Our Warriors Need Your Help
Both those in or deploying soon to Afghanistan as well as Iraq
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Please remember and honor them every day.
With your help, we've sent over 51,000 helmet pad upgrade kits to our Heroes

 

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We are at a crisis level of funding because of all the requests. We  need your help ($$$) to keep on sending the helmet pad upgrades.

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For the unvarnished info, see Doc Bob's BLOG

 

See the emails below for our warriors heartfelt requests for our help, more important than ever with the 'surge' now taking place in Afghanistan. We redact name and unit for OpSec (and to prevent back-blast from the Pentagon), everything else is unchanged except the occasional deletion of expletives.

Click on each Service (on the left) to see email excerpts specific to that branch.

Request your kit here : We have a short waiting list, so please be patient. We'll get the kits to you the moment donations come in. Currently there are 145 requests awaiting funding.

Make a Donation  Please help us shake the money trees. We take no salaries or fees from donated funds, as we're a strictly volunteer organization

See our Donors page for major donations by more Americans supporting our troops. We do not release donor's names without their permission. David Spade donated enough to outfit 3,000 troops: That lasted several months...and requests are starting to pour in as our troops 'pour in' to Afghanistan.  Another great troop supporter are Jim and Monica Sexton of Z-Line Designs - they not only have put their money up but also put OpHelmet logos on Denny Hamlin's #20 NASCAR (click here) Requests are far outstripping our funds...see the emails below to understand our deep concern.

Here's an approximate translation of web pages in  Espanol



OPERATION HELMET provides helmet upgrade kits free of charge to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as to those ordered to deploy in the near future. These helmet upgrades do three primary things:
  • Protection - Shock-absorbing pads keep the helmet from slapping the skull when hit with blast forces, fragments, or being tumbled along the ground or inside a vehicle. Keeps blast-wave from transmitting flexure of the Kevlar shell directly to the skull via too-stiff pads. This decreases the chance of brain injury from IED's, bombs, RPG's, vehicle accidents, falls, etc.
  • Comfort - If it is comfortable, it will stay on troop's head longer and more often.
  • Stability - Keeps the helmet firmly on the head and out of the eyes.
  • Durability – Doesn’t need to be replaced after one month of wear – hard to do when at a Combat Outpost or Forward Operating Base an eternity from a logistics supply point.

Mailing address: Operation Helmet
c/o Dr. Bob Meaders                                                           Donate by clicking this link:    Make a Donation
74 Greenview Street
Montgomery, TX 77356

Email: ophelm at operation-helmet.org

Telephone
: 936-449-9706. Answered gladly 8AM-5PM CST
(sorry, English only)  Reluctantly answered before and after... (this is our home phone also.)

We are a 100% volunteer, non-partisan, charitable organization headquartered in Montgomery, Texas (near Houston) with volunteer operations around the country.  99.96% of all contributions are used to send upgrade kits to our troops! [*]  We have less than one-half of one percent overhead which is used to for very limited expenses related to sending thanks to donors or forwarding upgrade kits that didn't reach the addressee. This is a labor of love.  We have no salaries or payroll. Doc Bob covers all office expenses.

PS: We now pay $34 for each kit, shipping included from the factory direct to the service member, thanks to a large discount from our main vendor.


Do you make a difference with  your donation?  "Just received the pads about two days ago. Have them in my ACH now and took them out on about an eleven hour patrol yesterday. I can quite possibly say that it was one of the best patrols I've had out here due to the pads. I usually take a Tylenol about halfway through our missions due to the headache I would get from the standard issue pads, not anymore though. These pads are hands down the best quality and most comfortable I have ever worn. I wouldn't even begin to compare these to the standard issue pads we get. Hands down the Oregon Aero surpass GI pads in comfort, sweat absorption, and heat ventilation. They not only felt more comfortable on my head, but noticeably cooler. Everyone here is very grateful to have generous civilians like yourself get them out to us. Thank you again"

Uncomfortable helmets simply aren't worn as much or strapped down as required as those you can 'forget about'. Hard to concentrate on a dangerous job when you are  distracted by pain. And IED's, RPG's and ambushes pop up anytime, anywhere. Removing or loosening helmets to deal with severe distracting headache = needless injury or death. Believe it: The life you save may save another!

Skull Flexure from Blast Waves- A New Mechanism for Brain Injury with Implications for Helmet (and Helmet pad) Design 

Blast-wave induced flexure ('ripple" of the seemingly rigid skull causes brain injury, made worse by simultaneous flexure of the Kevlar helmet shell's flexure being transmitted to the skull by too-firm helmet pads...SEE DOC BOB'S BLOG FOR IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION ON HELMET PAD PROBLEMS, including a current email (2/13/2010), meetings in with the Marines in Quantico and with the Army's PEO Soldier and House Armed Services Committee staff in Washington DC. If and when the Army releases the information, three independent civilian labs have re-done the flawed tests done earlier and we'll report the actual results...not some pre-digested blather.  So far, our Freedom of Information request has been denied twice as the data from non-secure labs is cited as secret????  Click Here for the summary of our meeting with PEO Soldier and House Armed Services Committee Staff.

Please remember our troops EVERY DAY

Join with your fellow Americans and Make a Donation

AND NOW EXCERPTS OF EMAILS FROM THE FRONT LINES (Not from 'desk warriors' in their air-conditioned foxholes !) 

  • See also Service sections (on left: US Army, USMC, etc) and Doc Bob's BLOG


 

7/19/10 : I received the pads on Friday, passed them out to my platoon and  they were ecstatic.  You are providing an unbelievable service, it takes us months to be issued sub par gear and you got us high end pads in less then a week. I understand your funding is low and that makes it mean even more to us the fact that you put in a great deal of time and energy. I've spread the word to my union IAFF local 2562 and various other agencies and I'm hoping they do the right thing. It really is amazing how something as small as a set of helmet pads can raise the moral of a platoon of combat ready marines. Usually I'm the one putting in the time to raise money for various organizations and have never been on the receiving end it really is overwhelming to see that while everyone says they support the troops you put actions along with that phrase. Let me know if there is anything I can do to further this great cause and spread the word, it would be a shame to see this stop due to monetary issues. Thank you again from everyone at xx platoon xx company xx and a job well done sir.

7/1/10: My (Scout Sniper) platoon will be deploying to OEF very soon and nearly the whole platoon has MICH helmets we bought with our own money, due to the fact that the issued LWH is not suitable for laying in the prone behind a precision weapon, as it hinders your ability to attain proper cheek weld and sight picture through our scopes. All my fellow snipers are using combinations of the issued pads which are stiff and uncomfortable, and when removed become rock solid. They also hold sweat and stay wet for long periods of time, and since we have had the same pads for 6+ months, they are delaminating and smell terrible. We wear our helmets to stay safe, but its hard to convince my guys to keep them on when there is no apparent danger and it feels like a vice grip.

4/17/10: Doc,The GI issue pads are not only uncomfortable but in my experience they don't allow for as good a fit with the ACH.  When you’re running or taking cover, an ill-fitted ACH can slip forward or rotate, blocking your vision and making you take time to adjust your brain bucket instead of finding cover or returning fire.  The comfort kit can literally be a lifesaver on the battlefield.  Thanks for the support, please keep up the great work. V/R Lance

3/31/10: Sir, As we are getting ready to conduct route clearance (go out and find IEDs) we are preparing our Soldiers for the inevitable blasts that we will encounter. The problem with the current pads is that they are grossly uncomfortable so Soldiers: 1) Constantly remove their helmets to get relief for their heads.  Thus exposing their heads; this may happen right before a blast which would cause catastrophic damage as they are thrown around a vehicle. 2) Soldiers buy commercial off the shelf items that do not meet basic force protection requirements.  These products are very comfortable.  However, the expose the night vision device mount so it can strike the head if shaken.  They expose screws and the inner surface of the ACH which could potentially strike the head. In conclusion, the current Army provided pads push Soldiers to remove their ACH's constantly and/or modify their ACH's to a unauthorized configuration  Thank-you so much for your incredible support! CPT, EN, Commander, Sapper Company.

2/24/10; The main gripes that the Marines have with the current pads and suspension system are that after continuous wear/use they lose their effectiveness.  Specifically, the suspension system will not hold it's tension causing the helmet to shift while in use at inopportune times.  The straps have to be constantly tightened before, during, and after use.  The pads are too stiff and do not break in easily, if at all.  Due to its comfort, or lack there of, Marines result to removing their helmets at any available moment for relief or readjustment.

2/1/2010: Thank you, I appreciate it so much, was recently out on a patrol and had to wear my ACH with the standard issue pads and i constantly would get a pounding sensation at the top of my forward, causing me to want to move the ACH to the right or left.  Doing so kept me from being able to scan my sector, which was definantly not safe considering the use of NVG's. 

1/3/2010: I currently have some sort of grey pad, not vary specific I know but there is no name on them.  The current pads are very hard and most of them have no backing and do not actually stick to the Velcro in the helmet.  Therefore on mission I am forced to, in the turret of my RG, take off my helmet to fix the pads that have moved around.  I really wish the pads were softer and were a lot more durable.  Thanks, you guys are doing a great thing. (Army Sapper-route clearance, Afghanistan)

1/2/10: We no longer dread about wearing our helmets during long missions. They are now very comfortable and our helmets don't fall in front of our eyes while shooting. Thank you for the support we really appreciate it.

11/13/09: The pads I have now are horrible especially for someone who get's headaches easily like I do. And you when you are trying to shoot your helmet falls in your eyes unless you have it really tight and then the pads kill the top of your head. I was wondering how I could get some of the pads you offer to soldiers.

10/01/09: The helmet gives me an incredible headache and makes my head go numb after one hour of wear. I have tried moving the pads and changing the straps or angle of wear but have found no solution. I simply cannot wear the helmet for more than one hour which doesn't get me very far. I've asked others for ideas and recently started searching for suggestions/solutions online. COL, USAF.

9/16/09: I originally received an Oregon Aero kit back in 2006 while I was in Fallujah and let me tell you that it saved my head on the 2 occasions that my vehicle was hit by an IED.  They are a god send and I know that many lives have been saved by the kits that are being supplied to the Marines and the FMF Corpsman.  I would like to thank Capt. Bob Meaders (Ret.) for what he has done and also my wife for the work that she did in the past to outfit my PSD unit and what she is doing now to outfit the unit I am currently with.  USMC.

9/10/09: About the pads you sent: they are 10 times better especially when in vehicles and we bump our Kevlars (helmet) on the roof; lot better shock absorbent. The issued ones are the same outer material as the Oregon Aero ones but the inner material is shards of plastic that don't conform to the operators head and don't provide any (shock) absorbency.

8/19/09: Mostly the main problem is comfort.  After wearing our helmets for longer than an hour the pads feel like they're digging into our skulls.  I have completed one tour prior and have had problems with my pads rubbing my forehead raw.  There are also problems with the helmets moving around too much over our heads.  If you can save some of my guys and my self the hassles that I went through on my last tour, I would be greatly appreciative. (EOD team)

7/2/09  Bob, received the Oregon Aero kits today and they are a big hit. Some of the guys did not think there was solution to their helmet pain. I am going to pass your info on to a couple of our associated Transition Teams. Thanks for your support, Dale (Major, US Army)

6/26/09: Using issued MSA pads and currently getting tension headaches 45min-1hr after wearing helmet. The corners of the "Pad Rect" (rectangular pads on temples) focus pressure on one location and do not form to the head. The only relief is finishing the mission and taking the helmet off.

6/1/09: Hey Bob, its LCPL xxxx. Sorry its been awhile, but we have been busy. We are getting out of here (Afghanistan) in a few days and I am real excited to say it. Let me just say that the pads you sent were a godsend. Everyone in the platoon loved them and not only do they feel better, but they don't leave a bald spot on your head like the old ones. Quite frankly many of my platoon members who didn't have them ended up with no kidding balding areas on the top of their heads... I think organizations like this are the unsung heroes for our American forces and the one's people do not know about... We all thank you for everything you have done and I'll send you a few pictures of my platoon and I when I get a chance. Thanks again

5/13/09:  The (GI pad) things are like rocks shrink-wrapped in Velcro.  Incredibly uncomfortable and in no way do they shape or form to the head. SGT, USMC.

5/8/09: I am the Command Sergeant Major of Task Force XXXX which is currently conducting Route Clearance missions in Afghanistan looking for IED's. We find a good number of them.  Well we find them all, but some are because they blow up on us. I have a good number of Soldier's that end up with concussions so anything that helps absorb that impact and blast wave is a good thing for my Warriors ... I have a set from my civilian Police helmet that I brought with me and they make all the difference in the world on long missions.  My head never hurts even after spending more than 24 hours straight in the helmet.

4/30/09: I just receive a brand-new USMC-LW helmet (still in plastic bag when I got it) in early March and wore it steady for a two week training exercise in Mississippi; consequently, the center pad is already flaking up. Also, for those two weeks I had to keep removing my helmet to relieve the tension headache that it was causing me!  My HM's and I are going OCONUS in the mid fall of 2009 and I would like to have all my gear ready prior to avoid any delays at the last minute.  Many thanks to you folks, and GOD BLESS YOU.  LCDR, USN, Medical Corps

 See Doc Bob's Blog for more information and reports on how we're trying to get the military to 'do the right thing' and provide the best, not the cheapest helmet pads to our troops in harm's way. Hard to do your dangerous job when distracted by a blinding headache.

Article on the  New Marine Helmet of the Future and interview with Gen Conway. Jan 28, 2008.

Operation Helmet's version three survey results,

We hear that DOD (And some vendors) is (are) convinced we're some sort of agent for Oregon Aero because we don't point out that their pads are more expensive than the competition. I have NO idea what OA charges the military nor do I care. That's not my business. All we want is for our troops to have the best, not the cheapest, equipment that makes their jobs safer and more effectively performed. If an item costs, for example, 3/4 as much as another but lasts only 1/2 as long, where is the savings? I also don't know how much a UAV costs, or even the M4 carbine. Attention DOD: Don't shoot the messenger, fix the problem!


Amanda Gracie - song about a young woman/soldier who suffered a TBI in Iraq - can't remember her two-year child, Amanda Gracie

We have heard from troops in the field that some pad systems are really hard, hot, and/or uncomfortable (but not the ones we send).  Fill out an anonymous survey here.  Version three survey results,

Operation Helmet, Inc. is a 501-c-3 charity; our EIN is 20-1756585. Donations are tax-deductible. Your cancelled check is sufficient unless you gave $250 or more, then we send a letter/email for proof of donation.

Once all troops are provided appropriate blast/impact protecting helmet upgrades, we will utilize residual funds to help other charities providing for rehabilitation and support of our wounded troops and their families. We are researching several charities and will support those we find to be well managed, little or AT LEAST MINIMAL administrative fees and have a proven track record of helping our wounded warriors cope with their injuries and return to either civilian or military life.

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Last modified: 07/23/10