Get to Know Your MI501st :: May, 2012

Julie Balk
Legion ID: 7344
Joined May, 2006

Julie's earliest Star Wars memory takes her back to a time just before kindergarten when she saw The Empire Strikes Back with her preschool class. Hyperspace to May of 2006 and she became a member of the 501st Legion. She explains that it was her husband (Chris Balk – TK7275) who was the inspiration to join. "I told Chris when we got married that I wouldn't ever be doing this stuff with him, but it was fine if he did. Then I started going to events as a volunteer, and I finally decided I had to be a part of it - it was so much fun!" says Julie.

Since joining the group Julie has trooped 23 events and she says it has changed her life. "Seeing the excitement and wonder of the kids interacting with the characters has brought more wonder and excitement into my life" says Julie.

Her favorite events so far are the clubs appearances with the DSO and Ypsilanti Symphony.

Julie's other hobbies outside of the 501st include playing the cello. "I have been playing the cello since I was 11 and am currently playing in the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra" says Julie. She also loves to read when she gets the chance.

When Julie is not provided a commanding presence among the legions of stormtroopers that are deployed fighting the Emperor's enemies, she works as a clinical research coordinator at the University of Michigan, working with breast cancer studies.

When asked what are some of her accomplishments outside of the 501st, she replies, "I think the major accomplishment would be staying relatively sane as a wife and full-time working mother of two little girls!"

View Julie's profile...