Operation Adopt-a-Platoon

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Operation Adopt-a-Platoon (Page 1 of 7)

Posted: 5/20/2004 8:05:42 AM EDT

Okay folks,

Operation Adopt-a-Platoon is a “go.”

Many of us have been frustrated by not being able to help in the war on terror, but here is a chance to help those who are fighting it on the frontlines for us. Here’s your opportunity to show our servicemembers that they are not forgotten and not being taken for granted. Since 9/11, our servicemembers have been taking the fight to the homes and lands of those who would wish us harm in order that we do not have to fight the fight in our streets and homes. I would encourage you to take a bit of your time and put together something to send to our GIs.

The focus of our first fire mission is the platoon of one of our members, GlockLuvinRedleg. If you have been following the previous thread, you will have noticed a long lag time involved in the coordination of these efforts. With the recent fighting in Fallujah/Najaf, along with the Abu Ghraib prison incident, communication with our deployed members has been practically shut down. I had been in contact with GlockLuvinRedleg regarding the adoption of his platoon and he was very receptive to the idea. Unfortunately, our communications were cut off in the final phase of coordination. Fortunately, another member here was able to provide me with the address of our deployed member. I wasn’t able to confirm every aspect that I would have liked to have done, but I believe we have sufficient info to get this program started.

- - - - - -

What should you send? There are no absolutes to the sort of things that you should send nor any quantity of things that you should send. Our previously deployed servicemembers have indicated that some of the below items were items that were in high demand where they had been deployed to that region:

- Toothpaste
- Kleenex
- Books - SciFi, fiction, etc.
- Candy: anything that's a decent snack that won't melt into a puddle of goo in the heat.
- Beef jerky, peanut butter/cheese crackers, etc.
- Hard Candy; LifeSavers, etc. - AA Batteries; for the electric razors, radios, etc.
- Kool-Aid/Tang/Drink mixes
- Foot powder (Gold Bond) -
- Kool-Aid/Gatorade mix
- Copenhagen/Skoal
- CD of popular music
- New set of headphones for Walkman CD Players (cords get ripped)
- Pepcid AC and Rolaids
- Eye Wash / Drops (Visine, etc.) for flushing dust and sand out of the eyes
- Small first aid/ med kit mainly aspirin/Tylenol/Advil or other similar painkillers, anti- diarrhea tablets and cough drops.
- Personal Hygiene Gear: Disposable Razors, shaving cream, toothbrush and tooth paste -
- Greaseless sun block
- Foot powder and a toenail clipper. The clipper should have a flat blade and not a curved one
- Real coffee
- Crackers
- Ramen Noodles
- Energy-type bars
- Slim Jims
- Sunflower seeds
- Peanuts
- Seasoning Salt (Lowry’s, etc.)
- Jolly Rancher or similar hard candy
- Chewing Gum
- Chips
- Corn nuts
- Pistachios
- Pringles

I’m sure that some of our members can contribute further to the above list as it is just to give you an idea. Feel free to “free-style” your package!

- One of the more important items that you could send our servicemembers is a thank-you note or letter for their service. Please don’t make it a political statement if you don’t agree with the tactics of how the war is being fought or whether you believe the war should be being fought at all. These young guys are mostly all in their 20s and don’t have any control over that and do not need the additional burden of somebody placing doubts in their minds over their chain-of-command. Instead, a note that just indicates that you appreciate their service and their sacrifices would most likely do much for their morale.

- Note: if you are sending food items that have a strong odor, place them in a sealed ziploc bag before you ship them. This will prevent the Copenhagen from tasting like Hall’s mentholyptus cough drops and keep the Hall’s mentholyptus cough drops from tasting like Copenhagen.

What should you not send?

- Do not send alcohol or porn. Some of you may think that it would be a cute idea to slip some of this in your package. We are asking that you do not do that. I don’t want this program shut down by the other end if Adopt-a-Platoon becomes perceived as a means of slipping in contraband or other things that would be perceived as being prejudicial to maintaining order and discipline.

- I would discourage sending anything that is liquid. These packages go through some very rough handling and if the liquid item were to burst, it would probably make a mess of everything else in the package.

- - - - - -

If you would like to participate in showing your appreciation through Adopt-a-Platoon, please post to this thread, and I’ll IM the address that you will need when it becomes times to ship your package. I am not posting the address in the open for a couple of reasons. Firstly, this forum is open to all of the eyes of the world - even the unfriendly ones. We have also had infiltrators on this website whose sole mission has been to be that of a disruptor. If you recall the original thread, there was a poll asking whether members here would support the idea of sending packages to our troops. A very small percentage indicated that they do not support out troops. We’re trying to minimize the possibility of these people ruining the program. When you post to this thread, I’ll IM the address unless it is obviously a hidden or troll account. I’ll try to check this thread periodically throughout the upcoming days, so it may take a bit (less than 24 hours, hopefully, no more than 12 hours) to get the address back to you, but it will be sent.

Thanks all,
Johnny

Posted: 5/20/2004 8:57:44 AM EDT

[#1]

Going to Home Depot. Back in a bit.

Posted: 5/20/2004 9:06:30 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
Okay folks,

- Note: if you are sending food items that have a strong odor, place them in a sealed ziploc bag before you ship them. This will prevent the Copenhagen from tasting like Hall?s mentholyptus cough drops and keep the Hall?s mentholyptus cough drops from tasting like Copenhagen.
.
.
- Do not send alcohol or porn. Some of you may think that it would be a cute idea to slip some of this in your package. We are asking that you do not do that. I don?t want this program shut down by the other end if Adopt-a-Platoon becomes perceived as a means of slipping in contraband or other things that would be perceived as being prejudicial to maintaining order and discipline.

- I would discourage sending anything that is liquid. These packages go through some very rough handling and if the liquid item were to burst, it would probably make a mess of everything else in the package.

I have a vacuum sealer, so that anything that needs to arrive fresh and intact this would help. You can buy a Black & Decker vac sealer at Wall-Mart for $60 that uses all of the std vac bags & acessories.

Ditto on the alcohol, as impairs the senses and reaction time, those guys are getting shot at with real bullets.

Liquids are heavy, the military has water for them, no need for us to send them any. Try to buy powders if possible.

Posted: 5/20/2004 9:07:37 AM EDT

[#3]

I'm interested but...

Isn't better to purchase things in bulk instead of everyone sending whatever they find?

Posted: 5/20/2004 9:20:02 AM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
I'm interested but...

Isn't better to purchase things in bulk instead of everyone sending whatever they find?

Nope, best for small packages, I would personally say nothing over approximately 10-11 lbs. I sent out a 20lb pkg and 40 days later it got returned, the others went thru. I used my computer to cut&paste and printed the address label, so the address was 100% right. BTW best to wrap securely any outgoing pkg in strong box, my returned pkg was pretty beat up.

Posted: 5/20/2004 9:43:56 AM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
I'm interested but...

Isn't better to purchase things in bulk instead of everyone sending whatever they find?

I think an individualized package would be better received by the troops. Your idea of buying in bulk is a good idea though. The wife and I are going to stop by at Sam's and buy bulk for the purpose of sending multiple packages.

Posted: 5/20/2004 9:44:38 AM EDT

[#6]

IM's sent.

Posted: 5/20/2004 9:48:37 AM EDT

[#7]

got a few boxes from a few of yall, handed em out to the guys who hadnt gotten anything yet (we`ve been here for about 3 months now) just to let yall know, you should have seen their faces.
the guys are very thankful, thanks alot for the homefront support.

some of em looked like kids on christmass, (if you can imagine a 23 year old kid wearing body armor and toting a rifle)
thanx again

Posted: 5/20/2004 9:51:00 AM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
got a few boxes from a few of yall, handed em out to the guys who hadnt gotten anything yet (we`ve been here for about 3 months now) just to let yall know, you should have seen their faces.
the guys are very thankful, thanks alot for the homefront support.

some of em looked like kids on christmass, (if you can imagine a 23 year old kid wearing body armor and toting a rifle)
thanx again

Well, I'll be dipped in <deleted>.

Look who's here.

I'm glad that we finally have this thing up and running. I'll be IM'ing you in just a second to verify some last few details.

Posted: 5/20/2004 9:53:07 AM EDT

[#9]

I'm in.

There is some care package info here2/2 News

Right column

Also some slide shows.

I've been sending stuff to a person in the wep platoon I know there. I can send to some others.

Posted: 5/20/2004 9:53:34 AM EDT

[#10]

Send me an IM w/ addy please

Posted: 5/20/2004 9:54:21 AM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:

I'm in.

There is some care package info here2/2 News

Right column

Also some slide shows.

I've been sending stuff to a person in the wep platoon I know there. I can send to some others.

IM sent.

Posted: 5/20/2004 9:55:53 AM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
Send me an IM w/ addy please

IM sent.

Posted: 5/20/2004 9:58:05 AM EDT

[#13]

Johnny...HELL YEAH send me an IM.

My buddy , who just got back, commented on getting packages from us. It was a big deal to them to get just a letter...let alone a package from home.

Whatever they want they shall get (within my budget of course). USA

Posted: 5/20/2004 10:03:48 AM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
Johnny...HELL YEAH send me an IM.

My buddy , who just got back, commented on getting packages from us. It was a big deal to them to get just a letter...let alone a package from home.

Whatever they want they shall get (within my budget of course). USA

IM sent.

Posted: 5/20/2004 10:04:40 AM EDT

[#15]

Stepping out for a bit.

Will be on later tonight and will catch up on IMs then.

Thanks,
Johnny

Posted: 5/20/2004 10:12:40 AM EDT

[#16]

Send me the address please.

Posted: 5/20/2004 11:06:50 AM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
Send me the address please.

IM sent.

Posted: 5/20/2004 11:24:06 AM EDT

[#18]

Me too please.

Posted: 5/20/2004 11:44:38 AM EDT

[#19]

Send me the address please.

Ditto
I have sent some things to soldiers that are local to my area ,but would be glad to send some to AAP
The wife got some info. from a lady in the area, in addition to the items listed above
send playing cards
Crossword puzzel books
Dominos
Phone cards

I like the idea of individual boxes for the troops but I wouldn't mind saving some cash on big ticket items like the t-shirts or a case of copenhagen.

Posted: 5/20/2004 11:48:39 AM EDT

[#20]

IM sent!

Posted: 5/20/2004 11:49:05 AM EDT

[#21]

Hell yah I'm in send me the addy.

Posted: 5/20/2004 11:50:33 AM EDT

[#22]

I'm in, please send me the address.

Posted: 5/20/2004 2:29:42 PM EDT

[#23]

I've sent one off to anysoldier.com and have two more ready to go. Can you IM me an address and they'll go to Operation Adopt-a-Platoon.

Posted: 5/20/2004 2:35:24 PM EDT

[#24]

I'll take one of those addresses!!

Posted: 5/20/2004 2:37:16 PM EDT

[#25]

Multiple IMs sent.

Please let me know if I have overlooked anyone.

Johnny

Posted: 5/20/2004 2:37:52 PM EDT

[#26]

IM me that address. By the way how many are in a platoon?

Posted: 5/20/2004 2:43:31 PM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:
IM me that address. By the way how many are in a platoon?

There can be anywhere from approx 30-50 GIs depending on the unit and their manning levels.

IM sent.

Thanks,
JR

Posted: 5/20/2004 5:39:47 PM EDT

[#28]

Bump till it gets tacked

Posted: 5/20/2004 5:55:24 PM EDT

[#29]

Please send me the address

Posted: 5/20/2004 6:10:18 PM EDT

[#30]

I m in.

Posted: 5/20/2004 6:14:49 PM EDT

[#31]

Address please Johnny.

Posted: 5/20/2004 6:21:17 PM EDT

[#32]

tacked so i can come back and edit this thread, i've emailed SSG. Gibson for individual soldiers APO addresses because i won't have 1st Cav ignored in this arfcom care package project!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

carry on

Posted: 5/20/2004 6:27:09 PM EDT

[#33]

Are we going to do anything for Tayous1's platoon?

GunLvr

Posted: 5/20/2004 6:31:04 PM EDT

[#34]

The reality of everything is that thought some do have a military exchange available - not everyone does - keeping that in perspective - try to send them whatever they might need that a military exchange lacks. I sent washboards and soap last year- hopefully they are beyond that. If you know a Soldier, Marine, Air Force, Coasie, or Navy over there I would suggest you email them first - they might very well have what you need - or not - its hard to tell.........

Posted: 5/20/2004 6:38:59 PM EDT

[#35]

IMs sent. Please let me know if I overlooked anyone.

Johnny

Posted: 5/20/2004 6:41:09 PM EDT

[#36]

Quoted:
Are we going to do anything for Tayous1's platoon?

GunLvr

I have tried to contact Tayous1 without much success. The last word that I heard from somebody was that they were rotating back soon. If that information is accurate, it may be difficult to get them into the loop in time. If anyone does have contact with Tayous1 and could give me more accurate info, we could probably work something out.

Johnny

Posted: 5/20/2004 6:45:58 PM EDT

[#37]

Quoted:
tacked so i can come back and edit this thread, i've emailed SSG. Gibson for individual soldiers APO addresses because i won't have 1st Cav ignored in this arfcom care package project!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

carry on

Nobody want to see your friend go without. However, when Adopt-a-Platoon was first conceived, it was meant to support an attached unit of one of our deployed members. Perhaps if you wanted to start a separate thread requesting care packages for your friend, you would get the success that you're looking for. Our members here have proven to be very generous in the past and I'm sure that Arfcom's generosity wouldn't leave you and your friend high and dry.

Posted: 5/20/2004 7:13:30 PM EDT

[#38]

I love our "Boots on the Ground"...Please IM me !!!

Posted: 5/20/2004 7:16:44 PM EDT

[#39]

Quoted:
I love our "Boots on the Ground"...Please IM me !!!

IM sent.

Posted: 5/20/2004 7:25:07 PM EDT

[#40]

Johnny...IM received...God Bless You!!!

Posted: 5/20/2004 7:30:39 PM EDT

[#41]

Quoted:
Johnny...IM received...God Bless You!!!

God bless our troops. They're the ones doing the hard work. I'm just a fat guy with a computer.

Posted: 5/20/2004 7:36:31 PM EDT

[#42]

Keeping it all in perspective - one of my old friends from Frezno,Arizono has been in country going on 16 months. He's more "in country " then I could ever know.........He was in my last unit and is currently WIA - not sure of his injuries but he is a great American. Last year, I sent washboards and soap to my old unit.......I'm not sure exactly what to send now. Yes, there is a Baghdad PX - the great mystery is what they have and how often units get to use it. Just the same, I would imagine that basic hygeine stuff isnt the problem.......But our troops could definitely use some moral in the forms of emails or letters. I have access to one company - about 50/50 male/female on the front lines - orpretty close - ie their last, and 2nd ambush...........BTW- for those who might have lost perspective these are normal men and women who see combat if not every day, once a week...........It only takes one time to sacrificice everything you were - everything your ever had .

Posted: 5/20/2004 7:42:23 PM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:
Keeping it all in perspective - one of my old friends from Frezno,Arizono has been in country going on 16 months. He's more "in country " then I could ever know. He was in my last unit and is currently WIA - not sure of his injuries but he is a great American. Last year, I sent washboards and soap to my old unit.......I'm not sure exactly what to send now. Yes, there is a Baghdad PX - the great mystery is what they have and how often units get to use it. Just the same, I would imagine that basic hygeine stuff isnt the problem.......But our troops could definitely use some moral in the forms of emails or letters. I have access to one company - about 50/50 male/female on the front lines - orpretty close - ie their last, and 2nd ambush...........BTW- for those who might have lost perspective these are normal men and women who si

I strongly suspect that the idea that one of their countrymen is taking the opportunity to say "thank you" will mean more than the contents of the package.

Posted: 5/20/2004 7:42:52 PM EDT

[#44]

Mods....Please Tack...This is VERY Important!!!!

I ...Despite HOA rules...have a "Support Our Troops" Sign planted in our front yard!!!...The very least ...Here...Is a tack!!!