Phoenix Comicon, founded in 2002, is known as the signature pop culture experience of the southwest and is unrivaled for it’s annual growth in popularity and convention goers. This year was not only another success, but a huge surprise with a 58% increase in the number of fans from last year.  Over 55 thousand people packed the Arizona Convention Center for this 4 day event. The Dune Sea Garrison is proud to have been a part of the multi-club cooperative known as The Star Wars Neighborhood.  By joining forces with the Mos Eisley Base of the Rebel Legion, the Arizona R2D2 Builders, and the Shonare Vhekadla Clan of the Mandalorian Mercs the Star Wars Neighborhood was able to secure the largest amount of convention hall space of any exhibitor.  The working relationship between the DSG and Phoenix Comicon has been extremely beneficial over the last 10 years, due in no small part to the fact that a handful of DSG members are even on the PCC staff in very important planning and managing roles.

With the addition of Blast A Trooper this year, sharp shooting youngsters were able to take aim with Nerf guns and have the thrill of blasting Stormtroopers for a small donation.  A huge success, this event raised $505.00 for the Kids Need to Read national charity foundation.   (click here for Fox News video)

In addition to the ‘great fun had by all’ happening on the convention floor, the DSG held 2 panels: “Meet the 501st” and “Understanding our costuming”.  These ran back to back on Saturday and gave the packed house an insight into why we exist as a costuming/fan club.  Highlighting the comradery that 501st members hold with each other and the vast amount of charity work that we do. (Although it’s hardly work.  More like play, if you ask us.)

It was great to see so many 501st Legion members from out of state also in attendance at PCC, with some of them even suiting up and helping out with the  entertaining of the huge crowds.  *Special thanks to the 8 foot tall Wookiee, Tarful, from Las Cruces,  New Mexico.  He was awesome!*

This year’s exhibit and membership booths were definitely a rave hit; word quickly and frequently all the way to the top of the Comicon managers about the great things happening in the Star Wars Neighborhood, and the DSG has already seen a bump in membership requests and new recruits looking for help with costumes so that they can become ‘One of Us’.

Here a a couple photos from Phoenix Comicon weekend.  Visit us at the DSG Fan Page for more.

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.

The members of the Dune Sea Garrison would like to congratulate Victoria Rogers (DZ-3397) and Lisa Romero for earning the “Spotlighted Trooper” recognition!

(Victoria)      (Lisa)

Selected by the garrison for their hard work and dedication to our mission, these ladies covered the booth at Phoenix Comicon, and provided onsite support for a raffle held for a cause near and dear to our hearts – Baby Leah.  Their efforts helped raise over $1,000 for the family!

Victoria has been a member since August 2010 but active a few years prior as costume support for her husband and other members. Lisa may not be an official member of the Dune Sea Garrison (yet) but she has been very active with her husband since November 2009 as costume support and is also a member of the local Mandalorian Mercs – Shonare Vhekadla Clan.

Both of these ladies are valuable contributors to the Dune Sea Garrison and we are very fortunate to have them.

Ladies, we your fellow troopers, salute you!

TB-8535

Members of the Dune Sea Garrison, Mandalorian Mercs – Shonare Vhekadla Clan and the R2 Builders attended the midnight release of the Star Wars KINECT game at the local Microsoft Store in Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. Attendees were able to get photos with their favorite “bad guy” character and even demo the game in the store! Raffle prizes were available for everyone that participated.

As a bonus, Microsoft donated over $8,000 in the name of the 501^st Legion to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to further their mission.

A huge thank you to all that attended!

December 3, 2011
TB-8535 | Public Relations Officer

Members of the 501^st Legion – Dune Sea Garrison, Rebel Legion – Mos Eisley Base, Mandalorian Mercs, R2 Builders and other costuming participated in this year’s Annual Toy Anxiety Toy Drive and Sidewalk Sale. Attendees were encouraged to bring a unwrapped toy to donate for the groups to use on their visit to area hospitals. Those that attended had the opportunity to shop at one of our favorite toy stores have their photo taken with the costumed characters.

In response to the recent toy theft at St. Joseph’s Hospital, members of the Star Wars groups decided to donate their portion of the toy donations to the hospital.

Our sincere thanks to those that attended and the generosity, you all are greatly appreciated!