So we have men and women serving in a war zone right now. They are risking their lives in the line of duty. Regardless of your political views, the troops in harm's way deserve our respect and support. So what do we do? I say let's organize and send some deserving folks some stuff! MadMax came up with the idea and we've been wondering what to do.

We could certainly send some foamies and equipment to get them going. There's a TON of things I'm sure these folks would enjoy. Question is what would they really like to have sent? We have some active duty folks who are Flying Giants members. Perhaps they could help?

What's the deal on sending stuff to our troops? What do you need? What do you want? Is it ok to send foamies,batts,transmitters,servos and stuff? Would that be a thing you could use?

What we don't know is a bunch! What we do know is our friends at Hobby Lobby have offered their support and I'm sure most companies would want to help as well. If electric airplanes would make your lives a bit more fun for a couple days we'll do it. If you'd rather have something else that's more fitting for your situation,,just let us know.

Heck, sending over our model magazines might be cool. All we need is input. I'm 100% sure the FlyingGiants faithful will kick in here and make something special happen. Point us in a direction PLEASE!!!

For all you do and for your families who are missing and praying for you daily, just know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Anything we can do to make it a bit more tolerable we'll certainly do.


God Bless,
Flying Giants staff

When my brother was in country, he was asking for DVD movies. We sent about 60 over and he shared with his troops. When he left the movies stayed for the men and women that came to replace his unit. If this is something that those of you serving overseas now would want we could do a movie drive at the Huckfest and send them over.

For those that do fly, could we send some planes and radios over?

That is a great idea Biff! I don't know how many of us are actually over here, I think I'm alone here on LSA Anaconda, but I have seen some guys out running trucks and buggies. I'm also not sure about the other FOB's (Forward Operating Bases). We have a huge Sprung Steel building that the gymnasium is in, it has a full size basket-ball court and high ceilings, and another basketballl court with high ceilings, but my indoor skills are lacking, and there is ALWAYS someone on the court. Not sure if they would even let me (us) fly in there...maybe a mini/micro heli, but not sure about fixed wing. An IFO may be a little more welcome than a HL Yak or FoMoJo sized bird. I guess it would not hurt to go ask, it is just the fact that there seems to always be a game going on all the courts.

Also, outside it is HOT...damn hot and windy too. The only time it is not a high, hot wind blowing is at night, and then it is dark...real dark.

Maybe some of the others that are here in theater can chime in with thier opinions. I'm getting ready to pack my stuff up to come home, but if I knew there was a pilot coming over, I'd leave my Yaks for them.

As far as mailing stuff over, there is pretty much no restriction except for porn and alcohol. It makes it over here, but there is no sence in risking someone's job to send 'em a drink.

If something is sent over to a Service Member, INSURE IT. Do not put "Radio Controlled Model" on the customs forms, put something like "Toy airplane" or "hobby repair parts."

With that being said, and taking the weather into account, the summer months make it difficult to fly, but there is time to build and maintain models to get them ready for the fall-spring season. That is when it is cool (for the region) and the wind is not usually an issue, but there are days when you cannot go outside when a storm is brewing.

I've babbled enough. Let's hear from any others here in theater, and if anyone makes it over my way (LSA ANACONDA) let me know. If you are going to be here for a while, I got a couple foamy's for ya!

Jon

Hi Biff,
Great Idea, I work for UAL and we Fly the troops back and forth from Kuwait. This could be a long shot, but if we know when a Giant is going out we might be able to arrange for a care package to be waiting for them on the plane with the crew. For us it is voluntary duty to go on these missions, and I coordinate them from the Acft Mtc standpoint out of Chicago. Do any of you Airline Pilots out there Fly these missions?
Dom

Another idea would be laptops and r/c sims, anyone that has upgraded to G3 usually has G2 gathering dust.
Dom

Well... this is a great thing here... Airplanes or not, any "man toys" have to help. Would Buggies be better than planes for the "general" folks there? Bob, I am here to help, let me know how much and when and where. I know this is an airplane site, but the wind and heat pose a problem I suppose. Buggy races?

The two common things here seem to be DVDs and planes, so just send Wildberry's Tucson and warbirds over the rockies, Chip Hyde's T2 I2, FlyingGiants.com ETOC, etc.


50%

Vids are a great idea! Easy to ship and makes more sense than flying in a convection oven! What do you think Jon? We can send flying vids and what ever other stuff we can muster. I guess R rated is acceptable? Thanks for your help here Jon. Our intent is to make your lives a touch more comfortable.

hey...heres a great site if your interested in sending anything to our troops...

www.anysoldier.com

My mom is big into sending out care packages for them. On the site you will find descriptions of each soldier and a wish list of things they want. Most of the time my mom ends up corrosponding back nad forth by email with them for quite a while after she sends her box. Me and her have acctually met up with one in Washington DC and have made a life long friend.

Thanks 3DF that is a great site... It gives info on how to send items directly to our heroes, and the postage is certainly reasonable. I am going to start baking the cookies my children loved..and will try to send a couple of boxes a week...
It is very hot there now, so I will also send pnuts (in individual bags) and other treats that will not melt.
When FG decides what we all can do, I will also contribute to that..
In the meantime I will try to communicate with some of the troops, on that site, to see what else we can do for them.

Keep up the good work guys !

Momma D comes through.. They will love home baked cookies!!!

Bump

Anyone think magazines would be good? I have a drawer full of FLY RC and some others. I also have a drawer full of Truck and car mags. And heck that may help someone get into the hobby! Plus everyone has mags around right? Even if their not the newest ones.

yeah they LOVE mags, and DVDs and even better, consol games if you can find out what system they have. but thats what anysoldier.com is for

guys this is great keep up the good work and this is just a thouhgt but how a bout FF planes just for fun around the base and stuff