thedrifter
12-11-06, 06:41 AM
Peace of mind for Marines
By MATT SANDY
Bucks County Courier Times
Christmas came early for Michael Farley of Kitnersville and his fellow Marines stationed in Iraq in the form of helmet upgrade kits which increase stability, comfort and protection.
Mark Meaders of Operation Helmet was on hand Friday night to accept a check for $2,300 from the Quakertown Moose Club, the fruits of an aggressive fundraising campaign that saw donations flow in from across the country.
“It's amazing how it has snowballed,” said Rod Van Pelt of the Moose Club. “We started out trying to raise enough money to get 53 [kits], and now we've raised enough to buy over 300.”
Founded almost three years ago in Texas with the modest goal of purchasing 100 of the $80 kits, Operation Helmet has since shipped out over 29,000 units to servicemen and women in Iraq.
“We get support from all sides of this,” explained Meaders. “It's not about politics.”
“It's about trying to save a life,” added Van Pelt.
After hearing about Operation Helmet, Farley's parents, Mike and Marie, contacted Van Pelt about starting some kind of fundraiser, and the outpouring has been nonstop.
Covered in paper helmets and messages of support, the walls of the club attest to the universal support the campaign has received.
One particularly straightforward message states simply: “From one old Marine to one new Marine.”
Farley is stationed in the volatile Anbar province. Upon learning of the hometown effort, he expressed a sentiment not uncommon in the armed forces, according to Meaders.
“They say, "I won't wear it unless the rest of my unit gets one',” Meaders explained. “It's the whole "Band of Brothers' type of perspective, and it's pervasive.”
Luckily for Farley, and thanks to the generosity of many, he can install his new kit alongside the rest of his unit.
“Psychologically, it gives them a tremendous boost,” the elder Farley said. “To know that people back here care about them ... it means a lot to them.”
In a fitting coincidence, the kits arrived on the day the check was handed over. Farley's dad reported that Farley and the rest of his unit were truly grateful for the far-reaching support.
A Marine himself, Farley senior marveled over the contrast between helmets equipped with the upgrades compared to what he wore while serving in Vietnam.
“It's a hell of a difference,” he concluded.
Matt Sandy can be reached at news@phillyBurbs.com.
December 10, 2006 7:50 AM
Ellie
By MATT SANDY
Bucks County Courier Times
Christmas came early for Michael Farley of Kitnersville and his fellow Marines stationed in Iraq in the form of helmet upgrade kits which increase stability, comfort and protection.
Mark Meaders of Operation Helmet was on hand Friday night to accept a check for $2,300 from the Quakertown Moose Club, the fruits of an aggressive fundraising campaign that saw donations flow in from across the country.
“It's amazing how it has snowballed,” said Rod Van Pelt of the Moose Club. “We started out trying to raise enough money to get 53 [kits], and now we've raised enough to buy over 300.”
Founded almost three years ago in Texas with the modest goal of purchasing 100 of the $80 kits, Operation Helmet has since shipped out over 29,000 units to servicemen and women in Iraq.
“We get support from all sides of this,” explained Meaders. “It's not about politics.”
“It's about trying to save a life,” added Van Pelt.
After hearing about Operation Helmet, Farley's parents, Mike and Marie, contacted Van Pelt about starting some kind of fundraiser, and the outpouring has been nonstop.
Covered in paper helmets and messages of support, the walls of the club attest to the universal support the campaign has received.
One particularly straightforward message states simply: “From one old Marine to one new Marine.”
Farley is stationed in the volatile Anbar province. Upon learning of the hometown effort, he expressed a sentiment not uncommon in the armed forces, according to Meaders.
“They say, "I won't wear it unless the rest of my unit gets one',” Meaders explained. “It's the whole "Band of Brothers' type of perspective, and it's pervasive.”
Luckily for Farley, and thanks to the generosity of many, he can install his new kit alongside the rest of his unit.
“Psychologically, it gives them a tremendous boost,” the elder Farley said. “To know that people back here care about them ... it means a lot to them.”
In a fitting coincidence, the kits arrived on the day the check was handed over. Farley's dad reported that Farley and the rest of his unit were truly grateful for the far-reaching support.
A Marine himself, Farley senior marveled over the contrast between helmets equipped with the upgrades compared to what he wore while serving in Vietnam.
“It's a hell of a difference,” he concluded.
Matt Sandy can be reached at news@phillyBurbs.com.
December 10, 2006 7:50 AM
Ellie