Though the costumed 501st Everglades Squad is made up of the bad guys of “Star Wars,” the men and women behind the masks and cloaks are anything but.
From visiting ill children in hospitals to marching in parades, the volunteers are regular participants at community events.
Gary Cardenas Jr., 56, does public relations and other tasks for the 501st Everglades Squad. They are part of an international organization of movie fans who spread good will while acting like their favorite characters.
Cardenas, a senior project manager for Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, performs several “Star Wars” roles, a hobby that includes a collection of 30 costumes. The Storm Trooper is probably the most recognizable.
He said his wife Anabel Cardenas “has been supportive,” and supports him at events.
“She does get involved like that. As far as dressing up, it’s not her thing.”
Cardenas’ father, Gary Cardenas Sr. is commander of the American Legion Post 144 in Miami Lakes and helps organize the town’s Veterans Day parade. His son, grandson and their friends are regulars among the marchers.
“I know we have been out there since 2018,” Cardenas said.
Cardenas Jr. took his family annually to Orlando theme parks during Star Wars Weekends to celebrate the science fiction movie franchise.
“I loved going to Star Wars Weekends and seeing the 501st be part of the parade in Orlando,” Cardenas said.
The films takes place in the future and pit rebels versus an empire in outer space. Created by Director George Lucas, the flicks made international stars out of Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and the late Carrie Fisher. The most evil character, Darth Vader, moved beyond the films into pop culture and was a nickname for the late Vice President Dick Cheney, who reportedly embraced the label.
Cardenas joined the 501st Everglades Squad in 2017 with his brother Javier Cardenas. Gary Cardenas Jr. drafted his son, Alex Cardenas, to join when he turned 18. A sister organization called the Galactic Academy is for younger kids, Cardenas said.
The global 501st organization requires that members’ costumes match what film actors wear. They must pass inspection and meet rigorous standards that are stricter than what fans may wear at conventions.
“Ours … have to look like you’re literally coming off the screen,” Cardenas said.
While the group is not officially affiliated with the Lucasfilm company, they can be invited to appear at Hollywood events and as stand-ins in “Star Wars” films.
Members of the group recently appeared in costume at Weird Al Yankovic’s concert at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. Yankovic has at least two parody songs about “Star Wars.”
Brushes with professional entertainers can be fun, but the volunteers’ main focus is performing charitable works and in the community.
Paige Cos, special events manager for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, said the visits mean a lot to the children and their families.
“They definitely support us through various events,” Cos said. “Every year we can happily count on them for May the 4th.”
The appearance date is a play on a line from the movies, “May the Force be with you.”
The 501st set up in a children’s play area where the kids spend time away from treatment. They’ll also visit children who may not be able to leave their rooms.
“The patients are always super excited,” Cos said. “Sometimes I will say I don’t know who is more excited, the patients or the families.”
For Cardenas, spreading happiness is its own reward.
“When you see a child and their family light up when we pop our head into the room, you just can’t match that,” he said.
The 501st Everglades Squad asked that this disclaimer is published: “The 501st Legion is a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans. While it is not sponsored by Lucasfilm Ltd., it is Lucasfilm’s preferred Imperial costuming group. Star Wars, its characters, costumes and all associated items are the intellectual property of Lucasfilm. ©2026 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™ All rights reserved. Used under authorization.”