this year, “Kids Need to Read” on behalf of 501^st/Dune Sea Garrison and the “Mesa’s Relay for Life” on behalf of the Rebel Legion/Mos Eisely Base.                                                                                   

In summery this event undertaking was a source of great pride and expectation for all involved in it. I am happy and proud to have had the opportunity to work with each and every one of the many volunteers and I look forward to next year, as we begin planning on a way to grow our participation and set a goal to step it up a notch and surpass this year’s presentation for next year.

Thank you.

By: Wayne Spence (SL-9410)

It is that time of year again, fall weather, crowds of people of all ages cheering, taking pictures and yelling “Star Wars” or their favorite characters name. A time where club members across the galaxy join together renewing friendships and our commitments to a successful, professional and energized representation of our respective clubs, and their mission to the community. Yep you guessed it; it’s the Fiesta Bowl Parade Day.

This year marks our 3rd consecutive year joining forces with our brother and sisters from the 501st Legion – Dune Sea Garrison, Rebel Legion – Mose Eisley Base, Mandalorian Mercs – Shonare Vhekadla Clan, Arizona R2 Builders, and the Republic/Imperial Service Organization to partake in the festivities of the Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade.

As in previous years we are striving to elevate the bar to the next level for the spectators and fans of all ages as well as the hosts and committee members of the 2011 Fiesta Bowl Parade. We are focusing a portion of the presentation to three scene’s from the Star Wars Universe and also projecting that this year we will have a combined effort of 110-120 volunteers to date in costume and in support roles to demonstrate our commitment to our respective club mission to help those in need in our communities not just local but worldwide with a professional, energized and successful presentation.

 This year we are expanding on the efforts and ideas of our club elders and previous event coordinators by working together, to fabricate a new float from the ground up that focuses the attention of two separate scenes from Star Wars. At the front of the float is the Medal Ceremony from Episode IV, A New Hope. At the rear of the float will be the scene where Han Solo has recently been placed into “Carbonite Suspension” from Episode V, The Empire Strikes Back. We are also working towards a goal of leading the front of or procession with the scene from Episode III, Revenge of the Sith, where Anakin Skywalker has turned to the dark side and marches on the Jedi Temple along with a battalion of 501st Clones. Finally, to add a little more bang we have received the support of a local 44 piece High School Marching Band from Desert Edge High School to march with us and perform the Main Star Wars Theme, The Imperial March, and the Music from the Medal Ceremony.

Parade Info

By: Tristan Moriuchi (TK-9285)

This year the Dune Sea Garrison participated in Flagstaff’s annual Fourth of July Parade. This being the second year that the DSG has participated in the parade, Vader’s Fist showed up in full force and was even graced by the Sith Lord himself. With over 20 costumed individuals participating, this year’s numbers almost tripled! We also had some cool new equipment blasting Star Wars music as the Troops marched. Three troopers marched with the American flag throughout the parade, while other Troops adorned themselves with miniature flags and coiled garland. While unable to stop marching for pictures, many troopers enjoyed giving high fives, shaking hands, and saluting patriots.

A large number of Troopers even made the trek up from the Jundland Wastes Squad in Tucson to beat the heat and enjoy the fresh air up North! In addition to those road-trippers, there were several troopers from the Phoenix area, resulting in the largest showing of 501st members in Flagstaff yet! Local troops showed a huge amount of support by hosting visiting members in their homes as well as providing a great debrief BBQ after the march. This allowed the departing troopers to leave with full stomachs and fond memories to carry them home. Big thanks go out to all of the Troops that participated from all over the state; thanks to you this event was a terrific success.

With growing interest in the pines, it is the local group’s goal that events like this and the Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser will increase the member base, along with opening up further opportunities to troop in the cooler climate. Congratulations troopers on yet another successful event!

To see more about the parade, visit the AZ Daily Sun website!