Operation: Force of Hope

Never tell me the odds.

It's been the "Troop for the Cure" mantra since I started this blog, a little less than a year ago. It embodies a simple philosophical perspective that I have held throughout my life. People who know me understand that I am a realist, that I am logical at first nature and that I can assess a situation pretty quickly to determine the probable outcome. But people who are close to me understand that, despite and aside from that trait, I am also a romantic- that I believe in the power of hope and the human spirit, and that if I have faith in anything it is in the ability of people to overcome their circumstances through the power of sheer will, effort, and a little kindness.

Hope is the foundation of will. It nurtures our spirits. It dares us to dream and it spurs us on to make impossible things happen. What I fight for in this world is not victory over death, it is not the salvation of every man woman and child affected by illness or hardship- it's the war to give those people a fighting chance. The means to overcome relentless adversaries, insurmountable obstacles, and impossible odds. This is a war on suffering. We are the soldiers, and the weapon is hope.

Never tell me the odds.

A situation was brought to my attention through some mutual friends of a young woman who has fought impossible odds for the last three years. On the page her sister (a hero)  set up for her I learned a lot about her: Nadine Sfeir was diagnosed with an astrocytoma brain tumor in 2010, and has since undergone numerous forms of chemotherapy and two brain surgeries to no avail. Nadine, who had hoped to attend school to become an international human rights attorney, instead faces one final option for treatment to her life-threatening illness: an exploratory treatment called Novacure and a vaccine treatment only offered abroad. Due to the experimental nature of these procedures Nadine's insurance company has denied her appeal to cover the treatments and the family is left with a staggering $150,000 in medical expenses standing between them and their daughter's last chance.

Many factors have stood in Nadine's path to recovery, but it seems cruel that in the end her limiting factor should be financial. I've never met Nadine Sfeir. I've never heard her voice, or had a correspondence with her. But I believe she deserves the chance to fight for her life.

Now is a time for action.

Operation: Force of Hope is an ambitious effort. With some guidance and assistance from some legendary heroes from the 501st legion I have formulated a multi-front campaign to help Nadine in her battle. The key element to this battle is you, and I need your help.

In the 501st we celebrate and commemorate events with patches. These patches are worn as a badge of honor showing where troopers are from, their squad affiliations, events and charities they have supported, and more.

I have designed a Troop for the Cure patch, to be made available to anyone who would like to make a donation to Nadine's Cause (not just legion members). The Troop for the Cure design means many things to me. The Helmet and Cog are representative of my ties to The 501st legion, and the red ribbon is the symbol for blood born diseases (including multiple myeloma, my fathers cancer). These patches will be sold for $26, and all proceeds from the patch sales will go directly to Nadine to pay for the medical expenses of her treatments. The patches will be advanced ordered and then put into production once enough funds have been raised to cover the cost (Minus whatever I can scrape together to front costs myself).

From there I need your help- not only in the form of donation, but in the form of promotion. The "ambitious" part of this mission of course is the incredible amount of money that is required for the treatment-- if we sold 2,000 patches we would only raise $50,000 for Nadine's cause (1/3 of what she needs). What is encouraging is that Nadine's fund has already reached over $17,000 dollars in the short time her page has been up, and is steadily growing day by day. 

In this magical age of the internet I am confident that we can make Nadine's fight viral and we can sell 2,000 or more of these patches. By doing so, it is my hope that we can give Nadine the boost she needs to make her last stand against cancer. So share. Spread the word and the link and Nadine's story- with your family, friends, strangers- and make a difference.

This story is important to me for many reasons. Because I have a family member who is fighting cancer. Because I know what it's like to feel helpless. Because I have been Nadine's sister. Because every person deserves to fight. I have been witness to the miracle of the human spirit, to the giving nature of mankind, and the power of will. I have seen the power of the 501st Legion, I have seen the strength in my friends and family, and I have seen the impossible achieved.

In the war against suffering, we are the soldiers. The weapon is hope.

No surrender.

No retreat.

Never tell me the odds.

-TK-66613

501st Legion

Florida Garrison

Makaze Squad

First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment

 Order Patches from Troop For The Cure here:

http://www.freewebstore.org/Troop-For-The-Cure/-Patch3a_Donation_To_Benefit_Nadine_Sfeir/p1645292_10251072.aspx

501st members!! can see the legion order thread here:
http://www.501st.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=77726

Read Nadine's Story here:

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/be-our-miracle-/72491

Please Share her page!

**UPDATE**
Patches are currently IN STOCK and will ship weekly as orders arrive. At this time patches have raised over $1,000 to help Nadine. Please help us continue to spread the word!

***UPDATE***

By popular demand we are doing a run of Troop for the Cure t-shirts and bumper stickers that were available at Star Wars Weekends. You can visit the thread here to view and purchase them:

 http://www.501st.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=961498#961498

If you are not a Legion Member, you can order them at my webstore, 

http://www.freewebstore.org/troop-for-the-cure

At this time Shirts are PRE-ORDER only, and will be printed once enough have been ordered to print the run (between 50 and 100). Please be patient as these take time to print!

We also posted our first donation to Nadine's fundraiser this week, in the amount of $1,000! 

***FINAL UPDATE***
It is my sad duty to report that Nadine Sfeir  passed away this past thanksgiving. To read more about Nadine please see my updated post http://troopforthecure.blogspot.com/2013/12/operation-force-of-hope-mission-complete.html.  The patches are still available to purchase and the funds that have not already been attributed to Nadine's cause are being deferred to a cause of a similar nature I hope to announce soon. Thanks to anyone who has donated or supported this mission.  

Operation: O-bear Wan Kenobie

This blog entry is a message to my little warrior Ethan, for his sixth birthday on June 6th. I met Ethan through a program called Little Warriors, founded by Maci Bates.

 Maci is a survivor of childhood breast cancer, and has decided to take her experience and fight back in a positive way. She began Little Warriors as a Relay for Life team that grew into an internet based "pen pal" program in which children dealing with serious illness were paired up with people who would send them packages, cards, and gifts of encouragement. Once a month these children recieve a random act of kindness from a stranger they have never met. Maci founded this organization before she was even out of highschool, and is a shining example of how one person can touch the lives of many with kindness and compassion.

Ethan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on his 5th birthday. Ethan loves superheroes and his mom has run with this theme and created the "Ethan is my hero!" Facebook page, where friends, family, and even strangers can send him words of support during the complications of his treatment. Ethan was paired up with me in April and since then has received a package of goodies, as well as 2 transmissions from the galactic Empire.

R2D2's message to Ethan

For Ethan's birthday I wanted to give him something special, that had a little more meaning to it than a simple toy. I wanted him to know that his story was being told, that there were people out in the world that cared about him and his battle, and that those same people were fighting the battle with him. I enlisted the help of the 501st and Rebel Legion and we set up a special project for him. May I present to you:

The Story of O-Bear Wan Kenobie

A long time ago in a Galaxy far far away, there was an Ewok named O-bear Wan Kenobie. O-bear was not content in his life as an E-wok, and made the decision to become a Jedi knight. Through years of training and meditation he learned of a child across the galaxy named Ethan who was fighting a battle with leukemia for his life. Ethan was such a great warrior that he inspired O-bear to take a journey across the galaxy and tell as many people about Ethan's fight as possible.

O-bear took his new found passion before the Jedi council, where he was granted permission to pursue his mission. Jedi master Aayla Secura was especially touched by Ethan's story and arranged for O-bear to speak before the Galactic Senate on his behalf.

Escourted to the senate by Jedi Luminara Unduli, O-bear met Tarfful, the Wookie Chieftan of Kachriho. Tarfful sent Ethan a big wookie hug for O-bear to deliver to Ethan when they finally meet!

 Clone Troopers on planet Geonosis met O-bear and took time out of their battle plans to talk with him about Ethan. They were so impressed that they sent this picture to let him know that they wanted to be heroes just like Him!

Kashyyyk troopers performing recon on planet Dagobah were surprised to find O-bear chasing them through the woods for a picture! They too were moved by Ethan's heroics and wanted to show their support!

O-bear spent a lot of time on planet Tattoine-- here he is with a Jawa and a Tusken Raider! He didn't really know what they were saying, but it must have been something about how awesome Ethan is!

Outside of Jabba's Palace, O-bear met a Bounty Hunter named Boushh- at least, he thinks that's who it was!

At the Mos Eisley Cantina O-bear ran into another bounty hunter, Dengar. Dengar said the cantina was no place for O-bear, and he had to go!

Back on the streets of Mos Eisley, O-bear ran into another Jedi like himself! But this Jedi wasn't the one he was looking for, so he decided to move along.

Later on, O-bear met some pilots who convinced him to join the Rebel Alliance! He journeyed with them to Yavin 4, and got to ride in one of their cool starships!

On Yavin 4, O-bear met the three-eyed alien Re-Yees, who was very nice despite being kind of scary looking! Re-Yees liked O-bear's story about Ethan so much that he introduced him to Mon Mothma, one of the founders of the Alliance, where she praised his mission and Ethan's Bravery!

On the ice planet Hoth, O-bear Wan overslept and missed the evacuation! He was captured by Imperial Snow Troopers, but when he told them the story of Ethan's battle, they decided to help him on his mission (even though he was a good guy!)

They sent O-bear back to his home on the forest moon of Endor, where Imperial Biker Scouts and Ewoks had long been enemies. But the scouts were so impressed with O-bears young friend Ethan that they decided to help smuggle him aboard a Star Destroyer headed for Ethan's home planet of Earth!

On board the Star Destroyer, troops sent out a message to help O-bear find someone who knew this brave young Ethan. They Received a transmission from Storm Troopers on Earth who said they knew Ethan, and O-bear Caught a ride with this Tie-Fighter Pilot!

O-bear's Star Destroyer stopped in Orlando, Florida, where O-bear met TK-66613, Ethan's friend in the 501st legion. TK-66613 promised he would make sure O-bear made it in time to Meet Ethan Before his sixth birthday. So check your mail box Ethan, Because O-bear is on his way!

O-bear Wan Kenobie would like to thank all of the friends he made on his journey to meet Ethan, and hopes that those friends will continue to tell Ethan's story across the Galaxy!

Happy Birthday Ethan, and may the Force be with you!

**UPDATE**

I accidentally forgot to put in one more picture of the clone troopers on Geonosis and their awesome troop transport! This has been added. Commander Colt was kind enough to remind me!

Also, if you would like to follow Ethan's battle or learn more about sponsoring your own little warrior, you can visit the following links:

Ethan is my Hero!

Little Warriors

***UPDATE***

Mission Accomplished! 

The Empire Strikes Back

I realize that some folks may be reading this for the first time, so let me start by saying this:

Hello there! I am TK-66613 of the 501st Legion, Florida Garrison, Makaze Squad, first Imperial Storm Trooper Detachment. A little over a year ago I pledge myself in eternal service to the Galactic Empire on a mission of peace to bring order to the galaxy. There were many reasons, which you can read about  here, but the main reason was that my father had cancer.

If you don't know, the 501st legion is an organization dedicated to doing good works in the community through the elaborate and incredible costuming taken from the immensely successful Star Wars franchise. It's like the Shriners, or a motorcycle gang, only we are nerds. HUGE nerds. Huge nerds with huge hearts, and an immense sense of duty to the people around us, especially kids young and old the world over.

I started this blog so that my father would have something to read from his hospital bed during the lengthy and isolating process that was his stem-cell transplant, the most current and experimental treatment for his particular and viciously malignant for of Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of blood cells that forms tumors in bone marrow and blocks the normal production of blood cells. It has a slew of adverse side effects, and of course is fatal. The treatment itself is no picnic, a process that brings the patient down to a near-death state and then slowly brings you back, with fresh blood and the immune system of an infant. I wanted him to be able to read about the good things I had done, for others, for him, and in his honor. I wanted him to know that he was loved, and that the example he had set to me in my childhood, of charity, of loyalty, of virtue and courage, and of dressing in silly costumes, would live on, even if he didn't- that he and his traditions would live on and his memory would be the inspiration for some good in this world.

Many months later my father had recovered from his treatment. His cancer cell count was down. He was eating food and enjoying life again. There are permanent ailments, resulting from bone deterioration, such as a sore back and physical limitations, which I'm sure after the hell he had been through seemed miniscule. But my father was not cured. He never would be, and he would never be the same as he was before his affliction with this terrible illness. Currently there is no cure for multiple myeloma, as in the case of many other forms of cancer and other diseases.

And that is why I will not stop. And also why I will strike back.

It was in February that I decided I would start a team for the Altamonte Springs Relay for Life. I had never been involved in Relay prior to this all-of-a-sudden determination, so allow me to present to you why I chose relay for life as a starting point in my campaign. Taken from the Relay For Life Website:

"In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern – cancer. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising more than $4 billion to fight cancer.

 In more than 5,200 communities and 20 countries, Relay For Life events comprise the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Each Relay For Life event is special to its community, but the movement's true power lies in the combined commitment of thousands of participants, volunteers, and supporters to help the American Cancer Society save lives from cancer

 Every year, the Relay For Life movement raises more than $400 million. The American Cancer Society puts these donations to work, investing in groundbreaking research in every type of cancer and providing free information and services to cancer patients and their caregivers. We're fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer, in your community and everyone else's."

It's compelling. At least I thought it was. And so I set to work building my strategies for the fund raiser. I let loose on a facebook crusade to raise money that climaxed with a fund raiser at the ever patient and ever faithful Oblivion Taproom on the night of my 29th birthday. It was a great night. We were well on our way to our fundraising goal of $2,500 and the relay hadn't even started yet.

Oh yeah. I had a relay to plan too!

The days leading up to the relay became a frenzy- of event meetings, organizing people, getting gear ready. I also hadn't considered that I didn't really have a "team" for the relay-- and I was staring down walking 18 hours, alone, in a plastic suit that might as well have been a furnace. Luckily some very kind and very masochistic troopers volunteered to help share the walking duties, which in retrospect probably saved my life. Once that was taken care of I began the ominous and very spiritual task that is baking my special secret recipe chocolate chip cookies- a process that I cannot divulge the details of, aside from the fact that it took a very, very long time, and that I made about 200 of them.

Relay day came and went. It's all a blur to me really. From my hazy 10 am setup to opening ceremonies to the various themed laps and some weird contest were I boogied down for dollar bills- it was a great time. There were a lot of funny moments, a lot of smiles, and a few moments when the events purpose really just got to people. It's really impossible to relay the experience to you in words. By the end of the relay we had raised $3,100, I had been awake for almost thirty hours, and I had made friends who will last me a lifetime. Our team won three awards for our efforts. It was an emotional process for me, and though at the time I think I was too much of a zombie for the gravity of the moment to fully set in, I know it affected me.

Since this event I haven't stopped- I've done so many troops I've lost count. from birthday party's, to hospital visits, and much more. I found myself at another Relay for Life Event, where we had set up a "blast a trooper" booth and raised another $350 in just a few hours. My Dad had just re-entered the hospital a few days prior due to complications with his treatment, so this event meant a lot to me. He was several states away and there was really nothing I could do to be there for him, so I decided the best place for me was trooping. Trooping for the cure.

 I was handed a candle as part of the lumineria ceremony, and we once again took to the track in silence. I had an experience that night that I will share with you now, in the form of the text message I sent my father:

"Tonight I walked in silence with this candle around the track. It was windy and dark but I guarded the flame with my helmet. The candle light my way through the darkness under a moonlight sky, guiding my steps, until finally, despite my best efforts the candle went out. For a moment it was dark and I could not see, but in time my eyes adjusted and I found my way back to camp. I knew my way back to camp because the light had guided me halfway there. When you go from this world I will know my path in the dark because of the light you have given me. Thank you for taking me halfway there. And I will l do everything I can to keep you safe until you are gone."

I can only dream to become as brilliant of a light as my father has been for me.

It is my hope, that through this blog, and my efforts, that I can reflect the amazing kindness and unshakable will that I see every day-- in the faces of struggling children, in the efforts of selfless caregivers, in the hearts of sympathetic supporters, and in the acts of the 501st legion and their allies to make this world a better place. It is my hope that through this reflection, the desire to do good and the fight for positive change will be echoed through others, that the flame of my fathers memory will spread and live on, beyond him, and beyond me.

No Retreat.
No Surrender.
Never Tell Me The Odds.

-TFTC

A New Hope

2013 has started with a bang.

   I know, I know- it's mid January already and most people have probably given up on their new years resolutions already. I'm a little late to the game here, but in the world of retail the new year doesn't really start until February so from my perspective  I'm actually ahead of schedule. 2012 held a lot of heartbreak for me, but it seems that through weathering that storm I have come out in a better place. The shining moments between adversities have been my stepping stones to growing into a better person and a path to a better life.

   2012 started with my fathers heartbreaking cancer diagnosis, a moment in my life where I truly believe I hit bottom. Things weren't really going great for me before that, but this was a whole new level of low point for me. How ironic then that in the same week a wonderful woman gave me the strength to carry on, disguised as a couple of visa gift cards and guy in a stormtrooper costume. I probably didn't know it at the time, but that gift would come to shape my life in a whole new direction that has proven as arduous as it is rewarding. That woman saved my life that day. It's probably a big part of the reason I asked her to marry me.

For the rest of 2012 I labored on the construction of a new identity. Through the formation of this blog, the assemblage of  my armor, and the resurrection of my altruistic inner child, I have joined a legion of amazing men and woman dedicated to helping others, having fun, and being unspeakably evil in the best way possible. I never though I would be moved- almost- to tears by the sight of a stormtrooper waving a flag bearing an imperial cog, or shaking the hand of a small child, or standing outside the door of a hospital pediatric ward. I never though something as silly as Star Wars could really make a difference in the world. But I've learned- I've learned it's the little things- I've learned that it's not the uniform that you wear. It's the uniform that wears you. It's the power of anonymous kindness. It's the indiscriminate giving. It's the thought- whether you like Star Wars or not, whether you like sci-fi or not- it's the idea that there is a mobilized standing army of 9,000 nerds who took something "silly" and turned it into something incredible.

 
It doesn't matter how you do it. It doesn't matter where you are from. Make Hope your mission. Make kindness your weapon. And may the Force be with you.

2014 Mission Objectives:

-Troop 25 events or more
-Raise $10,000 for the American Cancer Society
-Run/walk 100 miles for a cause
-Troop with every Florida Garrison Squad
-Inspire and recruit a Trooper

TK-66613- Troop For The Cure

Follow me on Facebook:
 Facebook.com/troopforthecure


Donate to help my mission:
 Freewebstore.org/troop-for-the-cure

Follow Up: Taking Responsibility

Everyone can make a difference. Even an 8 year old boy. Peter Horan probably doesn't fully grasp it, but a lot of good things are being done on his behalf this holiday season. 

In my last blog I touched on the events in Sandy Hook, Connecticut that claimed the lives of 20 innocent children. That post inspired a few amazing women to launch a project called "Books for Sandy Hook" and organize a drive to send copies of a special children's book entitled "A Terrible Thing Happened", which is designed to help children cope with traumatic experiences that they have witnessed, to the Sandy Hook area to help the families affected by this tragedy. The book can be purchased through the American Psychological Association here : http://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/4416428.aspx  or ordered by phone at 1 (800) 374-2721and shipped directly to this address:

94 Riveside Rd
Sandy Hook.Ct. 06482
Care of Sandy Hook Book Drive

The drive so far has been very successful, with more books pouring in every day, thanks to the incredible efforts of Kathleen Henry Hayes, Tom and Missy Horan, April Edinger Hamilton and Rick Heitman. What an excellent example to set for their children, nephews, and grand children as to how easy it can be to do a good thing, even when the worst is facing you.

Peter (Top) and Tommy. Peter goes to the elementary school where the shootings took place.

The Troop sent 5 copies of this book to help the drive on behalf of his father, who has been deeply affected by the events during his recovery. But the Troop made a pledge and by god he's going to keep it. That pledge was to do something good to honor each of the children lost in Sandy Hook, by donating 20 items to the Toys For Tots foundation. My gift to Peter, to help him in his healing from a tragic event. May I present to you the first imperial stuffed animal division, made up of two special units: Cuddly Owls and Slinky Bunnies.

These critters are sold at Kohl's as part of their "Kolh's Cares" initiative, with 100% of the net profit donated to support kids' health and education initiatives in communities nationwide. Since 2000, more than $208 million has been raised nationwide. The animals can be paired with books that are all $5, and make great holiday gifts with a great message to kids. They are super soft and very high quality as well. To learn more about them you can visit: http://www.kohlscorporation.com/communityrelations/community02.htm

Today was the last day to drop items for the Toys for Tots drives so I rolled the van down to the warehouse and was surprised to get a full tour by a wonderful young Marine. He informed me that their yield of donated toys this year had been spectacular (previous years had not been so fruitful) but that they had been shorthanded on workers to help sort their inventory. To sign up as a volunteer for Toys for Tots you can go to http://orlando-fl.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/Default.aspx.

Nothing can replace the lives of the children we lost this week, but I urge each and every one of you: turn off your TV. Get off the internet. Go out and do something good. Stop dwelling on the negativity, the blame placing, and the media blitz. If you want to help these people do it by putting something positive out into the world. That's what this season has always been about.

-TFTC

Taking Responsibility

A member of my family survived a tragedy yesterday.

    Not a blood relative, and maybe technically not a family member yet- but my Fiance's nephew, little Peter Horan, is a pretty special kid, along with his brother Tommy. They live with their mom and dad in the beautiful town of Sandy Hook, Connecticut. I visited them at their home for the first time this year at their family reunion, and I got to spend a lot of time with the boys, who are both very active, happy kids. They like to swim, play video games, explore nature, and run around like crazy- you know, the way kids do. They smile a lot, Peter with a wide, toothless grin. They are good kids, with good hearts, loving parents, and good heads on their shoulders, and I am sure their futures will be bright.
    But yesterday was not a bright day for them. Yesterday they faced a kind of evil that the world may never understand. The kind of evil that wears the face of a man and yet holds no humanity within itself.
    It's heartbreaking to think that these innocent children, along with so many others, had to endure the events that happened yesterday in Sandy Hook, a quaint little town with more cows than stop lights, rolling hills and covered bridges and old time general stores. It's a sobering reminder for all of us who have grown complacent, grown comfortable with the illusion that we are safe in our neighborhoods, in our schools, and in our homes. It's a sickening feeling to be brought face to face with the reality that one day can change our lives forever, and there is little to nothing we can do to prevent it.

    In the days after these events (and it seems it happen all too often) I find myself trying to put myself in these peoples shoes. I wonder what I would do if confronted with such a situation, how I would react if someone I knew and loved fell prey to one of these predators, what on earth would drive a person to do such a heinous, wasteful, purposeless thing as to take the life of someone they don't even know. It occurs to me that, sadly, these things happen every single day. We as a species have been our own sole natural predator for the better part of our existence on this planet, killing, defiling, and victimizing one another, sometimes for gain, sometimes for revenge, and also sometimes for seemingly no reason at all.
    I keep coming back to the same conclusion in my head each time I mull these things over: that our society is broken. That we have devolved back to the animals we were thousands of years ago, with no concern for others, and solely our own personal betterment in mind. Or maybe this whole civilization thing was a joke all along, a set of fake rules we made up to convince ourselves that we are better than what we really are- snarling, violent, and stupid animals, without any values, without any integrity, without any capacity for action and reasoning beyond our own selfish and pointless needs. It makes it difficult, sometimes, for me to understand why I do what I do with Troop For The Cure- what is the point of trying to help people, when people are just dogs that don't know better, don't want to know better, and will simply eat you when the time comes that they no longer have a use for you?

   But meeting people like Peter and Tommy have taught me better than that. Bright children that want to help, to do good, to see others smile- that have been raised with values and empathy and love for one another- that is the answer. It's easy to get bogged down in the bad things that humans do to each other, it takes a closer look to see the good side of humanity. And maybe therein lies the flaw- we tend to focus on the bad things that happen to us, to mull over our personal problems and get bogged down in affairs that in the grand scheme of things really don't matter. I can't pretend to know or understand what problems faced Adam Lanza, but I can say without a doubt they did not get any better today, and whatever they were they were not worth the lives of 20 innocent children and 8 adults.

    In the slew of the media onslaught, of the pushing of political agendas, of the heartless and callous quips you may see or hear on the internet or on the radio or in passing conversation, I urge you to remember this: You alone have a choice in life to dictate whether your actions are for the betterment or decline of our society. What will you champion in this life? What will your priorities be? Are these things you fret over every day worth it? What in life can hold more joy or satisfaction for you than the love and understanding of a another human being? Make hope a goal in your life. Make happiness a priority. Make helping others a standard by which you measure yourself. Break down the walls that society has built to separate us as people and search for common ground among your fellow man. Appreciate what you have and cherish the ones you love, and make it known to them just how important they are to you.

Tomorrow I will remember the 20 children who were needlessly taken from us by purchasing 20 items to donate to the Toys For Tots Charity. Maybe this seems insignificant. After all, how can a toy compare to the loss of a unique and beautiful life? Obviously it can't. But I'll choose to honor them by doing something good- by doing something instead of nothing- because sometimes it's the little things in life that make a difference.

There will always be evil in this world, and bad things will always happen. It is our responsibility to our children, to our fellow man, to make sure that good things happen, too.

http://www.toysfortots.org/

-TFTC

**UPDATE**

My future Mother-In-Law stepped up to the plate and is making a difference. She's partnered with her daughters, one of which was a therapist who specialized in abused children, and organized a drive to send copies of a special children's book entitled "A Terrible Thing Happened", which is designed to help children cope with traumatic experiences that they have witnessed, to the Sandy Hook are to help the families affected by this tragedy. The book can be purchased through the American Psychological Association here : http://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/4416428.aspx  or ordered by phone at 1 (800) 374-2721and shipped directly to this address:

94 Riveside Rd
Sandy Hook.Ct. 06482
Care of Sandy Hook Book Drive

The Troop has ordered 5 copies to be sent on behalf of My Dad, who has been deeply affected by this tragedy as he watched it unfold during his recovery. I have always felt that helping others and feeling productive is a very important part of the healing process- it empowers us and removes the victim status from our shoulders. Give someone the gift of empowerment, and the gift of empowering their children.

Mission Accomplished

It's been a process.
It started with a dream, and through the kindness of the most amazing woman I have ever met it became a possibility. It was a project, and through the crushing adversity of a family member it became a mission. It was a hobby, and through the dedication and inspiration of some incredible men and women it became a new way of life.
I'll be the first to admit I had my moments of doubt... but it was all worth it. Whether is was the sparkle of hope in a sick child's eyes, the support and encouragement of my friends, the soothing words of my ever loving (and ever patient) girlfriend, or the cold, dark, glossy glare of the Dark Lord- the fire never went out.

When this is your boss, you don't get lazy.

Thanks are in order.

A HUGE thanks to Timothy Boyle for all of his help (and putting me up... and putting up with me... and all the laughs and Muppet xmas carols) and also "Mom" and "Dad" for all their hospitality. I am in your debt, and I won't forget the kindness and patience you have shown me in the last few months. You guys are the best. Also thanks to Troy Gentry, who was instrumental not only in the construction of my armor but in integrating me into the group, as well as Paul Button and Rick Russo and family. You guys made my first experiences with the legion positive and memorable... and hilarious.

Thanks to my family and friends, who have supported me all along and my bosses and co-workers for putting up with my time off requests and constant ranting about plastic weld and ABS.

Thanks to the incredible Whitney Hayes for all the patience, all the encouragement, and all the love. You've made my dreams come true, in every way imaginable.

Thanks to my Dad, for fighting hard and being there to get the call. 

I'm In. I did it. And it's all thanks to all of you.

Hail to the Empire

TK-66613

Troop For The Cure