Star Wars at the White house?

The 2 TK's are 501st members from Old Line Garrison, the Chewbacca and Ahsoka are from LFL. Not seen in that picture, but also at the event were C-3PO and R2-D2. I believe R2 was from the R2 builders club, but not sure who the operator was, and 3PO was TDH's very own Trooper TK-409.

Chris has a very cool stroy about the event, so I hope he pops in here to share it.

Other than hanging with the maker himself, I can't really think of a higher profile event. :cheers
 
The two Stormtroopers were my buddies Bill and James. I actually got the call about two weeks prior, asking if I was available to do this. Unfortunately, I sold my clean white TK armor last year and that's all they wanted for the event.

I checked the forums Sunday morning (after Halloween) and was just devastated that I missed such a great opportunity.
 
Hey everybody, here's my account. I am awaiting some photos from Lucasfilm and the White House.
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My night in the White House

Monday, 02 November 2009
This Halloween, I was at the White House as Threepio and it was unreal!

The White House contacted Lucasfilm and asked if they could have any characters visit for Halloween. Lucasfilm sent a list of characters that could be available and Michelle Obama herself made the choices. C-3PO, R2D2, Chewie, Ahsoka Tano and 2 Stormtroopers. Chewie was the Lucasfilm tour actor Michael Healy. R2 was supplied and operated by Pat Coajou. Ahsoka Tano was a New York actor named Lamay and the troopers were Bill Ray, TK-0037 and James Gajarsa, TK-5530.

Lucasfilm contacted me about a week before Halloween saying only that I had been cast as Threepio for an event in Washington DC. I didn't find out it was at the White House until a day before Saturday's events.

It turns out the Obamas are Star Wars fans, because they all knew exactly who was who and the President never mispronounced C-3PO (as in C-P30 or 3-CPO, which I find is very common among people who are not really fans of the films (have I ever mentioned I'm a huge geek?)

I spoke with the President twice, once on the elevator and once when we were shooting photos with him.

The troopers and I were riding in a small elevator up to the main level. Unexpectedly, the car came to a stop a floor early. The door opened and there was the President. He came on saying "What's up guys!" we were all surprised. He said, "Wow, you guys are awesome." I had my full costume on and was in character, literally rubbing shoulders with the President. I acted surprised, as Threepio would, and said, "Oh, why hello!" He laughed and said, "Hello C-3PO!" and as I was leaving, I turned to my Lucasfilm handler and said, "Well, he seems very friendly..." recalling when Threepio met Lando on the landing platform on Cloud City. Later, that snippet cracked up the Lucasfilm staff who said, "That is so classic Threepio!"

During the entire trick-or-treating, I was standing there in front of Chewie, except for one part when they escorted me to another area on the grounds of the White House where I met with the Obama daughters Sasha and Malia and a few of their friends. It turns out that C-3PO is their favorite character and had requested the chance to meet him. It was great! The girls were very polite and I greeted them and their friends and thanked them for having us.

After the trick-or-treating ended, we were escorted inside where there was a party for the White House staff and their families. The White House staff told us that Johnny Depp would be in the Alice in Wonderland room, dressed as the Mad Hatter as well as Tim Burton. They were, and it was very cool.

We entertained the visitors and I was talking to a little boy dressed as Boba Fett, with a jetpack that was inflatable. I was commenting on what a great bounty hunter he was. Then I looked up and saw his father was partially dressed as Darth Vader. Vader was the President's press secretary Robert Gibbs.

The Star Wars characters got to get a photo with the President and his wife. When we came in the room I greeted them again and the President said, "Hey C-3PO, can you say something to Michelle for me?" I turned to her and said, "Oh, why hello! Thank you very much for having us. It's our pleasure to be here." She laughed and said, "Oh, thank YOU for coming!" Then he laughed and said, "Threepio, you stand here in front of me". Chewie was standing behind the President , but because of my limited vision, I don't know where the troopers or Ahsoka were standing. We'll see when the photo comes from Lucasfilm.

We didn't get to take any photos inside the White House, but Mary got some photos of all of us once we were suited up. I'll post those when we get them! Here's what I have so far...

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chris-c3po-whitehouse.jpg
 
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Chris, that is gotta be one of your MOST MEMORABLE event of you live :cheers:cheers.

Looks like your costuming hobby really hit the jack pot this time :cheers:cheers.

Beer for you Chris :cheers:cheers

Can't wait to see pictures.
 
Great story Chris. Jealous drool is coming off my face but you deserve it. In fact I think you were the first of any of this group that I really met and for being one of the 'popular' guys around here, you were super cool from the start...good karma strikes back. By the way, always been sorry I had too much Jawa Juice to drink at CIII that time! (and sorry to all involved in that, but that's another story, old baggage and my bad).

Mike too bad you missed it but I guess that's part of going dirty :) . At least you still have such amazing armor! I'll always be thankful for the sample you provided me which made all the difference in my TD.
 
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