A long time ago in a galaxy far far away...I was about 5 when my dad took me to a matinée movie about some movie he heard about and thought it was supposed to be a big deal. There was nobody inline at the time. By the time we exited the first showing in California of Star Wars, A New Hope, the line went around the building, three times. I still remember the coolest figure in the movie...the sandtrooper. Flash forward 35 years.
I was stuck in a job I hated. I didn't have a hobby. I am driving my family crazy. Then one day, while searching for more Star Wars action figures...BAM. I see this little website called the 501st. Within minutes, my chubby fingers are flicking across the keyboard and I land HERE, the MEPD. I realize I am home, among friend, with a hobby, and they understand me. Work has meaning again. I have a hobby that consumes me. My wife is actually happy and the family are deciding which character they want to be.
Hour after hour of scouring the forums like a detective searching for every rivet and hint of hidden prop perfection. Is it painted black or silver, how thick is the tape, how many inches from the edge and does that guy really think he will pass SWAT?
Everyone is so nice and helpful. I love it when the Command Staff review an application and and Juan is so polite. Seriously, everyone jumps on and says "looking good, almost there and see you at the Catina". Then Juan...so nice and polite and BAM, you missed this and this and this and this. I LOVE THIS GROUP! This is NOT sarcasm. I really do appreciate our Command Staff and every member. You guys and gals are great. Thank you for bringing me home. So glad this introduction is my very first post.
Juan, just remember to be gentle when I finally request deployment. See you in the dunes... -Sand Devil
