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!

By: Dustin Dial (TK-5647)

On March 16, 2008, the newly-formed Jundland Wastes Squad of the Dune Sea Garrison marched in Tucson’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade! This was the first year the Dune Sea Garrison entered the parade and the first large event for the Jundland Wastes Squad since its formation on January 14th 2008. The Jundland Wastes Squad marched the 3 mile route with Stormtroopers escorting Lord Vader, backed up by a Clone Trooper, Jango Fett, Darth Nihilus, and even Jedi Masters. The event attracted more than 10,000 people and the JWS proved very popular as we were greeted with cheers, waves, and endless pictures!

Click to look at more pictures from the parade.

By: Lee Palmer (CB-6740)

On Saturday March 15, the Dune Sea Garrison landed troops in Phoenix, AZ to attend the 25th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This would be the first year that the DSG would be participating in the parade, and we were hoping we would make a good impression. As 11am came we began our march with Lord Vader in the lead, flanked with 501st Clonetroopers protecting him and Stormtroopers backing them up! With the Imperial March blasting we rounded the first turn to enter the route to very loud cheers from the crowd – kids were screaming and adults were yelling at us – we were a hit!As we marched along the route there were a lot of pictures taken as well as a few hugs that came out of nowhere. We evenhad Mando’s show up in the parade to the delight of the crowd.

But one of our biggest hits, as far as costumes were concerned,were the Jawas. The kids and adults alike enjoyed watching them, and of course, the Jawa’s were actually children of 501st members who are all looking forward to the day that they can join the ranks of their parents!

Marching in the parade was a good experience and everyone had fun and we are very much looking forward to marching next year!

Click to look at more pictures from the parade.

By: Dustin Dial (TK-5647)

On December 8th, 2007 the newly formed Jundland Wastes Squad (JWS) teamed with the Tucson Fan Force to participate in the 13th Annual Downtown Tucson Parade of Lights. The 2.5 mile route circles historic downtown Tucson and attracted 24,000 spectators. The DSG/JWS and the TFF walked the route with sabers blazing and proudly displaying the 501st banner among festive holiday floats, bands, and motorcades.

This year the Jundland Wastes Squad’s entry won the Old Pueblo Award for “Best Non-Profit Entry”, much to the surprise of the squad and the Dune Sea Garrison. The team was greeted with cheers and the load roar of applause during the parade route which was near deafening when the winning announcement was made. The entry consisted of a 501st Clone Trooper, Shock Trooper, Stormtroopers, Darth Vader, Scout Trooper, Jedi, and Sith.This event is the first of many for this newly-formed and energetic squad of troopers located in the Tucson, Arizona area.