To all of my troop support brothers...

Originally Posted by macms

I believe the time has come to re-evalute our troop support program because many of us are simply not able to provide the same level of donations as we once did. We are confronted with an uncertain future, an unstable economy and fear about continued employment. And these are real concerns and they already have impacted our troop support program.

Were it possible I know that we would provide every man and woman in the sandbox with a daily cigar, but we can't. The number of shipments and cigar donations will become less as our personal situations change. It's not fair to you when I or others constantly ask for your support when you are faced with personal struggles on the home front.

This is what I intend to do in the future. I will no longer ask you for donations. I will continue to ship your donations as I receive them, but I understand as I'm sure the Pale Horse men do as well, that our capabilities have changed. The Pale Horse men will need to decide what they can do based upon our level of donations.

I will make one post a week and list those I received donations from that week. I'm simply going to say that the following men have donated this week and not mention the number of cigars or post pics. Each and every one of your cigars is needed and appreciated. We do these things because we choose to and our pleasure does not come from the public "He's a hell of a guy...", it comes from seeing the pics of strangers appreciating our sacrifice.

Men, if you can donate a fiver every month or so please know that your cigars are very important to someone. If just half of the brothers on this board did this that would be a hell of a lot of smiles somewhere.

Thanks for reading men.

I think Fred doesn't want to become a "haunt" about asking for cigars in these difficult times.

Just another example of what this man is made of.

I will continue to do what I can when I can.

God bless you for being you Fred.

Originally Posted by ahc4353

I think Fred doesn't want to become a "haunt" about asking for cigars in these difficult times.

Understood, and appreciated, but in my opinion those who would be offended are not the ones who would contribute in the first place. Giving requires an open heart, a heart that understands. Even in the roughest of times, how can one with a open heart find fault in those trying to help others???

I still believe those who feel "bothered" by any of this could simply choose not the read it. Its not like a pop up window they have to read before the post or read anything else.

Chuck

Originally Posted by ChasDen

Understood, and appreciated, but in my opinion those who would be offended are not the ones who would contribute in the first place. Giving requires an open heart, a heart that understands. Even in the roughest of times, how can one with a open heart find fault in those trying to help others???

I still believe those who feel "bothered" by any of this could simply choose not the read it. Its not like a pop up window they have to read before the post or read anything else.

Chuck

You make a great point Chuck.

Like I said, I'm in.

[bobarian]

Fred, The hundreds/thousands of soldiers your(and the other coordinator's) efforts have touched and the hundreds here and at CS who have had the pleasure of contributing all salute.

I assume it can be frustrating for you to make a call and not get a huge response, but please know that even if we cant immediately respond, we hear your call. It reminds us that others are still in need and brings things in to focus for us. Before I joined CS, I often wondered silently what could be done to help our servicemen. But I never acted until seeing your call. While it may be time to reevaluate, please dont stop asking. As new people come to the board, they may wonder, as did I, what they can do to bring a smile to a lonely soldier.

[DPD6030]

I will continue to do my part as much as I can.

[hotreds]

Originally Posted by bobarian

Fred, The hundreds/thousands of soldiers your(and the other coordinator's) efforts have touched and the hundreds here and at CS who have had the pleasure of contributing all salute.

I assume it can be frustrating for you to make a call and not get a huge response, but please know that even if we cant immediately respond, we hear your call. It reminds us that others are still in need and brings things in to focus for us. Before I joined CS, I often wondered silently what could be done to help our servicemen. But I never acted until seeing your call. While it may be time to reevaluate, please dont stop asking. As new people come to the board, they may wonder, as did I, what they can do to bring a smile to a lonely soldier.

Put as well as could be! I will continue to try and send stuff to you and Tony!