By Hollie Gibbs
A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack. – Yoda
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…
A princess Leia hologram repeatedly declared, “Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi; you’re my only hope,” and average citizens, outcasts, and the Rebel Alliance came to the white cloaked damsel’s aid. Today, when a similar band of local Jedi sees children in need of help, Cleveland’s own Rebel Legion rises to the occasion.
The Great Lakes Base is a group of Star Wars fanatics from Michigan and Ohio, most of whom make their authentic character costumes at their own expense. (This can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars; so parents, restrain your plastic lightsaber wielding children from attacking.)
Encouraging their inner children to flourish, the group dresses in full costume, brandishing blasters, to attend midnight re-releases of Star Wars movies, conventions, and comic book events, and march in parades. For those who think that this is a group of irresponsible overgrown children, however, it would be wise to heed the advice of Obi-Wan Kenobi. “Your eyes can deceive you; don’t trust them.”
Even the cocky Han Solo and sarcastic Princess Leia put their playful banter aside long enough to defeat throngs of anonymous stormtroopers. So too does the Great Lakes Base when called to duty to ambush faceless childhood ailments.
They participate in charity walks, visit children at the Cleveland Clinic and Akron Children’s Hospital, and promote literacy at local libraries. In fact, if they are at an event, more than likely the appearance is tied back to charity efforts. Averaging between 100 and 150 events annually, some members make two to three appearances in a single weekend. These rebels aren’t afraid to put down their weapons and pick up a bowling ball or walk three miles around a zoo, either (making sure to keep Chewie a safe distance from the zookeepers). Always appearing in full costume and staying in character, some members form fundraising teams, while others provide support and promote awareness, posing for pictures and passing out water to participants.
“We do have some rules to follow, set down by Lucasfilm Ltd, about what we can and (often) cannot do while dressed as LFL licensed property,” Legion member Geoff Krickhan (known as Krash) explained. “But overall, our guys can be very creative when it comes to supporting local charities.”
As Yoda said, “Do or do not; there is no try.” And what this group does is raise money and awareness for such altruistic organizations as Relay for Life, Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Heart Association, and Autism Speaks, among others.
“I think it’s important for groups like Great Lakes Base/Rebel Legion to be involved with many local charities,” Krash said. “Because when kids see us portraying characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padme Amidala, or a group of Jedi knights, we inspire them, the same way those characters inspired us to be the good guys growing up.”
“For over a thousand generations, the Jedi knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic, before the dark times, before the Empire.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi
These local fans are continuing the Jedi tradition, and those who choose the dark side had better beware. Because, as General Cassio Tagge warned, “The Rebel Alliance is too well equipped; they’re more dangerous than you realize.”
“For years, I organized a Star Wars themed laser tag fundraiser at this place called Lazer Xtreme,” Krash said. “We’d get dressed up in costume, put on the laser tag equipment and play against the kids – with money going to Make-A-Wish Foundation. One year, we raised enough money to grant the wish of one boy for his family to go to Disney World in Orlando for Star Wars Weekend. We even managed to bring the boy and his family to Lazer Xtreme to play a couple rounds of laser tag with us. The laser tag event was perhaps the most fun members of our group got to have – playing Star Wars like we used to do as kids – only now dressed like the characters we used to imagine we’d be. Lazer Xtreme was sold about two years ago, but I’m pleased to say we’ve reached an agreement with the new owners to bring back the fundraiser event in the spring of 2013.”
“Don’t underestimate the Force.” – Darth Vader
If it seems like they are having more fun than impact, be aware the two are not mutually exclusive. In the summer of 2009, Sam Bish [pictured above] was a typical 8-year-old boy from Reynoldsburg, who enjoyed video games, Legos and spending time with family and friends. And Sam loved everything Star Wars. He was looking forward to starting third grade when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma pediatric cancer. Amid numerous other surgeries, his leg was amputated in October of the same year.
“Many of the Star Wars characters showed up at a 9th birthday party for our son,” Cindy Bish explained. “We did not know they were coming. Seeing the look of surprise and enjoyment on his face was priceless. They made his day.
“Towards the end of our son’s life, while he was in hospice care, a very special movie night was planned where many of the Great Lakes Base characters came dressed up so pictures could be taken. Many of them stayed to watch the movie with our son and presented him with numerous gifts including his very own lightsaber. This meant the world to Sam. This very special evening was one of the last times we saw our son smile and just being able to forget – even for a moment – how very sick he was. Many of the Star Wars characters came to our son’s funeral in full costume; what a very special way to show support for Sam and our family. We will never forget how much this very special group of men and women did for our son. They brought smiles and enjoyment to his journey with cancer by just being there for him and supporting him.”
“My ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter.” – Yoda
Just as the Force touches all living things, so is the Great Lakes Base proof that all people have something to offer others.
“We’re just normal people who use their love for Star Wars to help other people,” Krash said. “When I talk with people at our events, many of them think we’re actors. I tell them that we’re just like them. We’ve got doctors, librarians, stay at home moms and kids who are still in college – all who give up much of their free/family time to volunteer with our group to help promote Star Wars and support dozens of good causes.”
Join the Great Lakes Base Sat 8/11 at the Akron Aeros baseball game (at Canal Park, 300 South Main Street in Akron) as they auction off the custom Star Wars baseball jerseys the team will be wearing with proceeds going to Akron Children’s Hospital. Doors open at 6 p.m. for pre-game photo ops; opening pitch is at 7:05. Post-game fireworks will be set to Star Wars music.
Sun 8/12 at 7 p.m., the group will appear at Blossom Music Center as the Cleveland Orchestra celebrates John Williams’s 80th birthday with a concert featuring some of his famous movie themes (which include the scores to all of the Star Wars movies). Great Lakes Base will be available for pictures with guests.
To learn more about the group, visit http://www.GreatLakesBase.com or http://Facebook.com/GreatLakesBase. Fans are invited to post their pictures with the group on the site. To learn more about Sam Bish, visit http://SamBishFoundation.org.
Hollie Gibbs has a BS in journalism from Kent State University and studied photography at School of the Visual Arts in Manhattan. Her articles and photographs have appeared in numerous local and national publications. She can also be found playing guitar with various bands and building life-size monster props.
Akron, OH 44308
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
One Response to “Heroes They Are: Star Wars Characters with a Cause”
Skip Hollowell
They’s my buddy ScottyK as Capt Rex in the lead photo with the kids.