Those Guys Need Jobs...

[scendan]

(Gakked wholeheartedly from the StarWars.com site)

Behind the Armor: 501st Professionals

January 10, 2007



As the 200 members of the 501st Legion marched down the streets of Pasadena, CA, viewers everywhere were impressed with not only their marching skills, but their true dedication to the Star Wars saga and the characters they represent. But there's more to the 501st than the sea of troopers clad in white armor. 501st Garrisons are full of members who not only enjoy giving back to their communities by working with local charities, but they are also an impressive cross-section of professionals in every career field imaginable.
"I think it's important the public learn from the service-minded example the 501st sets," Legion founder Albin Johnson says. "If more people gave back to their communities while enjoying their hobbies, the world would be a much better place. Our club engenders a positive attitude of giving, not just taking. We actually gain from our friendships and the work we do. That's a unique experience few other hobbies can boast."

The 501st Legion contributes time and money to numerous charities including Ronald McDonald House, Toys-for-Tots, Make-a-Wish, Candle Lighters Fund, and the Jimmy Fund. Each garrison has also visited countless hospitals, daycare centers, schools and community centers to entertain children throughout the U.S. and around the world.

In addition to their charity work, 501st members have extremely varied and important careers. "We have our share of IT specialists, software engineers and librarians," 501st.com webmaster and Carolina Garrison member Dean Plantamura says. "But we are also lawyers, fashion models, ex-rollerderby stars, police officers, professional divers, pyro-technicians, butchers, teachers, air traffic controllers, nurses, social workers, security officers, musicians, accountants, graphic designers, illustrators, postal workers, helicopter pilots, pediatricians, dentists, nuclear plant operators, bankers, meteorologists, crime scene investigators, firefighters, DJs, paramedics, airplane mechanics, ex-pro wrestlers, actors, video game designers, stay-at-home moms, small business owners, chimney sweeps, archeologists, as well as many members who are currently serving in the Armed Forces."

Here's a small sampling of the careers of various 501st members:

• Anthony "Guns" Sagun, Pacific Outpost, Police Officer with the Honolulu Police Department
• Brent Carroll, Pacific Outpost, U.S. Army Captain
• Steve Barbee, Pacific Outpost, U.S. Navy Cryptologist
• E. Tory Laitila, Pacific Outpost, Registrar with the Honolulu Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts
• James Andrews, New England Garrison, Senior Software Engineer/Architect
• Brian Anderson, New England Garrison, Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician
• Krista Ernewein, New England Garrison, Sponsored Programs Administrator for Harvard University
• David Williard, New England Garrison, Corrections Officer and MP for USAF Reserves
• Lori Sartre, New England Garrison, Design Coordinator for Boston Museum of Science
• Dr. George Langlitz III, New England Garrison, Physician
• Jörg Aberle, German Garrison, President of AWS Transportation GmbH, Wiesbaden
• Jennifer Natschow, German Garrison, CFO Technimark Eisbär GmbH (German Part of Technimark Inc., Asheboro)
• Christian Schwarz, German Garrison, German Police Lieutenant
• Dr. Daniel Dreyer, German Garrison, European Aerospace Research Center (ESA), Munich
• Hubert Siebertz, German Garrison, President of Mercedes-Benz dealership in Stolberg/Germany
• Carlos Diaz, Florida Garrison, Financial Firm Client Advocate
• Christine Wilson, Florida Garrison, X-Ray Technologist
• Karen Magnussen-Sarna, Florida Garrison, Aircraft Mechanic
• Eric Aggson, 70th Explorers Garrison, Special Education Teacher for Emotionally Disturbed children
• Eric Wickes, 70th Explorers Garrison, Emergency Room Technician
• David Heth, 70th Explorers Garrison, Real Estate Appraiser
• Tony Perry, 70th Explorers Garrison, Senior Software Engineer
• Jared Peters, Alpine Garrison, 3-D Animator / Modeler / Illustrator
• Shawn Gordon, Alpine Garrison, Special Effects Make-up Artist
• Mark Fordham, Alpine Garrison, Police/SWAT
• Vaughn Cavender, Alpine Garrison, Combat Medic
• Stefan Cembolista, Belgian Garrison, Brussels Graphic Factory Employee
• John de Jonge, Belgian Garrison, Web Company Owner
• Tom van Immerseel, Belgian Garrison, Graphic Designer and Multimedia Specialist
• Gregg Bywater, Midwest Garrison, Midwest Airlines Pilot
• Belinda Hodge, Midwest Garrison, Quality Engineer at Ford Motor Company
• John Fitzsimmonds, Midwest Garrison, Chemical Process Operator
• Mark Allanson, Terror Australis Garrison, Australian Army Sergeant
• Joseph J. Sauter, Bloodfin Garrison -- Indiana, Certified Chimney Sweep
• Tim Anadon, Neon City -- Las Vegas Garrison, U.S. Post Office Worker
• Dieter Esterbrook, Neon City -- Las Vegas Garrison, Treasure Island Hotel and casino security
• Angela Mash, Badlands Garrison, Senior Legal Assistant
• Colin Russell, Badlands Garrison, Pipeline Mechanical Technician
• Piero Bockos, Italica Garrison, Industrial Designer
• Ted Willcock, Badlands Garrison, Marketing Vice President
• Roy Waung, Taiwan Garrison, Lawyer
• Robert Hill, Golden Gate Garrison, Software Engineer

"Over the years I've been approached countless times by members who earnestly thank me for the family of friends we created for them, for a creative outlet in their lives, and for a way to give back to their communities," Johnson adds. "That's the magic 'triad' I had in mind with this club -- give people a way to realize their potential and gain something in the process. This club would never have made it this far solely on the fun of wearing plastic. It's all about building relationships and making human connections."

To learn more about the 501st and its worldwide members, visit 501st.com.