FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
In a rare visit, R2-D2 of the Star Wars' universe excited patients and brought smiles to command and staff members at McDonald Army Health Center at Fort Eustis Aug. 23.
This replica of the R2-D2 droid is owned and operated by Matthew J. Hammer, who currently serves at MCAHC as an emergency medical technician for Fort Eustis Emergency Medical Services. Hammer enjoys working on his R2-D2, and on occasion, sharing it with others.
"I love it," Hammer exclaimed. "I am constantly tinkering around and working on him all the time; constantly upgrading him; constantly trying to make his parts stronger and more durable to withstand the abuse he receives from kids who like to run up and pull at him."
Pronounced "Artoo Detoo" and described as "a resourceful and spunky astromech droid," R2-D2 served as a starship mechanic and fighter pilot's assistant. Its cylindrical, mechanical frame featured many arms, sensors and other useful tools that were used to slice computers, extinguish fires, project holograms, and repair starships. R2-D2 played a significant role in helping his friends overcome many perils.
While supporting such companions as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Obi-Wan Kenobi, R2-D2 used a language of beeps and whistles that could only be understood by some other droids. It is one of only four characters that appeared in all six Star Wars' films, often seen fussing with his protocol droid companion, C-3PO.
Hammer's R2-D2 has become a fan favorite at MCAHC. Each time Hammer brings R2-D2 into the health center, the mechanical droid draws a crowd of children to see it. Its appearance also offers a nostalgic "blast from the past" to parents who remember the excitement that surrounded the Star Wars saga.
"It's all about R2-D2," said Hammer, pulling out his R2-D2 wallet and cell phone with R2-D2 case -- gifts his wife bought for him.
"I have a whole room in my house dedicated to Star Wars collectibles, and my wife supports me as well," Hammer said. "And, being retired, I have a lot more time on my hands. So, I just decided one day to build one."
A 10-year U.S. Army veteran, Hammer was reassigned to MCAHC in 2008 after reclassification from infantry to work as a biomedical technician in the health center's logistic division. The Phoenix native was medically retired in 2009 from injuries he sustained in combat while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, and now resides in the local community with his wife Lena and sons Wilson, 12, and Liam, 8 months ... and of course, R2-D2.
Hammer is very passionate about his hobby, but said he has more work to do on his R2-D2. Although it has taken Hammer two years and roughly $10,000 to build his R2-D2 droid, he said he wants to convert his it's plastic parts into a more durable and permanent metal. While he is committed to building a robot that is as close as possible to an exact replica of the original version, he proudly boasts his R2-D2 "can do everything the robot does in the movie, except fly."
"I've always loved Star Wars. I saw an R2-D2 at a Comic-Con convention and decided that I wanted to build one of my own," he said. "You can't buy it, so you have to build your own. You can buy a collectible or one of the static ones on eBay every once in awhile, but they are extremely low in quality and a lot of the parts are not right. They are not screen accurate; they don't move or do any of the things that the R2-D2 actually does in Star Wars."
Hammer's R2-D2 is completely hand-made of resin mold, plastic and metal. As a member of the R2 Builders Club, Hammer is able to engage in a public forum where he and other hobbyists can swap ideas and help one another in their efforts to build the "perfect droid." Hammer is proud of his accomplishments and the progress he has made with his R2-D2, and so are many others - those inspired by his craftsmanship.
Stops like this visit at the health center are certain to continue. In addition to bringing excitement here, Hammer's work has been noticed throughout Hampton Roads. Hammer takes his R2-D2 droid to the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk and various charity events throughout the Hampton Roads area. He now looks forward to speaking at the Ring of Fire Convention in Virginia Beach, Feb. 28-March 2, where he will explain what it takes to build an R2-D2 droid.