Hey troopers!

I am an elementary school teacher and 501st member in Elizabethton TN and looking for Star Wars books of any kind that you would want to donate to a GREAT cause! This summer, members of the 501st will deliver these books to our "at risk" children in our community to promote and encourage literacy. A book bus will actually drive to several low income apartment complexes and hand deliver these books to children in hopes to inspire them to read over their summer break. If you have any book that you would like to donate new or gently used you can send them to:
Phil Ledford / East Side Elementary
800 Siam Road
Elizabethton TN
37643

You can also purchase a book from our Amazon wish list and it will be sent directly to the school!
http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/3I496KD52EF4J" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
info on the troop will be posted soon.
Thanks!

Looking for items donated to charity auction.
I am an elementary school teacher in Elizabethton TN and CG member. Every year my school hosts a 3k race to raise money to help our good friend and former principal Dr. Josh Wandell,who is battling ALS. In addition to the race which is held in September, we also include a silent auction with all money going straight to Josh to help with his outragous medical expenses. We also troop this event. If anyone has any star wars items (anything really) that they would like to donate to the auction please contact me and I will give you info on where to send items. This is a big event that really helps a loved member and friend of our community.
For more information go to teamwandell.com or race for wandell on Facebook and Twitter.
Thank you,
Phil
TK22710

Date:
May 4th

Location:
Meadowview convention center Kingsport TN

Description of Event (Please share as much info as you can):
Mountain States Health Alliance provides many hospitals in TN, and VA including children's hospitals. Each year they host their annual service awards banquet to honor those who have worked for the hospital for certain number of years. Since this years banquet fell on May 4th they wanted to have a SW themed event complete with the 501st members from 3 different Garrisons! This was a red carpet event complete with a Death Star in the main ballroom, a cantina, cantina band (which was great!) Lots of lights and sound!!! Overall it was an amazing experience!

Did this event support a charity? If yes, which charity?:
Yes
The hospital made a $1,000 donation to Team Wandell. A support group for a local elementary school principal (and friend of mine) who is battling ALS

Event Length (Hours):
4 hrs

Direct Funds Raised? (Money raised directly by the Carolina Garrison):(delete this section if not applicable)
$1,000

Indirect Funds Raised (Total money raised by event):(delete this section if not applicable)


Items Collected (toys, food, clothing, etc.) and how many of each:(delete this section if not applicable)
1.
2.
3.

Carolina Garrison Members in Attendance:
1. Phil Ledford (TK)
2. David Arnold ( Tyranus Garrison)
3. Jason Arwine (Mid South Garrison)
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

(LIST WILL EXPAND AS NEEDED)

Handlers:
1. Katie Ledford
2.

Crossover Attendees from the Rebel Legion / R2 Builders Club / Mando Mercs:(delete this section if not applicable)
1.Mollie Ledford (Jawa-Galactic Academy)
2.JJ Jeffers (R2-D2)
3.
4.
5.
6.
(LIST WILL EXPAND AS NEEDED)

Check out some of the event photos below: (please post pictures rather than picture links)

Date:
April 21

Location:

Bristol Motor Speedway Bristol TN
Description of Event (Please share as much info as you can):
On April 21, The empire invaded the Bristol Motor Speedway for Food City Family Race night! Families and race fans from all over came out to meet their favorite drivers, enjoy great food and games as well as listen to live music. This event has been going on for over 30 years but this year was the 1st time the 501st has ever attended. We were curious how race fans would react to Star Wars characters being at the race venue, but it turns out that even race fans LOVE Star Wars!
Troopers were attending in support of a local charity called "Waiting to hear" which provides cochlear implants for young children with hearing disabilities.
This was a great troop, which brought smiles to many faces!


Did this event support a charity? If yes, which charity?:
Yes
Waiting to Hear foundation

Event Length (Hours):
4 hrs

Direct Funds Raised? (Money raised directly by the Carolina Garrison):(delete this section if not applicable)


Indirect Funds Raised (Total money raised by event):(delete this section if not applicable)


Items Collected (toys, food, clothing, etc.) and how many of each:(delete this section if not applicable)
1.
2.
3.

Carolina Garrison Members in Attendance:
1. Phil Ledford
2. Anthony Conte
3. Jordan Leitner
4. Beth Dixon
5. Jeremy Pastros
6. Mike Jarvis
7.
8.
9.
10.

(LIST WILL EXPAND AS NEEDED)

Handlers:
1.
2.

Crossover Attendees from the Rebel Legion / R2 Builders Club / Mando Mercs:(delete this section if not applicable)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
(LIST WILL EXPAND AS NEEDED)

Check out some of the event photos below: (please post pictures rather than picture links)

Wanted to add a few more pictures from the troop

Date:


Location:


Description of Event (Please share as much info as you can):
This was by far the best troop I have ever been a part of. I thought I would share some photos and info about this amazing troop.
At about 9:00am troopers from 3 different garrisons arrive at Children Exceeding Expectations school in Bristol TN. Interesting fact about this school is that not only is it a free school for childeren who are battling cancer and can not attend their regular school, this school meets in the sky box of the Bristol Dragway. In fact, the owner of Bristol Motor Speedway gave the school her and her husband's personal owners suite to convert into a huge classroom!
We were given our own suite to use as our dressing area
Another great part of this tropp was that our very own founder Albin Johnson, sent R2-KT up to visit the kids!!!!
The childern were told that the 501st was coming to visit their school but had no idea what other suprise was waiting for them. In anticipation of our visit, the children decorated the windows of the sky box with Star Wars and 501st art work.
Once we enterd the classroom, we joined in the kid's Valentine party, played, and danced with the kids. (There was a DJ at the party) One thing we noticed was that their favorite thing to play was "hospital". They enjoy working on eachother treating them for illnesses, pretending to give IVs and medicine. Its really all they know at this point in their lives so its what they play. They had a great time treating and taking care of Princess Leia in their pretend hospital.
Later towards the end of the party was the big reveal that the children were all going to Disney World! (I think they were all in shock!)
After the troop, the owner of Bristol Motor Speedway took the troopers on a tour of the race track which is the Worlds fastest half mile track! Troops had the opportunity to drive thier cars around the track several times and really see what their cars can do! Lots of fun! She even mentioned the idea of having the 501st make a special appearance at a race as part of a Star Wars pre race show in front of a crowd of 160,000 people! That would be great...we will see if that happens.
After that we met another lady who was at the event who happens to be the owner of a local childerens hospital nearby. She asked if she could take us to lunch and then swing by her hospital to visit the kids there! Of course we were all for it, so after lunch we loaded up and did another troop at the hospital!
This was such a rewarding experiance, and one that I will never forget!
Troopers from all over our country and world sent in patches, stickers and cards! The kids really enjoyed looking at all of the items sent in from troopers showing their support! We may not have cured them or helped ease what they are going through but thanks to the 501st members world wide, we did make their day different and fun!

Did this event support a charity? If yes, which charity?:
Yes! Children exceeding expepectations school

Event Length (Hours):
8 hrs total

Direct Funds Raised? (Money raised directly by the Carolina Garrison):(delete this section if not applicable)


Indirect Funds Raised (Total money raised by event):(delete this section if not applicable)


Items Collected (toys, food, clothing, etc.) and how many of each:(delete this section if not applicable)
1.
2.
3.

Carolina Garrison Members in Attendance:
1. Phil Ledford
2. Cher Lambeth
3. Genna Bain
4. Sammy Sagayaga (MidSouth Garrison)
5. David Arnold (Tyranus Garrison)
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

(LIST WILL EXPAND AS NEEDED)

Handlers:
1. Katie Ledford
2.

Crossover Attendees from the Rebel Legion / R2 Builders Club / Mando Mercs:(delete this section if not applicable)
1.Mollie Ledford (Phil's daughter-Jawa)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
(LIST WILL EXPAND AS NEEDED)

Check out some of the event photos below: (please post pictures rather than picture links)

Love it!!!!!!

Yes. There are 12 kids in the school. This school is for kids that due to their situation, can not attend "regular" school or be around other students, or germs.
We are going to be surprising them with the news that they will be taking a special trip to Disney World!
We will show up at their school during their Valentines day party which will take place on Friday Feb 10.
I would also LOVE to have a few more troopers make the trip over here to do the visit with us but I understand that its hard with work and travel.

On Feb 10th I along with a few other troopers of the Carolina Garrison will be visiting a special school for children who are currently battling cancer or who have very low immune deficiencies. The school is called "Children Exceeding Expectations". It meets in Bristol TN. I would like to show these wonderful kids that our legion supports them, cares for them, and is beside them every step of they way in their battle. I would love to present the kids with items from around the country and world to show we care, such as trading cards, stickers, or patches. Really, anything you can send in would be greatly appreciated! I will post follow up pictures after our visit. If you are interested in sending things in please PM me and I will let you know where to send items.
Thank you for your continued support.
Phil Ledford
Carolina Garrison
TK 22710

Date:
Friday Dec. 16

Location:
Marquee cinema 12 Bristol TN

Description of Event (Please share as much info as you can):
This was a GREAT night as imperial forces invaded Bristol TN for opening night of Rogue One! Kids, parents, and Star Wars fans of all ages were so excited to see some of their favorite characters in attendance. The theater gave us a great room to change in along with popcorn and drinks. This room was used for taking breaks throughout the night during slow moments between a crowd rush. (although there is no sitting down for TKs )
Overall it was a very fun night. One of the great things about this troop was that because of its location, it was able to attract troopers from 3 different Garrisons, Carolina, Tyranus, and Midsouth!
Perfect evening for fellow troopers to come together and do what we enjoy doing most!

Did this event support a charity? If yes, which charity?:


Event Length (Hours):
4 1/2 hrs

Direct Funds Raised? (Money raised directly by the Carolina Garrison):(delete this section if not applicable)


Indirect Funds Raised (Total money raised by event):(delete this section if not applicable)


Items Collected (toys, food, clothing, etc.) and how many of each:(delete this section if not applicable)
1.
2.
3.

Carolina Garrison Members in Attendance:
1. Phil Ledford TK
2. Jordan Leitner TK
3. Anthony Conte TK
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.


Handlers:
1.
2.

Crossover Attendees from the Rebel Legion / R2 Builders Club / Mando Mercs:(delete this section if not applicable)
1. JJ Jeffers - R2
2.David Arnold - Vader (tyranus garrison)
3. Sammy Sagayaga TB (midsouth garrison)
4.Eric Crutchfiled (mando mercs)
5.Mike Jarvis (mando Mercs)

Check out some of the event photos below: (please post pictures rather than picture links)

awesome thanks!
since its for my daughter and obviously not 501st i would still like to make it close.

So my 6 yr old (almost 7) daughter wants me to build her a jawa costume. Wondering if I should just buy her one and modify it or build one. Any advice from jawas?

Date:
September 17, 2016

Location:
Elizabethton Tennessee

Description of Event (Please share as much info as you can):
The 4th annual Race for Wandell is a 3k race to benefit former East Side Elementary school principal Josh Wandell who was diagnosed with ALS in 2013.
All money raised went to help Josh with the very costly medical care that insurance does not cover.
Each year people from all over the community come out to support their friend and beloved principal, and this year we can add the 501st to the list of supporters! Troopers brought smiles to children and adults alike by taking pictures and cheering on the runners as they crossed the finish line. In addition to the race there was also a silent auction that brought in additional funds. Troopers participated in the auction and encouraged people to bid on items such as star wars action figures and a Troofer master TK helmet. There were many thanks yous from people throughout the day for bringing some cheer and happiness to an event that was formed out of a heartbreaking situation.

Did this event support a charity? If yes, which charity?:yes all money went to support Team Wandell


Event Length (Hours):
2 hrs

Direct Funds Raised? (Money raised directly by the Carolina Garrison):
$4,000 total raised from the silent auction.


Indirect Funds Raised (Total money raised by event):(delete this section if not applicable)
$10,000 raised from the race entries

Items Collected (toys, food, clothing, etc.) and how many of each:(delete this section if not applicable)
1.
2.
3.

Carolina Garrison Members in Attendance:
1. Anthony Conte
2. Jordan Leitner
3. Phil Ledford
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.


Handlers:
1.
2.

Crossover Attendees from the Rebel Legion / R2 Builders Club / Mando Mercs:(delete this section if not applicable)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Check out some of the event photos below: (please post pictures rather than picture links)

Wow!!!! Looks awesome!!! Great build!

Hey guy, I am looking for any items that someone may want to donate for a great cause. My school East Side Elementary is having a silent auction to benefit one of our principals who is suffering from ALS. The money raised will go to help cover medical expenses. I would love to have a helmet (B grade sort of thing) that we could action off. If anyone has any ideas or a better way to get the word out please let me know!
Thanks