Thanks to you: 38,572 helmet upgrades sent - Helping Prevent Traumatic Brain
Injuries
...and the requests keep coming in! Let's keep the goods flowing!
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Backlog 103± (Soon as we answer one, others hear about the help and ask also, SO THE NUMBER KEEPS CHANGING!
HOME -other
links For the unvarnished info, see Doc Bob's BLOG
Couple of good songs thanking our vets;
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We have listed here a number of our donors; others have asked us not to identify them. We get so many families and friends of service men and woman that donate what they can afford be it $5, $10, or $100. These smaller donations actually exceed the large donations. Don't take this as negative - it proves the that many small candles can still light the way! 8 May, 2008: Heartfelt Thanks to the Thomas W. Dower Foundation for their contribution that allows us to provide helmet pad upgrades to many more troops in harm's way.
Another proud donor from Texas! July 2007 (and ongoing)
6 Mar 07 - Democratic Women of Lake of the Woods VA donated over $2,700. 2 Mar 07 - My name is Abby. I am 13 years old. I raised some money for Operation Helmet as a service project for my confirmation. My cousin has been in Iraq twice. When my mom told me about Operation Helmet, I thought I'd do what I could to try and raise money to help. I sold decorated candy canes at Christmas for donations and asked people to help. I'll continue to tell people about your project and try to get more donations. Hopefully this war will be over soon and we won't have a need for Operation Helmet for much longer. God Bless you all for all you are doing to help our soldiers. Sincerely, Abby of Hometown, IL. 28 Feb 07 - Kay of Bitter Epiphany provided a number of website enhancements http://www.bitterepiphany.com/portfolio/ 27 Feb 07 - American Legion Post 361, Richmond VA provided a $3,000 donation 23 Dec 06 - We had rather large set of requests come in from frontline Marines just before Christmas and we had no money to fulfill the request. Out of the blue, an anonymous American donor in South America stepped up to the plate when the Lord called him to send funds to outfit over 1,100 Marines going into al-Anbar province. His only request was that the boxes contain a note saying the upgrades were 'from God' and not from him! What a man. 11 Sep 2006 - Doc, Local 1709 is the Union at Dover AFB that represents the 1200 civilian employees at the base. We are supplying 15 kits to 15 troops who are going to Iraq from our transportation squadron. We would also like to keep this going on base for all of our troops who are sent over in harms way. Hope to build a working relationship with you, DOC, and your group. I am personally working with a friend’s son who is in the Marines, going over in a few days to Iraq, to provide kits for his unit. For other than Air Force troops I am trying to set up and acquire donations in the City of Dover DE. to support our troops with kits. Brent Reynolds, President AFOE Local 1709, Dover AFB, DE, Retired AF Reserves. Interested in the baskets, click here. Anthony Zummo Graphics - built the animated banner for us Dry Basement & Foundation Systems is a Kansas City-based company that has donated over $5,000 in matching funds to Operation-Helmet. United Technologies Matching Gift Program MGN# 323272 Matt R, a 9-year-old boy from Overland Park, Kansas, raised $85 by selling KoolAid and cookies! Craig and Rose Lightly Fund of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation which was established by charitable individuals, families, businesses and organizations that seek to make positive contributions to our local communities. I live in Annapolis, Maryland. I am running for Register of Wills in Anne Arundel County. Last night we finished modifying my web site to ask that my supporters contribute to Operation Helmet in lieu of making campaign contributions (See www.walterchitwood.com ). I don't know if this will result in any help for Operation Helmet, but we are giving it a try. Maybe you can challenge other political candidates to put the troops ahead of their political aspirations. Thanks for all your efforts in support of our young people in the military. Walt Chitwood
The Men's Emmaus Group of Warner Robins Georgia. The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. The program's approach seriously considers the model of Christ's servant hood and encourages Christ's disciples to act in ways appropriate to being "a servant of all." Viet Nam Vets/Legacy Vet Motorcycle Club, Europe Moss Foundation of Santa Monica, CA donated $25,000.00 The Brian & Phyllis Harvey Foundation donated sufficient funds to upgrade the combat helmets of over 2,820 troops in combat. We stay in communication and when things get out of hand with requests, this delightful couple steps up to the plate and offers help without being asked. Uniquely American! Charitable Gift Trust, an organization that takes care of folks' donated' monies. People donate to them and they in turn send a specific amount when the donor tells them to. Folks get the tax deduction without having to specify someone until they know for sure where they want it to go. 10,000 RV Sales, Inc. of San Diego, CA, donated $10,000 to Operation Helmet and issued a matching challenge for an additional $10,000. For more information, please go to 10,000 RV
Newest Medical Management of Houston, Texas. These folks are Iranian Muslims who moved to the USA to live and work in freedom, and support our efforts on the global war on terror.
Grand Opening Festivities Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price will address the crowd. The three flags will then be presented to Murphy and Carter for display inside the Supercenter. Murphy will also take this opportunity to present Operation Helmet representatives with a special donation of $10,000 to support their work in providing combat soldiers a free, safety enhancement for their helmets. More information on Operation Helmet can be found at www.operation-helmet.org. http://www.walmartfacts.com/newsdesk/article.aspx?id=1888
Bill B for helping us do some strange things with the website.
In honor of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, President Schaitberger has made a $5,000 donation to Operation Helmet to help pay for these desperately-needed helmet upgrades for the 407th Air Expeditionary Group based at Ali Base, Iraq, the unit in which former Attleboro, MA Local 858 President Paul Jacques, members of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and other IAFF members are now serving. See the full article: Operation Helmet Assists IAFF Members and Soldiers Serving in Iraq Teachers, students, and families of the Mayfair Elementary School of Philadelphia pitched in and raised over $700 to help protect their heroes. Several students and teachers have loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan. A Very Special Thanks to the Family and Friends of Jerry Bushby. On Jerry's death, it was requested that remembrance be via donations to Operation Helmet in his name. The donations and expressions of love and respect for this young man and his patriotism have flowed in. There will be quite a few American servicemen and women who will be made a great deal safer thanks to a wonderful man. Here's a quote from his funeral notice:
"This is in memory of my very special brother, Jerry Bushby, who made his home with my family for the past 8
years. H went to Heaven Dec 1, 2005. He was never in the military, but
always wanted to be. He had physical disabilities that prevented this. So
instead, he donated much $$ over the years to different military requests.
He was so proud of me for being in the U.S.Army reserves, but I feel his
contribution and concern and commitment to making our troops safe was more
than I ever did.
And form his sister Christine: "My parents received a Thank You letter from you Dec 9th
thanking them for all the contributions in his name. That meant so much to
us all. Jerry and I had talked so much about the military and even Operation
Helmet just days before his unexpected passing. Please remember Jerry. He
never forgot any of you. Jerry
Archie & Bonita Griffin Foundation Fund of the Columbus Foundation Champ Henson, footballer extraordinaire of Ohio State fame, now an important figure in Ohio farming. His son, Clayton, is a Marine and when Champ heard about Operation Helmet, he mounted a fund-raising campaign to outfit his son's unit and hasn't slowed down! He just keeps on charging ahead, determined to help as many troops as he can. Tyco Employee Matching Gift Program HOY SURVEYING SERVICES, INC. This was the FIRST corporation to match employee donations. We did not meet Schering Plough Foundation guidelines for matching grants, so thanks anyhow, SP employees. We'll still use your generous donations to provide meaningful help to our heroes! And a big Texas THANKS to the Joe and Mary Moeller Foundation for their generous financial support as well. Great folks! The Gordon and Mary Cain Foundation has donated $15,000 to help provide the helmet upgrades we purchase and ship free to the troops. Gordon Cain, a wounded and decorated WWII Veteran (Pacific Theater) was not only an entrepreneur, but a philanthropist and community leader. We're proud to be a part of the host of noble causes his foundation supports in his memory and honor.
The ITW Foundation also added their financial and moral support to Operation Helmet, enabling us to provide helmet upgrades for our troops of all services in Harm's Way! The foundation contributes financial support to non-for-profit foundations through direct giving and a three-for-one matching program for employees. Great folks! The Harry S. Truman Foundation has generously joined our effort to provide an extra measure of protection from head injuries due to impact...blast, vehicle rollover, etc...and we thank them sincerely. Big John Ulrich and Operation Support of Reading, PA
The Vernon and Shirley Hill Foundation joined our ranks of patriots helping protect American servicemen by sending a donation of $10,000. Thank you very much for your trust and support.
**And to the family donating in memory of Maxine Sweat, THANK YOU from all the troops!**
SKYDEX shipped 500 free upgrade kits to the troops this month (December, 2005) The first bunch went to Air Force troops doing convoy duty, perimeter security, check-point security, and working in non-hardened areas subject to indirect fire for their entire 12-14-hour rotations. Seabees doing convoy/security duty were in the next shipment. (NOTE: We still supply the BLSS kit or its pads to Marines and their Navy medics, as the kit has been authorized in the past by MarCorSysCom for the PASGT's added protection, comfort and stability.)
The list goes on and on; many of our wonderful donors have asked not to be identified. Also, note that Champ Henson of Ohio State has signed aboard our team, this time to fight for our troops in the field. See the "Links" page for details. Another good friend of the troops and long-time supporter:
From the Grinch: Recent email: 12/7/05. " It is complete and utter BS that people need to 'chip in' to get our soldiers the equipment they need. I pay more than ten thousand dollars a year in federal taxes - that should find its way to our guys and gals. I am sorry, but reading your site makes me extremely angry at our government and how they are mis-managing this war to the point where we need charity dollars for good helmets, flak jackets, etc. Very sad and upsetting.". Answer: This was anonymous so I couldn't discuss with the person what role civilians play in helping our troops. Guess he never knew about the WWII rationing of gas, meat, silk and nylon (for parachutes), peeling off aluminum foil from gum wrappers to make 'chaff' to foil enemy radar, knitting scarves, gloves, etc. for troops. Our government is one of checks and balances, and is hard pressed to respond immediately to new demands. That's when concerned citizens can just dang well step up to the plate and help take care of the problem until the Government can get it in hand. And we do it with a sense of pride and accomplishment. If your and our work and donations keeps just one young life protected from death or disability, or just makes them more capable of taking on the enemy with a tactical advantage, we've done our job. The troops love any and all expressions of support and especially appreciate things we can do to help them come home alive and well! " 'Tis better to light a single candle than curse the darkness" Bob Meaders, MD, CAPT, Medical Corps, USN-retired. and answer 2: Certainly we as citizens have not only the right, but the responsibility to voice our concerns to our elected representatives. Notes such are the one above would be more effective when sent to them. Mark Meaders, Major, USAF (Retired)
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Send mail to
ophelm@operation-helmet.org with
questions or comments about Operation Helmet.
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Ditto Continental Airlines Employees, friends and
family of LCPL Matt Johnson. Through their efforts, Matt'S entire Platoon, then
Company, and then outward from there were equipped with BLSS kits.
Great Work! (PS: His Dad was a Naval Aviator, and his sister is in Navy Flight
Training as we speak.) Bravo Zulu, Johnsons.
A
special thanks to Team Dodge in Huntsville for their generous contribution
supporting the troops. Visit them at
Thanks to the Air Force Association for their $1000
donation!
A
very special thanks to Mike Dennis, CEO of Oregon Aero who steps up the
plate with free kits frequently when demands far outstrip our resources.
A special Thanks to Z Microsystems of San Diego,
California for their generous donation of funds for 60 helmet upgrade kits for
the Marines and their Navy medical personnel. The CEO, Jack Wade and pal Jack
Kilpatrick, also lead a fund raising drive among contemporaries on the West Coast. Thanks,
Jack(s), and Semper Fi.
