Planet members and their kids serving in Iraq and Afghanistan need our support.

[BigRedChief]

I know of one member of Chiefs Planet getting ready to go to Afghaniastan. I know
another that has a son getting ready to deploy. Another that has a son already there. I propose that we raise money and ship some "goddies" over to the units where Chiefs Planet members or their kids are serving our country. To let them know they are not alone, that some of us back here in the USA appreciate their sacrifice and service.

I will personally pay all the shipping costs and coordinate the project.

I will pay all the paypal fees of the members who donate. If you donate $20 to buy goodies for the troops, $20 goes to the troops.

If you want to send a check, or some goodies yourself, donated items, PM me for a mailing address.

If you have a store that has items that would go in the care package and would sell those at cost and or donate, PM me.

100% of the money raised will go to purchase items for the troops. I will update this thread with the progress and post pictures of the "goodies" and items that will be shipped to the troops.

This is not a political thread or idea. The point is to support the Planet members or their kids on a personal level while they are voluntarily putting themselfs in harms way for us.

PM me for the paypal address. If you know of someone serving overseas, PM me and we will put them on the list to recieve a care package

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

A thank you card for the planet from the troops over in the sandbox.

Originally Posted by Jethopper

I just wanted to send a shout out to BigRedChief. Most of you don't know, but I am a grunt in the 82nd airborne and I am currently in Afghanistan. Yesterday, after a long week of field work, I came back to the FOB to recharge and what do I see? 2 care packages from BRC. Well me and my boys enjoyed the snacks and we thank you, bud. HOOAH

Hey BRC,

A few days after my wife checked with her brother's wife about this package, he was injured in an IED attack and sent home for medical treatment. Today we learned that his driver and the guy who took his place were both killed by an IED. It's a tough job these guys have (both in terms of personal risk and also in terms of dealing with the loss of close friends).

Thanks again for all the support you facilitate!

NAME EDITED

Originally Posted by Barney Stinson

That's awesome news. Thanks to the new and continuing supporters that keeps this going. As a solider on the receiving side; it means so much to have complete strangers contribute to these packages. Its a moral victory, makes you feel noticed, affirmation. In some of the worst times I've ever experienced, a small note or package surprising me made the difference between being depressed and feeling validated. Agree or not for the reasons we're there, coming together and supporting the troops with their boots on the ground is a profound statement, and it does not go un-noticed by the troops receiving the packages. Don't make fun of what I'm saying, never in my life has a simple gesture made me feel so good and happy to be an american. Keep donating if you feel inclined, it matters more than you know to the troops receiving it.

[mlyonsd]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

A thank you card for the planet from the troops over in the sandbox.

Awesome BRC. Are you still doing this? Do you need more cash? And I don't mean for your Lincoln payments.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by mlyonsd

Awesome BRC. Are you still doing this? Do you need more cash? And I don't mean for your Lincoln payments.

yeah I've used up all the money in our account with the last shipments. Had to chip in $30 myself plus all the shipping costs.

I was going to ask for more money to refund the packages and see if people are still interested in contributing. As you can see it is greatly appreciated by the troops.

[mlyonsd]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

yeah I've used up all the money in our account with the last shipments. Had to chip in $30 myself plus all the shipping costs.

I was going to ask for more money to refund the packages and see if people are still interested in contributing. As you can see it is greatly appreciated by the troops.

PM me your info again. I think I previously sent you a small amount? Been a while, I went thru my PM's and can't find your contact info.

I've been contributing to a few local care packages although this Christmas none of them were abroad.

My bad. Rep for doing this.

[mlyonsd]

Come on guys, help send the troops a treat. Easter is coming up and they are still over there.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by mlyonsd

PM me your info again. I think I previously sent you a small amount? Been a while, I went thru my PM's and can't find your contact info.

I've been contributing to a few local care packages although this Christmas none of them were abroad.

My bad. Rep for doing this.

thanks for the donation!

[BigRedChief]

Planet, Nice job with the donations. Keep em coming.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by mlyonsd

Come on guys, help send the troops a treat. Easter is coming up and they are still over there.

THIS!

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by CrazyCoffey

I just heard this part was a topic in discussion, something about it being the first of it's kind since WWII. I don't know if that is correct or not. Cool either way, and if I was off work this weekend I would have loved to go.

http://iava.org/blog/pats-and-giants...-don%E2%80%99t

If the Giants or Pats get a parade, shouldn't Iraq vets? Posted by Paul Rieckhoff on February 3



The ticker-tape parade is a slice of Americana as old as the Statue of Liberty. It’s an honor reserved for a select few (sort of), from astronauts returning from space to military heroes to beloved politicians like Teddy Roosevelt. It’s also happened for baseball player Sammy Sosa, and even the President of Indonesia. This weekend, either the New England Patriots or New York Giants will earn the title “champion” at the Super Bowl, and be treated to a victory parade in Boston or New York City as a result.

Getting Super Bowl-champ football players a parade in their hometowns is never an issue. But Iraq War veterans? They deserve a little praise, too. They answered our country’s call, and in the least, they survived. But for some reason, they’re running into all kinds of resistance. Last week, New York City’s Mayor Bloomberg said that a parade “would be premature while so many troops are still in harm’s way around the world.”

After eight years of war there that saw over 4,400 American troops killed and over 32,000 wounded-in-action physically, the Iraq War finally ended on December 31, 2011. Yet, only St. Louis has held a “Welcome Home Our Heroes”parade to date--and solely because two guys launched a Facebook page and motivated a grassroots group of citizens. In less than a week it morphed into an incredibly inspiring event. And it definitely lit a spark. Ever since then, we’ve been inundated with notes and emails from folks from San Francisco to Portland, Maine who want to do the same thing for the Iraq veterans in their communities.

That’s why today IAVA is calling on the President, New York Mayor Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Menino, and Mayors and government officials nationwide to coordinate a National Day of Action to not only welcome home Iraq veterans but to channel critical jobs, education and transition resources to them and their families. It’s a chance for all of us to work together—just like we do on Veterans Day. Let’s tap into the tremendous Sea of Goodwill that exists in the hearts of millions of Americans. Let’s use some of our military experience to “coordinate fires.” And instead of cities nationwide promoting events at different times over the next few years, let’s all work together to coordinate a single, historic, transformative day to unite communities nationwide. If you stand with us, and want to see a welcome home parade in your area, stand with our veterans and sign our petition here.

For the Mayors of New York and Boston: are you really okay with your football teams getting ticker tape parades and not your new veterans? I am as big a fan as they come, but why do the Giants get a parade in the Canyon of Heroes and not our nation’s military? If that does happen, what does that say about us as a society and our priorities?

Yes, Iraq and Afghanistan are two different wars. Americans know the Afghanistan front still rages on, with the end of combat operations not expected until 2013. But that doesn’t mean our country can’t start welcoming home those who have already returned and pave the way for those still to come. It will also show our troops in Afghanistan now that they won’t be forgotten when that war ends too. And the expense should not be an issue. Just like in St Louis, sponsors should step up, and local people can chip in to donate goods, time and money.

If we can afford two wars, we can afford two welcome home parades.

But this effort is about more than just a parade. It is what parades represent – a celebration, a commemoration, and an expression of gratitude by a community that has finally learned to separate the war from warriors. It is about creating a day to remember those we’ve lost, respect those who have served, and respond to their needs as returning veterans. After a decade at war, with the burden of so many carried by so few, who deserves a parade more than the brave men and women who have deployed two, three, four times since 9/11?

The New Greatest Generation has proven time and time again that they are dedicated to service. Now, it’s on us to return the favor.

Even if you don’t have skin in this Super Bowl game, sign IAVA’s petition to the President and Mayors nationwide before kickoff this Sunday 6:30pm EST calling for a national day to honor and celebrate the service of some real heroes – the over 1 million veterans who have served our country in Iraq.

No matter who you root for this Super Bowl Sunday, our veterans are one team every American can and must get behind.

Sign the petition here:
http://iava.org/welcome-home-our-heroes-show-support




Sent from my iPhone

[Jethopper]

Im in salerno, afghanistan right now with the 82nd airborne! How cool am I?!?!

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

http://iava.org/blog/pats-and-giants...-don%E2%80%99t

If the Giants or Pats get a parade, shouldn't Iraq vets? Posted by Paul Rieckhoff on February 3



The ticker-tape parade is a slice of Americana as old as the Statue of Liberty. It’s an honor reserved for a select few (sort of), from astronauts returning from space to military heroes to beloved politicians like Teddy Roosevelt. It’s also happened for baseball player Sammy Sosa, and even the President of Indonesia. This weekend, either the New England Patriots or New York Giants will earn the title “champion” at the Super Bowl, and be treated to a victory parade in Boston or New York City as a result.

Getting Super Bowl-champ football players a parade in their hometowns is never an issue. But Iraq War veterans? They deserve a little praise, too. They answered our country’s call, and in the least, they survived. But for some reason, they’re running into all kinds of resistance. Last week, New York City’s Mayor Bloomberg said that a parade “would be premature while so many troops are still in harm’s way around the world.”

After eight years of war there that saw over 4,400 American troops killed and over 32,000 wounded-in-action physically, the Iraq War finally ended on December 31, 2011. Yet, only St. Louis has held a “Welcome Home Our Heroes”parade to date--and solely because two guys launched a Facebook page and motivated a grassroots group of citizens. In less than a week it morphed into an incredibly inspiring event. And it definitely lit a spark. Ever since then, we’ve been inundated with notes and emails from folks from San Francisco to Portland, Maine who want to do the same thing for the Iraq veterans in their communities.

That’s why today IAVA is calling on the President, New York Mayor Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Menino, and Mayors and government officials nationwide to coordinate a National Day of Action to not only welcome home Iraq veterans but to channel critical jobs, education and transition resources to them and their families. It’s a chance for all of us to work together—just like we do on Veterans Day. Let’s tap into the tremendous Sea of Goodwill that exists in the hearts of millions of Americans. Let’s use some of our military experience to “coordinate fires.” And instead of cities nationwide promoting events at different times over the next few years, let’s all work together to coordinate a single, historic, transformative day to unite communities nationwide. If you stand with us, and want to see a welcome home parade in your area, stand with our veterans and sign our petition here.

For the Mayors of New York and Boston: are you really okay with your football teams getting ticker tape parades and not your new veterans? I am as big a fan as they come, but why do the Giants get a parade in the Canyon of Heroes and not our nation’s military? If that does happen, what does that say about us as a society and our priorities?

Yes, Iraq and Afghanistan are two different wars. Americans know the Afghanistan front still rages on, with the end of combat operations not expected until 2013. But that doesn’t mean our country can’t start welcoming home those who have already returned and pave the way for those still to come. It will also show our troops in Afghanistan now that they won’t be forgotten when that war ends too. And the expense should not be an issue. Just like in St Louis, sponsors should step up, and local people can chip in to donate goods, time and money.

If we can afford two wars, we can afford two welcome home parades.

But this effort is about more than just a parade. It is what parades represent – a celebration, a commemoration, and an expression of gratitude by a community that has finally learned to separate the war from warriors. It is about creating a day to remember those we’ve lost, respect those who have served, and respond to their needs as returning veterans. After a decade at war, with the burden of so many carried by so few, who deserves a parade more than the brave men and women who have deployed two, three, four times since 9/11?

The New Greatest Generation has proven time and time again that they are dedicated to service. Now, it’s on us to return the favor.

Even if you don’t have skin in this Super Bowl game, sign IAVA’s petition to the President and Mayors nationwide before kickoff this Sunday 6:30pm EST calling for a national day to honor and celebrate the service of some real heroes – the over 1 million veterans who have served our country in Iraq.

No matter who you root for this Super Bowl Sunday, our veterans are one team every American can and must get behind.

Sign the petition here:
http://iava.org/welcome-home-our-heroes-show-support




Sent from my iPhone

More citizens not waiting for their public entities to organize a parade for the vets. Grassroots parades forming all over th USA based on the St. Louis model.
http://on.msnbc.com/yaKJxI

[BigRedChief]

Two new packages on the way to the troops in Afghanistan. Just a little package of instant snow in this one.

[Kyle DeLexus]

That's awesome. I've been wanting to contribute to this for a while now, but I've been running on a pretty tight budget. ASAP, I'm going to send what I can your way to help out.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by Kyle DeLexus

That's awesome. I've been wanting to contribute to this for a while now, but I've been running on a pretty tight budget. ASAP, I'm going to send what I can your way to help out.

No problem. The charity window is open 24/7/365.

[BigRedChief]

bump in case the contributors missed the new packages going out.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by StanziShouldStart

I just heard this part was a topic in discussion, something about it being the first of it's kind since WWII. I don't know if that is correct or not. Cool either way, and if I was off work this weekend I would have loved to go.

Another grass roots parade honoring the Iraq/Afghanstan vets took place today in Tucson, Arizona.

http://www.thankyousazvets.org/

With your help we hope to have a great show of patriotism and love of our country by having a complete sea of flags waving at our Veterans during the parade. Please bring your flags and proudly recognize these brave men and women.

Also, this parade will be a wonderful opportunity to extend your own personal message to these warriors. By creating a colorful poster, sign, banner, etc. with what you want to tell the Veterans is something you and they will never forget.

VETERANS
The parade is for you, courtesy of the Tucson Community and beyond. It is this city’s opportunity to finally show their appreciation for your service and respect for you. We need to have a massive showing of all Veterans in order to make this parade successful. Also, recognizing the stress and courage shown by the loved ones you left behind, we are inviting your immediate family to proudly march with you in the parade. We cannot proceed with your participation until you send in your completed