Greetings all. I was approved back in April, but didn't have enough posts until now to update my status in this thread. I'm not a prolific poster.
In 1977 I was 13yrs old and when I saw Star Wars the first time in a theater I knew I was going to have to have one of the costumes one day. Of course marketing wasn't then what it is today, so you really couldn't get your hands on stuff unless you were connected, or a great fabricator (of which, I am neither). I found out about the 501st a few years ago at Rose City Comicon. They had me sign up for the local garrison forums, and got me connected to whitearmor.net.
I wished I had lots of build advice, or stories to tell about my build, but I just didn't have the time or the space to do my own build. I wound up having my build commissioned with RSProps. I feel like a slouch, and too unworthy to apply for EIB or Centurion because I wouldn't have earned due to my own efforts. I have such admiration for all you that have done your own builds.
Besides, ultimately, all I really cared about was getting active in the 501st, and it's charity efforts. I wanted to get trooping.
As silly as it may seem to some for a 50+ yr old man; Getting my armor, and being able to troop with other members is a childhood dream come true.
Brian