helotech
Garrison Member 
Posts: 24 
Name: Dave
Costumes: TK ANH Hero
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Post by helotech on Jul 23, 2021 8:57:26 GMT -4
Happy Friday everyone! For those who don't know, I am working at 103 SAR Sqn in Gander, NL. I was just informed that there is a military family day event happening in Gander on 27 Aug, and possibly a second event in Sept / Oct. Before I submit an event request for 27 Aug: - Is the 501st still restricting trooping events due to COVID restrictions? NL is opening more and more and restrictions are being lifted. The 501st site states event requests are not being allowed.
- If allowed, what would be the anticipated local Atlantic Garrison response for the request? How many NL Garrison members would consider going?
The family days are held to thank the military families for their sacrifices and support while the serving member is performing their duties. The 27 Aug date will be an outdoor event and take place at Little Harbor Park on Gander Lake for the morning and afternoon. It will include members and families from the entire base. It is closed to military members and family, but sometimes the locals manage to sneak in... There will be a flying display by the CH149 Cormorant, a BBQ, bouncy castle, music, games etc. There may be an aircraft parked on the ground for photo opportunities, but this is still being worked out. I know a Star Wars presence would be a huge draw and if we have the ability to set up a photo booth it would be a big hit. Any money made during the event would go to the United Way. The tentative Sept/Oct event would take place at 103 Sqn on the base. This would be an indoor and outdoor event. Basically same type of things as the 27th, but there would be guaranteed photo ops with the helicopter. This will be more strictly controlled and only military members and families will be allowed. I would consider unofficially going in my TK in any case. Thanks, Dave |
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helotech
Garrison Member
Posts: 24
Name: Dave
Costumes: TK ANH Hero
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Post by helotech on Jul 30, 2021 5:19:35 GMT -4
Happy Friday Everyone!
I found out that troops are allowed, and even managed to have the 501st command update their Event Request page wording to reflect this.
The family day event in Gander is picking up speed in the planning department, with 27 Aug confirmed as the date. Sorry for the late notice, but such is military bureaucracy…
I am just gathering info then will be submitting an official event request by this weekend.
In the meantime, don’t hesitate message me if you have any questions.
Cheers!
Dave
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ti20517
Garrison Member
Costume Update: TIE Reserve, ROTJ Jawa
Posts: 43
Name: Allen Mac Donnell
Costumes: TIE Pilot ANH
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Post by ti20517 on Jul 30, 2021 11:31:02 GMT -4
Would be my first non-virtual troop and do not have anyone that could come with me as a handler to make sure I do not fall or anything like that but love to go, only a 3 hour drive away (maybe even less with the speeds I drive/fly at). Waiting to see it show in the events section soon and see if anyone else from St. Johns area plans to go so maybe we can coordinate.
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helotech
Garrison Member
Posts: 24
Name: Dave
Costumes: TK ANH Hero
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Post by helotech on Jul 30, 2021 20:04:49 GMT -4
Hey! It would be awesome if you can make it, but i understand the drive. 1st real troops are exciting.
My wife has handled for me in the past, is used to helping people dress if required, and knows the troubles of seeing out of a bucket.
I’ll get the event request in ASAP. It would have been in today but the planners were on vacation so I couldn’t get answers to the questions.
I hate having this all last minute, but having a good troop for a ton of kids and families is too good to give up.
I’m planning on going to the Avalon show in Sept if I can, so hopefully we can meet.
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ti20517
Garrison Member
Costume Update: TIE Reserve, ROTJ Jawa
Posts: 43
Name: Allen Mac Donnell
Costumes: TIE Pilot ANH
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Post by ti20517 on Aug 8, 2021 19:48:21 GMT -4
Well still a bit of time to breathe but nothing posted still in events to make it an official troop. Still as long as weather is good would be willing to make the effort but ya, TIE Pilot costume so not as bad as a TK walking around but the helm is as limiting for view so having handler(s) is a good idea. And I can always just take off the hard parts and put on the cap to be Reserve Pilot lol. Have to see, keep posting details here or message me on FB directly. Keep in mind I am a mainlander, lived in Gander from 86-89 only and was a teen, moved here to Mount Pearl/St. Johns for 10 years and do not go out of town all that often (like 3 times in that time period?) so worst case scenario is if I drive out there you might have to meet me at the Tims and let me follow you out to the event. I can get home (annoyingly to the person I live with lol) but would hate to drive out there all that way, get lost, give up and come all way back.
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helotech
Garrison Member
Posts: 24
Name: Dave
Costumes: TK ANH Hero
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Post by helotech on Aug 10, 2021 14:14:18 GMT -4
Hey Allen.
Looks like the request finally made it to the 501st and should be posted soon.
I can meet anyone at the Timmies right on the Highway in Gander, or you can come to the Troop location. It is actually not that hard to get to. It is about 15 minutes straight down the highway from the Tim's.
I know it's a long drive, but if you can make it early enough, I would try and meet for the latest 0930. If not, I will troop in the morning, meet you at lunch, then troop again in afternoon.
I don't want to take the thunder out of the official posting, but some basic info in case it isn't included:
-Event hours should be 1000 - 1600 on the 27th. I will go down early in the morning to make sure everything is set up properly. I may need to bring a generator and lights for the tent.
-Event is at Little Harbour Park on Gander Lake
-Entrance to park is 11.2 km west of James Patton Memorial Hospital in Gander (towards Grand Falls)
-The entrance to park is on south side of highway, and there is a clearly marked sign and turning lane onto the access road
-park road is gravel and has a couple good potholes...
-Gravel road is about 2km long. About 1km into the road you will come to a "Y" intersection. Stay to the right and you will meander down to the lake.
- I am requesting a large modular green military tent as a changing room. These are about 10 feet by 20 feet, with no flooring (so gravel or sand / grass) and should fit 3 or 4 people changing at one time. There should be tables inside to place gear on. If not I can bring one.
-I will bring a cooler with refreshments and some light snacks. BBQ lunch should also be provided
-The tent is not really secure, so if people want we can place armor bins or other gear in my vehicle. I trust the military people, but park is open to the public during this time.
-In case there are a couple tents set up, I drive a dark grey Dodge Durango and will hopefully be parked near the tent. I'll also try and force my wife to wear the really nice TK racing sheet I bought her...Either way, the park area is not too large so you should find us.
Message me if anyone has questions.
YAYYYYYYYY Troopin!!!!!!
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ti20517
Garrison Member
Costume Update: TIE Reserve, ROTJ Jawa
Posts: 43
Name: Allen Mac Donnell
Costumes: TIE Pilot ANH
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Post by ti20517 on Aug 10, 2021 20:12:35 GMT -4
Depending on road work the "typical driver" takes 3-3.5 hours to get to Gander from St. Johns (I did it in 2 hours 15 but had "lead" foot syndrome lol). So for a 9:30 meet will have to be on road 6am which means at least a 5:30 wake up and hit tims locally before going and no stops along way....ya can do that but might leave earlier to get a 2nd timmies along way as 1 coffee and that early in day is not going to be enough lol. Looking forward to it. Is there any backup or plans if the weather is not going to be agreeable on the 27th? They may not proceed in 27th is its high winds and pouring rain (asking as we are in Nfld)
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helotech
Garrison Member
Posts: 24
Name: Dave
Costumes: TK ANH Hero
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Post by helotech on Aug 10, 2021 21:05:42 GMT -4
That will make for a brutal day, especially if you are heading back the same day. Dedication!
But seriously, don't come to early if it will be a pain.
If you want an easier Troop, you can come for the afternoon. Say noonish, or whatever works for you.
I can Troop in the morning, Break for lunch, come meet you at Tims or at the event, then troop again in the p.m.
I may need a break anyways if it is really hot.
I know this is your first troop, but it is very relaxed.
As for the weather, I'm not sure. Since it is a totally outside event it is up in the air. As far as I know there is no back-up plan.
If you do a later departure I can let you know local weather (or you can check) and decide if you want to chance it.
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