Welcome to this months Behind the Bucket where we will be featuring Hunter Hornets Squad Leader Glen Fredericks.
Name: Glen Fredericks
TK ID: TK-36315
Costume/s: Stormtrooper, Jawa. Next project is a Scout Trooper.
Favourite Star Wars character: Chopper for canon, Wes Janson in the EU novels.
What’s your favourite song: Sevendust - Angels Son
What is your regular day job?
My day job is anything but regular :D I own a cafe that has Star Wars and other pop culture memorabilia on display. Currently we have a second pop up location. So I'm bouncing between the two, doing things on the fly. It's a unique situation to be in because not only do I get to chat with other Star Wars fans on a regular basis, I also get to tell people how to join the 501st.
Tell us why you joined the 501st Legion?
Initially it was for the opportunities it gave to not only wear a stormtrooper costume, but be surrounded by other stormtroopers. But it became much more than that.
How long have you been a part of the 501st Legion?
An official member since 2013, but wrangling and a cadet for a year and a half before that.
What’s your favourite troop?
That's like asking if I have a favourite child! Regulars on the calendar are the Starlight Christmas Party at the John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle Brick Fest and Imperial Recruitment Day. But whether it's a small one off troop with just 2 or 3 of us, or a bigger con with a larger gathering, each is unique in its own way and there are favourite moments in each troop.
You are the Squad Leader for our Hunter Hornets (HHS), could you please tell us a little bit about your role and the squad?
My role is to be a spokesman, a recruitment officer, and even a role model. I guess two outta three ain't bad!
What does it mean to you to be in command of the HHS?
Since joining the Legion I've witnessed substantial growth in the local area. Recently it seems to be a meteoric rise, but for that I need to thank the foundation laid by those who were around to "induct" me into the group back in 2012. Currently we've got 39 approved members, but what people don't realise is that we've got 500+ fellow fans in a local Star Wars group. Most won't become official members, but they are our ambassadors. They appreciate what we do, they support it by their presence at public events, sharing our posts and telling their friends and families about what we're doing.
I have to say it, being a Squad Leader is a lot easier and a lot more fun than being the Garrison CO. And I think that's because of the close proximity in a smaller area, seeing people face to face and not necessarily having to wait until the next troop to see people.
To me, being in command is to not only focus on the smaller unit but also those that love what we do.
Other than trooping, what hobbies do you have?
I play drums, and bass, though I've not had a lot of time for either in the last few years. Photography is a hobby, particularly toy photography. While it ties into the marketing and promotion side of the business I do enjoy capturing fun photos and making memes, some of which go viral. Stan Lee himself reposted one of my photographs.
Outside of trooping, what’s your favourite thing about being a part of the 501st Legion?
I love the fact that we don't live in the past. We live in the here and now. Our "good old days" were two weeks ago. We're making fresh memories... FRESH memories every time we get together and troop. We'll have time to reminisce when we're too old to get our armour on.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of joining the 501st Legion?
Concentrate on your first build. Don't spread yourself thin, that applies to both with time and finances. By over-committing to every cool costume you see that's being released or up for sale, it'll take you far longer than if you focus on one costume and get it done.
