The Empire prides itself on creating hardened, battle-ready stormtroopers for action. As any DI from Genosha will tell you, the greatest weapon a trooper has is his or her training. As testament to that it is well documented that troopers, even when suffering injury, can prove to be a powerful weapon. At the end of the Clone Wars the Empire launched Phoenix Initiative. It’s mission: to repair injured troopers and refit them to be ready to see action again. “Recycled Troopers” assigned to the 501st Legion have been dubbed the Walking Wounded Detachment, and they serve proudly in all field missions.
The Walking Wounded Detachment is an unofficial unit made up of individuals from the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, Mandolorian Mercs, and other Star Wars costuming groups, each of whom are dealing with some form of handicap: whether physical, mental, emotional, or otherwise. It is our goal to give a home to those suffering from the challenges and stigma of infirmity in all its forms. It is our aim to empower individuals to take pride in their ability to overcome obstacles and to support one another in a community of understanding. If you know of someone in the Legion who is dealing with a handicap, just email us at WalkingWoundedDetachment@gmail.com and nominate them for this roster.
We would be honored if you would join us.
Click on the link and join the WWD group on Facebook
Click HERE to view the WWD Roster
Click HERE to check out WWD Gear
Announcing: WWD Call Support Team
The WWD is committed to Star Wars costumers from all clubs supporting one another. So we are creating a Call Support Team to be available for anyone just looking to talk and be heard. This team is all-volunteer and not a substitute for professional treatment. This is just a community service for anyone needing to talk, because sometimes that can make a world of difference.
Heading up the call support team is Jacob Williams. Jacob is a USAF military chaplain and minister as well as a 501st Legion member based in Florida. He has volunteered to offer his time to any in the WWD who are looking for someone to talk to. This would NOT need to be a religious service unless that is what you seek. Jacob’s is simply offering his time drawing off years of experience in being an ear for those who need it. You can call him the WWD chaplain, or you can just call him a friend.
From Jacob:
“One of the reasons my wife and I got involved with the 501st is because we liked how much of a charity involvement there is with the events. Honestly if this was just about dressing up like Star Wars characters I probably wouldn’t have spent the money to build a costume, even though I love Star Wars. We started doing this because we loved the people and love making a difference in people’s lives directly or indirectly.”
The WWD call support team can be reached by emailing us at WalkingWoundedDetachment@gmail.com
Remembering our brother: John Minnick
As told by his wife, Tamara:
“John (TB-52913) was a Biker Scout in the 501st Legion since September of 2017. John was a Walking Wounded member but his wound was not visible. He had his mitral valve replaced in May of 2013. When he found out about this detachment, he was glad there was a group like this that was part of the 501st Legion. He loved wearing his Walking Wounded shirts. John loved trooping and always said “Pathfinders lead the way.” John was a caring person who loved participating in hospital troops and also charity events. He enjoyed attending Comic Cons and loved raising money by doing Blast-A-Trooper. As his wife, and also a Jawa in the 501st Legion, I will miss trooping with him very much! May the force be with you always, my love, my Biker Scout.”
Welcome Scott Richardson!
On June 5th 2021 the Walking Wounded had its own panel as part of the 1138 event, the 501st Legion hosted celebration of 50 years of Lucasfilm! And as part of the panel, we were honored to be joined by Scott Richardson, who starred as the first mate Quiggold in The Force Awakens. A below-knee amputee, Scott was challenged to play the peg-leg first mate of the Meson Martinet. Scott regaled us with his experiences working in a heavy costume with almost zero visibility and an actual peg leg. Amazing actor and inspiration. We welcome Mr. Richardson to the Walking Wounded and the entire Star Wars fan community!
Peter Mayhew : Inspiration to everyone
The members of the Walking Wounded Detachment salute Peter Mayhew, the mighty Chewbacca. Friend to fans all over the world, Peter was the most positive and uplifting soul one could hope to meet. And all this while battling crippling problems owing to his size. Many times he would say he would “soldier on” in spite of it. So for this and many reasons we salute Peter as a true example of how to live one’s life. We will miss you, our friend, our inspiration.
History of the WWD
A little about the Walking Wounded Detachment:
It was sometime around 2006 that Joe Price and his wife Sheila introduced themselves to me at DragonCon. I was immediately struck by how passionate they both were about Star Wars and the 501st Legion. Joe and I got to talking and he shared that he, like me, suffered from crippling disabilities. At one point he said, “We should have a unit in the Legion dedicated to troopers with disabilities. It would give them something to take pride in.” I agreed. Soon after that meeting, Joe passed away. But I never forgot what he said. And so I dedicated myself to honoring Joe’s dream and creating a unit that would bring attention to disabilities and give troopers a place to call home when they feel out of place everywhere else. This one’s for you, Joe. I hope we make you proud!
