Darth Vader, Storm Troopers, Bounty Hunters — for Star Wars fans everywhere these names are synonymous with bad guys. But in Athens and internationally, these bad guys are spreading good.

The 501st Legion is an official Star Wars costuming organization. Members join for various reasons, including the love of the films, but for University student Brandon Lou and University Building Services Supervisor Jason Rutledge, the charity work was a huge draw.

Each state is broken into garrisons, and there are strict specifications for the accuracy of the costumes in order to become a member. Lou, a Storm Trooper, is borrowing his outfit for now.

Jason Rutledge and Brandon Lou are two of the 501st Legion’s Storm Troopers. Photo by Lily Price

“It’s not cheap to build a costume,” he said. “For example, I believe the one I wear costs $1,400 all told. But it’s a labor of love — it helps bring out the inner nerd.”

Lou had heard about the legion, but did not think there was anyone locally that participated. In November he met a group of guys who live in Athens, and he became an active member in December.

He has gotten great reactions from people whenever he wears the costume. Lou said at conventions it can take members 15 minutes to walk 50 feet due to all the fans. He has been mistaken for a transformer and a droid, but says most people recognize him as a Storm Trooper.

“We’re a big ol’ family that loves Star Wars,” he said. “We help charities however we can, by boasting turnouts at events or fundraising.”

Since joining, Lou has participated in a Children’s Hospital of Atlanta parade, and Toys for Tots at Christmas time.

The Georgia garrison’s concentration on charity work is thanks to Rutledge, the charity liaison for the garrison.

“The motivation for joining boils down to each individual member,” he said. “The charity aspect was the most appealing to me.”

Rutledge contacts local charities to see if the 501st Legion can help out in some way.

Rutledge’s favorite memory was when a mother contacted the garrison for her son with bone cancer. The boy was a big Star Wars fan, so the garrison decided to coordinate a surprise party for him.

“He couldn’t have been older than seven.” Rutledge said. “When he came out wearing a cheap Star Wars Halloween costume, he was so delighted — he had his head shaven and was so sick and so young, it was touching. It was great to brighten his day, even for just a couple hours.”