Hi guys. After meeting some of the 501st at Soda City Comic-Con I have been inspired to apply for membership after I get my costume together. My journey actually started last year when got the bug to put my maker skills to the task of building a movie authentic R2 though the astromech club. I am only about 20% complete atm, but eventually I would love to take him to charity and other events. So when I walked past the 501st table at Comic-Con and saw Albin Johnson with R2-KT, I struck up a conversation with him. A light went off about what I must do!
I plan to apply with a TIE Reserve costume. I figure if I am lucky enough to get accepted, this would be a great outfit to operate R2 from (great visibility so as not to run over anyone

. It also appears to be a great costume to build on later.
After some research in the detachment forums, I think I will be ordering a complete flight suit and minimal accessories (hat, belt) from the couple at Pilot Bay on Facebook.
Look forward to applying once I get everything!
Steve
Columbia, SC