Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club

Four members of AZ's Shonare Vhekedla Clan, Ca-Loar, Burhik, Klesir Kyr'am & Solus Keer, invaded Tucson last Saturday Nov 7, 2009 along side the 501st, Rebel Legion, and US Armed Forces troops to show some kids what Military life is like for there parents that are being deployed. The event was outstanding and was held in a small bunker area with vehicles and equipment everywhere. Kids and costumer alike got to climb in, on, play with, and even try on Hazard suits, the EOD & bomb squad's gear. You should have seen the size of their fire trucks; they were HUGE! It was amazing and we're not ashamed to say that we probably had more fun then the Kids did.   Everyone loved us and kids were calling out, "Look! Bounty Hunters!". Even the Military personnel loved our kits and couldn't stop expressing their personal gratitude and how much they appreciated us donating our time. Again, and as we told them, it was for the kids.

Then after the Junior Expeditionary Forces event we made our way to Tucson's free Comicon that just so happen to be going on the same day. When we showed up this time they were expecting us! I had told one of the organizers our plan of invasion for the day and he had let some key insiders know of the eminent arrival...We were a hit! We got compliments, requested for photo ops with the Frazetta comic artist's, had a blast overall and everyone in the Tuscon 501st & R.L. were amazing! They expressed the greatest hospitality and made us feel right at home. We also lit an inspirational fire and I assume they will be cranking out some Mando's after finalizing the work they've already made.
It was a long day and event's I won't soon forget. I made new friends around every blind spot which makes me hope you're there with me next time! Seeing kids faces when we show up and how excited they get explains why we're just doing this for fun. And its worth it to make a kid smile and hopefully be that much more creative or even want to make a costume!

To conclude, THANK YOU, again, to everyone in Tucson as well as Mike, Allen & my Ad'ika "Gail"! Thank you so much for trooping with me! I think we did really well, I'm proud of you guys and think we made the impression we should have.


Click here for Picture & Comment thread

If you remember, this year in March we started a raffle with the goal to help raise more money for the "Help a Verd'ika" fund.  The raffle was for each person who donated $20 or more to the Verd'ika Fund they received an entry to win the wonderful wooden box created by Tahl Taab and pictured below:


First, I want to thank EVERYONE who donated this year, we surpassed last year's amount of $750 and raised over $1300.  We're officially capping this year's amount off at $1000 and putting the extra $300 into next year's fund to help start us off.  I also want to thank Tahl Taab for creating this amazing gift and offering it to his fellow Mercs as a raffle prize, he definitely put a lot of work into it.

Without further ado, we had 22 eligible entries.  I assigned a number to each one, then used a random number generating website to pick the winner.  Our winner is, Kom'rk Orivod Ruusik.  Kom'rk, you will have a PM from me shortly to collect your mailing information so we can send the prize out to you.  Congrats and thanks for donating!

Stay tuned for more info about where the Verd'ika money is going to this year.  We've decided to split the money between two clans and allow them to choose how the money is applied to helping kids in need this Christmas.  Also, stay tuned next year to see if we end up possibly having another raffle similar to this years!

Hett'ciri Clan, in conjunction with the Badlands Garrison of the 501st, invaded the Calgary Zoo on October 30th and 31st for their annual Boo at the Zoo event.  Hett'ciri found several areas to park themselves for pictures.  And despite Shawn's unfortunate costume malfunction (his muscular arms are too big for his gauntlets), the clan was a hit.  The zoo staff and patrons greatly enjoyed the presence of Badlands and Hett'ciri, and have invited them to come back next year.