Troop Roster:

• Chris
• Stephen
• Justin & Hayley
• Phill

Rancor Raiders Roster for event:

• Allen
• Justin
• Wes
• Burell
• Chris
• Stephen
• Phill

Mississippi’s “chapter” of the 501st Legion began as an offshoot squad within the Midsouth Garrison back in July of 2007.  At 7:30 in the morning on Saturday the 8th of March, 2008, the 501st Mississippi Outpost was born.  A few months later, on the 28th of September, the outpost adopted the name: Rancor Raiders.  The 7th day of this past February the Mississippi Outpost formally changed their name to the Rancor Raiders Outpost.

As our efforts to reach out and do more for charities throughout Mississippi expanded, the word of our organization spread through the Star Wars fan base in Mississippi.  These fans saw what we were doing and discovered that they too could have fun displaying their love for George Lucas’ imagination while giving back to the many charities we have become associated with.

Here are some of the requirements for becoming a Garrison (found on the 501st Legion’s website):

The largest subdivisions of the Legion are the Garrisons, which ideally cover large distinctive regions that host unique geography, language, borders or other distinguishing characteristics. A Garrison requires at least twenty-five (25) members and is headed by a Garrison Commander (CO), who is elected every February by the members of the Garrison. The formation of a new Garrison may take place when an Outpost reaches sufficient membership or when a region within an existing Garrison finds pressing needs to break off and form a new Garrison.

As our membership grows, so does our opportunity to give back to the community.  I understand that typically when writing articles such as this, the author should focus mainly on the facts, but I wanted to give some of my personal opinions as part of our celebration of our Garrison approval.

First, I’m fairly new to the ranks as a costumed Sandtrooper, so I don’t have the experience that many of our members have.  I do, however, have one experience that is universal to all members of the Rancor Raiders.  The experience I speak of is the first time you put on the suit at your first event, you walk out the door into the crowd and the look of amazement in the eyes of the first child you see… that’s a feeling that really reaches you deep down inside and lets you know that it is all worth it, no matter how much you have put into getting your costume built up enough to meet the strict requirements of the most definitive Star Wars costuming group on our wonderful planet.

The Rancor Raiders Garrison continues to expand and continues to reach out to our community to give what we can.  Our members proudly drive hours from their homes to events across the state and with Garrisons in other states.  We do this for the glimmer in the eyes of those whose lives are touched when they see Star Wars come to life.  We do for those who need to see Star Wars come to life.  We are Mississippi’s own Rancor Raider Garrison of Vader’s 501st legion!

Congratulations to all of the members of the Rancor Raiders Garrison!

… and a special thank you to our Garrison CO – Brian “Vex” Mcclure for all the hard work you have done and the dedication you have put forward to get us to where we are today.

We’ll be marching in this year’s parade through Jackson, MS… along with hundreds more.  Stormtroopers, Tie pilots, Clone Troopers and more will be taking part in the hour long parade route and we’d love nothing more than to hear your hoots and hollers as we pass by!

So come join in on the festivities Saturday the 5th of December as we all work to bring joy to the city of Jackson Mississippi through these most wonderful of Holidays.

First up is our recent Toys for Tots events:

Click Here for Jackson

and here for Horn Lake, MS

Boo at the Zoo in Jackson was a blast, want proof?

Here’s our Facebook Album for it

A late, late album for our adventures with free comic book day

Again on Facebook

Another late album posting from Facebook for Star Wars Fan Days.

Star Wars in concert was a blast down in New Orleans:

Find it on Facebook too!

Here’s an after action report from Boo at the Zoo from our own Streethowitzer (Chris):

Boo at the Zoo 2009 was a great event. The attendees loved seeing us there and getting our pictures. I even saw a video of our own BigDaddyClone breaking loose some dance moves for one fan. I am pretty sure he is trying out for “So You Think You Can Dance” next year I am sure this will be on youtube at least. No one told him that you can’t move well in armor.

The Zoo staff was very appreciative of us and we really felt that we made a difference for the zoo. We had our 3 newest troopers there as well. Justin, Shocktritian and Bigdaddyclone, you were all instrumental in making this event a success. Shocktritian even got promoted, he went from crewman to Vader in around 2 hours of his first troop.

The attendence was down a little due to the weather the night before and them extending the Saturday hours but as I left, the parking lot was full. The main event there that night was the Costume Parade. We supported that and were a hit. I am looking forward to next year.

Attending was Wes, Phil, Justin, Burell, Allen, Stephen, Mike, and Myself

And another report from Chris on the Star Wars in Concert event in New Orleans.

This was an awesome event. It was my 2nd LFL (Lucas Films Ltd.) event. Phil (Sentinel) and I attended this with the Bast Alpha Garrison.

We had to submit pics for LFL to approve for this event. They only allowed 20 501st and 10 Rebel Legion for this event.

Original movie props and costumes were on display around the arena. It is neat seeing how crude some of the movie props were. This is covered up by the film. Some of the original screen used props were: Chewie, Vader, Kit Fisto, Plo Koon, Biker Scout Helmet, Naval Trooper Helmet, B-Wing Helmet, E-11, Endor Rebel Blaster, C-3PO, Episode III Officer (this was especially cool), Senator Palpatines robe, and some of the musical score hand written by John Williams.

The night was performed by a 40 piece symphony and 40 piece choir. The music was awesome, it was amped up with THX surround. Anthony Daniels narrated the night. He went thru the whole story starting with episode1. He talked about and gave background on all of the main characters. We then got to see clips from the movie with the symphony playing. It was a great time.

Everytime the arena went black, you saw FX sabers and Lightsaber keychains light up everywhere. I am glad to have been able to troop this event. We were around the arena until the the show started and then we got to attend the event with excellent seats. The music, screen, pyro, lights, and lasers really made this a great event. All should attend if given the chance. It felt like a Star Wars Rock Concert. It was also good to see the Bast Alpha guys. Those guys are nuts and always have a party with them. Talked alot with Gary and Rodney and they were very glad we were able to attend and help them out. Looking forward to Mardi Gras.

Alan is the 501st Legion’s AR-3873.

The AR indicates that Alan is an ARC trooper (or Advanced Recon Commando/Clone trooper).

Alan is a military veteran, domesticated father, and a student working toward his degree in Human Resources.  He has been representing the 501st proudly in Pearl, MS since September.

As with all Member of the Month articles, I’ll sit down with each member and get a little personal insight just for you all to enjoy:

RR: Why did you decide to join the 501st?

AR-3873: I joined because of my love for Star Wars and then being able to go out into the community and spread happiness to kids for worthy events, even if we are the “Bad Guys.”

RR: What does being a member of the 501st mean to you?

AR-3873: Being a member of the 501st gives me a place to be with my fellow geeks and geek out on stuff I love.

RR: Even though you’ve only been attached to the 501st for a couple months, what is your most memorable moment?

AR-3873: My most memorable experience so far is been at the Boo at the Zoo as a 501ster, but seeing the group at the parade at Disney World was the best. I was also giddy when I got my TKID.

RR: It’s hard, I know, but describe the 501st in one word for us.

AR-3873: The 501st in one word…. Community

RR: What would you say to someone who was thinking about joining?

AR-3873: I would have to send them through the geek trials first. Then tell them how great it is and how friendly everyone is.

**Editor’s note… even though I know how many children Han and Leia had, how Chewbacca died, who killed Luke’s wife, and much more stuff about Star Wars – you aren’t required to know anything about Star Wars (beyond the costuming) to join the 501st… though it helps with the relationship amongst your brothers in the 501st.

RR: As someone who has recently JUST completed his outfit, can you briefly explain the process and what to expect for those who may be interested in joining?

AR-3783: As someone that has completed my costume recently, I would advise those looking to join to seek out others on message boards and ask a lot of questions so to get your outfit right.

**Editors note:  As Mississippi’s definitive Star Wars costuming group, we highly suggest using all the resources you can find to help you get your costume right.  There are other groups, even here in Mississippi, who put together Star Wars costumes without putting much thought into accuracy.  Being a professional costuming group means getting the costume right.  You won’t find members of the Rancor Raiders parading around town in junk, we put in the time and effort necessary for accuracy.  All of us are willing to help in any way that we can to get you through the application process.

Alan, thanks for taking the time to share a bit with all of us.  Looking forward to trooping with you again soon!

The hosts were very gracious and the atmosphere was great.  We mark this down as the 501st Legion’s first successful deployment with Columbus Air Force Base and hopefully the start of a lasting relationship.
For more information about the event, please visit  http://www.rancorraiders.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=161 for more about our night at the base.

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 501^st 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 501^st. 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.

We invite everyone to come out and attend. Bring the family, kids and friends for an exciting time Halloween night at the Jackson Zoo.

For more information on the event, visit the Jackson Zoological Society’s event page: http://www.jacksonzoo.org/events.html

We’re looking forward to our first troop with Columbus AFB and hopefully the start of a lasting relationship.

Click Here for more information and to discuss