MAHOPAC, N.Y.— Few people would argue against the cultural impact of “Star Wars” and the myriad sequels and prequels it spawned. You’d have to be buried under a mountain on Dagobah to have not heard about the Skywalker family saga. The tale of good vs. evil, light vs. dark, is told simply and powerfully. It’s inspired legions (literally an entire legion, but more on that later) of fans, both die-hard and casual.

For Mahopac resident Bob Olszewski, “Star Wars” serves as an inspiration, a creative outlet, and as a means to give back to the community, as well as a common interest for the family.

Olszewski, who works as a network solutions architect, has worn many different hats. He’s worked as a mechanic in his father’s shop, played drums onstage in the ‘80s and early ‘90s. Perhaps the most interesting hat he’s worn is a Stormtrooper helmet as part of the 501st Legion.

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“I was looking for one of those full-size Stormtrooper replicas they used to sell at Sharper Image,” Olszewski said, “and through word of mouth, I found out about the 501st.”

The 501st Legion, aka Vader’s Fist, is a worldwide organization of “Star Wars” and Stormtrooper enthusiasts with chapters, or garrisons, on all seven continents. In fact, Olszewski helped found the Hudson Valley Garrison. The requirements to join are straightforward: own a professional quality “Star Wars” costume and be over 18.

One of the things that drew Olszewski to the 501st was the charity work it performs. As a council member for the Knights of Columbus and a den leader for the Boy Scouts, Olszewski is no stranger to community charity work, but there was something special about 501st.

“The first [event] I did with them was down at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and it was one of the most humbling experiences of my life,” he said about his first experience meeting children in the burn and oncology wards. “I’m glad I had a bucket on my head because there were tears coming out of my eyes and you look at these kids and you’re this larger than life…real character to them. Ever since then, I became more heavily involved.”

Olszewski built a fully functioning life-size model of everyone’s favorite droid, R2-D2. At a friend’s suggestion, he found designs and joined a forum online to share information and started collecting parts. Over the course of five years, Olszewski taught himself many of the skills needed to complete the droid.





“It’s a lot of everything. It’s a lot of engineering, a lot of sheet metal, electronics, programming and coding that goes into it,” he said. “My goal was to have it finished by the time my children were in first grade. I wanted to bring R2 in for May the 4th (national Star Wars Day).”

The robot is also a means of giving back a little to the community.

“I do a lot of work with Country Knowles Preschool, where I bring R2 with me on May the 4th,” he said.

He plays a couple of songs and they watch “A Star Wars Story” through the projector built inside R2-D2.

“Some kids want to know how it works, and some kids want to take pictures,” he said. “It’s a great experience.”

Olszewski’s work with 501st and his spot-on R2-D2 recreation eventually led to what some might call a dream opportunity—working part time as a contractor for Lucas Films. Before movie releases or special events such as May the 4th, Lucas Films contacts local 501st garrisons to make live promotional appearances in the area. Olszewski has appeared on shows such as “Good Morning America” and “Late Night With David Letterman,” as well as at several conventions and charity events.

“Star Wars” isn’t just a means of giving back. It’s something that he shares with his family. You won’t find X-wing wallpaper on the walls or “Star Wars” marathons on the TV, but come opening night of a “Star Wars” movie, you might find them waiting in line.

“The first time I saw ‘Star Wars’ was in 1977,” he recalled. “My mom took me to opening day to all three of the original trilogy. I’ve kept the tradition by taking my family to the first showing the night before opening.”

When asked what the movie franchise and his work with 501st Legion meant to him and his family, his answer was as wise as a Jedi Knight.

“Every parent makes a great effort to teach their children good values as they grow up,” he said. “To me, the ‘Star Wars’ series has always portrayed the classic tale of good vs. evil. What better way to use these stories as examples for our kids on our journey?

“I joined the 501st Legion as a volunteer to help support charitable organizations; however, my mission has always been to make people happy along the way. My kids have been accompanying me since they were very young, doing their part and hopefully learning from the example I am trying to set for them,” he added. “They understand that it’s not all about us having an R2-D2 but the impact it makes on a child who is sitting in a hospital bed watching this larger-than-life character roll through the door to spend time with them.”

This spring you’ll be able to see R2-D2 and the 501st at the Go the Distance Walk benefit for Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. But with a new “Star Wars” movie coming out this December (and one scheduled for every year), chances are you’ll see Olszewski and his droid on TV sooner rather than later.

Even if you don’t recognize him under the helmet.