Well it’s been a busy, yet very rewarding couple of months for the Troopers at Garrison Carida. We have conducted 12 appearances in all three of our states since the first of the year and were also invited to three events in our neighboring garrison’s territories. Thanks for the invite, guys!! Several of the events were accomplished with co-operation of our sister organization, the Rebel Legion. We can not thank the Rebels enough for asking us to assist them with the Penn State University THON, which was held at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, PA, on February 19th. This was our first opportunity to take part in this event and the troopers who attended tell us it is an experience they will never forget, and the pictures are INCREDIBLE. There is already quite a bit of excitement brewing amongst the ranks for next year’s THON. Here’s hoping we get invited back!! We also were able to get a new member out trooping for the first time. Congratulations DZ 9159, all the hard work paid off. What a great event to be able to call your first troop!
Another Children’s Hospital Visit at AI Dupont Hospital in Delaware was well received by patients and staff alike, and numerous children’s days were made a bit brighter by our Troopers caring hearts. As always, a generous donation of toys made their way into the arms of the patients there and we at Garrison Carida can not thank our fans and supporters enough for their continued generous donations of unopened Star Wars Toys, which make these hospital visits such a success.
Garrison Carida partnered with Author Joe Schrieber (Death Troopers, and Red Harvest) for book signings at Borders in January and Barnes and Noble in March. Both stores are located in Camp Hill, PA. Joe is a fantastic author and huge supporter of the 501st and Garrison Carida and we were humbled and honored when he asked us to assist him with his book signings. It’s always a pleasure Joe, Let us know when our Troopers can help you again.
Another Steel City Con has come and gone and as usual an outstanding collection of new toy donations was acquired thanks to the continued generosity of our fans. Steel City con saw the first opportunity to troop for two of our cadets and saw one of the cadets graduating with an approved TK immediately after the event. Congratulations TK 5695, keep up the good work!
Garrison Carida had the opportunity to take part in a truly special event in Hershey, PA. Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) invited our troopers to help them celebrate the miracle children at their annual Miracle Party which was held on March 14th. This is an opportunity for the CMN staff, and various community organizations to come together to provide these amazing children with a day of fun and fanfare to celebrate the miracles that have occurred through the perseverance and determination of these current and former patients, who have faced impossible odds and overcome the challenges in dealing with debilitating illnesses and horrific accidents. Our troopers were out in force for this event and were strongly supported by members of the Rebel Legion who also attended this event. Our troopers really got the party hopping when we started jamming to some Star Wars Disco music. The Miracle Children joined us on the dance floor and it was a party that no one who was there will ever forget. I can’t wait to do it again next year!
Garrison and Legion elections took place in February and we are proud to announce the promotion of our former XO and Academy Commandant TK 1495 to Garrison CO. Congratulations Rob. Here’s to an exciting and fun new year! The Garrison’s staff is coming together nicely and will be posted on the web site soon! So check back soon to see all the exciting changes. We also invite you to check out our FLICKr page for a full collection of photos from all of the events we have attended.http://www.flickr.com/photos/garrisoncarida/sets/
