One Of The Really GOOD Vendors...

[shilala]

This morning I called Todd (RevSmoke) for some help. We have 4 Coasties on the Cutter Monomoy that are pipe smokers. I sent pipe tobacco quite awhile back that you guys had donated and figure they have to be running very low if not completely out.
I know exactly zero about pipe tobacco, and needed some good people who I could throw myself at their mercy.
Todd suggested I call Cornell and Diehl and fill them in on what I was doing and ask them what would be best to send. He also mentioned they may have discounts for the troop support sort of thing.
So I called and spoke to Chris at C&D. I explained that I wanted to fill a 12" x 9" x 5" travel humi, and that it'd probably handle about 3 pounds of pipe tobacco (at my best guess). I suggested that he send their "Hoover Blend" which is a mixed value blend, and he immediately said "no, I won't send that."
He's going to send a number of different tins and some pipe cleaners. More than we can possibly use, I'm sure. He took my address and wouldn't even discuss money.
I explained that we are more than capable of paying, that we'll need him in the future, and we don't want to take advantage of him. He said, "We have Vets over there, too. We understand." I immediately stopped arguing, we all understand that.

I closed the call and got to thinking...
Chris had mentioned they had some of their boys over there. Maybe some are cigar smokers? So I called him back and extended our help to him, offering to take care of their boys just as they offered to take care of ours. I think Chris was very happy, I could tell by his voice, and I left my name and number with him. I don't know if they have anyone, but it sure will be nice to take care of those that take care of us, and take care of our boys.

Needless to say, this absolutely made my day. I was very much set back at Cornell and Diehl's incredible generosity. The best part is that it was 100% genuine. No strings, no hope of accolades, no expectations, no need for advertisement, nothing. Just plain old love.
Todd told me they were wonderful people, a great company, and exceptional vendors. When he told me that, I didn't for a second imagine just how wonderful.

I really had no idea how the BOTL ideal spread across the pipe smoking world up until today. I have to admit that I'm more than pleasantly surprised, and feel just that much more blessed to be a part of all of this.