October 2009 is the first month of the Rancor Raider’s Member of the Month articles. Member of the Month focuses on a randomly selected member, close friend, or recruit of the 501st Legion’s Rancor Raider Outpost.
Other outposts and garrisons randomly show pictures of their members with a link to their 501st member page/profile. We wanted to expand upon that and give each of our members an opportunity to communicate their experiences with our visitors.
This month’s Member of the Month is Burell Leach, also known as TI-7234.
For those who don’t know the acronyms for our personal identification numbers, the TI indicates that Burell is a Tie Pilot.
Burell is a teacher, coach, music and youth director hailing from Star, MS. He’s been a member of the 501st since December 2008. You can find him on our boards as Gotham.
For more insight into why he joined and what he enjoys about being a part of the 501st, I asked him a few questions:
RR: We all have our reasons for joining the 501st what was your reason?
TI-7234: Some friends of mine were members and they talked me into it . Then I watched “Heart of an Empire” and I knew I wanted to be a part of something special.
( Editor’s note: I had yet to see “Heart of an Empire” so I googled it and after watching the trailer I feel obliged to share with those who have not yet seen it:)
RR: What does being a member of the 501st mean to you?
TI-7234: Being a member of the 501st is like joining the largest family in the world and every event you participate in is like a family reunion.
RR: If you could describe the 501st with just ONE word, what would it be?
TI-7234: Exquisite : marked by flawless craftsmanship or elaborate execution
RR: What has been your most memorable experience with the 501st?
TI-7234: It’s tough to pick just one. I would have to say marching with the Jolly Roger Squadron in the parade at Dragoncon. The Vader that day must have been 7 feet tall and was followed by columns of Stormtroopers, Royal Guards, Tie pilots and Bounty Hunters. The expression on the faces of all the kids and even the older Star Wars fans was something I will always remember.
RR: Lastly, what would you say to someone who is thinking about joining the 501st Legion?
TI-7234: Make it out to an event and get to know the members of your local 501st. Members of the legion are always helpful in getting you started on a costume and welcome all who share the same heart for service. Please join us and help us make a difference.
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Burell – Thanks for taking the time to share some of yourself with all of us. I hope all of our visitors enjoy finding out more about one of our own and understand why we do what we do.
MrVoodoo is the 501st Legion's TD-2654. TD indicates that he is a Sandtrooper while 2654 is his unique identification number within the legion.
He's a father of two who enjoys the little things that bring happiness to children. 
