No, we're not being invaded from outer space and, no, it may not be Halloween. You may have seen us in a parade, at a charity or promotional event, in the newspaper, or maybe on TV. We are the 70th Explorers Garrison, a subdivision of the 501st Legion, the world's definitive Imperial costuming organization featuring the 'bad guys' from the Star Wars Universe.
The 70th Explorers Garrison consists of costumed members from the areas of Kansas and Missouri* and our mission is to help our local communities through fund raising, charity and promotional events. We pride ourselves on relationships with notable beneficiaries such as Toys for Tots, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, Dream Factory and other notable organizations. Since we are an all volunteer organization and make appearances at charity based events, we do not charge a fee for our appearances. The 70th Explorers Garrison is committed to helping our local communities through fund raising, charity and promotional events.
Members of the 501st who live in the states of Missouri* and Kansas form the 70th Explorers Garrison. The origin of the 70th Explorers name is twofold. The first part of the name stems from a shared major interstate that runs through both states, I-70. The Explorers part of the garrison name is a reference to Lewis and Clark (specifically), Pony Express, the Wagon trains and the other western movement that went through both of the states. The 70th Explorers started out as a squadron of the Central Garrison on February 24, 2005 and then was approved by the Legion Council to form its own garrison on October 2, 2005 where they were required to complete a one year trial period phase to demonstrate that it can operate as an independent body. The 70th Explorers Garrison was fully approved as an official garrison on November 4, 2006 by the Legion Council.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the 501st Legion/70th Explorers Garrison and have a professional quality Star Wars costume representing a documented villainous character from the Star Wars films or Expanded Universe and are at least 18 years old, please visit the official 501st Legion home page for more information on how to apply for membership.
If you have a fundraiser, charity or promotional event the 70th Explorers Garrison could assist you with, please fill out the event request form. Because we are an all volunteer organization, availability cannot always be guaranteed.
* Southwest Missouri, including 20 counties near Springield, MO, are served by Garrison 66.