On Saturday, December 10th members of the 501st Legion-New England Garrison and Rebel Legion-Alderaan Base arrived at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA to support the American Red Cross in the annual “Bob’s Heroes” blood drive. Commander Gree (sporting a Patriots jersey), two Stormtroopers, a Snowtrooper, Biker Scout, TIE Pilot with Imperial Crewman and Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi were on hand to pose for pictures with people waiting for their turn to donate blood. Lots of people came out to support an important, life-saving cause and everyone in attendance had a great time!

On October 15 the 501st NEG and the Rebel Legion’s Alderaan Base joined author Ryder Windham at the Rochambeau Branch Library, Providence RI for a Star Wars themed blood drive. The library greatly exceeded collection expectations and everyone had a great time!

On Sunday, September 11th, the New England Garrison of the 501st Legion, and Alderaan Base of the Rebel Legion were invited to join the American Red Cross for a blood drive. This was no ordinary blood drive; this blood drive took place at historic Fenway Park in Boston, MA; the home of the Boston Red Sox. Darth Vader, with one of his most trusted Stormtroopers was joined by a pair of X-wing pilots to roam around the park. Inside the stadium, there were 4 different donation stations set up. The troops from both legions wandered around the park, visiting all the different donor areas, entertaining volunteers and donors alike. Many pictures were taken, including some with a pair of World Series trophies! Over 2000 people came through the doors and the American Red Cross was able to collect 1800 units of life saving blood! Although none of the troops donated blood, they were honored to help support a special cause in a special place on a special day.

This is an annual event organized by the Red Cross on the anniversary of ‘9/11′. The need for blood is always great but it is tragic events like the attacks on that day that bring the need into focus. Hundreds of people showed up to support the Red Cross and to remember those who lost their lives that day. It was a great honor to be a part of this event and to bring a few smiles to the attendees while we were there.

An album of event photos can be viewed here:
http://www.501neg.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=1261

Please come and join the 501st Legion, New England Garrison as we host our “Trooping for the Trooper”blood drive, in honor of blood recipient Mike Josti. Stop by to donate blood and you can get your picture taken with a member of the local Star Wars costuming group, the New England Garrison!  For more information about this event, call the donation center at 1-800-RED-CROSS or go online and visit www.redcrossblood.org.

 NEG member Bob Josti (TK 1839) has a brother (Mike Josti) who, while playing outside with his family, suddenly fell extremely ill and was rushed to the hospital. As doctors worked to find out what was going on they noticed that Mike was loosing blood, a lot of it, somewhere inside of his body. The doctors believe that he suffered a spleenic aneurysm and over the course of the emergency surgery that was required to save his life Mike had to be given 40 units of blood.  Mike Josti is a married father of two and serves his community as both a Massachusetts State Trooper (the source of the “Trooper” in the theme) as well as a volunteer Fire Fighter in his town.  Bob, along with his wife Paige (TX 8606) and the support of fellow NEG members, have organized a blood drive/community event to be held on June 19th, 2010 in Shrewsbury, MA.  Please come out in support of this very worthy cause!