There's a Facebook group for new recruits in the Austin area as well. Our Central TX Squad is very active and an awesome group of people. As Dennis posted, check out the FISD forums; register and post a thread to introduce yourself. 501st detachment forums are huge resources and manuals on how to buy, assemble, and wear your costume.

Shadow Troopers fall under the Spec Ops Detachment http://www.501stspecopsdet.net/ and there may be a different listing of sellers on that website; haven't checked though. Definitely check out FISD as well. Some sellers on that list will pull their kits from different color plastics (white, black, and red). The same build techniques apply for any Stormtrooper, and FISD has tutorials and forums second to none (although I'm biased with that remark).

Thanks for serving our country and hope to see you join our garrison in the future.