Troop Calls IV - Help our troops

[mike55]

Fellow CC Members;

It's hard to believe it's been a year since our last Troop Calls donation drive; but here we are. The situation in Iraq has improved a great deal; however, things have become far more serious and dangerous in Afghanistan. Deployments of American, Canadian and other nation troops will be increasing. More soldiers will be away from family and friends over the holidays again this year.

This year, as in the past, I'll be purchasing pre-paid calling cards through military exchanges and sending them off to the Red Cross and CFPSA for distribution directly to the troops over there. Last year we purchased the 80 minute cards so that more troops benefited. This year we'll do the same. I hope to make the bulk of the purchases and card donations prior to Christmas.

Last season we raised $2473 for the purchase of the calling cards, bringing our total so far to $8130. With these funds, we've purchased over 50,000 minutes of talk time. I hope we can add to this.

Also, last season, we made a dedication to one of the fallen soldiers. The cards were purchased and donated in his name. I think it helped all of us put in perspective what we tried to do. This year, I'd like to do the same. If you have an idea or name in this regard, please contact me directly.

With all that has happened economically over the past year, I hope things have improved enough for many to step up and give what they can. I'll ask all of the prior donors to help spread the word - family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.. Every dollar will help, whether it's Paypal spare change, $5, $10, or more. From a group that has given over and over again, I can't expect much more. However, your generosity has has been evident since 2007 and I hope in one way or another it will continue. I'm happy to put in the time and effort again as well.

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting to this thread with updates, news and totals. If you prefer to stay anonymous, just let me know. As always, donors will receive direct update emails. The UltraPatriot.com website is up and running and I'll be updating it as well. Please visit it periodically. Donations can be made at ay time via PayPal to troopcalls@ultrapatriot.com or by clicking on the donate button on the website. Again, any amount, big or small, will be put to good use. All proceeds net of PayPal fees will go to the purchase of the cards. Since UltraPatriot is not a registered charity, I can't issue tax receipts; so there's no tax benefit to you or me.

AND.... I'm happy to say that once again this year, with the help of Wayne at Pelican Parts, one donor's name will be randomly selected for a $200 PelicanParts.com gift certificate to spend on the Pelican site as they choose. Big thanks again to Wayne for his generosity.

Thanks again to all and I hope we're as successful in 2009/2010 as we were last year! Let's try to keep the thread on topic. As always, I'm open to any and all feedback you have. If you have questions or comments, drop me a line at any time.......

Mike

p.s. For those unfamiliar with what we're doing, here's a link to the last drive's thread:

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/show...ht=troop+calls


Donations in the order received:

George M., RL $250
Michael R., PP/RL $50
Ginger S., CC $100
Mike Z., CC $50
Tim R., RL $25
Mitch L., PP $25
Jay L., RL $50
Don T., RL $50
Joseph R., RL $50
Terry C., CC $100
Marc G., RL $20
Brian B., RL $200
Kirk F., PP $55
Chris B., RL $100
Darrell E., PP $100
Bob W., RL $25
Mark S., PP $50
Russell N., RL $30
Terry R., RL $50
Gregg S., PP $150
Ed S., RL $50
Dennis M., RL $25
Joel M., RL $50
Brendan O., RL $300
Jamestown HS Cafeteria Ladies $25
Jason W., RL $100
Jen & John D., RW $100
Sean R., RW $25
John W., RW $175
Chris S., RW $100



Total = $2455

[fastraxsg]

Mike, I don't have a paypal account but if you can email me an address and a name to make a check out to, I will have my bank mail a check to you. fastraxsg@yahoo.com
Ken Clarke

[mike55]

One week has passed and we're off to a great start. A special thanks goes to the perennial donors that haved helped since day 1 and again to Wayne for the gift certificate. His help is immeasurable.

For all the members and guests alike, if the cause isn't reason enough, hopefully the Gift Certificate will sway you. Every donation, big or small, will get you an equal chance to win the GC. So let's deliver some welcome gifts overseas and possibly treat your car to some goodies as well. Please help if you can. We'll need all the help we can get. It really is worth the effort.

Once again, I'm pleased to say the Red Cross has sent another thank you letter to the group. It's nice to get this recognition from an organization that's in the lead when it comes to helping others. I've posted it to the website and you can view it by clicking on the following link, http://ultrapatriot.com/Red%20Cross%202.pdf .

[mike55]

To all Vets, Happy Veteran's Day / Remembrance Day, November 11th. Lets keep those that have served and are currently serving in our thoughts, especially on this day......

[mike55]

Another bit of great News. John D. of Reutterwerk.com has offered to double the PP gift certificate amount. So, one lucky donor will receive a $400 gift certificate courtesy of Wayne, John and me.

If this doesn't spur some action, well.......

ANY amount will be gladly accepted, so please do what you can.

[mike55]

We're heading into the last half stretch of this drive. For those that view the thread, please consider helping us in any way you can. If the chance to win a $400 gift certificate isn't incentive enough, then the cause should be.

Overall, we've done well. However, participation here is down from last year. I'm grateful to those that have already stepped up; but I know there are more that can help.

With the Kirkham effort underway, this effort will take a back seat and that's understandable - it's a beautiful Cobra afterall! I hope it's a huge success.

However, we owe allot to these men and women and the Troop Calls effort is meant to show appreciation, albeit in a small but meaningful way. So please do what you can. My goal is to make this the most successful drive yet and we're close.

Thanks again to all.