The Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club prides itself on the dedication of its members, and we have decided to recognize those members that work the hardest to put their best foot forward each month.  This month the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club would like to recognize the members of Shonare Vhekadla Clan as Clan of the Month for May! These members make up one, out of many, of the MMCC’s amazing clans but that did not stop them from being a shining example to all during these trying times.

The Shonare Vhekadla Clan covers the entire state of Arizona in the South Central Region. The clan was one of the first clans to be founded in the MMCC and has been the longest standing clan since 2007 when it was first formed. The clan originally made its appearance in 2006 as the Dune Sea Mandos but became part of the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club a year later. The clan is comprised of people from all walks of life through a single unifying force for the love of Star Wars and all things Mandalorian. Their clan motto is “Aliit ori’shya tal’din (family is more than blood).” This is a very widespread motto, but the clan takes it to the next level by incorporating the true meaning into their clan and activities; They are more than a clan, they are family.

This is not the case just for the clan but for all the costume clubs in Arizona as well. We sat down with Kiru Setu, the Alor’ad of Shonare Vhedkadla Clan, to her more about the clan. The clan works very closely with the Dune Sea Garrison of the 501st, the Mos Eisley Base of the Rebel Legion, and the Twin Suns Spire of The Dark Empire. Because they work so closely together the clubs have no shortage of opportunities to troop as one Star Wars family. The clan’s motivation comes from being able to troop together and the joy it brings to not only them but the kids as well. By bringing joy to all those around them, it brings the clan joy itself. Kiru stated that behind that joy is a great leadership team, as well as its great Aliit Ka’ra, that are out trooping while continually helping both official and unofficial members.

This type of motivation allowed the clan to reach 38 charity hours this year. The clan works hard and enjoys what they do behind a fantastic Alor’ad to guide them. Kiru stated that she feels honored to be chosen to lead the clan and is very proud of the clan. She is proud of what they have done for each other and the community; she says they are a great group of people. With the pandemic still among us, we had to ask how these great group of people are holding up. Kiru states that everyone is doing okay but also taking the initiative to do their part. Some of the members have taken up arms against the virus by sewing masks and printing PPE for first responders. Many of these members have stopped working on their crafts to change gears by assisting their community.

When the clan isn’t working with the community to ensure safety among all, the clan does whatever they can to stay busy. The clan recently had a very wonderful and productive virtual social talk with Dominic Pace, who played Gekko in The Mandalorian. The clan was very appreciative and thankful to him for talking with them. Talking with Dominic Pace was not the only interesting thing the clan has done during this time; they also hosted a virtual guide of the forums to help any foundlings and held a clan wide Kar’ta Beskar virtual challenge. The clan does plan to hold more educational and family events in the future so the clan can still stay connected. All clans long to troop once again and Shonare Vhekadla Clan is no different. They long to troop by looking forward to the hope that they will troop their larger troops sometime soon.
The troops the clan attend always attract new foundlings and growth for any clan is important.

Kiru believes that it is also important to retain existing members. Shonare Vhekadla Clan is doing everything they can to help their own official and unofficial members to keep them interested. They have followed the MMCC’s footsteps and created an Arizona Mandos Builders Group to help them through the process at a more localized level. The clan’s officers are working around the clock to help the membership with anything that would stop them on their builds. As the virus rages on, Shonare Vhekadla Clan manages to continue to help themselves grow and do more for their community. But their goal has shifted from growth and trooping to just staying connected in these dark days. The clan hopes to continue to stay connected with each other and their current or future foundlings. The clan will continue to do good work for each other, the club, and their communities and we wish them good luck! We know they will be great.

 

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azmandomercs/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svc_mando/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SVCMando