By: Ian Hetzel (TK-2979)

On April 26, 2008 the Dune Sea Garrison descended on Tempe, Az in support of the fourth annual Capitol Bancorp 5K for JA . While this was the first time the Dune Sea had participated in the 5K for JA you never would have known by the number of troopers in attendance; over a dozen!Arriving at the break of dawn the troopers fanned out across the staging area helping the young runners with their calisthenics and warm up exercises. Some over zealous troopers even held impromptu blaster training! Once the runners had been seen safely on their way troopers entertained the waiting families and of course posed for many photos.

Waiting at the finish line troopers cheered the weary runners as they completed their log trek, some troopers even going as far as running the final few hundred yards side by side with participants. Afterwards troopers joined in the festivities, challenging some of the younger runners to a game of Battlefronts in the mobile gaming truck, while Darth Maul took time to slide down the inflatable slide. Even Lord Vader got into the swing of things, holding a spontaneous limbo contest with the help of a local steel drum band!

Congratulations to all those who ran in support of this great cause and we look forward to seeing you next year.

Click to see more pictures from the fun run.

By: Neil Hetzel (TK-5911)

The motto of the Surprise Relay for Life was, “We walk all night because cancer never sleeps.” Evidently, neither does the Fighting 501st!Arriving near dusk, the 501st quickly set up their campsite and got into costume to prepare for the night’s events. Present was Darth Vader , along with Clones, Stormtroopers, Sandtroopers, Imperial Crew Techs, Jango Fett, Mandalorians, Tusken Raiders, Republic Commandos, Biker Scouts and even the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Nihilus.

The Dune Sea Garrison had a member on the track at all times and walked every lap of the relay, from the start at 6:00pm to closing ceremonies in the wee hours of Sunday morning. We participated in the opening ceremonies as well as the Survivor Lap. The luminaria ceremony was especially touching. The stadium lights were turned out and everyone was encouraged to walk the track to look at the luminaria that had been created in memory of those whose lives had been touched by cancer.

Click to see more pictures from Relay for Life.