OT: Cooling Vests for Our Troops

I have a suggestion...

Bring them home. NOW.

Terry Pulliam Burd said:

It gets into the hundred and teens and twenties in Iraq in the summer
and I can't imagine enduring that *and* a full pack *and* hauling
weapons *and* sandstorms *and* everything else....

Are these worn over or under body armor and in lieu or addition to
camel packs?

nb

On Fri, 30 Dec 2005 23:54:51 -0600, notbob <[email hidden]>
rummaged among random neurons and opined:

Quoted message said:

Terry Pulliam Burd said:

It gets into the hundred and teens and twenties in Iraq in the summer
and I can't imagine enduring that *and* a full pack *and* hauling
weapons *and* sandstorms *and* everything else....

Are these worn over or under body armor and in lieu or addition to
camel packs?

According to their website (http://mistngo.com/default.asp), it's to
be worn under body armor and includes a helmet liner. As to camel
packs, I have no idea.

Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd
AAC(F)BV66.0748.CA

"If the soup had been as hot as the claret, if the claret had been as
old as the bird, and if the bird's breasts had been as full as the
waitress's, it would have been a very good dinner."

-- Duncan Hines

To reply, replace "spaminator" with "cox"

In article <[email hidden]>,

Perfect Tommy said:

I have a suggestion...

Bring them home. NOW.

Our government should provide adequate supplies to those who are foolish
enough to volunteer for oil protection duty in Iraq instead of lining
the pockets of contractors through no-bid deals.

"Stan Horwitz" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

Perfect Tommy said:

I have a suggestion...

Bring them home. NOW.

Our government should provide adequate supplies to those who are foolish
enough to volunteer for oil protection duty in Iraq instead of lining
the pockets of contractors through no-bid deals.

Anyone else check out anysoldier.com? I want to send stuff, but I get
intimidated. Makes me crazy when all they want are white socks, sheets
and food. Guess I should just pick someone and do it.

Anyone know what they might like as microwavable food? I see that
the scalloped potatoes I bought have microwave directions. Anything
else (not popcorn/snack stuff; food) shippable they could make?
While we're on the subject and all. Perhaps I could send tuna packets.

nancy

Quoted message said:

Anyone know what they might like as microwavable food? I see that the scalloped potatoes I bought have microwave directions. Anything else (not popcorn/snack stuff; food) shippable they could make?

Having served in the Corps and spent many a night and day in the field
to include the desert, I would suggest packaged, high-protein snacks
like trail mixes that include high caloric morsals ie. chocolate chips,
(M&M's) etc.
These guys are burning lot's of calories and the protein will provide
much needed energy boosts.
Lastly, most of these guys rarely come in contact with a microwave (at
least the Marines won't), so keep in mind that food items that can
stand hour long truck rides in blazing heat to reach the troops out in
the middle of nowhere will be appreciated most. Kev

"kevnbro" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Anyone know what they might like as microwavable food?
I see that the scalloped potatoes I bought have microwave directions.
Anything else (not popcorn/snack stuff; food) shippable they could make?

Quoted message said:

These guys are burning lot's of calories and the protein will provide
much needed energy boosts.
Lastly, most of these guys rarely come in contact with a microwave (at
least the Marines won't), so keep in mind that food items that can
stand hour long truck rides in blazing heat to reach the troops out in
the middle of nowhere will be appreciated most. Kev

Thank you for your response, I was going to get back on that this
week, and perhaps ask again. See, if you go to the anysoldier.com
Where To Send, they ask for specific things. Sometimes they ask
for meals that can be microwaved. Obviously this means some
kind of protein? Meat? That's why I was thinking tuna? But will
they have mayo?

You will also see what facilities they have, most mention that they
do have microwaves.

This is one example of a request:

oatmeal, protein bars, beef jerky, tuna, and top romen. please no candy,
we are trying to keep our military apperince and waight standers.

Also, they ask often for sheets and white socks. Makes me crazy
because they shouldn't be having to ask for those things. Anyway,
that much I can do without help (laugh), but I really would like
*food* type recommendations.

I see a trip to Costco in my very near future. Finally, a use for
those really big boxes of popcorn, etc.

Thanks for your response, kev.

nancy

On Tue, 10 Jan 2006 14:42:34 -0500, I needed a babel fish to
understand "Nancy Young" <[email hidden]> :

Quoted message said:

Thank you for your response, I was going to get back on that this
week, and perhaps ask again. See, if you go to the anysoldier.com
Where To Send, they ask for specific things. Sometimes they ask
for meals that can be microwaved. Obviously this means some
kind of protein? Meat? That's why I was thinking tuna? But will
they have mayo?

You will also see what facilities they have, most mention that they
do have microwaves.

Some units will have access to microwaves... others not. Like
Infantry typically will not, but mechanized units often have
generators with them, and are known to smuggle certain equipment with
them for their comfort.

Quoted message said:

This is one example of a request:

oatmeal, protein bars, beef jerky, tuna, and top romen. please no candy,
we are trying to keep our military apperince and waight standers.

When I was over there, one of my favorite treats was the Crystal Light
drink mix, you know the one that comes with several individual packets
inside. One of those with one of the bottles of water were a delight
to the taste buds after drinking just plain water for so long. As
well as some summer sausage with crackers was a big hit. I know every
time I got a care package from the family, there were numerous guys
hanging out waiting for some handouts.

Quoted message said:

Also, they ask often for sheets and white socks. Makes me crazy
because they shouldn't be having to ask for those things. Anyway,
that much I can do without help (laugh), but I really would like
*food* type recommendations.

The thing with white socks and sheets is... the military does not
issue white anything except white T-shirts for the dress uniform.
The socks are usually wool socks and well that really bites in the
heat.
The sheets is another thing... where when in the barracks you get
them, but when you are deployed to the field, you typically have a
sleeping bag. I think those requesting the sheets are just missing
some of those sweet home comforts.

Thank you for your support and thoughtfulness of our troops.

----------------------------------------
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is
indistinguishable from magic."
- Arthur C. Clarke

"LewZephyr" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

On Tue, 10 Jan 2006 14:42:34 -0500, I needed a babel fish to
understand "Nancy Young" <[email hidden]> :

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Thank you for your response, I was going to get back on that this
week, and perhaps ask again. See, if you go to the anysoldier.com
Where To Send, they ask for specific things. Sometimes they ask
for meals that can be microwaved. Obviously this means some
kind of protein? Meat? That's why I was thinking tuna? But will
they have mayo?

You will also see what facilities they have, most mention that they
do have microwaves.

Some units will have access to microwaves... others not. Like
Infantry typically will not, but mechanized units often have
generators with them, and are known to smuggle certain equipment with
them for their comfort.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

This is one example of a request:

oatmeal, protein bars, beef jerky, tuna, and top romen. please no candy,
we are trying to keep our military apperince and waight standers.

When I was over there, one of my favorite treats was the Crystal Light
drink mix, you know the one that comes with several individual packets
inside. One of those with one of the bottles of water were a delight
to the taste buds after drinking just plain water for so long.

This is priceless information, exactly what I was looking for.

Quoted message said:

As
well as some summer sausage with crackers was a big hit. I know every
time I got a care package from the family, there were numerous guys
hanging out waiting for some handouts.

I will include plenty of whatever I send. I'm also thinking, send
powdered milk if you're going to sent mac n cheese. Please tell me
if that is completely flawed thinking.

And ... uh ... what *precisely* is summer sausage? I was going to send
pepperoni type stuff that you don't see refrigerated. I'm a little
embarrassed to ask, so don't make too much fun. (laugh)

Quoted message said:

The thing with white socks and sheets is... the military does not
issue white anything except white T-shirts for the dress uniform.
The socks are usually wool socks and well that really bites in the
heat.

Ugh, and that is so easy to fix. That. I can do.

Quoted message said:

The sheets is another thing... where when in the barracks you get
them, but when you are deployed to the field, you typically have a
sleeping bag. I think those requesting the sheets are just missing
some of those sweet home comforts.

That's okay by me. I miss them not being in a dangerous
situation.

Quoted message said:

Thank you for your support and thoughtfulness of our troops.

Believe me, I'm only doing such a tiny thing, and it will be more
fun for me than anything. So many people do *so* much more.

While I have your ear? One more question. They often ask
for reading materials and magazines. What kind of things do men
want to read, what kind of magazines? Before everyone falls off
their seat laughing, I *know* what kind of magazines they really
want, but I think they are not permitted.

nancy

Quoted message said:

While I have your ear? One more question. They often ask for reading materials and magazines. What kind of things do men want to read, what kind of magazines?

Nancy- Here's the Yahoo directory to Men's magazines.
http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Cultures_and_Groups/Men/Magazines/

I'd imagine any of the Men's magazines you'd find on the grocery store
magazine racks would be welcome as they are the more common covering
subjects such as hunting, fishing, cars, mechanics, guns, or a mix of
all or any would go over well. You could also go to your local book
store for more specific subject oriented magazines.

Don't forget the women over there as well! Kev

"kevnbro" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

While I have your ear? One more question. They often ask for reading
materials
and magazines. What kind of things do men want to read, what kind of
magazines?

Nancy- Here's the Yahoo directory to Men's magazines.
http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Cultures_and_Groups/Men/Magazines/

I'd imagine any of the Men's magazines you'd find on the grocery store
magazine racks would be welcome as they are the more common covering
subjects such as hunting, fishing, cars, mechanics, guns, or a mix of
all or any would go over well. You could also go to your local book
store for more specific subject oriented magazines.

Thanks! I'll just pick out a random sampling.

Quoted message said:

Don't forget the women over there as well!

Don't worry about that, they say how many women there are
in the ? company? so I will know to send them stuff, too.

Thanks very much for the help.

nancy

On Wed, 11 Jan 2006 09:58:14 -0500, I needed a babel fish to
understand "Nancy Young" <[email hidden]> :

Quoted message said:

"LewZephyr" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

As
well as some summer sausage with crackers was a big hit. I know every
time I got a care package from the family, there were numerous guys
hanging out waiting for some handouts.

I will include plenty of whatever I send. I'm also thinking, send
powdered milk if you're going to sent mac n cheese. Please tell me
if that is completely flawed thinking.

Id think this was well thought out... I mean instance mac and cheese
aint right without milk (as if its right at all heheheh)

Quoted message said:

And ... uh ... what *precisely* is summer sausage? I was going to send
pepperoni type stuff that you don't see refrigerated. I'm a little
embarrassed to ask, so don't make too much fun. (laugh)

no laugh... hmm its stuff you get from Hickory Farms : well at least
thats the best example I can say, but they sell it at most grocers...
and its not in the refrigeration area.
http://www.hickoryfarms.com/welcome.asp

Quoted message said:

While I have your ear? One more question. They often ask
for reading materials and magazines. What kind of things do men
want to read, what kind of magazines? Before everyone falls off
their seat laughing, I *know* what kind of magazines they really
want, but I think they are not permitted.

nancy

its just like anyone in life... we all have different tastes..
I am a big scifi / fantasy buff, but alot of military guys really dig
the Tom Clancy type books.
Best bet, go to a used bookstore, tell em what your doing, they may
give you a discount on a box of assorted books.

Same thing on mags... we like all types, Car, Sporting (fishing
hunting), Probly nothing news worthy... just best to get your mind
off the world / days events.

and yes, what you do is great for the troops... ever little bit
counts.

----------------------------------------
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is
indistinguishable from magic."
- Arthur C. Clarke

On Wed, 11 Jan 2006 09:58:14 -0500, "Nancy Young"
<[email hidden]> wrote:

snipped:

Nancy:

I retired after 25 years with the Marines so I think I and the others
can steer you right. So here we go.
A. Don't send anything "scented "soaps, deodorents etc. That smell can
be detected by an alert enemy a mile away.
B. There are women (Marines/Soldiers) there so think of a few special
hard to get female type things also. Maybe mark those for the women
Marines only or something. So they know it's just for them.

Things to send/not send:
1. Don't send sheets/pillow cases.
2. Don't send white T-shirts or anything white. It's a combat zone.
3. If you send socks, get the grey or brown colored cushioned boot
type sock, wool/cotton blend. We did a lot of walking.
4. Think rugged camping on the food you send. Salami, dry pepperoni,
corn chips, etc. Remember, a lot of them will be carrying the stuff.
5. Send candies like jelly beans, hard mints, butterscotch, gummie
bears etc.
6. Send cookies like oreo, nilla waffer types.
7. Ramen noodles are fine.
8. Hard cheeses that won't melt in the heat would be a treat also.
9. Wheat crackers, Ritz crackers and those types work too.
10. For reading, we liked the "Action/Adventure" type paper-backs.
Whatever you decide, think "did you bring enough" for the whole class.
We Marines liked to share our Care-Packages.
11. Send waterless soap toweletts/hand wipes etc.
and 12. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT. LET ALL OF THEM
KNOW WE CARE ABOUT AND SUPPORT THEM 1000%.
Let them know we don't care about the politics involved and that they
are in our prayers.

Thank you for doing this.

On Wed, 11 Jan 2006 17:32:53 GMT, I needed a babel fish to understand
day [email hidden] :

Quoted message said:

12. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT. LET ALL OF THEM
KNOW WE CARE ABOUT AND SUPPORT THEM 1000%.
Let them know we don't care about the politics involved and that they
are in our prayers.

I couldn't agree more.... Soldiers do not signup to support some
political stance etc. They sign up to serve their country. The deal
is they are to obey the commands of the commander in chief and their
chain of command. Do not blame a soldier if you disagree with the war
they are fighting... blame your congress, blame your president, heck
blame yourself... It is not their fault, they are doing their duty.

Great words Dreamer.
----------------------------------------
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is
indistinguishable from magic."
- Arthur C. Clarke

Quoted message said:

I couldn't agree more.... Soldiers do not signup to support some political stance etc. They sign up to serve their country. The deal is they are to obey the commands of the commander in chief and their chain of command. Do not blame a soldier if you disagree with the war they are fighting... blame your congress, blame your president, heck blame yourself... It is not their fault, they are doing their duty.

I'm a liberal who served in the Corps from '83-'87 and avid reader of
liberal websites, books and magazines and i've yet to encounter any
statements by a Democratic group, Liberal group or extreme leftist
group denouncing support for American troops. Those who continue to
espouse that there are those out there who don't support our troops are
attempting to mislead the American public into believing that those who
oppose the war are anti-troop support and that is a blatent
falsification. Kev

LewZephyr said:

On Wed, 11 Jan 2006 17:32:53 GMT, I needed a babel fish to understand
day [email hidden] :

I couldn't agree more.... Soldiers do not signup to support some
political stance etc. They sign up to serve their country. The deal
is they are to obey the commands of the commander in chief and their
chain of command. Do not blame a soldier if you disagree with the war
they are fighting... blame your congress, blame your president, heck
blame yourself... It is not their fault, they are doing their duty.

That could be said for the troops were are drafted and sent places they
would rather not be, like Vietnam. Then there are those who willingly
sign up for a career in the army. I always figured there was no harm in
being part of a peace time army, but when the government decides to send
troops have way around the world and people willingly sign up for duty
it's another matter. "Doing their duty" IMO, is nothing more or less than
patriotic rhetoric. They are putting themselves in the position of having
to do the bidding of the politicians.

The army used to provide special opportunities for blacks and for women,
but those are the two groups with the biggest drops in enlistment in the
last few years. It seems to be a great career option until you are
expected to do what you have been paid to train to do.

"kevnbro" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

I'm a liberal who served in the Corps from '83-'87 and avid reader of
liberal websites, books and magazines and i've yet to encounter any
statements by a Democratic group, Liberal group or extreme leftist
group denouncing support for American troops. Those who continue to
espouse that there are those out there who don't support our troops are
attempting to mislead the American public into believing that those who
oppose the war are anti-troop support and that is a blatent
falsification.

I see that and it hurts my head. People protest to get the troops
out of this situation and people accuse them of not supporting the
troops. What the hell are you talking about?

I don't care what your position is on the war, how can you not
support the people serving? Everyone does, no [censored], sherlock.

nancy