Troop support - poll & discussion

[macms]

This poll is anonymous and you may choose multiple answers.

Since we moved over to CA I've noticed the level of troop support in the form of cigar and other donations has waned. This poll is to try and understand the reason(s) for this and to engage in an honest and candid discussion about the future.

I am very interested in reading your thoughts and comments regarding this especially if you selected "Other".

Thanks for your feedback.

Fred

[Rockestone]

Fred, I don't see the poll??:confused:

[Rockestone]

Ahhhh. There it is.

[Whee]

For me, it's been all about the benjamins. Having been unemployed for 352 days, what money I make now is trying to keep me afloat. I did some over the summer, while I had savings to burn. (sandbox raffle, cash, some smokes sent to David, 1st annual club stogie nude herf heh heh)

Now it's just a wait and see.

[AAlmeter]

Being military age (26),, I have a lot of friends rotating through deployments. So whether they like cigars (most do) or peanut M&Ms, I keep myself busy with them.

[SmokeyJoe]

I try to help when I can... just wish I could do more!

I think you guys are incredible, Fred. Thanks for all you do. :usa

[Volt]

Hmmm I do a ton of donations to a lot of sources such as the local Vet House, VA Hosp, cigars when I get enough to gather, etc. Current donations are headed to Soldiers Angels Backpacks (http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=first-response-backpacks). My pay cut is eating in to some of the free money.

I didn't vote cuz I try to participate, may not as much as i would like though.

[shilala]

I just kinda fell off when Bruce came home.

[JohnnyKay5]

Same here, back from deployment is like taking a 40% paycut when figuring in taxes, and now trying to get a hold on my expenses. Rent, bills, you know the everyday stuff i didt do for a while. Once i figure out how to put money into my savings again I will get more to the troops.

I did a donation last month and shold be able to do another around the middle of this month.

[icehog3]

I have sent two packages off since the first of the year, one to Alex and one to a co-worker deployed in Afghanistan. I applaud your efforts, Fred, and hope to make another contribution very soon.

[Old Sailor]

I try to help when I can... just wish I could do more:tu

[rrplasencia]

I just kinda fell off when Bruce came home.
:tpd: Bruce was a face to put with the efforts. We all got to know him. All the guys we knew started coming home all at once. I think having Brian onboard now will help bring things around again. and economy being a little shaky isn't helping.

[markem]

I'm doing my best to get new blood into the mix, Fred! :fu:wo

[shilala]

:tpd: Bruce was a face to put with the efforts. We all got to know him. All the guys we knew started coming home all at once. I think having Brian onboard now will help bring things around again. and economy being a little shaky isn't helping.
When Bruce was coming home and couldn't find someone who was willing to take over for him, I have to admit I was very disappointed.
I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. What Bruce did was very special, very selfless, and a lot of work.
Just goes to show what a special person he is. You don't find crazy bastids like that every day.
I just honestly haven't found time to get all re-involved. It's tough to go from "totally stoked" to "it's all over" to starting at square one again.
I sure miss getting all excited about sending stuff for the Slut Hut, though. It was tons of fun, and it's something I'll always remember
I hope I can get respirited about it. I sure do miss being involved. :(

[Mugen910]

Sadly I haven't been buying as much as I used to so in turn that means I cannot donate as much as I used to...Sorry Fred.

[theonlybear4CORT]

I usually try and bring some smokes for the troops when ever I see bobarian at a herf.

[Genetic Defect]

have dropped off, but usually send my own to Alex.

[taltos]

I have gotten more active in giving through the Legion post that I am a member of. Saves the postage fees and they are still going to the troops.

[Tikihut27]

Fred,

Before, the threads were in General Discussion, right out in front of everyone on stickys. Now they have a separate forum. The Troop Support forum has a dedicated group of viewers, but doesn't get the same viewing numbers as the general discussion forum does.

You must realize this, too- this thread is in general discussion and not troop support.

The more the topic is in front of people, the greater response you will get. I'm sure that there are a lot of folks who intend to or would like to donate, but it just kind of gets forgotten.

And yeah, JohnnyKay5 and SSG Adams being so well-known and outgoing probably helped a lot. But Alex is still there, right?

As far as the economy goes- believe me when I say this- the troops are just as pleased with $20 bundles as they are premiums. Just the fact that you take the time to send some smokes makes a great difference to the troops. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money. (Been there :2)

[Tikihut27]

I sure miss getting all excited about sending stuff for the Slut Hut, though. It was tons of fun, and it's something I'll always remember. :(

Sending stuff where to the what, now?

[MajorCaptSilly]

I have a nephew in Iraq and I've been sending some stuff to him on my own.

MCS

[MajorCaptSilly]

Fred,

Before, the threads were in General Discussion, right out in front of everyone on stickys. Now they have a separate forum. The Troop Support forum has a dedicated group of viewers, but doesn't get the same viewing numbers as the general discussion forum does.

You must realize this, too- this thread is in general discussion and not troop support.

The more the topic is in front of people, the greater response you will get. I'm sure that there are a lot of folks who intend to or would like to donate, but it just kind of gets forgotten.

And yeah, JohnnyKay5 and SSG Adams being so well-known and outgoing probably helped a lot. But Alex is still there, right?

As far as the economy goes- believe me when I say this- the troops are just as pleased with $20 bundles as they are premiums. Just the fact that you take the time to send some smokes makes a great difference to the troops. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money. (Been there :2)

I don't think what is highlighted in bold has been stressed enough. When I read through the threads, it seems the emphasis is on sending "quality" cigars. "Quality" meaning expensive to me. That may just be my impression but I got that on both forums. I know the bundled cigars I've sent over to my nephew have been well-received and I would hope that ANY cigars would be appreciated.

MCS

[JKim]

I have to admit that my participation for the troops has dwindled as of the past few months. I do have a package committed on a personal request that will go out soon.

I've noticed, not that there's anything wrong with this, but there are a lot of bombs going back and forth between members of the forum. I'm positive all these bombs are well deserved by the recipents. I know it's all great fun, because I've sent and received my share.

I wonder if some of this attention could be directed on the troops..? :]

I'm not trying to make any feel obligated or feel any sense of guilt, but when I have some cigars to spare, the troops come to mind first for me. But that's just me.

[bazookajoe]

...Before, the threads were in General Discussion, right out in front of everyone on stickys. Now they have a separate forum. The Troop Support forum has a dedicated group of viewers, but doesn't get the same viewing numbers as the general discussion forum does...

Aside from economic realities and familiar soldiers coming home, I think this is a key factor. Same thing happened at CS - threads were moved to a different location and get little attention other than from those who were looking for them. As you know I stepped down here because there was no need for three of us given the level of donations, and stayed on at CS since there was no other representation there. It's pretty much fizzled out amongst the membership there for the combination of reasons already stated.

One thing to keep in mind though Fred, is that you created a lot of activity with raffles, auctions and the like which caused a marked increase in donations. I think things just might be settling down to the levels before all that, when shipments were fewer and farther in-between. John told me more than once the cigars for troops efforts were producing far more activity than he'd seen during his tenure. Maybe just the nadir of the cycle, a natural consequence of economics, deployment changes and enthusiasm ebb and flow...

[bazookajoe]

...I've noticed, not that there's anything wrong with this, but there are a lot of bombs going back and forth between members of the forum. I'm positive all these bombs are well deserved by the recipents. I know it's all great fun, because I've sent and received my share.

I wonder if some of this attention could be directed on the troops..? :]

I'm not trying to make any feel obligated or feel any sense of guilt, but when I have some cigars to spare, the troops come to mind first for me. But that's just me.

This is a great point Ji, and has been discussed in private but not mentioned publicly for fear of offending folks, but I'm glad you brought it up. It's not so much individual bombings as those are fun and a good excuse to gift some sticks. IMO it's more the mass bombings that produce a lot of sticks that make me (and others) think how nice it would be to send a bunch of sticks like that to the troops.

[DPD6030]

I try to help when I can... just wish I could do more:tu

:tpd:

[Mr.Maduro]

I have to admit that my participation for the troops has dwindled as of the past few months. I do have a package committed on a personal request that will go out soon.

I've noticed, not that there's anything wrong with this, but there are a lot of bombs going back and forth between members of the forum. I'm positive all these bombs are well deserved by the recipents. I know it's all great fun, because I've sent and received my share.

I wonder if some of this attention could be directed on the troops..? :]

I'm not trying to make any feel obligated or feel any sense of guilt, but when I have some cigars to spare, the troops come to mind first for me. But that's just me.

:tpd: :usa :salute:

[Buena Fortuna]

I support the troops through my local B&M who is extremely active in the effort. Since the war has started they have shipped thousands of cigars, receive thank you letters weekly, and proudly display pictures and flags from the troops from all over the globe.:tu

[Mugen910]

I have to admit that my participation for the troops has dwindled as of the past few months. I do have a package committed on a personal request that will go out soon.

I've noticed, not that there's anything wrong with this, but there are a lot of bombs going back and forth between members of the forum. I'm positive all these bombs are well deserved by the recipents. I know it's all great fun, because I've sent and received my share.

I wonder if some of this attention could be directed on the troops..? :]

I'm not trying to make any feel obligated or feel any sense of guilt, but when I have some cigars to spare, the troops come to mind first for me. But that's just me.

Ji you make a good point here...and I am only speaking for myself here but many of the bombs that have been going on recently..to my knowledge have been from BOTLs that donate to the troops. How much do they donate...I have no idea but I know personally I throw a box together 1-2 times a quarter for Fred. I concur that we could prob give more but we do what we can with what we have.

Now that you have accidentally made me feel guilty :( I'll be sending another box Fred's way.:wo

[JohnnyKay5]

As far as the economy goes- believe me when I say this- the troops are just as pleased with $20 bundles as they are premiums. Just the fact that you take the time to send some smokes makes a great difference to the troops. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money. (Been there :2)


Aint that the truth! dog rockets no, but premiums are not needed. Something a large group of people who don't smoke every day can enjoy is all!

[AD720]

Perhaps another contest or raffle would help grease the wheels? :2

I'd be glad to chip in for a prize package.

[newcigarz]

I think this is a good way to open a discussion on this matter. I know Fred is the face of Troops Support on this site, and I just quietly follow his lead.
I don't have the skills that he does putting these raffles, Pale Horse platoon and such together.
I have been putting your donations to work and shipping boxes out on a regular basis.
That is until now. Early this week I shipped two boxes out. One to Alex and one to jbirdsaway ( Scott). These boxes zapped the last of my inventory and
funds. I will still continue to do what I can for these guys but without an
influx of donations the shipments (both cigars and money to buy comfort items )will slow down considerably.:2
I understand the way the economy has hurt these efforts, but Ji and other make good points on how maybe we can regenerate some energy into this project.

[ChasDen]

Fred,

I have been meaning to write you in private for a few weeks but gotten busy with life. I deal with the general public on a daily basis as part of my business. I think we as a group here are a fair representation of the general public which I deal with. As a whole I think 3 factors are contributing to your concerns.

1) The economy. We all know the pinch that has created, but yet many people are finding ways to be creative with their budgets and trimming where needed. Gifts are often one of the first things cut back.

2) The general mood. The mood of many people is the world is ending and its going to get worse before it gets better. This causes normally intelligent people to do irrational things out of fear. People in this state of mind may find themselves in the exact same financial place as they were a year ago but are acting like they took a 40% pay cut this year. These fears are causing them to horde or protect their wealth that they would otherwise be spreading.

3) The war is over and the troops are coming home. Many people I talk to are of the belief, justified or not, that this presidency is going to put an immediate end to the war and bring the troops home. If thats true, why send thousands of cigars overseas? If it’s not true how long will they be there? Should I take a chance sending cigars to Iraq just to have them go to waste?

I admit my participation has fallen off since last year for a little bit of all the reasons listed above. Until I read your post I never thought about it but subconsciously I fall into all the above categories. 1) My hours at work got cut so I make a little less than I did before, that makes me think about where and how I spend my money. 2) My mood is not 50% full but the glass is 50% empty right now. Although my hours got cut I found a way to supplement my income making trays. In the long run I am probably breaking even financially where I was at this time last year but I am working harder to get it and my mood has caused me to save a little more and pay off some debt I would have easily carried before. 3) How long are the troops going to be there? Is the build up over? Will the need we had at this time last year still be there this time next year?

All this being said, I feel it’s time I get you a package :tu

Sincerely,
Chuck

[SvilleKid]

Sorry Fred,

I'm one of the guilty ones. Used to send bunches in various ways, but I'm in real estate business, and my income is 25% (and less) of what it was 2 years ago. Just don't have the disposable income I once had. And, pretty much weaned my collection down last year giving from collection as opposed to buying for donations.

[Jbailey]

Got a box out within the last month, trying to put another one together. I will be out of town for awhile and will return in Apr. Should get enough stuff put together through the shop. Would like to be able to do more.

[marge796]

Working as a Dept Of State contractor in Iraq. I hand out cee-gars to the soldiers all the time. We smoke everyday at 1530 in our camp. Good times, great guys.

:tu

:ss

[stitch]

I have 5 large boxes going out tomorrow, I think mostly it's economics ...
I always stressed to people to go for Quantity over Quality simply because having been in this type of situation many years ago I know how great that "Little bit of Home" is And we want to give it to as many as possible.
But with times what they are it's getting tough.