My Soldiers and I are looking for donations to keep our bicycles running. We "pedal" our way to work everyday (7 days a week, 12 months a year); from our sleeping quarters to work, guard duty, chow hall, mail call, several undisclosed locations and back to our sleeping quarters (not everybody in the Army has a "hummer"). The wear and tear we put on our bikes is incredible. We (quite literally) destroy our tires, inner tubes and seats riding on the packed rocks and gravel roads.
The PX (post Exchange) does it best to carry cables, tires and inner tubes patch repair kits (they do not carry seats or blow horns, we don't know why), but they are always "sold out". I hate it when my Soldiers have to walk with their "full battle rattle" under a hot sun (about 110 degrees 20 minutes walk with over 20 pounds of bullet proof gear) when they could take a 5 minute bike ride. The bikes also help with the stress, as we take rides whenever we can (to the gym, barber shop, around the lake or just for fun) as a way to liberate stress.
We scavenger parts for our bikes (whenever we can find some) and make them as "combat tested" and "battle ready" as we can rebuilt them, but they are not "fail proof". The things we like the most are spring loaded wide seats to help our "buns" deal with the bumps and inner tubes to replace the "destroyed" ones. They don't have to be new, just serviceable. We will take care of the rest...
Please feel free to "adopt us" if you like. We'll be here until sometime pass fall of 2008 (just can't say the specific time, sorry). Thank you for reading and thanks on behalf of my crew and me.
God Bless.
Bushman
09-15-07, 12:26 AM
how do we get stuff to ya? i'll put together a small bicycle care package
esbelch32
09-15-07, 01:17 AM
Yeah, you'll have to cough up an APO.
'Undisclosed location' on South Vic? You mean Green Beans or Pizza Hut? :p
I heard someone got nailed by a rocket on Vic the other day, bunch of others got hurt...stay safe, bro.
hotsho96
09-15-07, 05:11 AM
how do we get stuff to ya? i'll put together a small bicycle care package
If you need my mailing address, please e-mail me directly. For security reasons I'm unable to posted it openly...
Sorry and thanks for your support.
hotsho96
09-15-07, 05:13 AM
Yeah, you'll have to cough up an APO.
'Undisclosed location' on South Vic? You mean Green Beans or Pizza Hut? :p
I heard someone got nailed by a rocket on Vic the other day, bunch of others got hurt...stay safe, bro.
Rocket landed about 300m from our location; 1 dead, 12 injured.
Thanks for the good whishes.
esbelch32
09-18-07, 10:43 AM
Yeah, sucks about the rocket.
No problem on the good wishes, I know you'd cough up the same for me. But I think I can do a little better than wishes...working on a couple things you might find useful.
Be careful riding around that lake- it also seems to be a magnet for hot metal! :eek:
Hoping you and your peeps stay safe.
stringbreaker
09-18-07, 09:29 PM
Hotshoe96 What sizes of tubes are you looking for? Do you need tires or anything else.
go cog
09-18-07, 11:13 PM
Thanks for the photo and address, we'll see what we can do.
Prayers are with you.
rugerben
09-19-07, 10:54 AM
G-d bless you for what you are doing. I am collecting material for a package today and expect to have it out to you by the end of the week.
rugerben
09-19-07, 02:24 PM
Hey, BTW, what kind of wheels are you using, and what kind of bikes? Just wondering which tube and tires.
Thanks.
kaiju-velo
09-19-07, 02:28 PM
I'll look into sending y'all some stuff, I'll scavenge the local bike kitchen for free stuff too.
hotsho96
09-20-07, 02:37 AM
Hotshoe96 What sizes of tubes are you looking for? Do you need tires or anything else.
The inner tubes are 26" X 1.95" Standard American valve.
No need for tires, but we could use some wide seats for our "tin" buns.
Thanks.
rugerben
09-20-07, 11:15 AM
I'll see what I can get for ya right away!!! I already spoke to the guy in my LBS and he is willing to help out. There are another two LBS's associated with this shop, and he's going to see what they can do to help.
hotsho96
09-20-07, 09:04 PM
I'll see what I can get for ya right away!!! I already spoke to the guy in my LBS and he is willing to help out. There are another two LBS's associated with this shop, and he's going to see what they can do to help.
Thank you...
And thanks to everyone who has replied and/or offered to help us. Your support means a lot to the Soldiers and me, and reminds us of the great generosity and big heart the USA is well known for. This is such a great morale booster for the Soldiers (and that includes me)!
Please do not go out of your way buying new items; second hand items are just fine. We know shipping the items over to us could get expensive…
God Bless…
socalrider
09-22-07, 04:49 AM
the best way to ship overseas is using the priority mail flat rate boxes.. You can put as much as you can in the 2 different style boxes and it only costs 9.00 shipping.. Your local post office has these boxes available, just ask for the flat rate priority mail boxes and a white customs form for shipping to an apo.
Dumpsterlife
09-22-07, 10:27 AM
Yeah, you'll have to cough up an APO.
'Undisclosed location' on South Vic? You mean Green Beans or Pizza Hut? :p
I heard someone got nailed by a rocket on Vic the other day, bunch of others got hurt...stay safe, bro.
AHHH grean beans!!!! Memories!!!!
Also a reminder, don't ship overnight, or any kind of quick shipping With an FPO or APO you're just mailing it to a big warehouse somewhere in the states and it leaves on a plane out when they get to it...so just pay for standard shipping.
neilfein
10-09-07, 10:54 AM
You have PM.
rugerben
10-09-07, 12:22 PM
Package being sent today.
Edit: It was going to be sent today until i saw that the APO address was removed. you have an e-mail.
hotsho96
10-10-07, 12:35 AM
Sorry if I haven't post any comments for a while, but I was flying the "not so" friendly skies of Iraq (had a couple of missions to take care of).
We received the first two packages today: one with wide seats and another with lots of inner tubes. Needles to say, the seats were mounted right away (they are all gone) and we managed to repair three tires needing inner tubes.
The Soldiers loved the seats as they are spring loaded and have great padding, which effectively soften the hard roads in Camp Victory. Thanks a lot to Mr. Gerald Finsen, you made the Soldier’s day... and thanks for your support!
Also thanks to everyone else who has offered their help...it is greatly appreciated! There are no words than can describe what your support means to our young Soldiers and this old sergeant...God Bless!
hotsho96
10-10-07, 12:41 AM
Package being sent today.
Edit: It was going to be sent today until i saw that the APO address was removed. you have an e-mail.
I can't post my mailing address in the forum, but if you send me a PP, I'll provide the mailing address.
Thanks.
rugerben
10-10-07, 04:09 PM
I got your e-mail last night, and sent out the package this afternoon.
Thank you again for your service, and for doing your part to keep us free. You have no idea how appreciated it is, and how much you all mean to me.
G-d bless all of our men and women fighting in the sandbox, and all around the world.
Keep your head down, give 'em hell, and come home safe. I look forward to being able to send you more stuff in the future.
Shavit
10-10-07, 05:14 PM
you have another PM ...
hotsho96
10-11-07, 04:50 AM
We caught hell last night! Mortars and rockets landed all around our compound.
My crew and I are OK, but we lost some good Soldiers...
Thanks for the prayers.
hotsho96
10-14-07, 12:39 AM
Tom:
Soldiers will be Soldiers! This was the "chopper" one of my Soldiers put together from leftovers. I guess this bike was the pride and joy of the platoon. You would not beleive how good it rode. Saddly, the fork broke and we cannot create a new one. If anyone is willing to sell a "springer fork" for it, I have two Soldiers who are willing to pay, including the shipping and handling...I guess this is like rebuilding a race car back home...Baghdad version. American Choopers aint got nothing on my Soldiers!
By the way, the "old fart" on the bike is not the owner; he just couldn't resist the bike's appeal :D.
hotsho96
10-24-07, 04:56 AM
Thanks a lot to Martha & Neil Fein.
We just received your boxes; the tires and seats are mounted and will be keeping the hand air pump by our sleeping area in case we get flats.
One of my Soldiers just lost his bike to a pot-hole. He was ridding at night and couldn't see it (he had a bike light but ran out of batteries). A picture of the damage is attached. We found another frame and he is back on the saddle.
Again, thank you all for your support!
twahl
10-24-07, 10:48 AM
FYI: I've got your list to the bike shop, should be working on what we can do with the given budget. Going to see if QBP can drop ship, so we could be getting that out some time early next week.
hotsho96
11-16-07, 02:27 AM
FYI: I've got your list to the bike shop, should be working on what we can do with the given budget. Going to see if QBP can drop ship, so we could be getting that out some time early next week.
Sorry I didn't post an answer immediately. Camp Victory was experiencing a lot of attacks and they had "temporarily" block several websites (this was one of them). My crew and I are ok (so far); I just wish I could say the same for everyone else in this compound, but no such luck.
Thanks for you help, we really appreciated. Is getting VERY dark around 5:00 p.m. and it has become highly dangerous to ride a bike unless you have good lights on it and good reflective gear. We look forward to whatever you can provide for us...
twahl
11-16-07, 08:47 AM
I've got stuff on order. I actually thought I'd have it in by this time so I'll check with the shop. For what it's worth, QBP would NOT support this effort with any further discounts or with direct shipping. We've got 15 helmets coming in seperately from Specialized, as well as 15 rechargable 10 watt Niterider headlight sets and 20 tail lights. I think 10 seatpost mounted rear racks and net style tie downs, and a list of misc. shifters, deraileurs, cables, brake pads, and some spare chains. I'll have to rebox the stuff to get it sent, but that will happen as soon as I get my hands on it.
You guys keep your heads and asses low over there.
mazpr
11-16-07, 09:59 AM
Is this a serious thread?
Are you really asking for supplies for US ARMY soldiers?
Whats next?, pads and pencils to take notes...
neilfein
11-16-07, 11:34 AM
I have a small spare LED headlight that works fine but is missing a retaining nut to mount it on the handlebars. Do you think you could rig something to mount it?
jechilt
11-16-07, 01:37 PM
Is this a serious thread?
Are you really asking for supplies for US ARMY soldiers?
Whats next?, pads and pencils to take notes...
If you have seen the budget for us soldiers, you would know that pad and pencils are a commodity too.
We are not the highest paid for what we do and I am not afraid to ask anyone for consideration to be a blessing to a troop.
Why not cut a little slack...it is for a great purpose.
Mash Master
11-16-07, 03:15 PM
What are your current needs now? I would love to help out in anyway I can.
hotsho96
11-19-07, 02:22 AM
Is this a serious thread?
Are you really asking for supplies for US ARMY soldiers?
Whats next?, pads and pencils to take notes...
Yes, this is a REAL thread. Just as REAL as the 207mm and 240mm rockets we received every week; just as "REAL" as the Soldiers who lost their lives so you can enjoy the constitutional right to free speech; just as real as the spouses and family members we left behind over a year ago, so this war will not take place at home (USA). Base on your comments, I don’t think you have the maturity, let alone the willingness or courage, to defend what most people take for granted: FREEDOM! Remember: a Soldier dies so you can speak; choose your words wisely...
I you would take a couple minutes of your busy schedule and read this forum, you will figure the donations given to us by concerned, patriotic readers have made a world of difference to this 100% volunteer American Soldiers. However, if that is not enough, I invite you to voluntarily enlist in the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marines, the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Air Force (notice I wrote U.S.) and experience first hand what it feels to be 12,000 miles away from your home, not knowing if today is your last day on earth. Or you can hide behind your computer and continue to make such “enlighten” remarks.
Good Bless; and have a nice day.
hotsho96
11-19-07, 02:26 AM
I have a small spare LED headlight that works fine but is missing a retaining nut to mount it on the handlebars. Do you think you could rig something to mount it?
"Beggars can't be choosers"; I have a couple of Soldiers who can work miracles. If you would like to send it, I'll give you the mailing address.
Thanks.
hotsho96
11-19-07, 02:41 AM
What are your current needs now? I would love to help out in anyway I can.
Currently we have plenty of inner tubes, thanks to the help of several members. Another member (Tom) is working on several other items. About the only thing I can ask for is bicycle pedals. The PX (Post Exchange) continues to bring the wrong size (our bikes use 1/2" screw). Please do not go out buying new stuff. Used items are just fine; we understand the expense of Shipping and Handling.
To all other members, I like to apologize if I offended anyone with my reply to MAZPR. We are experiencing really hard times at my location (lots of attacks lately) and MAZPR childish comment hit home hard; is not easy been away from home for so long (10 months in, 5 more to go). Thanks for been so supportive and Good Bless.
This link is from the new issue of Bike Rod & Kustom, and should be online for at least three or four months.
twahl
11-23-07, 12:09 PM
Just FYI, the rather large order we got in is...in. I plan to work on getting it shipped out Monday, but I'm going to have to rebox it. I'll let you know how many boxes to expect, it's in like 4 now but a couple of them are rather large and heavy so I want to break them down into smaller pieces. I spent all but $3.87 of what I had budgeted, and that was at wholesale.
I got a kick out of the note on my invoice that said "You saved $1997.56!"
zencentury
11-24-07, 04:46 PM
Remember: a Soldier dies so you can speak; choose your words wisely...
huh?
Stick to the original intent of the post. You were doing reasonably well.
fastdogs
11-24-07, 08:08 PM
Originally Posted by hotsho96 Remember: a Soldier dies so you can speak; choose your words wisely...
huh?
Stick to the original intent of the post. You were doing reasonably well
Don't like hearing that? It's the truth, and if anyone can say that, anytime, our soldiers can.
Read more, it was in response to an ignorant post. I thought it was just a troll, but maybe there's more.
vickie
zencentury
11-24-07, 08:17 PM
it's been overused and is incorrect. The US is engaged in another countries civil war. There's no threat to our freedom of speech, just our oil. Which has nothing to do with name calling and insults or the original intent of the post. let's get back to that shall we?
RiPHRaPH
11-24-07, 11:28 PM
zencentury: There seems to be no threat to your butchering the speech of freedom. Your use of grammar is terrible.
twahl
11-25-07, 06:25 AM
This is difficult for me to do, and even more difficult for someone who is currently in harm's way, but I'm going to agree with zen and ask that the thread be kept on topic.
Whatever their beliefs, whatever they support, these men and women are in a place far away from home and in a place of danger. They have asked for a maybe not-so-random act of kindness to be directed toward them, and I can personally assure anyone who cares to think about it that they will be grateful for any support they receive from the cycling community, now and for the rest of their lives. Though they have already earned that support, most of them will repay it again later tenfold because it is in their nature to give, and it pains them to ask for something that they can't get for themselves.
Please, either choose to send them something, or choose to ignore the request.
twahl
11-27-07, 12:43 PM
Goodies on the way, hopefully you'll have everything before Christmas. I need to recognize a few people for making this happen. First, from A-1 Cycling in Manassas, VA, I have Justice and Ben as well as owner Keith Gates (not shown) who allowed our dollars to go a lot further by getting us stuff at their cost:
http://www.4wahls.net/legion/images/troops1.jpg
Next all of the members af American Legion Post 10 in Manassas, represented by First Vice Commander Warren Quick:
http://www.4wahls.net/legion/images/troops2.jpg
Third, my good friend and former Marine Louis Padilla, who helped me in presenting my proposal to the Post leadership, as well as packing and shipping this stuff.
http://www.4wahls.net/legion/images/troops3.jpg
Individuals make great contributions, and motivated individuals bound by common goals can make a huge difference.
Unfortunately I forgot to include any pedals, so that need is still out there.
Colonelmom
11-27-07, 06:50 PM
Goodies on the way, hopefully you'll have everything before Christmas. I need to recognize a few people for making this happen. First, from A-1 Cycling in Manassas, VA, I have Justice and Ben as well as owner Keith Gates (not shown) who allowed our dollars to go a lot further by getting us stuff at their cost:
http://www.4wahls.net/legion/images/troops1.jpg
Next all of the members af American Legion Post 10 in Manassas, represented by First Vice Commander Warren Quick:
http://www.4wahls.net/legion/images/troops2.jpg
Third, my good friend and former Marine Louis Padilla, who helped me in presenting my proposal to the Post leadership, as well as packing and shipping this stuff.
http://www.4wahls.net/legion/images/troops3.jpg
Individuals make great contributions, and motivated individuals bound by common goals can make a huge difference.
Unfortunately I forgot to include any pedals, so that need is still out there.
i'll see what i can do about pedals..
BUT from a Solider..... THANKS..... when this stuff shows up in Baghdad, you will MAKE the DAY of many Soldiers....
twahl
11-27-07, 09:28 PM
This has been a pleasure and in fact an honor for me to be able to be part of. I would encourage all eligible veterans to join their local American Legion posts so that they can take advantage of opportunities like this and make this kind of contribution.
As they say, "Veterans still serving."
stumpsbmwm3
11-28-07, 10:01 PM
Greetings,
I know first hand what it is like to be in the desert of the Middle East, as I spent the majority of two enlistments in Saudi, Sudan, Kuwait, Egypt, and some other unnamed spots around and near there. I fondly, if you will, recall being a male in a group of males; seriously shopping for panty hose to keep the sand fleas at bay.
I am working with a person here in Ohio who works for Bicycle Magazine. I am going to email this person tonight and ask them to review the thread. I know that something will happen as this person is currently working in the give the bike away program to assist HIV workers, displaced citizens, and other things that cycling can be a catalyst for cure. I am sure that serving where you are is as much a strain as the aforementioned things.
I also know what the pain is felt like here, as my son lost his leg and had his armed crushed, this year, while serving in the Marines in Iraq. It is nothing like seeing your son who has come home, while he is still in his twenties, hop across the floor--grab his walker--or hearing him say that he forgot to pack his leg when he was getting ready to come home. Although I am proud of him, his heart, his sacrifice, his integrity, his committment--I still lost a lot of sleep and hair--worrying about him.
And I tell you this unshamefully, I lost it, and I cried real tears when I was told of him being injured. Be mindful of your folks when you make decisions, we are all--all--in this together.
If we, here, make requests to certain radio stations, cycle shops, and other groups--especially at this time of year--many things can be accomplished. We all know some folks who know some folks....
Please forward a list of things that are needed. We already know about the things mentioned, but I know there are other things desired. PM if you don't want them publicized.
The bottom line is we, as a community, will find a way to make it happen. How? That's not up to me, that's up to who is high and looks low. Keep your courage high, your head low. We want you home soon.
We love you, praying for you,
Stumps
stumpsbmwm3
11-28-07, 10:10 PM
hotsho96,
I cannot really help you financially but you've got some prayer coverage. Last year, an army national guardsman in Texas who was back from his tour gave me a lift because of some bad winds. Before we parted company, he gave me a compass that he had carried with him in Iraq. It's fastened to the back of my recumbent seat. Whenever I use it, I think about you guys and gals overseas in harm's way and I send a few prayers Heavenwards for your safety. I'm also a member of the Presidential Prayer Team Adopt-A-Troop Program and I adopted a Trooper from each branch.
The moment you prayed the answer was sent: Angel Gabriel to Daniel.
The prayers of a righteous man availeth much!
stumpsbmwm3
11-29-07, 08:14 AM
Last night, as I was emailing the person from Bicycle Magazine, unknowingly to me; that person had already been reading this thread. They already knew! Even before the moment the prayer went up for help for you--the answer was already sent.
Hold on, help is on the way!
rugerben
11-29-07, 02:36 PM
I don't have any leads on used pedals, but is there anything else that you guys could want? I have finals coming up, but they finish on Dec 20th, and I would love to send out another care package to you before then. Even if not bike stuff, I'll be sure to send over bars of soap, toothpaste, foot powder, etc... Anything in specific you guys n' gals could use? I hope my first package got to you.
Thank you again, and G-d bless you for serving our country. Some people are ungrateful, but that'll always be the case. You have no idea how much it means to so many.
twahl
11-29-07, 08:40 PM
Just a reminder folks. For reasons of operational and personnel security, Hot may not be able to answer threads very often. Internet service may be cut off for periods of time, or specific types of sites may be prohibited.
Everything counts when these guys get something because the fact that they got it means that people are still paying attention. When I was over there back in 90-91, I kept getting these mysterious envelopes that each had a packet of Kool-Aid and nothing else in them, with post marks from all over the world, but my address being in the same writing. Having no sugar, they were pretty much worthless to me, but to know that somebody was thinking of me while they were moving all around the planet was very cool.
I found out later that my Mom knew a guy that was an international airline pilot, and whenever he would have a layover, he'd drop one of these envelopes in the mail.
My point is that while the contents of the packages mean a great deal to these guys, the fact that they are being thought of, and in a kind way, is something they will always hold dear to their hearts. They will tell their children and grandchildren about it.