bonniegrrl | Behind the Armor: 501st Professionals

After game show host and Rose Parade commentator Bob Eubanks publicly labeled the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers as bunch of "groupies" and stated they all "need to get jobs" during the 2007 Tournament of Roses Parade on national television, when in reality the group primarily raises money for various charities worldwide and have amazing careers, we felt the need at starwars.com to write a story that would help counteract that rather rude and uninformed statement.

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As the 200 members of the 501st Legion marched down the streets of Pasadena, CA, Rose Parade 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."

Read the full story here:
Behind the Armor: 501st Professionals