BAGRAM RC CLUB

[SleepyC]

As we all know there are a lot of US service men over in Afghanistan fighting for the past few years. All of us here at the Flyinggiants respect these men and women for there service, and stand behind them 100%, wishing each and every soldier a successful mission, and a safe return home.

Our friend Lee at Castle Creations feels much the same way, and saw a need to help keep the soldiers spirits high during the frequent down time they experience over in Afghanistan. So Lee tried to speak to the Army about starting a RC program. He called and sent letters trying all the appropriate channels. The result... NADA. Nothing. Not even a "No thanks" return call or letter. But Lee was determined, and knew he was going to just have to do it. He needed an inside man. Enter Team Castle pilot Laine Stahr. An avid RC flyer, and a US ARMY Blackhawk pilot, who keeps in touch with Lee and the rest of the folks at Castle hobby. The idea was pitched to Laine, he accepted and the plan was in action.

Lee then contacted several companies in the RC industry telling them of his plans.
Unbelievably, some wanted no part in this project, while others jumped at the chance. Castle, Airtronics, Hitec, Traxxas and Flightpower USA all jumped on board. In fact Lee said when he called Bob Sadler of Flightpower and told him of the plan, Bob simply said.. "whatever you need Lee, seriously, whatever you need"

Thanks to the generosity of the sponsoring companies, the project was able to send 8 Traxxas trucks, Airtronics 2.4 gig radios, Castle Sidewinder brushless power systems, a bunch of batteries and chargers from Airtronics distributor, Global Hobby, and some more LIPO cells from Flightpower USA over to Laine, who in turn taught the guys how to operate the trucks, and properly maintain them. The BAGRAM RC CLUB was officially born.

Another really cool think Lee is doing is selling BAGRAM RC CLUB T-shirts. These shirts have a minimum donation of $12, but feel free to go way past that. Every cent of profit goes toward the Fischer House charity. This charity (ranked in the top 10 Charity's, for actually appropriating the highest possible % of the donated money to its intended purpose) builds houses near military rehabilitation centers so that recovering soldiers family members can be there with them during their sometimes lengthy rehabilitation. I think this is a GREAT cause.

So guys, when you get a chance check out www.bagramrcclub.com and if you feel like it, buy a T-shirt. The money will be going to a great cause.
Also, take a good look at the companies supporting this project, next time you need a product, see if one of those companies products fit your needs.


Finally, you may ask.. Trucks only? No Airplanes?
Lee said they just sent a few of the RTF EDF jets over for the boys, BUT the daily average wing of 30 mph is making it hard for these guys to get air born!

THANKS Lee, Castle creations, Airtronics, Hitec and Flightpower USA for doing something great for the men and women who keep us safe.

[RollingHarrier]

I ordered mine!

[airborneSGT]

Sweet! I did my time at Club Bagram from Jan-Aug of 2003. I can testify to the winds that blow through that place. I should order mine before my next rotation. I can arrive in style.

[50%plane]

WOW! that's really cool!

Hopefully I'll be there in '09.


Chris

[T. Bob]

Very cool

I just hope those guys shoot straighter than they drive.

[metalmike]

I can't believe some companies wanted nothing to do with this project. It does not matter what your feelings are about the politics behind sending the soldiers over there. These are our brothers and sisters and fellow citizens and they deserve our support in anyway possible, no matter what.

[CSpaced]

Thats awesome, I think they were aiming for the poor camera man though lol...

[SENEKAfive]

sweet when do they start the air races?

[Boulder]

Very cool!! I just ordered 2, want to make sure I always have a clean one!!

Just as a side note, I use CC products on a regular basis, this kind of thing makes me proud to have their ESC's in my planes!!

[RappyMan]

Right on about the Castle stuff! I ordered 3 of their Sidewinder 4600Kv setups for the kids Rustler RC cars. Wow oh wow - they are like twice as fast now! And that is with all the settings tamed down as much as possible. I called them up and asked for a "beginner" setting to slow it down. I'm also flying 4 of their foamy sized ESC's and just got the Castle Link USB cable - neat stuff.

[statbeast]

Awesome!

[lomchevac]

Way to go Lee, Maybe the other companies will pull there head out and participate when they see this take off.