JerryVader

As a kid, I grew up loving Darth Vader and all of the Star Wars lore. As an adult, I finally got inspired to put together a “life size” Darth Vader display for my home around 2009. Then I got to thinking, why not make it a working and wearable costume instead of just a display. My passion for detail (others may refer to it as my “anal-retentive nature”) caused me to connect with the Carolina Garrison and the Sith Lord Detachment groups, in order to make my Vader as accurate as possible. My hard work paid off when I officially joined in 2011. I really like the way this group works together. Being spread across all of NC and SC, it can be tough for a single Garrison to cover events, but there are folks who work together in more “local groups” to handle events, as well as travel across both states to help make things happen! I’ve been a lead member of the Garrison’s local Guard staff for several years now as well, and always happy to help when things need “attention.”

When I’m not being the Dark Lord, I work as a Computer Engineer in my “day job” for a Major Bank here in Charlotte. I was pretty active in all kinds of sports in my prime (Football, Soccer, Track), but now I try to stick to more “relaxing” sports when I play, like Golf or Pool. I teach Motorcycle Safety Foundation Beginner Rider Courses at the local Community College as well.
I’m also an amateur photographer in my spare time (mostly for fun, not for pay), so if I take a break to “Wrangle” at a few events, then I’ll probably be behind the camera, not the table! I’m also a big fan of anything outdoors, from riding my Harley, to cookouts to camping and beach weekends. Guess I’m always on the go.