Carolina Garrison

Hello all, I'd like to introduce myself! My name is Chad Matich, and I am a former member of the 501st from between the years 2002-2005. My old forum name was "Macross-Junkie", but I've chosen to retire it and go with "Hellblazer" for new beginnings. Me and my wife are still listed on the main 501st site as retired (Classified Record), my old TK number was TK-083, and hers was TK-4150. 

I've Cosplayed for years, my first Cosplay was Chris Redfield from the first Resident Evil (retired) back in 2000. After a few years I purchased Stormtrooper Armor and joined the 501st. After a few years of marriage and a child I started putting on weight and sold my Armor and retired from the 501st. Since then I've done a Nu BattleStar Galactica Colonial Marine "Caprica Rescue" (retired), I also have a screen accurate Star Trek TOS Uniform "Red Shirt" from ANOVOS (active). 

I'm also very active in the NC Convention Scene. I'm Sr. Staff for Animazement (held in Raleigh every Memorial Day Weekend), which is a large Anime Convention (been Staff for 13 years), I am also a Independant Consultant / Staff as well as one of the original founders of Librari-Con (2016 will be 10 years). I also attend Fayetteville Comic-Con, Heroes-Con, and other small Comic Book /Anime / Sci-Fi events in the Fayetteville / Raleigh areas. 

You may be asking yourself, "who is this guy, and why has he returned"? I'm planning on re-enlisting as a Stormtrooper Officer "Black Uniform" (Commander Praji as a reference). I know it's not a popular route, but I plan on ordering a Screen Accurate, Liscensed Uniform from ANOVOS. I know a lot of the 501st is about DIY, but the Uniform is so well tailored, and looks so duck good, plus the cost is reasonable for what you get. I've already bought my Mauser replica and ordered some 3D Printed parts to assemble my Merr-Son Model 44 / Power 5. Also my teenage son has been browsing my wife's and my old Cosplay photos, and has decided he wants to go TK, and join as well. We looked at the ANOVOS Armor, and while reasonably priced, I think I'm going to go with some ATA Armor, mostly because it's slightly cheaper, and gives me greater options for adjustment as my son grows from a 15 year old to adulthood. I still own my E-11 from my old 501st days, he will inherit my Rebel Killer...

Considering its a great deal of cost for not only one Imperial Uniform, but two, I'm spreading it out over the year. I'm hoping to tap my fellow forum members brains for advice and opinions on what, where, and how in the coming months...

Incidentally, it was a group of 501st members who attended Librari-Con, that I was talking to in the break room, while getting away from the chaos of the con, that inspired me to start thinking about re-enlisting. If any of you remember the shaved headed 39 year old punk rocker wearing the Star Trek "Wrath Of Kahn" t-shirt, thanks for giving me the push in the right direction...

Welcome back Chad!

I figured I’d take a few moments and post some of my past 501st pics and Cosplay pics of me and my family...

The first is a pic of my wife and her best friend Sabrina (TK-4680: Retired “Classified Record”). My wife is on the right, and Sabrina is on the left, the pic was taken at Neko-Con 2002!


The next pic is of me taking my best friend Arnold prisoner in the hallway of my old house. He’s REBEL SCUM!


The next pic is of me (TK-083) when I first joined the 501st. The pic was taken at Animazement 2003 (Before I became a Staff Member)...


The next pic is of my Nu Battlestar Galactica “Colonial Marine” Uniform (Caprica Rescue)...


This is a pic of my son dressed as Frodo Baggins (Early 2000’s)...


Another pic of my son dressed as Playstation One sensation Parapa The Rapa...


Yet another pic of my son, dressed as Saita from Grave Of The Firefly’s. Pic taken Animazment 2002.


And finally a pic of my son dressed as Chris Redfield from Resident Evil One...

Excellent. Nice to have members coming back to the Galaxy far far away. So , yes Anovos does have attractive merch and looks to be available soon. When is the question, and will it be approvable is another. I have no doubt that it will be nice stuff and hopefully easily approvable, but that's the thing. We just don't know yet. The TFA armor seems to pass with flying colors, so fingers crossed the rest of their gear will be the same.

As for vendors, they are limited. But we do have a few local people that may be able to help get you in a officer uniform sooner and possibly cheaper. Our CO wife just was approved as an officer. I believe she bought her components and then tailored them to fit her. Another officer , Kat, made hers from scratch and looks fabulous in person... Wow, just saw hers over the weekend and it was amazing.

Otherwise, you could do bridge crew or a Tie Reserve , with a jump suit , boots belt , hat etc. For under 500$

Otherwise , TK vendors are pretty accessible and available for around 600 just add the accessories and your golden.

Good luck, and glad to see you back!

Well, I said I wasn't going to start my Officers Uniform until after Animazement (Memorial Day Weekend), but I just sold a bunch of Fantasy Flight Star Wars RPG Books (some still available for those interested) to a member of the I.O.C., and I used the money to order a Rank Bar and a Belt w/ Buckle & Greeble from Tigg-Wolf Creations, as well as trade a book or two for some Rank Cylinders.... WOO HOO... It may be tiny steps, but I'm on my way!

Welcome back, i have been to library con just about every year along with Bill Lane. I am Boba fett most off the time. Also did the Fayetteville comic con last year.

Welcome back! Since I'm here in the Upstate I'll probably end up trooping right alongside you next year.

Welcome back and good luck with your uniform!