InterView
By Chris Murphy
Star Wars has captured the minds of most of the world, and perhaps even beyond. Modesto is the fortunate home of George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars and he spent many a creative day, dreaming up new characters, reading comic books, building neighborhood roller coaster and even creating sets at Downey High Drama. Today, Star Wars is a global phenomenon. For Modestans, it is special to be from George Lucas’ hometown, and we have many unique people in our community that celebrate Star Wars culture. One of the key people is Jamie Franscella, executive officer and event coordinator of the 501st Garrisons central California Garrison. These folks live these characters, from Storm Troopers, to the Empire, Sith, resistance and beyond. You most likely have seen them at one of Modesto’s May the 4th Celebrations and let’s get to know Jamie.
ModestoView: When did you first see Star Wars?
Jamie Franscella: I saw Star Wars in the late summer of 1977 at the Briggsmore theater on McHenry. I was nine years old and I was hooked.
MV: What do you do outside of being part of the 501st and your love for Star Wars
JF: I work locally in the dairy industry
MV: What inspired you to join the 501st?
JF: Everyone has a story in the 501st mine started with the loss of my brother to suicide. I wanted to reach out and volunteer just do something. I saw these people dressed in Star Wars costumes and I asked questions. Being a life-long fan and seeing the vast number of charities world wide that the legion supported, they were a perfect fit. I had my first costume done and entered the club officially in January of 2019 .
MV: What Star Wars Characters do you enjoy portraying most?
JF: I’m a very interactive character it’s basically acting and you are that character in that persons eye you are interacting with. Being a Tusken raider is a great one though. The costume, like all of our costumes is movie quality. But what really brings it out is that Tusken yell and waving that Gaffi stick over my head it definitely gets your attention and people love it.
MV: What were the most fulfilling or memorable events you have been involved with as a member of the 501st?
JF: I’ve done a lot of events but what stands out the most is the first visit I did at a children’s hospital. I meet a girl who was not doing well. She was excited when we came in sitting up smiling and going on about how much she loved Star Wars . I held her hand and in that moment there was no cancer , no hospital; there was hope and happiness. Outside her room her mother told us she didn’t have much time left and we had brought so much joy to her and thanked us. It’s the hardest thing to do but is the most fulfilling. Those helmets hide the tears .
MV: How does it feel to be part of, but instrumental in, creating a Garrison honoring the hometown of the Creator (George Lucas)?
JF: The imperial Graffiti squad is currently active! I am proud to have contributed to getting the squad going. A lot of work by a lot of people was done to get this going. This will be a lasting tribute to George Lucas and Modesto’s Star Wars legacy!! Our current patch has “Thank the Maker “ on it. We refer to George as “the Maker”.
MV: How can someone join the 501st and get involved?
JF: Joining the 501st is really easy. Just look us up at 501st.com, the local Garrison is the Central California Garrison the squad in the Modesto area is the Imperial Graffiti Squad. Reach out to us. We are here to help you on your journey and you’ll never be around such a great group of people. We are an international costuming group with over 14,000 members. As far as costumes we have hundreds of characters to chose from. These costumes are movie quality costumes. Costumes are approved based on these standards. I have to say please reach out before starting to purchase items for a costume if you are interested in joining. We have years of experience we’d like to share with you in working on your costume and will get you going in the right direction. We do not sell costumes as a group but there are plenty of vendors. Contact us to inquire about appearances
MV: What do you think Star Wars means to people, especially people here in Modesto?
JF: I think Star Wars is very important to Modesto as is American Graffiti. My wish is that some day there will be a Star Wars museum in Modesto that would attract people from all over the world to come visit George Lucas’s home town.
MV: How proud do you feel, coming from the Modesto area, when you walk through Star Wars Land in Disneyland
JF: Walking though Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland was so emotional. As a child you play Star Wars and now as an adult you are in a galaxy far far away. The sounds, the smells, the characters. It is such an immersive experience everyone must go even if you’re not a fan. I just want to put on one of my costumes and hang out there for a week. Disney if you read this give me a call!
MV: You have deep roots here in our community, and you have served our country, what parallels does Star Wars have for your life?
JF: As a nine year old seeing Star Wars I was inspired by Sandtroopers! They were the elite soldiers of the Empire. I grew up among a lot of veterans. I wanted to be that solider and I did. I served 8 years in the Army and I finally became that Sandtrooper. Every detail in that costume from the grimy look to the backpack says Solider to me. I participate in veteran walks and parades in it. Also as a veteran I served in Panama in 1989-90. Two years ago I friended a man from Panama who was a Star Wars fan and had served in Panama. They were starting up their own garrison in Panama. I was encouraged by their members to make the trip. My wife and I recently returned from that trip to Panama with many new friends from the Panamanian outpost . Star Wars is truly a language spoken around the world !!!
MV: The intergalactic question, Beatles or Stones?
JF: Beatles
Learn more at www.the501st.com
