24 MAY 2017 ARCAD A NEWS By Rachael Bouley ay the force be with a local organization that goes to great lengths to spread Star Wars cheer with those who need it most. The Dune Sea Garrison, founded in 2001, is the Arizona chapter of the 501st Legion, also known as the International Star Wars Costuming Club. Its members dedicate themselves to accurately portraying the beloved, yet passionately loathed characters of the massive film franchise. As loyal Star Wars fans, members create accurate, high- quality costumes of some of the most recognizable villainous figures, including Stormtroopers, Jawas and the ultimate bad guy, Darth Vader. While these costumes certainly bring the group together, their true focus is on making a difference in the community through fundraising, volunteering and special appearances. Every year, members suit up for a variety of events, including the MS Walk, the Phoenix Walk for Wishes and the Star Wars Neighborhood at Phoenix Comicon. They also plan plenty of visits to the patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “Whether we help an organization raise funds for their cause, march in a parade, appear at sporting event and movie theatre premieres, or visit a sick child in the hospital, the members share one common goal,” said Wendy Wright, a Gilbert-based mother of two who joined the Dune Sea Garrison after her children participated in a youth Star Wars costuming club. “We love spreading smiles and making their day a bit brighter.” The delighted expressions on children’s faces when they see the fully costumed characters makes the effort worthwhile. “Children are by far the most important part, as we bring their beloved characters to life,” said Wright, who regularly dons a Jawa costume. “There is such surprise and excitement in their faces, and the sense of wonder and amazement is so touching to see through my mask.” The group’s appearances have become so popular that they need a wrangler, a non- costumed person, to assist with crowd control and ensure every excited fan gets a photo opportunity. “Star Wars is huge right now and there is a surge of fans who are just beginning to embrace Star Wars,” Wright said. “Many families have at least one parent that is passionate about Star Wars and absolutely loves seeing us.” Each and every costume must go through an approval process to ensure they match what viewers see on the big screen, making it possible for the group to bring Star Wars characters to life accurately. “The Dune Sea Garrison is my Star Wars family. We live and breathe Star Wars,” Wright said. “We have a tradition of helping each other build a costume, providing a sense of community among the members.” “We’ve got people from all walks of life,” said Tom George, a member who teaches at Ingleside Middle School. “From bikers to accountants to lawyers. Everyone comes together to bring a smile to kids’ faces.” The Dune Sea Garrison has had a positive impact on countless lives around the Valley, especially during challenging times. In one particularly touching story, the group visited the child of a DPS officer who was at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Their visit was so appreciated that the officer later asked Dune Sea members to march at the child’s funeral, along with fellow DPS officers. “We may be geeks,” said George, “but to be able to give happiness to those kids, to get their faces to light up. It’s such a great thing.” PHOTOS COURTESY OF PERSONALPAPARAZZIPHOTOGRAPHERS.COM fan group suits up for many great causes “From bikers to accountants to lawyers. Everyone comes together to bring a smile to kids’ faces.”

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