We Remember SL-1078--May the Force be with you Chris!

Garrison Carida is sad to announce the Loss of one of its own. Chris Richards SL-1078, 32 year old husband and father of three beautiful daughters passed away this week from unexpected natural causes. Chris and his wife Abbey are both members of Garrison Carida, and this loss is profoundly felt not only by Chris and Abbey’s family, but by their extended family here at Carida as well!

Chris was a fierce friend and was very dedicated to the Charity Mission of Garrison Carida and the 501^st Legion! One of the members of Garrison Carida pays tribute to Chris with these words:

From a trooper’s perspective and the perspective of a friend, Chris was an amazing man.
Chris joined the 501st Legion almost a decade ago, shortly after he and Abbey volunteered their time at a hospital visit at the Children’s’ Hospital of Pittsburgh. Chris enjoyed the costuming and social aspects of the 501st, but where he really shined was in his selfless service to the community and to those less fortunate than he.

Chris’ role in life was to make people smile. Whether it was at home with his wife and kids, at work with his beloved clients, or out at a charity event with the stormtroopers, Chris was there with great heart, great spirit, and great focus on making people smile. Whether handing a sick child a toy, cracking jokes with friends, or braving the heat in costume to make folks smile at a charity walk, Chris was there smiling, giving of himself, and making those around him feel warmth through his charitable spirit and his keen sense of humor. Chris was a dedicated dad, a loving husband, and a great friend to all who knew him. He was selfless, he was a ham, and he enjoyed life.

Our beloved friend SL-1078 of the 501st Legion will be missed dearly. He was taken from all of us too quickly, but the ripples of the lives he touched, and smiles he shared will resonate with us forever. Chris even earned an award for his service to the community from the 501st Legion's Garrison Carida. Chris turned his love of Star Wars into a mission of service in spreading smiles across the galaxy!

A Living Trust has been established for Chris and Abbey's three children....Donations can be made to:

First National Bank
3891 Route 30
Latrobe, PA 15650
Checks should be made payable to Richards Family Fund

911th Airlift Wing Family Fun Day-July 10th, 2011

July 10^th, 2011 saw the troopers from Garrison Carida supporting the Troops from the 911^th Airlift Wing in Coraopolis, PA at their annual family fun day at their base.   This was another hot one, but a more deserving cause was never known. We wanted to thank these brave men and women, and especially their families, for the personal sacrifices that each of them endure to serve our country every day.

Lots of fun was had by all including our troopers who got to play around all the cool aircraft, and show their patriotic spirit, and national pride. Of course their were lots of photo opportunities and all the smiling faces of those who were attending the event is evidence enough that it was an other mission accomplished for our troopers. Great job guys!

Penn State University Galaxy Far Far Away Camp-Dubois Campus

On June 30th, 2011 Garrison Carida's Academy Commandant and Membership Liason Officer Wally Peters was joined by members of Garrison Carida and the Rebel Legion to assist one of our cadets in providing some fun and enetertainment to some eager kids who were attendning the Galaxy Far Far Away camp at the Dubois Campus of Penn State University.

Garrison Carida's cadet Mahim, a memeber of the Rebel Legion, Conducts the camp, which is held annually, to allow kids an opportunity to spend a week in a galaxy far far away. Our members were on hand to teach the students about how we build our costumes and the cultural and historical significance of the costumes and the lore behind the Star Wars saga. Of course the kids got to play with our life size action figures and get pictures with the various characters as well.

This camp is not only a great opportunity for the students who attend it to meet their favorite characters, but it is also a great opportunity for our members to inspire the next generation of Star Wars fans and hopefully encourage them to follow their dreams, and even join our ranks in the years to come. Garrison Carida would like nothing better than to see these kids join us when they are old enough. Who knows maybe in a few years some of these students will Troop this event and inspire the NEXT generation beyond theirs.





Check out all the photos from our day at Camp here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/garrisoncarida/sets/72157627024417195/with/5916371823/

Happy Birthday America!!

Darth Vader and his loyal subjects Celebrated the Birthday of our Great Nation in style, marching in the 4^th of July Parade through the streets of Philadelphia! And before you ask…YES IT WAS HOT! That did not stop the Dark Lord or his brave troops from showing their Patriotism, or lessen the excitement of the crowd as we marched down the street, escorting the old Stars and Stripes. What better way to spend the 4^th of July then marching through the streets of Philadelphia passing Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

Garrison Carida would like to thank the members of the Old Line Garrison and the Northeast Remnant who made the trip to assist us in showing our pride for this great nation

Happy Birthday America! May the Force Be With you!

Alex's Lemonade Stand

There is nothing better than an ice cold glass of Lemonade during the long hot summer, and there is no better Lemonade than that found at Alex’s Lemonade Stand! Garrison Carida was proud to support Alex’s Lemonade Stand at three different locations during the month of June. The communities of Cranberry Township, Skippack, and Zieglersville, Pennsylvania were out in force to support Alex and Garrison Carida in the pursuit of the cure for Cancer. The fun and of course the Lemonade were Oh So Sweet! We were honored to even have Alex’s parents stop by to show their appreciation to all of their Foundation’s supporters.

Our Troopers were humbled by the dedication of this brave family as they continue their daughter’s work to fulfill her vision of a world free from cancer. We all can make a difference, One cup of Lemonade at a time! A Special Thank You to the Event hosts at all three locations for inviting us to assist them in serving this Worthy Cause.

Please check out all of the photos from these great events here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/garrisoncarida/sets/72157626948214716/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/garrisoncarida/sets/72157626948214716/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/garrisoncarida/sets/72157626948214716/

Wizard World Philadelphia 2011

The Troopers form Garrison Carida found themselves transported to a Galaxy far far away as the Wizard World Tour made its local stop in Philadelphia this summer. There was a star studded gala of celebrities from various film and television genres at this years convention and the Star Wars universe was well represented with appearances from Peter Mayhew, Billy Dee Williams, Daniel Logan, Jake Lloyd and Bonnie Piesse. Our troopers were proud to provide security for the celebrities as they participated in a Q&A panel for the convention attendees. Our troopers were also honored to be able to conduct a Q&A panel of our own where we gave short presentation on how we build our costumes and detailed some of the duties that Garrison Carida performs for our local communities.

Garrison Carida would like to thank our devoted fans for coming out and seeing us at the convention and a special thank you to all the members of our neighboring garrisons who made the trip to back us up, as well as our sister organization the Rebel Legion for coming out to support us as well

Newark Delaware Special Olympics Summer Games

Lord Vader and the Troopers from Garrison Carida braved the hot summer sun to support the amazing Athletes from the Special Olympics in Newark Delaware on June 11^th.  These outstanding Athletes fought hard competing to see who could take home the gold and earn the title of Best of the Best.

Lord Vader and his troops found themselves outmanned on a couple of occasions....

But Still managed to Emerge Triumphant! Never Underestimate the Power of the Dark Side of the Force!!

Our troopers look forward to this exciting event every year and we are so grateful to be invited back year after year to enjoy the fun and competition! It’s a great opportunity to catch up with our devoted fans and supporters, and we have gained so many friends over the years of our continued support for this event. We are already anxiously looking forward to next year!

Wierd Al Yankovic Summer Tour

Once again the Toopers from Garrison Carida were invited by the Great, Weird Al Yankovic, to support him and his band as they performed for their devoted fans. Weird AL did a lightning tour of Pennsylvania the week of May 20^th doing a show in Glenside PA, just outside of Philadlephia, and then a quick hyperspace jump across the state for another show in Pittsburgh just two days later. Our Troopers were proud to put on our best polka face and show our support for Weird AL as he sang “the saga begins”

As always Weird Al and his band were gracious hosts and they must have appreciated our support as we have been invited back to assist him as he performs in the Amish Paradise of Lancaster, PA. on July 14^th.  We hope to see you all at the show, if you dare to be stupid…lol

See all the photos from the concerts here....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/garrisoncarida/sets/72157626710986563/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/garrisoncarida/sets/72157626772038774/