Long time ForceCast listener and forum member "Cramer" sent along this e-mail and set of photos from R2 builder Chris Simonds. Chris, along with fellow builder Jon Stokes, and members of the 501st recently took part in helping to create the Today Show's Halloween Star Wars tribute. Here's how it went down, according to Chris:

Getting an email from Steve Iervolino, the XO of The Empire City Garisson, to be involved in the NBC Halloween Reveal for the Today Show is more excitement than any one R2 builder could hope for.













The fun we had was unimaginable. Behind the scenes was probably more thrilling than the show itself. The constuction started the night before and the droids came in at 3am for rehearsal and interference test with the show's wireless microphones. The Today cast were on set to do a walkthrough at 6am before they got into costume. Plenty of kind and energetic 501st members to get to know as well. Some familiar, some not. But all brothers!

I'd like to send out a very special "thank you" to Mary Franklin of LucasFilm and the crew at NBC. This woman can go days without sleep! Everyone was extremely accommodating and gave easily understood directions. I hung out quite a bit in the control room of the Today Show with Dave Lanton from NBC who made me feel very much at home. The entire event was surreal.

-Chris Simonds

Thanks Cramer, Chris, and Jon--and everyone else keeping the flame of Star Wars burning so bright.

If you have a cool Star Wars tale that you would like to share, send us an e-mail today!