Troop support - poll & discussion

macms · 03-01-2009, 11:57 AM

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 · 03-01-2009, 11:59 AM

Fred, I don't see the poll??

Rockestone · 03-01-2009, 12:00 PM

Ahhhh. There it is.

Whee · 03-01-2009, 12:02 PM

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 · 03-01-2009, 12:13 PM

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 · 03-01-2009, 12:54 PM

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.

Volt · 03-01-2009, 01:04 PM

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. 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 · 03-01-2009, 01:24 PM

I just kinda fell off when Bruce came home.

JohnnyKay5 · 03-01-2009, 01:30 PM

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 · 03-01-2009, 01:54 PM

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 · 03-01-2009, 03:30 PM

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

rrplasencia · 03-01-2009, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shilala

I just kinda fell off when Bruce came home.

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 · 03-01-2009, 10:14 PM

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

shilala · 03-01-2009, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrplasencia

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 · 03-02-2009, 12:26 AM

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 · 03-02-2009, 01:18 AM

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

Genetic Defect · 03-02-2009, 01:27 AM

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

taltos · 03-02-2009, 04:49 AM

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 · 03-02-2009, 11:33 AM

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

)

Tikihut27 · 03-02-2009, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shilala

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?

View Poll Results: I do not participate because:
Economy (Uncertain about future employment and earnings.)	33	44.59%
Political (Oppose troop deployment and/or other reasons.)	3	4.05%
Accountability (Donations are used appropriately.)	1	1.35%
Expense (I can't afford to donate at the moment.)	41	55.41%
Unaware (Don't follow the troop support efforts.)	10	13.51%
Do it myself (I would rather send donations directly to the troops.)	16	21.62%
Other	12	16.22%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 74. You may not vote on this poll

03-01-2009, 11:57 AM	#1
macms ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mile High Posts: 996 Trading: (56)	Troop support - poll & discussion 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 __________________

03-01-2009, 11:59 AM	#2
Rockestone Anythings Possible Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Anderson, SC Posts: 793 Trading: (5)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion Fred, I don't see the poll?? __________________

03-01-2009, 12:00 PM	#3
Rockestone Anythings Possible Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Anderson, SC Posts: 793 Trading: (5)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion Ahhhh. There it is. __________________

03-01-2009, 12:02 PM	#4
Whee formerly illinoishoosier Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Sean Location: Bishopville, SC Posts: 3,591 Trading: (17)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion 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. __________________ "Maybe I'm wrong, when they tell me they're right…..naaaaahhhhhh, I'm an asshooooooleeee"--Denis Leary

03-01-2009, 12:13 PM	#5
AAlmeter F.U.B.O. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Adam Location: Buffalo Posts: 288 Trading: (0)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion 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.

03-01-2009, 12:54 PM	#6
SmokeyJoe Chief Wannastogie Lounge Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Joe Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 3,163 Trading: (28)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion 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. __________________ "I intend to smoke a good cigar to the glory of God..." ~ Charles H. Spurgeon, British Baptist preacher

03-01-2009, 01:04 PM	#7
Volt I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,799 Trading: (19)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion 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. 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. __________________ Curing the infection... One bullet at a time.

03-01-2009, 01:24 PM	#8
shilala Dear Lord, Thank You. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Posts: 13,721 Trading: (252)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion I just kinda fell off when Bruce came home. __________________

03-01-2009, 01:30 PM	#9
JohnnyKay5 Armed Forces Tumbleweed Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 1,046 Trading: (22)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion 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. __________________ *HIGH FIVE!*

03-01-2009, 01:54 PM	#10
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,441 Trading: (60)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion 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. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

03-01-2009, 03:30 PM	#11
Old Sailor Black Ops - S.O.B. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dave Location: Side Porta!! Kingsville, Ont., Canada Posts: 4,204 Trading: (22)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion I try to help when I can... just wish I could do more __________________ Canadian Armed Forces 1976! Canadian Coast Guard, retired in 2012 after 32 years!!

03-01-2009, 10:14 PM	#13
markem Bunion Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mark Location: Second Star on the Right Posts: 22,625 Trading: (47)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion I'm doing my best to get new blood into the mix, Fred! __________________ I refuse to belong to any organization that would have me as a member. ~ Groucho Marx

03-02-2009, 12:26 AM	#15
Mugen910 I <3 Huy Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Location Location: First Name Posts: 8,387 Trading: (106)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion 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. __________________ I'm not antisocial, I just think people are stupid.

03-02-2009, 01:18 AM	#16
theonlybear4CORT RIP Nick Montano Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mike Location: Santa Rosa Posts: 2,040 Trading: (14)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion I usually try and bring some smokes for the troops when ever I see bobarian at a herf.

03-02-2009, 01:27 AM	#17
Genetic Defect difetosso Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Perry Location: An elevator Posts: 5,202 Trading: (5)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion have dropped off, but usually send my own to Alex. __________________ I'm an outcast riding into town alone I got wanderlust branded deeper than the bone

03-02-2009, 04:49 AM	#18
taltos Really, really old Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Paul Location: Saugus, MA Posts: 2,486 Trading: (3)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion 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. __________________ Jimmy, some of its magic, some of its tragic, but I had a good life all the way. He Went to Paris, J. Buffett

03-02-2009, 11:33 AM	#19
Tikihut27 Learned to Love the Bomb Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 818 Trading: (3)	Re: Troop support - poll & discussion 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 ) __________________ I can no longer sit back and allow... the international Communist conspiracy to sap and impurify all of our precious bodily fluids.