Adopt-a-Sniper - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

WillyPete · 11-24-2004, 01:59 AM

I know I don't do enough shooting to keep me in the weapons forum much, but read this and thought it was cool:

http://www.news.com.au/common/story_...E13762,00.html

Quote:

Texas cop helps US snipers
By Terry Friel in Baghdad
November 16, 2004

LOOKING for a cause with a difference? Adopt a sniper. A Texas police SWAT officer is running a charity for frontline snipers in Iraq and Afghanistan, supplying everything from baby wipes to body armour.

US sniper / File
Grateful ... US military snipers often buy their own specialised equipment / File
The brainchild of Port Arthur detective and police sniper Brian Sain, Adopt a Sniper (www.adoptasniper.org) has raised thousands of dollars in cash and gear to supplement the kit of sharp shooters in up to 75 US combat platoons.

"Being aware that police snipers often face the same logistical problems as their military counterparts, I assumed correctly that they were doing without things they needed to get their jobs done," Mr Sain said.

He contacted US military sniper schools and began sending supplies, tailored to the needs of each sniper, in January.

"People from every walk of life are helping. Once the word got out that a group of policemen was helping the military and inviting civilian assistance, it really took off," he said.

Some US soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan spend their own money to supplement equipment issued by the military.

"Snipers need gear that is different than the average airman, marine, sailor, or soldier," Mr Sain told Reuters via e-mail. "When the snipers desperately need mission specific gear ... we just try and fill that void."

From the frontlines, snipers are writing to say thanks.

"Your package arrived ... and was met with great fanfare," said a Marine platoon commander from Afghanistan.

"The mini binos (binoculars) will help lighten our load as we continue to spend most of the time chasing the Taliban between 7000-10,000 feet (2100-3050m)."

He went on to ask for supplies of protein bars, Gatorade and dry cleaning lubricants for guns.

Sergeant John, who has been in the army for four-and-a-half years, wrote from Mosul, Iraq's third largest city, where rebels took over some districts this week.

"I am always trying to improve my knowledge as a sniper and improve my lethality," he said. "I am proud to be a sniper when I see fellow snipers in the community are back home looking out for us snipers overseas fighting this horrible war on terrorism."

Some write of having to spend their own money buying gear, and of the lack of quality ammunition.

"I hate asking for stuff," said one anonymous soldier seeking small binoculars and spotting scopes, "but if you have the means, we can damn sure put them to good use.

"Miscellaneous gear and morale type stuff is of course always welcome. My platoon has 16 guys from all over. Some eat kimchi (Korean national dish), some chew Redman (tobacco).

"I can't tell you how much this means to all of us."

Adopt a Sniper fills a need for civilians who want to help soldiers in combat but don't know how to, Mr Sain said.

"Unfortunately, due to the enormity of the commitment in Iraq and Afghanistan, many American snipers are having to spend their own money and have their families try and procure gear and get it to them," Mr Sain said.

Supplies are sent directly to individual soldiers and Adopt a Sniper spends as much on shipping as it does on supplies.

"We have been sending everything from baby wipes to body armour and everything in between. Most of the items are sniper specific such as laser rangefinders ... wind metres, rifle scopes, weapons maintenance gear, you name it," Mr Sain said.

"www.adoptasniper.org has become a full time secondary job for us," he said.

Reuters

tropple · 11-24-2004, 03:58 AM

Well, holy shit. That is pretty cool.

Now I know how to spend a few extra dollars on a good cause.

Baby wipes? I always wanted cornhuskers lotion.

Silvy · 11-24-2004, 05:29 AM

They're sending body armor?
Isn't that supposed to be standard issue?

I would think the military could take care of it's own?
Though I do see 'folks back home' helping out by sending items that an individual prefers (baby wipes) but "laser rangefinders ... wind metres, rifle scopes, weapons maintenance gear" should be supplied by the military, as any employer is expected to supply the tools to do the job.

tropple · 11-24-2004, 06:22 AM

Ummm... The last I heard, baby wipes and gummi bears didn't have an NSN number.

My preference is to help out with what they need. The services do issue equipment. However, they are hard pressed to supply the amounts of equipment required. There are many demands on the supply system for the basics, and much of the high-tech equipment is not standard issue and therefore not available except through personal purchases. Also, keep in mind that they have re-implemented special teams consisting of expert riflemen and perhaps one or two rated snipers to beef up the force and provide expereienced team leaders. The issue these shooters is just the basic sniper rifle kit. These guys don't have all the goodies a rated sniper will have acquired over time.

Do you ever buy your own pens/tools/what have you for your job? Things beyond the basics that your emlpoyer springs for? I do. If it makes me more effective I don't mind.

Anyway I can help to make these guys more effective and rack up the kills is fine by me. I bought a couple bracelets and donated.

BTW: the issue body armor is designed for an infantryman, not a sniper. It's too damned bulky.

WillyPete · 11-24-2004, 09:15 AM

And you want stuff that can allow you to lie and observe mountain areas in high altitude and extreme cold. Body Armour isn't very insulating.

Some of the private stuff includes fold down mats for legs and chest.

MSD · 11-24-2004, 10:42 AM

Wait up and do some research before donating. I remember hearing that this is a scam site. Let me dig up some info (or dig up some of your own) before donating.

MSD · 11-24-2004, 10:51 AM

I called and checked, it's legit. The scam rumor is being spread by some people who don't realize that anti-war and anti-troop are different things.

tropple · 11-24-2004, 12:06 PM

Sorry, I should have posted my findings this morning.

"When you care enough to send the very best, send it from a Light Barret!"

yellowchef · 11-24-2004, 10:24 PM

I just want everyone to know that its a GREAT thing to adopt a soldier.. a letter means the WORLD to them, my ex-fiancee that is still my good friend spent a year over there. He honestly didnt get a lot of mail, and when I would send packages I would get the BEST letters. The ones that look like theyve been through hell because he would spend days writing so he would have something to do. Its simple and easy and its the holidays.. some of these troops dont even have families that write to them. If you cant send sniper stuff send some sunday comics... hard candies, gum, playing cards, baby wipes, TP, canned goods.. I sent girl scout cookies.. I KNEW they would melt and whatever but my ex said that he had 2 cookies out of the whole box cuz everyone LOVED them.

its something simple, and anyone can do it. Ill do some research for another site.

WillyPete · 11-25-2004, 04:03 AM

Yeah, it's the quirky shit that makes the best presents for a troop.

"Oh look.... more socks."
or
"What the hell is this useless flashing light thing for?" buddy: "Dunno, but it'd look cool in the cab of the chopper"

I used to love getting the candy that I enjoyed as a kid.

tropple · 11-25-2004, 08:47 AM

NOTE: If you're gonna send any canned goods, send goodies, not veggies ;-)

I always appreciated getting gedunks. But things like nail clippers, lense cleaner packets, eyeglass repair kits (You know, little screws & screwdrivers), those small crossword puzzle books at the grocery checkout, those sorts of things are as good as gold because you typically can't score them in the field,

yellowchef · 11-25-2004, 11:31 PM

yeah I always sent stupid things.. a few tabloids, sunday comix, word finds/crossword puzzles, people mag.. local newspapers(if you know where theyre from), sox... and I always included extra for the guys in my ex's unit. I knew some of them didnt get much mail and I ended up with a MAILBOX full of thank you letters when I sent candy canes(4 boxes) various christmas pictures from my family's past, some hard candies, and a little snowman button for each of them.. I saw my mom had one and I thought they were soooooo cute.. I also sent him disposeable cameras, CHAPSTICK and LOTION are worshipped.. deoderant!! and soap...for new years/christmas(i sent the pack after chirstmas but pre new years) I sent noisemakers, party favors, candy, I made little "christmas-ish" cards for them with a picture of me and some friends holiding a sign that said we LOVE our troops! and they all signed each card.

I grew up in a very military community and family so I try to do what I can. Sometimes the kids out there dont get the things they need... like mail from anyone.. even my ex.. had many friends.. didnt get much mail.. he even told me directly that the mail he did get.. he read a few hundred times..

pictures of anything.. doesnt have to include people.. but scenery, buildings.. anything stateside, or if you know one from your area.. the sites around town..

hahaha I sent potato chips once.. and he said thanks for sending the supersized bag.. I ate half of it before anyone noticed me.

when youre out there little things matter..

silverspike · 11-29-2004, 11:47 AM

I think that this is a great program. I post alot on several knife sites and I hope that this program gets some response both here and there. I only mention the other knife site since the people there tend top support that kind of thing. Not to say people here don't or anything, I just people would do more to support our troops. Boy I bet that sounds rambling...

tropple · 11-30-2004, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellowchef

yeah I always sent stupid things.. a few tabloids, sunday comix, word finds/crossword puzzles, people mag.. local newspapers(if you know where theyre from), sox...

/snip

when youre out there little things matter..

Yeah! Getting a couple issues of Weekly World News or a similar tabloid was always great! I got a few Mad magazines once. I loved them. Nice fun stuff to let your mind relax.

yellowchef · 11-30-2004, 08:58 PM

yeah and a few times I just grabbed larger newspapers (NY Times, Miami Herald and Ft Lauderdale Sun Sentinal, NY Post and what not) and sent them out.. they were pretty dated when they got there but my ex said he would find them weeks later.

11-24-2004, 03:58 AM	#2 (permalink)
tropple Junkie	Well, holy shit. That is pretty cool. Now I know how to spend a few extra dollars on a good cause. Baby wipes? I always wanted cornhuskers lotion. __________________ +++++++++++Boom!

11-24-2004, 05:29 AM	#3 (permalink)
Silvy paranoid Location: The Netherlands	They're sending body armor? Isn't that supposed to be standard issue? I would think the military could take care of it's own? Though I do see 'folks back home' helping out by sending items that an individual prefers (baby wipes) but "laser rangefinders ... wind metres, rifle scopes, weapons maintenance gear" should be supplied by the military, as any employer is expected to supply the tools to do the job. __________________ "Do not kill. Do not rape. Do not steal. These are principles which every man of every faith can embrace. " - Murphy MacManus (Boondock Saints)

11-24-2004, 06:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
tropple Junkie	Ummm... The last I heard, baby wipes and gummi bears didn't have an NSN number. My preference is to help out with what they need. The services do issue equipment. However, they are hard pressed to supply the amounts of equipment required. There are many demands on the supply system for the basics, and much of the high-tech equipment is not standard issue and therefore not available except through personal purchases. Also, keep in mind that they have re-implemented special teams consisting of expert riflemen and perhaps one or two rated snipers to beef up the force and provide expereienced team leaders. The issue these shooters is just the basic sniper rifle kit. These guys don't have all the goodies a rated sniper will have acquired over time. Do you ever buy your own pens/tools/what have you for your job? Things beyond the basics that your emlpoyer springs for? I do. If it makes me more effective I don't mind. Anyway I can help to make these guys more effective and rack up the kills is fine by me. I bought a couple bracelets and donated. BTW: the issue body armor is designed for an infantryman, not a sniper. It's too damned bulky. __________________ +++++++++++Boom! Last edited by tropple; 11-24-2004 at 09:34 AM.. Reason: forgetfulness - amnd more stoopid speeling (I wish I could blame the keyboard for my crap typing)

11-24-2004, 12:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
tropple Junkie	Sorry, I should have posted my findings this morning. "When you care enough to send the very best, send it from a Light Barret!" __________________ +++++++++++Boom!

11-25-2004, 08:47 AM	#11 (permalink)
tropple Junkie	NOTE: If you're gonna send any canned goods, send goodies, not veggies ;-) I always appreciated getting gedunks. But things like nail clippers, lense cleaner packets, eyeglass repair kits (You know, little screws & screwdrivers), those small crossword puzzle books at the grocery checkout, those sorts of things are as good as gold because you typically can't score them in the field, __________________ +++++++++++Boom!

11-24-2004, 09:15 AM	#5 (permalink)
WillyPete Addict	And you want stuff that can allow you to lie and observe mountain areas in high altitude and extreme cold. Body Armour isn't very insulating. Some of the private stuff includes fold down mats for legs and chest.

11-24-2004, 10:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	Wait up and do some research before donating. I remember hearing that this is a scam site. Let me dig up some info (or dig up some of your own) before donating.

11-24-2004, 10:51 AM	#7 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	I called and checked, it's legit. The scam rumor is being spread by some people who don't realize that anti-war and anti-troop are different things.

11-24-2004, 10:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
yellowchef Addict Location: Shalimar, FL	I just want everyone to know that its a GREAT thing to adopt a soldier.. a letter means the WORLD to them, my ex-fiancee that is still my good friend spent a year over there. He honestly didnt get a lot of mail, and when I would send packages I would get the BEST letters. The ones that look like theyve been through hell because he would spend days writing so he would have something to do. Its simple and easy and its the holidays.. some of these troops dont even have families that write to them. If you cant send sniper stuff send some sunday comics... hard candies, gum, playing cards, baby wipes, TP, canned goods.. I sent girl scout cookies.. I KNEW they would melt and whatever but my ex said that he had 2 cookies out of the whole box cuz everyone LOVED them. its something simple, and anyone can do it. Ill do some research for another site.

11-25-2004, 04:03 AM	#10 (permalink)
WillyPete Addict	Yeah, it's the quirky shit that makes the best presents for a troop. "Oh look.... more socks." or "What the hell is this useless flashing light thing for?" buddy: "Dunno, but it'd look cool in the cab of the chopper" I used to love getting the candy that I enjoyed as a kid.

11-25-2004, 11:31 PM	#12 (permalink)
yellowchef Addict Location: Shalimar, FL	yeah I always sent stupid things.. a few tabloids, sunday comix, word finds/crossword puzzles, people mag.. local newspapers(if you know where theyre from), sox... and I always included extra for the guys in my ex's unit. I knew some of them didnt get much mail and I ended up with a MAILBOX full of thank you letters when I sent candy canes(4 boxes) various christmas pictures from my family's past, some hard candies, and a little snowman button for each of them.. I saw my mom had one and I thought they were soooooo cute.. I also sent him disposeable cameras, CHAPSTICK and LOTION are worshipped.. deoderant!! and soap...for new years/christmas(i sent the pack after chirstmas but pre new years) I sent noisemakers, party favors, candy, I made little "christmas-ish" cards for them with a picture of me and some friends holiding a sign that said we LOVE our troops! and they all signed each card. I grew up in a very military community and family so I try to do what I can. Sometimes the kids out there dont get the things they need... like mail from anyone.. even my ex.. had many friends.. didnt get much mail.. he even told me directly that the mail he did get.. he read a few hundred times.. pictures of anything.. doesnt have to include people.. but scenery, buildings.. anything stateside, or if you know one from your area.. the sites around town.. hahaha I sent potato chips once.. and he said thanks for sending the supersized bag.. I ate half of it before anyone noticed me. when youre out there little things matter..

11-29-2004, 11:47 AM	#13 (permalink)
silverspike Upright Location: atlanta	I think that this is a great program. I post alot on several knife sites and I hope that this program gets some response both here and there. I only mention the other knife site since the people there tend top support that kind of thing. Not to say people here don't or anything, I just people would do more to support our troops. Boy I bet that sounds rambling...

11-30-2004, 08:58 PM	#15 (permalink)
yellowchef Addict Location: Shalimar, FL	yeah and a few times I just grabbed larger newspapers (NY Times, Miami Herald and Ft Lauderdale Sun Sentinal, NY Post and what not) and sent them out.. they were pretty dated when they got there but my ex said he would find them weeks later.