This is a link to the most-current information we have on the various model clubs in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Diego Garcia.
http://www.finescale.com/fsm/default.aspx?c=a&id=2258
Jeff
I’m building a package of “spare” parts, paints and tools to send along and have asked my local modeling friends for their contribution. I also resolved to stop and buy something at the LHS to add to the package.
There has been other threads on this forum about supporting your local LHS, something I believe in. I buy all my paints, glues, thinners, brushes, sanding sticks and FSM magazines from there, and at least half my models. The rest I buy online, but only models that the LHS doesn’t normally have in stock. He knows I buy online, I’ve told him so and why. He also knows that I attempt to buy all I can from him. We’re on a first name basis, and I always spend a few moments just chatting with him about non model related things. What I experienced today is exactly the reason why we should do all we can to support the LHS.
I was wandering around the store thinking about how much I should buy and number crunching when Jim (the owner) asked me what I was up to. He knows my pattern by now, and I was decidedly outside of my normal browsing!
I told him how I was going to send a care package to the armed forces hobby clubs in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was going to ask Jim for a discount to max out my buying power, and so launched into an explanation of how Jeff and Dave at FSM are personally helping out with arranging care packages (he carries Fine Scale, Scale Auto and a handful of their modeling books, and so is familiar with the company) when he cut me off with the question of how much was I willing to spend. I told him how much I was willing to plunk down (which is not important to the story).
He did some calculating and then asked if he could put together a package for me. I said sure. He buzzed around the store and came up with a couple of kits, some bottles of paint and a paint brush set. Total value was double my original amount. So in other words he matched me dollar for dollar, and then ate the taxes! I never did get to ask for a discount. Jim and I then spent a few moments discussing how even though we’re Canadian and may or may not support the War on Terrorism, that the men and women on the front line deserve our support and thanks. Helping out with the hobby club drive is a small pay back to the troops who are putting their lives on the line for freedom. And who’s only reward is a small paycheck, three squares a day, a bunk and hours of boredom in a hostile land, far away from their families.
I know that the rule is no unpaid advertising in the forums, but I’m breaking that rule! I think Jim Rancier of BC Hobby & Shaver, 104-1835 Dilworth Drive, Kelowna, BC, Canada (250-868-0508) is well worth taking the risk for!
When I finally arrived at home (later than usual due to the stop at the LHS) my kids saw the kits and asked what was up. When I told them what they were for, they immediately went to their cash stash and donated some money for more paints. I will be stopping by the LHS again tomorrow night to purchase those! Ask me if I’m a proud dad!
I hope my story will inspire others to visit their LHSs and see if they can also get some support for this worthwhile endeavour.
I would like to thank the staff at FSM for the inspiration, and their support of this project.
Bravo Zulu!!!
I’m sure the guys and gals overseas will appreciate what you’re doing for them.
Best,
Jeff
Good on ya Bill!
I can tell you as a former soldier of the Canadian army. The effort you put forward will mean more than you know. I know first hand that Fine Scale was one of the most “thumbed” through magazines that the welfare section of our unit picked up every month for the squaddies to read.
We might not have always been in a model building environment, but it was nice just to sit back and read an issue when you had the chance.
Cheers;
Gregory
Thanks guys!
It is both less effort and more reward than I thought it would be. I never served myself, though I was born on an army base, and my family has a long tradition of military service dating back to at least the French Indian war of 1755. I respect and admire those who do serve their country in any of the branches of the armed forces.
My hope is that my efforts brings a smile to soldier’s face, or lessens the boredom for even a few hours. I can only imagine what it must be like to be so far away from your family and friends, for such an extended time.
The IPMS USA site has a section “Supporting Our Troops” with information about the various clubs. They include updates from the clubs, what they’re doing, what they need and so on. I encourage anyone who is interested in findint out more to read through some of the information available on their site.
Here are a couple of comments as to why this is so important:
From the Fort Tall Afar update:
As I heard in a commentary, these guys are like the rest of us. There are Republicans, Democrats, Independents, some are in support of the war and some aren’t, some want to be there and some don’t. So we’re going to leave the politics to the politicians.
The important message here is that these are regular people who could use our help. They’re asking for help from the hobby industry and community for leisure activities to get their minds off of the difficulties they face and the ordeals they go through.
Gee, I don’t know if that’s such a hot idea. I mean, look what they’ve done with politics so far! [:o)]
Okay, that was a joke, and this thread’s supposed to be serious. So in order to return the thread to it’s real intent…
I would like to see some more posts here on what people have done in support of this project. So let’s hear all about!
I sent 3 kits to the Kandahar club. It’s easy, the customs form isn’t that bad. It’s been over 3 weeks so they should have recieved them by now. One Academy UH-60 in 1/48, one Ford Skyliner hardtop convertible and a '65 Mustang. The idea of sending Fine Scale issues is great and I’ll probably send a few soon.
Dave
I’ve been notified that the contact person for the Baghdad TMC has changed. I’ll post an update as soon as I get more information.
Hey guys.
“Support the Troops”, is a great idea.
Don’t forget the guys and gals back here in VA Hospitals, or just at the VFW or Foreign Legion either.
Sometimes you can drop of a model kit at the hospital or clinic. They will make sure it gets to a deserving vet. Assembled models are really appreciated too, even a low quality builder like myself can find his stuff on a shelf getting praise from a person that knows. Better than a plaque or ribbon too.
You can get alot of information from those vets too, the models help break the ice, and soon you’ll find a real reference source!!
Don
Don — Bravo Zulu!!! a lot of the guys back in the VA’s are alone… I’ve been there enough back when I first got out of the service to realize that a lot of them are “forgotten” and something like you said would be great… With times getting tighter for the VA and less money being spent I am sure a little diversion would be something to get a smile out of more than a few down there… I’m going to try to contact the right person down at the Houston VAMC and see if it is feasible or possible. (providing I can find the “right” person)
If any one else finds this interesting, a good place to start would be the Occupational Therapy dept. they work with people to develop motor skills to where a person can function or even get back to work… a simple kit would help with coordinating fine motor skills etc…
As far as built kits… probably nurses stations and such would be a good place to start. They might allow them in the solarium. I am not good enough for this yet, but if someone else is… even approach the pink ladies or information people out front and see if you can get it in a display there… (would be better if you have more than one) The PA office is another avenue…
Ditto for helping out the guys and gals now in the VA hospitals, and those still recovering from wounds in the major military medical facilities. Prior to getting “called up” for this current operation in Iraq, my VFW post had been working with a small, outpatient clinic treating returning veterans for head and brain injuries and it was a mutually beneficial project. Our members made new friends with young veterans, and the young vets made friends with us. While looking for worthy projects to support, don’t be afraid to contact your local Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion. They are a great source for information, and may know of ongoing “morale support” efforts that assist local and regional hospitals. The VFW website has a post locator for the group nearest you; for more info check out the website at: www.vfw.org.
For all you folks that have read the posts here, thanks for your interest. There has been a great deal of inquiries and support from folks back home in the good ol’ USA. To all of you, my most sincere gratitude and thanks on behalf of the Fort Tall Afar Hobby Club.
Tall Afar Dave
Quick update on my package I’m building for the troops. I just met with Dave Shaver AKA Razordws at the Kelowna Airport where he was picking up his wife. He was very generous with his contribution, and I will be stopping by my LHS on the way home tomorrow night to pickup additional supplies.
So a big hand to Razordws, who’s selfless donation will help ease the boredom of the troops. [tup] [bow] [:D] I couldn’t do this without the help of people like Dave. Well Done!
I have one more contributor to meet with and I’ll get this package posted.
Well, I finally managed to get all the donations together and send off a package. I mailed off the gift box of kits and paints today.
This is only a partial of the entire box, I took this picture and then received one more donation. I also was browsing my local discount auto store and found hobby knives and tweezers on sale. Total package contains 6 kits (2 auto, 4 aircraft, sorry guys, no armor!) 27 acrylic paints, 3 hobby knives, 4 tweezers, some sand paper, and 8 paintbrushes. I figure the grand total to be about $180 CDN (about $155 US).
I would like to thank:
Dave Shaver (Razordws), Okanagan Valley BC
Dave Brown, Westbank BC
Jack Thompson, Kelowna BC
Jim Rancier of BC Hobby & Shaver, Kelowna BC
Tomas Grigg, Kelowna BC
Robert Grigg, Kelowna B C
And some unnamed fellow model builder who overheard the LHS owner and I talking about it and kicked in $5!
All of the above were incredibly generous and without their help I couldn’t have done this at all! Thanks everyone!
And more importantly, Thanks to all the service men and women who serve in all branches of the military. Democracy is a precious priviledge, and I appreciate that through their effort and selfless determination, that I live in a peaceful and prosperous nation, and that I am free to do my small part to assist them.
Bill Grigg, Kelowna BC
Update: I’ve just received an email from an Army officer in Iraq that’s starting a brand-new model club. FSM is helping out to get them up and running, but I think this package from our Canadian friends up north will definitely get this new club moving!!!
I’d like to personally thank Bill and his crew from British Columbia for their support. They didn’t have to pitch in and help out a bunch US grunts in a war they’re not involved in, but they did. That really says something, and we’re lucky to have guys like you in our community!!
Thanks,
Jeff
You’re welcome, Jeff.
I would be very pleased if the new hobby club gets our kit.
We might not be involved in Iraq, but we are in Afghanistan, and I also think that Canada as a nation hasn’t been pulling it’s weight in regards to North American security. I think of Canada and the US more as brothers in a greater nation called North America, and it is in that spirit that we are helping out. Regardless of the political differences of our respective countries, or the legitimacy of the battle being fought in Iraq, I know that the grunts on the ground are missing their family, their friends and their hobby! If our small token of appreciation can help, then it is well worth the tiny effort it has entailed.
Semper Fi
Bill
Well Bgrigg, we’ve had our “opinions” but putting that aside, what an admirable thing you’ve done, so much so, that I’ve just offered to do what I can for the other post in this topic area.
Don’t suppose it will amount to hundreds, with the little one on the way, but your posts, made a good argument, for once [;)]
Merry Christmas to all, and stay safe
WOW! I got Vapochilled to agree with me! Wahoo! That feels almost as good as sending the package. [(-D][swg]
Every little bit helps, and ask around, you’ll be surprised what you might get. Good luck!
There’s a little vapochilled on the way? Congrats!
It’s not about what or how much you send, anything will be greatly appreciated by those guys and gals over there. [:)]
[:I][;)]