February 2017 Newsletter

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

 

 

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In Memoriam

From the DL

From the XO

Around the Detachment

Notable Troops

Advanced Tactics Awards
Follow FISD

 

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Dennis Wolff TK-8112

 

 

On the 8th of February, 2017 Dennis Wolff, TK-8112, of the German Garrison, passed away too soon at the age of 35. Dennis is survived by his wife and little daughter.

 

He joined the ranks of the German Garrison as Stormtrooper in 2008 after being involved in the local Star Wars Dinner for a couple of years. Dennis was a kind and honest trooper who enjoyed the camaraderie of his Legion mates. His unexpected death comes as a shock to his many friends and fellow troopers.

 

He was well known for his cheerful nature and dedicated all of his spare time to his young family and his hobby. At this young age, his unexpected heart attack is also a great pain for all those who had the pleasure to meet him in his lifetime and the possibilty to troop with him in the last years.

 

Our hearts are filled with sadness as we say farewell to our friend, fellow trooper and 501st family member. The members of the German Garrison will never forget him and will honor his memory forever. He will remain dear to our hearts and will forever be recognized as Eternal Legionnaire.

 

Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very difficult and sad time. The brothers and sisters of the FISD especially want to express their deepest sympathy to his wife Helen and his little daughter Finya.

 

Thank you for your service, brother. Requiescat in pace in eternam.

Buckets off.

With Unquestioned Loyalty,
 

The German Garrison

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Do you remember the opening of A New Hope? It was pretty ominous, seeing that Star Destroyer go on and on. Aboard Leia’s corvette, rebel troops were wondering what would come in through that door. After the explosion, stormtroopers! Fearless, relentless, and seeming endless then poured through the door. Arguably the defining moment that struck home to us what it meant to be an Imperial stormtrooper!

I’m blessed to that report that nearly all the 2016 FISD staff is remaining at their posts, which will enable us to kick off the year with a running start, just like our beloved characters from Star Wars.

First up will be spearheading the drive for the Rogue One and Rebel TK CRLs to completion, as they are long overdue. We have several new runs of merchandise in the queue, first with lanyards (also overdue!) and special items for Celebration. The EI/Centurion approval process will get optimized, and we’ll have several new visual checklists to make it easier for people who want to take their suits to these levels.

Looking out a little further, the forums are in serious need of an upgrade and also a new skin. We will clean up the HWT & ROTJ crls to get them up to date, and work to get several Battlefront CRLs completed. Did we say more merch for the summer? You bet, as we are due for a coin run at the least.

There is more to come obviously, and there is a lot of excitement about FISD having a huge year. With Celebration, 40 Years of Star Wars, 20 Years of the 501st, and the release of Episode VIII, whew! We are getting close to 1000 EI, so you can bet we’ll celebrate that milestone in a huge way as well.

What else? You tell us! FISD has always been about people stepping up with ideas, and we’ve been unabashed about adding staff when we see smart young troopers step up and show initiative. You tell us your passion, and we’ll figure out how to unleash it. Just like Vader unleashed the stormtroopers on the Tantive IV.

With unquestioned loyalty,

Paul “Daetrin” TK-8020

 

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So, if you've been reading the FISD newsletter regularly over the last year or two, then you're probably familiar with my ramblings around these parts.  If not, allow me to introduce myself.

I'm Tim Waychoff.  TK-51878 of North Texas Squad, Star Garrison.  

I'm your outgoing Detachment Leader and I'm also your incoming Detachment Executive Officer.

 

It has been a very busy year around the Detachment, that's for sure.  How busy?  Well, here are the approved Stormtrooper costume numbers from January 30th, 2016:

 

Here are the approved Stormtrooper costume numbers from just a few hours ago:

 

 

 

There were about 1,110 new Stormtroopers added to the Detachment ranks during the last year!  That is awesome and amazing growth, and each of you here probably played a part in that happening.  Whether you hosted an armor party at your house and actively helped people become new members, wore your armor to an event and unknowingly inspired someone else to do a little research, find their way to FISD, and become a shiny white tupperware spaceman, or said hello to a new member here during their introduction post, you had a part in that growth.

 

How about the Detachment forums themselves?  You may be wondering, how busy were they really, during the last year?

 

Well, I'm glad you asked.  Here's how busy they were.

Number of posts made:

 

More than 74,000 posts made during the last year.  

 

How about topic views?  How much did everyone actually read stuff at the FISD?

 

(Giant list of topics omitted for brevity)

 

More than 1.5 MILLION individual topic views in the same timeframe.

There was a lot of TK knowledge (and merchandise) shared here, and it was absorbed more than ten times as frequently as it was shared.  This place is definitely hopping.  You all make it hop, and you all keep it hopping.  We all know the feel that exists here, and that is a very cool thing, but it is hard to argue with numbers, right?  Especially 1.5 million plus numbers.

 

In addition to the simple science of post counts and views, there is a little matter which you have already heard mentioned in the NL, and that is the number of EIB approvals that we've had.  

As great as the growth has been in the last year (over 1,100 new Stormtroopers), we added a historically impressive 124 EIB approved Stormtroopers as well.  That's the single largest annual increase the Detachment has seen since the Advanced Tactics programs began.  But...  as good as that is, one in ten?  We can do better than that, right?  What are you going to do to help the Detachment add 310 more EIBs in 2017 to get us to 1,000 EIB approved Stormtroopers during the 40th Anniversary year of Star Wars?  I mean, we added over 1,000 new Stormtroopers during the last year.  Surely, a few more of you new Troopers built some beautiful and deserving armor, or you EIB and Centurion Troopers know someone who did.  Talk to them about it.  Take them by the hand, and lead them to the Advanced Tactics section.  Be a Trooper that helps Troopers, and let's make this the best year ever - yet again!

There is clearly plenty of Stormtrooper love to go around, and I for one, am truly excited about playing a part in it, and sharing all of it with all of you.  It is a great thing that we have here.  It has been built over the last decade and shows no signs of slowing down.

Yep...  It has been a very busy year around here, but I'm pretty sure that we've only barely touched on what we're going to accomplish in the next year.

 

Buckle up, it's about to get exciting around here.

 

With Unquestioned Loyalty,

Tim Waychoff
TK-51878 "Dark CMF"
FISD Executive Officer

 

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Election and the transition period are always very busy around the Detachment, but rest assured that we are hitting the ground and running into the transition, and running with a lot of what we left off with.  

A big sore spot during the last year was the absence of the EIB and Centurion Certificates, and I'm not going to bore you with the what's and why's of their absence.  I will simply say that through the graciousness and hard work of some of our Staff members, the certificates are back!  So, if you've earned your EIB or Centurion since just before the elections last year, and did not receive a certificate, then get yourself to the appropriate links below and submit your request:

EIB Certificate Request.

 

Centurion Certificate Request.

A few of those key items have to do with CRL updates:

 

1. ROTJ CRL

-> Rivets are now allowable on shoulder straps for EI/Centurion

 

2. HWT CRL

-> Orange pauldrons now required for basic acceptance

-> Lights/electronics no longer allowable on the pack

-> Thermal detonator is now optional

-> Tightening up the language on shoulder and hip pouches

-> No rivet holes allowable on the belt

 

These changes are already live in the CRLs (follow the links above) and will be enforced for higher level approvals by the Deployment Officers here at FISD.  Pictures will be updated soon as well, as we continue to work behind the scenes to clean-up and clarify many of our CRLs, to continue to lead the way and set the example for the rest of the Legion to follow.

 

As long as we are talking about CRLs, here's some more of the focus you'll see in the near future:

 

Tim (Dark CMF) will own driving the Rogue One and Rebels CRLs to completion.
Paul (Daetrin) will own driving the Battlefront MagmaTrooper CRL to done, along with a more full review of the other Star Wars Battlefront TKs
Paul (Daetrin) will also own updating the HWT & ROTJ CRL open questions
We have a new IPM member who is creating top notch visual guides for EI/Centurion standards - stay tuned!

 

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Want Your Troop to be Included?

Post your troop report in the Field Training Exercises section here http://www.whitearmo...ning-exercises/.

Those with troop logs please post a separate troop report as it is easier to link too.

Tricia the Jumbo 60th Birthday Party

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More here: http://www.whitearmo...birthday-party/

By: Glen, gmrhodes13, TK85421

 

 

 

When Christian (v7sg) messaged me about being featured in this month’s newsletter for Memoirs of Stormtrooper, I was all like “Hells ya!” Then I was all like “Oh jeez, do I even have a favorite troop or event….?”

 

I thought “this is not going to be easy……”

 

Which one would I write about? Hmmm. Over the last 3 years of being a Legionnaire, which troop stands out the most to me? And does it have to be limited to just troops? Because I can think of about a hundred little moments from armor parties, get-togethers, standing in line for autographs, working a booth at a convention and to the supportive posts on build threads that have made a deep and lasting impression on me. Can I even pick one!?

 

(Wait. I hope there’s not a word limit….?)

 

~Should I write about my first experience in armor at my very first event? How I nervous, a bit scared and very nearly had a panic attack (as I had NO idea how I was going to react in public, but all my fears were soon calmed and soothed away by two fellow troopers who took me under their wing & showed me the ropes?

 

~Or maybe I should mention the first time I saw myself in the mirror in my completed armor? How I still remember the feel of the goosebumps & how my eyes nearly over-flowed with tears of pure happiness & childhood joy? (Would they think that silly? Nah, I am SURE I’m not the only one that cried!!)

 

~Perhaps I should talk about the first time I was able to share my build experience with potential recruits at a big convention? How I was so excited to talk to people about building armor & becoming a real stormtrooper that I was practically gushing with pride, enthusiasm & passion?  (Of course, in my head I was screaming “YOU HAVE TO DO THIS” “IT’S THE MOST AMAZING THING EVER” “MAKE ONE RIGHT NOW!  I'LL HELP YOU”!!)

 

~Oh wait, maybe I should talk about getting my Alpha 75 First Order kit? That sure was memorable! I could mention how I screamed like a little girl when I got the news……or to the sheer terror I felt sitting in front of ALL the little pieces laid out in front of me, wondering “what have I gotten myself into!!? Can I even do this?" I could talk about the overwhelming pride I felt completing my armor, all by myself….or the incredible sense of comradery I felt among my new First Order building buddies in the 1^st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment? How finally, after looking to the numerous build threads that helped me realize my childhood dream, I was able to pay it forward with my First Order build thread in hopes that it helps others realize their dream.

 

~But what about helping my sister build her Phasma armor & sharing in her 501^st journey? Surely, I should talk about that! How amazing it was to share something so unique and special with someone who has always been a part of my life. It’s astounding how our relationship is so much closer now, all because of some chromed plastic. The time we spent together swearing, gluing our fingers to her armor, smashing our thumbs with a hammer while making snap-plates, joking about the size of her cod piece, teaching her new skills, sharing our passion for the 501^st are moments I will never forget.

 

~If I talk about my sister joining the 501^st, I would definitely have to mention my partner joining as well, right? I should talk about how incredibly cool it is to share your passion, exuberance and excitement for dressing up in plastic armor.....and have them understand completely.

 

~Or the memory of making a sick little boy smile & giving him a few moments of happiness while undergoing treatment, to the deep sorrow that is felt when I heard of his passing?

 

~Maybe I should talk about trooping our garrison’s first ever Pride parade!? To be able to share such an important and personal experience of celebration, acceptance and love with a diverse group of people who have become very important to me was truly wondrous. Despite different backgrounds, values and belief systems, members of my garrison came together in a show of support and respect, demonstrating the values, mission and heart of the 501^st Legion.

 

~Or that sweet little autistic child who casually, and without fear, grabbed my hand and held it as we walked? How I watched the incredible expressions of discovery on his face as he ran his fingers across my armor, delighted by all the difference textures and surfaces.

 

~Maybe it's all the friendships and personal connections I have made with people from all over the world and within my own garrison?

 

~How about the first time a young man stood beside me for a photo & I heard them whisper under his breath “this is a dream come true!”….and wanting to yell back “I know right!? It’s so freakin’ awesome!!!”

 

~What about my first hospital visits? Nope. No words can describe those... Move along.

 

~Maybe that time I walked a mile in super-sexy red high heels in support of domestic violence prevention….IN my ARMOR? (Quite sure that is a VERY memorable moment for many of the people who witnessed that!)

 

~ Or should I simply say that my most memorable moment was the first time I realized that joining the 501^st & becoming a stormtooper was one of the best decisions I have made in my life & that it has helped make me a better person? (Would that be too much or sound corny? Yeah, probably.)

 

In truth, I could not think of a favorite, or most memorable troop or event to share for the newsletter. Every single troop I have done has been memorable because each one created a memory that I will never forget. Sure, some of those memories might be small & insignificant to the casual observer, but it was important to me. Yeah, a few of those troops were not much fun, some a bit painful and one or two  that were even boring; but even those troops presented me with little tiny moments in time to treasure.

Each one of those treasured memories remind me why I became a Stormtrooper & joined the 501^st Legion in the first place.

 

At the end of the day (or end of the troop), that is what it’s all about for me; being a part of something truly remarkable and the memories that I will never forget.

With unquestioned loyalty,

Peter Nuthall

TK-12175.

 

With Unquestioned Loyalty

Christian Burgos Hernández
TK9539 "v7sg"

Imperial Attaché

 

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This month the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment would like to congratulate:

Expert Infantry Badge Award:
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Matt F "Battle Lion" TK-16317 (EIB #669)

Christoph Peschke "S3riou5" TK-28666 (EIB #670)

Mike Flint "flinty360" TK-29009 (EIB #671)

Luis Sedeno Galan "Rietzer" TK-31513 (EIB #672)

Ricky Gunter "Kylorick" TK-21799 (EIB #673)

Enrico Ercole "TK10998" TK-10998 (EIB #674)

Dougie Mutton "TI 17680" TK-17680 (EIB #675)

James Taylor "shockmatic" TK-92470 (EIB #676)

Gareth Wood "gwood1234" TK-31225 (EIB #677)

Hideo Sasaki "Apache" TK-3416 (EIB #678)

Francisco Aranda "Francisco66" TK-21228 (EIB #679)

Jorge Alegre "trooperGonzo" TK-34727 (EIB #680)

Ashley Bryce "Fash" TK-30094 (EIB #681)

Angie Latham "Brattie" TK-70926 (EIB #682)

Mike Katona "Mkjava" TK-82666 (EIB #683)

Chad Scarborough "odysseus27766" TK-11324 (EIB #684)

Riley Cravens "cascadiantrooper" TK-11731 (EIB #685)

David Price "TK12536" TK-12536 (EIB #686)

Anthony Nobbs "Cplnobbie" TK-19036 (EIB #687)

Alexander Scheiber "pho" TK-13084 (EIB #688)

Scott Moss "scottdm2" TK-62000 (EIB #689)

Ahmad Syahrin "Ayen_s" TK-18004 (EIB #690)

 

Centurion Award:

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Oscar Gonzalez "Bloodwalker" TK-61138 (Cen #296)

Kevin Chapman "Chapaaz" TK-14407 (Cen #297)

Ricky Gunter "Kylorick" TK-21799 (Cen #298)

Luis Sedeno Galan "Rietzer" TK-31513 (Cen #299)

Chris Faw "bmth chris" TK-10488 (Cen #300)

Hideo Sadaki "Apache" TK-3416 (Cen #301)

Dougie Mutton "Dougiefresh80" TK-17680 (Cen #302)

Enrico Ercole "tk10998" TK-10998 (Cen #303)

Christopher Bailey "Chewy" TK-66402 (Cen #304)

Christoph Peschke "S3riou5" TK-28666 (Cen #305)

Preston Christman "Pretzel" TK-91488 (Cen #306)

David Price "TK12536" TK-12536 (Cen #307)

Francisco Aranda "Francisco66" TK-21228 (Cen #308)

Mike Katona "Mkjava" TK-82666 (Cen #309)

 

Stand tall and be proud of what you have achieved troopers. You will now be deployed into the First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Advanced Tactics Roster.

 

May you be an inspiration and beacon for aspiring troopers who want to look the best!

 

Make us proud troopers!

The FISD is always looking for new applicants for our Advanced Tactics program so please do not hesitate to apply if you meet the standards! Our Deployment Officer and armorers are here to help and guide you through to success!

Feel like your armor is up to standards and worth of recognition? Apply for the Expert Infantry Badge Program now!

Want to go the extra mile, raise the standards of Stormtrooper armor, and be the envy of your peers? Apply for the Centurion Program now!

Note: Applicants need to be EIB approved before applying for Centurion.
 

 

With Unquestioned Loyalty,

Tim Waychoff
TK-51878 "Dark CMF"
FISD Executive Officer

 

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Don't Forget We're on Facebook and Twitter!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitearmor
If you're on FB, stop by and say hi, ask questions, and share stories!

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Instagram: www.instagram.com/501stfisd

With Unquestioned Loyalty,

Tim Waychoff
TK-51878 "Dark CMF"
FISD Executive Officer

On behalf of the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Command Staff and the Imperial Propaganda Department,

<End Transmission>

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

I would like to add that the FISD t-shirt design contest http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/40339-celebration-2017-t-shirt-design-contest/is almost over, and that we have some truly outstanding entries! Some of our members took the time to come up with some awe-inspiring designs, and though there can only be one winner,  we are considering offering some of the other designs for patches, decals, posters, etc.  More on that as things progress.

 

Don't forget that we have another contest for those who want to win a cool jacket.  All you need to do is post a well written article and photos of a recent Troop in this thread:  http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/40791-yet-another-jacket-contest/?hl=%2Byet+%2Banother+%2Bjacket+%2Bcontest and your winning entry will be featured in the April NL.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Another great read, thanks you all

[starsaber25[Admin]]

Wow it's amazing how busy this Detachment was last year. With all of the new stormtroopers approved along with all of the new EIB/Centurions approved it appears that 2016 was a great success! Good work everyone. Great job to the staff last year. Let's shatter these numbers this year!

[bmth chris[TK]]

Wonderful job as always, I really enjoyed reading about the growth of the detachment!

 

 

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[Tolo[TK]]

Thanks for the awesome newsletter

 

 

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[allan1313[TK]]

Amazing! 1100 in one year. Let's get to 1000 EIB, we can do it.

 

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[captsafe66[Admin]]

Another great edition!

[msouza[TK]]

Stella job as always, and wow that's a lot of tk's. I'm hoping to finish my build in the next week or so to be able to join the ranks!

Edited February 27, 2017 by msouza

[Haso[TK]]

What a great read. Thanks to all who contributed. Great stories, amazing stats.

 

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[Pyrates[TK]]

They just keep getting better and better - awesome job!

 

 

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[WhiteWalker[TK]]

What a great newsletter, and I'm not just saying that because I'm one of new Centurions listed!

 

 

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[magni[TK]]

I said it before. I look foward to each installment! Well done and great job team!

[Daetrin[Admin]]

Man, what a great newsletter.  Is this the best detachment in the 501st or what?  They newsletter team never fails to disappoint

[batmanmike]

Thanks for sharing! Learned a lot

 

 

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[Dark PWF[Staff]]

Man, what a great newsletter.  Is this the best detachment in the 501st or what?  They newsletter team never fails to disappoint

 

In a word, yes.

 

Yes, it is.  

[ComradeDave[TK]]

Agreed! Great read way to go troopers!

 

 

In a word, yes.

Yes, it is.  

[Novak Dimon[TK]]

Thank you for the wonderful newsletter! <br>

With unquestioned loyalty!<br>

Christian

[Caligari[TK]]

Yet another fantastic newsletter!  You guys always deliver!   It was very cool to see those statistics too.  I always knew the FISD was the best detachment, but now there's proof, heh.

[Sly11[Admin]]

Outstanding as usual, thanks team, another must read newsletter.

Oh I hear there is talk that you have taken on the roll as Detachment statistician Tim!!   great info  

[Skylar Leakey]

Quick question dose any one know how big the 501st has gotten

 

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[Ripper_L[Admin]]

Quick question dose any one know how big the 501st has gotten

 

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there's a counter @ www.501st.com it says "10582 Active Members"