Thanks to you: 38,572 helmet upgrades sent - Helping Prevent Traumatic Brain
Injuries
...and the requests keep coming in! Let's keep the goods flowing!
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Backlog 379± (Soon as we answer one, others hear about the help and ask also, SO THE NUMBER KEEPS CHANGING!
HOME -other
links For the unvarnished info, see Doc Bob's BLOG
Couple of good songs thanking our vets;
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25 July 07 - My husband has just deployed for the 4th time to Iraq last week. Although he volunteered to go with his platoon this time, for me it's feels like the first all over again. I had inquired about sending him a Helmet pad and I remember getting a response that the Marines are issued their own. My husband called at 2 am today asking specially to please email your organization to please send him one of yours if at all possible. Proud Marine Wife. 12 Aug 2007 - When I originally went to Iraq from Feb to Sep 2006, my unit ordered and received your Oregon Aero pads. They were unbelievably comfortable!!! It was a great comfort to know that there are organizations such as yours looking out for the servicemembers on the front lines. When we began our predeployment training for my upcoming deployment I was excited to hear that I was going to be able to have pads issued to me (I left my pads for another Marine to use prior to my departure from Iraq.) I was sadly disappointed at not only how hard the pads which were issued were but not only how uncomfortable the lowest bidder's product was. I would now like to know how to take care of the Marines which are going out this time with me. Thank you for what you do for us. Semper Fidelis, SSgt Xxx How are the 'new' Marine-issue pads being accepted in
the field? Here's this morning's (4/27/07) email from a unit preparing to deploy
shortly: "Hello, My name is SSgt xxxxxxxx. I am the supply chief with
xxxxxxxxxxx unit out of xxxxxxxx. Our company received some kind of upgrade pad
that was issued from battalion that the marines will not wear because it is so
uncomfortable. The pads do not fit the helmets therefore causing the helmet to
sit extremely high on the marines head. The pads are also very hard and as
mentioned earlier extremely uncomfortable. Our marines need to wear the pads
because of the importance of helping save marines lives that are in explosions.
I sincerely hope that you and your company can help with our problem." Check out Mike Corrado's “On My Watch Tonight” 14 May 2007 - I wanted to thank you very much for sending me the two Kevlar inserts. When my grandpa had told me that he had talked to you and that you had designed them yourself we got into a long conversation about how I hated the old equipment that the Marines for compared to all the other branched of service. I mean I have gone a long time without those inserts that you sent me and my neck used to be sore and stiff well after I got the chance to take off my Kevlar. I just really want to thank you since I put those inserts in I can wear my Kevlar forever it seams like without it irritating the hell out of my head and neck. I gave my good friend Cpl S, the other one that you sent and he agrees with me and he also sends his thanks. Cpl T, USMC, Fallujah Iraq 19 Mar 07 - From my family and my nephew, THANK YOU so much. When I got your email saying the helmet liner will be sent tomorrow it just made me cry. While the family is split on the war, we are all supportive of my nephew and our troops. I am glad I was able to do this for him. Dusten is a radio operator for his team. I have asked him to let me know if there are any members of his team who do not have the new liners. I want to make sure they all have them. Normally I am not one to ask for help. This is the time for me to ask. Thank you again. Tina R. 9 Mar 07 - I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for the work you have done on behalf of the troops. My son-in-law is still in Iraq with the marines in Al Anbar province and has expressed several times what a lifesaver the helmet inserts have been to him and the other guys. They have been in some fierce firefights and he had an RPG fly 2 feet above his head and land fairly close to him. The insert was instrumental in protecting him from a head injury. So, a big thank you! Carol 2 Mar 07 - This is the best Pad system ever. I used to have a problem with my helmet falling down over my eyes but not any longer with this system it stays firmly in place and since it more comfortable it will stay on my head longer. Semper Fi Doc. Thanks A million. LCpl SY. 26 Feb 07 - Thanks Bob, we got augmented with some Marines from the Battalion here in Fallujah, and they showed up with these new helmet pads that the Corps is issuing out, and they are absolutely the most painful, uncomfortable helmet pads on earth. I'd rather have the old liner system than those hard one's they're issuing to our Marines. We appreciate what you're doing. Thank you. JT, USMC 10 Feb 07 - I just received a phone call from my son. They have been out on an extended training mission on Camp Pendleton, so he just got a chance to pickup and distribute the helmet pads this past week. He handed them out to all the Scout Sniper platoon, about 5 of them went to his buddies in the company. The Scout Sniper sergeant was so thrilled, that he took 5 of them and handed them out to some of the other Sergeants, including the new Battalion Commander. Every one of the guys wanted me to pass along a big “Thanks”. They were ecstatic! The Marines are now issuing the guys their version of new helmet pads, but they are not near as comfortable or secure as the ones from Operation Helmet. They put the Marine-issued ones in their helmets, and then tried the ones you sent from Operation Helmet and said there was no comparison. The whole battalion will be going on a month long training mission before they deploy. Proud Marine Mom... 9 Feb 07 - I received the shipment today, my platoon is very excited to have these. I cannot thank you enough for what you do, this was one of the best gifts my Marines could get before some of them go for the first time. Here is to fair winds and following seas, Sir. and Semper Fidelis, Lcpl Matt 6 Feb 07 - I received [the] pads. They are a lot better than the ones that I have seen come through the supply system. The extra pads I has distributed to other Marines within my Company that are leaving soon. I will have the guys complete the survey once we get some wear time in country. I truly appreciate the support that you and your group have provided to not only me and my Marines but all the US Service personnel. SSgt M 4 Feb 07 - I saw your link on the Glenn Beck website. I have an 18 year old next door neighbor who is like a son to me at Camp Pendleton. If he gets deployed next year, I'll make another contribution in his name. Keep up the fantastic work! With people like you and our military personnel wherever they may be, I am proud to call myself an American! Kevin, Stockton CA 2 Feb 07 - A Marine in my unit recently received one of your kits. He couldn't say enough good things about it. The pads in my helmet are ridiculously hard and the helmet doesn't even fit on my head properly. This causes extreme discomfort and makes it hard to focus on the task at hand. I am requesting a couple additional kits for junior Marines who are having the same problem as me. This will greatly improve our efficiency. Thank you for your support. Cpl. J. 2/4/07:my upgrade kit arrived today and i installed it on
my kevlar and i have got to say i never knew the kevlar could feel that good and
snug on my head. thank you 2/11/07: I just wanted to let you know that the xxx Batallion, xxx Marine division returned home safely from Iraq last week and I am certain Operation Helmet played a key role in their safe return. Thankfully my Marine returned home safely and I hope your grandson is also safe. Thank you for your care and concern which helped to protect these Marines who fought the enemy so bravely. 2/21/07:I serve as a Squad leader of a Combat Engineer squad attached to XXX BN XXX Marines. Upon deploying with this unit on MEU my squad and myself were issued the new Marine helmet with pads. Right away everyone wanted the old net suspension back. The new pads are incredibly hard and uncomfortable. Also the pads don't properly fit so helmets are left sitting high on your head as you wear it. A Marine I met the other day told me about the pads you had sent him and his squad. I am requesting these for my whole squad. 1/28/07: Thank you very much for the kits. They Have made a huge difference and are much more comfortable. All my men would like to thank you and tell you they are glad you do what you do. sorry it took me so long to get back to you. god bless. 1/30/07: thank you these helmet kits are awesome. They are really comfortable and the best thing since sliced bread. 1/22/07 Bob, I have some news that I would like for you hear. A few weeks
ago you sent my son Brandon 50 helmet upgrades. I have thanked you several
times for that. Today comes the biggest thanks of all. Last night Brandon was
hit by a IED. He received shrapnel to the head. A piece about the size of a
dime got him behind the right eye. I am not sure of all the details yet, however
I know that he will have a full recovery and I am certain that the injury was
greatly diminished as a result of your helmet liner. There was no other head
trauma, and I have you to thank for that. Thank you so much for all you have
done for our troops, and my son. (Marine family) NOTE: The 'new' Marine-issue (and now Army-issue) pads are from a different manufacturer. The pads are very hard and will not conform to skull irregularities, common in all except the REMF's who order them. They are also thicker. The Marine LWHelmet was made to specs for a 1/2" standoff between helmet and head. Unfortunately, the 'GI' pads come in only 3/4" and 1" thickness. This will decrease the effective size of your helmet, requiring you to find the next larger helmet unless it was issued to you and fit to your head with the pads already installed. The pads we provide are 1/2" side and 3/4" crown for the unmodified helmet as designed. If the pads you request are to replace the 'GI' pads, we need to send thicker pads so your already-modified helmet will still fit, so notify us. MARADMIN - MARINE CORPS POLICY ON THE WEAR AND PURCHASE OF BODY ARMOR AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) This MarAdmin allows Personal Protective Equipment additions to be authorized by unit commanders depending on the tactical situation/needs.
MARADMIN CONCERNING HELMET PADS This MadAdmin states only Marine-issue pads will be used and orders CO's to change any other pads out as follows: ALL OTHER PAD SUSPENSION SYSTEMS WILL BE EXCHANGED BY UNITS AND INDIVIDUALS AS SOON AS THE OPERATIONAL SITUATION PERMITS. Some commanding officers have used this phrase as well as the MarAdmin above as justification to leave well enough alone for troops with the upgraded pad system sent by Operation Helmet and the American public. The more comfortable pads increase combat effectiveness by allowing troops to concentrate on the job at hand instead of doing so in spite of a headache and poorly-fitting helmet. More tests are in the offing that include 'wearability',
which was ignored in the first round of tests conducted by the Dept. of Defense. Here's how one Marine is making a difference for Iraq's future leaders, one child at a time: Matt Foster, USMC helping Iraqi school children
10/18/06: Notice to donors intending to send kits to individual Marines or for 'Marine Only' usage: Some units in Iraq tell us they are receiving the new Marine-issued helmet upgrades. Prior to donating for a helmet upgrade for 'your' Marine, please contact them via email or via www.Motomail.us to see if they need you to provide one through Operation Helmet. We will continue upgrading the combat helmets of other Marine units already in Iraq to whom the supply chain has not reached until we hear otherwise. The Marine units in the African Horn, or on standby for any contingency, tell us they still need the upgrade, so we will respond. 11/6/06:Why we're back asking for help: From a Marine CO: "I got 25 more of the helmet liners for the Marines, but I found out today that our supply system can’t get any ordered and in until next year, so if you have any pull with OpHelmet we could use at least 125 more for my company alone" 11/8/06 A Senior NCO of a combat unit in Anbar province called home and asked his parents to quickly find 120 helmet upgrades for the unit...the military-issue ones haven't made it to their isolated outpost and no sign of them in the near future. And he wants his men protected every day! MARADMIN 362/06 Released - Authorizes use of Pad Suspension Kit in the Marine Lightweight Helmet. Follow-up letter from General Mike Hagee, Commandant of the Marine Corps, to Congressman Weldon that states "I have directed that O&M funding be made available to commanders who want to purchase the padded suspension system". Unfortunately, it will take a while for this to get implemented. We will fill the gaps until this happens. MARADMIN 480/06 Update - 5 Oct 06 - The Pad Suspension System is now the only authorized suspension system to be used in the Lightweight Helmet (LWH). Complete update and Marine Corps News Release. 7 Nov 06 - Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC), I MEF and II MEF did an initial purchase of 39,000 and MCSC purchased an additional 100,000 of which 50,000 were delivered to the MEFs and MFR in September. The MEFs receive them at their Consolidated Issue Facilities (CIFs) in CONUS and then assign quotas and requirements for the battalions. As you can imagine, by the time the pads get to the company and platoon level some time has passed. The additional 50,000 pads will complete delivery to the CIFs by the end of December. Some pads are now available in the supply system. 18 Dec 06 - I spoke to [my son] this weekend, there are 2200 Marines in his unit that don't have [padded suspension systems]. I will continue to promote the Operation Helmet to support our troops overseas. Best wishes to you, George, Proud Parent of a Marine. 14 Dec 2006 - It is with heavy heart I write you again. Less than six
months ago
This email is to inform you that we have requested people make memorial
donations, in Matthew's honor, to your organization in lieu of flowers. We,
Matthew Dillon's parents, know that this would please Matt to know that
another fellow Marine or soldier is able to receive these liners for their
protection. While we wait for his return, we decided to make this request to
the public to help support our troops. Matt was only in the Corp 18 months,
made Cpl the first of Nov and was named Marine of the Quarter. He will be
greatly missed and the Corp has lost a great leader of freedom. Please let
us
My wife's 501-C organization, Friends of Freedom's Defenders, was the initial contact for the helmet inserts for the 373rd Marines. They will be also sending a donation that this organization collected from friends, veteran organizations and businesses. We both feel strongly led and committed to do as much as we can to help protect these young men and women who so honorably serve this great Country and risk their lives to keep us free. Again, thank you for this great organization. You do a tremendous service for our Marines and fellow soldiers. God bless you, Neal and Lucy Dillon For a video tribute to Matt please click here 26 Nov 06 - I attended a Marine Birthday Party was honored guest. Met a 1st Sergeant who's life was saved by donated helmet pads. God willing I will equip the relief group with same. A.M. former Marine 24 Nov 06 - I received my helmet pads just prior to deploying here in Iraq. The pads are a great improvement over the prior suspension system. I have not found them to be uncomfortable at all, and I wear my brain-bucket for many long hours. LCpl AB In prior fire fights my old netting system would fall down and block my view but now with this new padding in my helmet it stays in place and helps reduce the feeling of an impact from an RPG or an IED. I am very grateful for the padding and think they are some of the best things that we have for my fellow marines to have to be taken care of. Thank you for all the support and for the pads. Cpl MC 21 Nov 06 - Being in Route Clearance operations, I need a system that will protect my grape. when i got hit the first time I was glad that i had the system in because it padded my head when the IED went off. Thank you for the pads and keep up the good work. LCpl AS The Marine Corps issued pads are very hard and unforgiving. They are stiff and don't conform to each individual head like the one I got from operation helmet. They also tend to be too big and make wearing the helmet a bit uncomfortable. The pads I got from op. helmet are much better and don't give me this problem. LCpl RH The system is great! I have already had several tests to the helmet (IED's). However the pads don't breath all that well and have a tendency to get hot with any kind activity. Even though that is the case think sometime you have to take the good with the bad. HM2 MS 20 Nov 06 - The Oregon Aero system works well. When the pads are cold, they are hard, but once the body heat from your head warms up the pads, it becomes comfortable again. This usually takes about 5 minutes. The pads are hot in the summer, but then again, everything is hot inside the helmet, it's not a fault of the pad. Overall, I am very pleased with the pads you sent me. Thanks again. Capt LB The one that you sent me worked great...took a few days to get used to...but after that...would never go back. Thanks again for the help. Capt BA In the past, I could hardly keep my helmet on for even a few minutes before it became so uncomfortable that I was distracted by the helmet. The Oregon Aero pads allow me to wear my helmet all day every day without any pain or discomfort. The snug fit and elimination of pressure points give me confidence in the helmets ability to protect me from TBI caused by outside shock. GySgt DO Thank you so much for the great service that you have provide to myself and my fellow Marines. The pads are so comfortable that I often forget I even have a helmet on at times. There is a 100% difference between the helmet liner's that come issued in our LWH and Oregon Aero's. Thank you again! Cpl MD Our entire platoon gives thanks every day for these helmet upgrade kits. They have made our helmets not only comfortable- but a pleasure to wear. There's no comparison with the pad system issued by the Marine Corps. Those are the pads that are hot, hard, and uncomfortable. Thanks again for providing these for us. PFC SP
19 Nov 06 - Within 5 minutes of putting on my helmet, my head started to throb. The last thing I need to worry about while I'm over there is malfunctioning gear. I was all set to shell out the $100 dollars for the oregon aero pad system when I heard about operation helmet. With the extra cash, I was able to purchase other pieces of gear that I'll surely need for this upcoming deployment. Thank you so much for everything you guys are doing. Every little bit helps. Cpl AC The pads are comfortable when worn properly. They get more rigid in the cold and do not feel as comfortable. Is there a way to make the pads with an outer cloth that can be removed to be washed (kind of like a pillow case is used for a pillow?). Cpl M. (Note: the pads can and should be washed with soap and water without removing the cloth cover) I used the pad system for about 4 of the 7 months I was in Iraq. The system was pretty hot but the temperatures reached 140 degrees at times. Also the padding seemed to press pretty tight on my head particularly in the front. It's possible that a larger helmet would have fixed that. All in all I and most of the guys in my unit found that the padding system greatly increased the comfort level of the helmet especially since we wore it every single day all day. Thanks, Cpl TR. I had the pads that come with the Marine Corps issue and they were a lot better than the first ones but once I put in the Oregon Aero I love it and I've never had anything more comfortable for the field, and plus I'm with artillery and it really helps with sound also. thanks LCpl S For long periods of wear the pad system that I received from you is perfect. It not only lets your head breath it makes it comfortable. It allows you to concentrate on the job at hand not about the discomfort of the kevlar helmet. Cpl SB The BLSS kit upgrade is one of the best pieces of gear a Marine can have! It may be a little awkward at first to wear, but once the pads get a little broken in they make wearing a Kevlar almost unnoticeable (for me that is). Thank you Operation helmet on behalf of the 4th CEB LCpl NB I am extremely satisfied with the Oregon Aero pad system. The new pad system is easy to install and comfortable to wear. We Marines deeply appreciate your company's efforts in providing us with the outstanding piece of equipment. LtCol xx The Oregon Aero pads are pretty good. They stay soft most of the time. The only time they get hard or uncomfortable is when it is cold outside, once the warmth of your head warms up the pads they get soft again. They are a great pad system. PFC NH The Pads are great compared to the old system they are an improvement. It's over 100 degrees over there of course the pads get hot but i would rather be hot, then immobile from a head injury or even dead. Thanks OpHelmet for your hard work. Semper Fi. Cpl J I am a USMC Sniper Platoon Sgt. The helmet pads I got for my whole platoon from operation-helmet.org were very good. SSgt AS Drastic Improvement to comfort and safety. Capt CK 18 Nov 06 - The helmet pads were a God send. I was a little worried that I wouldn't receive them until halfway through my deployment since I ordered them right before I left, but they arrived in country about the same time as me. Light, comfortable, durable. My only gripe is that it did make my helmet a little tighter on my head than with the old suspension system, something that possibly should have been addressed on the website. Still, infinitely better than before. Cpl JC, USMC The padded helmet system usually requires a helmet to be a size larger than the webbing originally used because the pads take more room. PV2 C I heard about Operation Helmet from a friend and I tried on his helmet and it was amazing compared to the issued suspension system. My helmet is now comfortable for any amount of time that I have to wear it. It makes any operations that I need to do a lot easier. Thanks. Cpl BC After close calls with indirect fire, i think any marine would take the best possible protective gear available to them. The system was a little hotter then the suspension system provided however, if its the option of comfort over safety i would say the padding system definitely provides that extra safety and was overall pretty comfortable. LCpl WG This pad system is extremely comfortable, a lot more than the suspension system that we are issued. The only negative about the pad system is sweat is absorbed into the pads and makes the Kevlar slide all over the head. LCpl WG 13 Nov 06 - THIS DONATION IS MADE IN THE NAME OF MY FATHER, COL. LOUIS V. PELINI (RET) ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 70TH BIRTHDAY. GODSPEED THE MARINE WHO WEARS IT, AND GOD BLESS YOU FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE. 13 Nov 06 - [Our Marine] was very excited to receive the upgrades. One Marine in his unit already had one, so he was able to give the extra to their medic who was extremely pleased to get it. Mitch said it made him very popular with his unit. Jean
2 Nov 06 - Dear Doc Meaders: My name is Nilda from McAllen, Texas. My
20 year old son, Cpl Mario xxx, USMC is currently stationed in Haditha,
Iraq and in the front lines (Infantry).
I just wanted to give you my thanks a million times over for the helmet
kits....my son's girlfriend, Terry, found your website and on Friday,
September 29, 2006, we ordered 48 helmet kits....we specified that they
were in Iraq and in the front lines....on Thursday, October 5th, she
e-mailed you for an update as to the scheduled shipment date since there
were about 1,500 in backorder. You replied that on October 1st, the
shipment of 48 helmet kits had been shipped out to my son and his
platoon after a donation arrived from a fund raising event.....praise
the Lord! We thought that was a miracle in itself! Two weeks later,
these Marines received their helmet upgrades .... they called me to
thank me for the added protection.
I received a call from my son this morning. His squad was in a vehicle
yesterday and hit an IED....he was knocked out for a while from the
blast. But he is fine!!! Everyone in his squad is fine. My son is on
light duty for a couple of days (which of course he hates) but we talked
for a while and he is fine! The added protection in the helmet did
exactly what it was supposed to do.....prevent any additional harm! So
thank you and everyone involved in your operation......this mom thanks
you from the bottom of my heart!!! I know that my son's injuries would
have been greater had he not had the added protection to their helmets.
And by the way, would you please thank Cher for me and all her work
towards this wonderful project!!! (lol) God bless you all, our
troops and God Bless the USA!
Sincerely, Nilda
16 Oct 2006 - Letter from Marine Company Commander
7 Oct 06 - Dr. Bob, I'm stationed over here and you sent me a helmet several months ago. It's been wonderful, hope someone else can also benefit! Cdr PT. [note: he sent a donation] 06 Oct 2006 - Sir or Ma'am, My unit is scheduled to deploy to the Al Anbar Province, Iraq in March of next year. I was on the internet looking for helmet pads for myself and stumbled upon your awesome website. What you guys are doing is great!!! We have started training our younger Marines both mentally and physically for the upcoming deployment, to include the long list of gear needed to complete our mission. This being my second deployment I have advised my Marines to invest in the helmet pads. I know that if our request is approved it would be a great gift and welcome piece of gear and further enhance training and operating level while deployed. Thank you for your consideration. Sgt LL 04 Oct 2006 - Just wanted to say "Thank you! "For taking the time to contribute to the comfort and the care of Marines in Iraq. We the Marines from the Intel Battalion, appreciate your contributions and your continuous support to all armed forces. SEMPER FI, SSgt M, U.S.M.C 4 Oct 2006 - My name is Cynthia, from Erie, Pennsylvania. Last year, July 2005, my son, Matthew, came home to Erie from college in Daytona Beach and said that he had withdrawn from school and had joined the Marines. Of course, I didn’t agree with his decision and would not talk to him for three days. When he went to Buffalo for his “Swearing In” I knew he had made the right decision and I fully supported him. During boot camp I sent him letters every day saying how proud I was of him. He was meritoriously promoted in boot camp and then went to MOS school at Camp LeJuene where he was again promoted. During this time I saw the program on C-SPAN with Cher and you, and was curious as to what you were talking about. Then we got a phone call saying that our son was going to be deployed to Iraq and your program came to mind. My husband got on the internet and searched for the organization. We sent in a request and received the package at home before my son came home from leave. He saw that package and said thank you for getting it. He was deployed to Iraq just three weeks ago (September 13th, 2006) and he called home last week and could not say “Thank you” enough for getting the pads for his Kevlar. Number one, the helmet was way too big for him and always moved around; number two, all he had in the helmet between him and the outside was a strap and a small donut shaped pad. After he put the pads in the helmet he was ecstatic that it felt good to wear and that he felt much safer to go out on patrols. He also told several of his fellow Marines about the website and to try and request a set of pads. Thank you, Cynthia 03 Oct 2006 - Thank you all for what you are doing, I have tried one of the kevlars with this system in it and it is much better than the ones we are issued. Thank you, Kyle 03 Oct 2006 - I think what you guys are doing is awesome. Thank you, your saving lives. LCPL Juan 03 Oct 2006 - I just wanted to take a moment and personally thank you and your donors for the kits that you've sent to my unit here in Iraq. I cannot believe that I actually like to wear my helmet now!!! (Did hell freeze over?...LOL!). My fellow Marines and I are so thankful to receive this kind of support. Thanks again and God Bless the USA, R/S, Sgt Jim, I MEF (Fwd), Camp Fallujah, Iraq 30 Sep 2006 - My son David USMC, Iraq March to Sept 2006. I e-mailed my request for him and the next day a kit was sent to my son. It made me feel better knowing that my Son was a lot more protected. Cher is a BIG Star, and normally Stars are not ones to Support the troops but she put her Time, Name and Money to HELP ALL the Heroes of this war. David said to me he thought it was cool that Cher and others backed this wonderful program and wanted to THANK ALL for this important operation. Lori of www.pacificamilitarymoms.com 29 Sep 2006 - I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS GREAT CONTRIBUTION YOU AND YOUR ORGANIZATION ARE MAKING TO THE SUPPORT OF OUR NATION'S MARINES AND SOLDIERS, LOVED ONES AND FRIENDS. THE SAFETY, PROTECTION, AND COMFORT OF MY LOVED ONE AND ALL OF HIS SQUAD/UNIT, FRIENDS AND BROTHERS IS WHAT WE PRAY FOR THE MOST, AND WITH WHAT YOU ARE DOING, THAT IS JUST THE MORE POSSIBLE. WE ARE REQUESTING THESE HELMET KITS FOR MARINES LOCATED IN HADITHA, IRAQ. THEY RECENTLY ARRIVED IN IRAQ ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2006 AND SURE COULD USE ADDITIONAL PROTECTION ASAP! ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS CONTRIBUTION....GOD BLESS THE USA, GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND GOD BLESS YOU! THANKS CHER......ONCE AGAIN YOU PROVE YOURSELF WITH AN ....."I GOT YOU BABE!" 28 Sep 2006 - TRIED A FRIEND'S HELMET, AND IT WAS VASTLY MORE COMFORTABLE THAN MINE, ESPECIALLY ON LONG DAYS. CPL Benjamin 28 Sep 2006 - Hey, you guys are awesome ... I've been able to hook up a lot of marines and they are loving the upgrade kit. It is not necessary to send me any more though. We are solid with the amount we got. Thank you so much. Sgt Jon 21 Sep 2006 - I would like to thank you all for what you do for the men and women that serve our country. The fact that you donate you time and money to help keep us safe says something about your character. I know that I'm placing a large order but its not just me that could use the kit. A lot of us have some pretty old gear. A marine from the last PSC [provisional security company] told me that it made life much easier for them, and recommended that I place an order for us. Lance Corporal Michael J 19 Sep 06 - I think it is a great thing you are doing for the troops. We have been looking for a while to find something to help use have a more comfortable helmet an now we found it thank you for your hard work LCpl SA, 3rd LAR 18 Sep 2006 - ... I can't thank your organization enough for taking care of all the servicemen and women that are deployed into harms way. Because of your consideration and thoughtfulness is why we do what we do. The Marines here are doing an outstanding job and I want the best for them and that is why I have submitted the request for the young Marines that are getting it done over here. Thank you very much and Semper Fidelis. GySgt Steve 18 Sep 06 - My wife and other Marines from Camp Lejeune, NC have used you all for their upgrade kits. I put one on my head and am sold. I have been a Marine for over ten years and that is the most comfortable thing out there and still safe to use during convoy ops to help avoid most head trauma from IED attacks and vehicular accidents. SSgt SG. 16 Sep 06 - I’m a Marine currently serving my second tour out here in Iraq…I have received several sets of helmet upgrades from a source, and was told you were responsible for getting them out here for us. I just wanted to formally thank you through this email that the upgrades are of great help. I’ve seen a very select few with them last year, and was tempted to buy it myself, then later found that it was too expensive for my taste. And this year, I’ve gone through half the deployment enduring the pain and headaches from the helmet through long periods of usage. I was especially happy when I received these, and put one on immediately!!! It was way more comfortable, and I have no problems wearing my helmet anymore, no more sweat coming down the forehead, and no more headaches…I now wear it with extreme comfort. I passed out the several sets that I have to my Marines, and they all loved it as I love it. So, from all my Marines and me…’THANK YOU’ for your support, and we’ll continue serving our country knowing that we have people that support us back home. Cpl TS 15 Sep 06 - The 25,000th helmet upgrade kit was sent this week to a young Marine Lance Corporal at the request of his father, Air Force Fire Chief ND from Dobbins ARB, GA. 12 Sep 06 - Well I guess my boys got the pads - because everyone in
Co of 1/6 has the Oregon Aero pads - Well about three four weeks ago
the Gunner, Gunny and the XO went to Ramadi and started taking over
for 3/8 - Well their humvees hit an IED - the Gunny and XO were fine
but the Gunner was in the Humvee that hit the IED. Everyone in
that truck was knocked out and ended up with concussions except the
Gunner - He was able to start pulling the others out of the truck to
safety - ... - Those pads may have just saved a few more lives, even
though only one of them in the Humvee had them - I just wanted to
tell you and Thank You guys for what you are doing - I hope you can
keep it up. Anyway I am going to go back to writing my
husband. He left for Iraq on Sunday and I haven't heard from
him since then but know from a few other guys they all got there
safely.
Sarah M, Proud Wife of
a US Marine
The 23,000th helmet upgrade kit was sent to a young Marine Lance Corporal from the "Betio Bastards" 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. We need a bit of help outfitting this Marines' 130 buddies in Kilo Company. "Buy an upgrade for a Bastard" 6 Sep 06 - Being purchased at the request of our daughter, Alison D, who wants a Helmet Liner sent to a Marine in Iraq as her Birthday Gift from us. We're extremely proud of her desire to "Support the Troops", and wish her a very Happy Birthday! John R. 5 Sep 06 - My name is Marc R. I am a United States Marine. I was deployed to Al Asad Iraq, earlier this year. These kits work! I have personally heard from Marines who have worn them when their vehicle was struck by an IED. They work. I have fortunately not been in harms way such as this. Thank goodness that this piece of gear is donated for Marines to use. It of course befuddles me that this piece of safety gear is not standard issue for Marines on the front lines. Then again commonsense decreases as rank of officers and pay grades of civilians increases. These two standards are inverse in natural relation. Thank you for stepping in and ensuring Marines are well taken care of. Please contact me at xxxx@xxxx.com if there is more I can do. Respectfully, Marc R USMC 04 Sep 2006 - I am requesting this upgrade kit because I had one once before but I was recently injured and when I was flown to the hospital, in the mix of things, my helmet was lost. These pads are amazing and make my job much easier and much more comfortable. Thank you very much for this service! LCPL Ryan S. 3/2 4 Sep 06 - I was serving in Iraq as a civilian bomb disposal contractor. On May 3rd, 2006 my convoy was hit by an IED. The bomb went off next to my truck injuring myself and one of my security team members and unfortunately killing our driver. I sustained injuries to my face requiring facial reconstruction, multiple shrapnel wounds, and tendon loss in my right arm. My doctors were extremely surprised that I had not sustained any brain damage. I was wearing a helmet outfitted with this [OH] kit. I just wanted to write a quick note saying 'thank you'. On behalf of myself, my family, and my friends: Thank You!!! Please keep up the good work. V/R, Eric S. 4 Sep 06 - I just received this letter from my son, Sgt. Steven O. USMC, based at Camp Lejeune, NC. Steven has been in the Corp for 9 years, he just finished a 3 year recruiting duty and is now back in the fleet. He is due to ship out next week to Iraq where he will serve in a battalion as the xxxxx person. When we received the following email, it sent chills through me. Steven is Marine through and through and is always concerned for the safety of his fellow Marine brothers. I sent Steven's email to my boss who is the principal at St. James Episcopal School, Del Rio, TX, where Steven attended high school. Sarah M (the principal) hit the ground running and already is going to designate a weekly penny day to help fulfill Steven's wishes. Our children attend chapel each morning and pray. We receive prayers from all over the nation from people who have had children at one time or another attend our school. We feel so honored to be able to help in our small way to help you keep our troops safer. Del Rio is a military town, home to Laughlin AFB, a pilot training base and we have many military families who attend our school. You will be hearing from us in the very near future. Thank you, Susan O. Proud Marine Mother
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Carol and I
have decided that instead of sending things to Iraq for the holidays
this year, please donate what you can to operation helmet. What they
do is donate free of charge helmet upgrade kits to the troops. These
kits are saving lives; I have one my self and am very grateful that
Chris was able to send me one. Just search Google for operation
helmet it is based out of Houston. Love, Carol & Steven
5 Sept 06: I am a United States Marine. I was deployed to Al Asad Iraq, earlier this year. These kits work! I have personally heard from Marines who have worn them when their vehicle was struck by an IED. They work. I have fortunately not been in harms way such as this. Thank goodness that this piece of gear is donated for Marines to use. It of course befuddles me that this piece of safety gear is not standard issue for Marines on the front lines. Then again commonsense decreases as rank of officers and pay grades of civilians increases. These two standards are inverse in natural relation. Thank you for stepping in and ensuring Marines are well taken care of. Great article from SF Chronicle on the 3/4 Marines' 4th Tour
21 Aug 06 - Thank you for the follow up, the installation tip and for being the driving force behind this organization. I have been in some of the same areas as your Grandson and these pad kits are worth their weight in gold. Thank you again for making this possible and for taking an interest. Semper Fi to your grandson. I am not the kind that usually sends out group emails, but I will definitely send your organizations address and purpose to all that I know at least once, with my story for support of Operation Helmet. Very Respectfully, GySgt C 20 Aug 06 - dear operation helmet this is cpl david b and i just wanted to thank you all from my unit and i. i told my family to try to help you guys out by raising some money to help. thanks again you guys are truly lifesavers!! keep up the good work and i will keep in touch while im over there.
8 Aug 06 - I talked to the battalion supply chief and there is a huge backlog at DLA for the LWH kits. He said that we would not be able to order them and if we could then we would be in country about 4 or more months before they showed up. I am still working it and will let you know, but I might be leaving advance party in about 10 days so I will give you some word as soon as I find out. That would be a great mail call. It beats baby wipes and crackers. Thanks for all of the assistance and will talk to you soon 04 Aug 2006 - We are currently in Iraq. We have had three cases of 3rd class concussions and the Marines were sent home. I hope you can supply us so we can try to mitigate some if not all of the injuries that are occurring during IED attacks. Semper Fi, GySgt D 3 Aug 2006 - I know the request is large, but they are for the other marines in the unit, and I am taking a collection to give a contribution to you guys for the much appreciated gear and contribution you make to us. It is good to know that people out there do care and try to help see Marines and other military members come home safe. God bless. CPL B 3 Aug 06 - Having tried both the suspension and the pad helmet systems, without a doubt the pad system is the superior configuration. Force protection is critical to the force and the pad system provides this by ensuring Marines and Sailors of the battalion keep their helmet on a greater percentage of the time. On a personal note, it is great to find an organization that puts actions behind their words in supporting the men military men and women deployed in harms way. God bless your efforts. LtCol M, USMC. 2 Aug 06 - I am sure you have many requests for units within 2/3, I just heard about this recently and am looking for a little extra something for these war-fighters. Most of them are still not old enough to drink and are getting ready to go put it all on the line. I promised to bring them all back home, this would definitely help. Until we get fielded these inserts, I can only hope to get them donated to the boys. Thanks for everything. If we are able to get them prior to mid September that would be perfect, but from word of mouth you all are pretty backed up. I can provide an address for once we are deployed. Thanks for whatever you can do. Semper Fi, GySgt Chris J 2 Aug 06 - I am the medic for 2D LAR Medical and I want my guys to have as much protection as possible while they are out on missions and back at camp. We leave in September to go to Iraq. All of the Corpsman will be participating in raids, checkpoints, convoys and anything else the Marine Corps wants us to take care of while we are over there. Anything will help because most of them are E-3's and E-4's who can not afford to buy the BLU kits. 1 Aug 06 - I received a kit about four months ago it's such a great piece of gear I want to see about getting them for my squad. We will be leaving between Sept.10-12 for Ramadi Iraq. Thank you so much for your help. Sgt N 1 Aug 06 - WE MACHINE GUNNERS REQUEST THESE KITS FOR MANY REASONS SIR, FOR ONE WE ARE UP IN THE TURRETS WHERE MOST OF THE SHOCK AND SHRAPNEL GOES IN AN IED BLAST. I HAVE ALREADY BEEN IN ONE IED BLAST IN AFGHANISTAN LAST YEAR AND IT WAS NOT TO PLEASANT AND IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN TO ME IN IRAQ I WOULD LOVE TO BE PREPARED THIS TIME. I ASK FOR FOUR KITS SIR FOR ME AND THREE OF MY FELLOW MACHINE GUNNERS, WHICH TWO HAVE NEVER BEEN OVERSEAS YET AND I WANT TO GIVE THEM EVERYTHING THAT WILL HELP THEM IN AN IED BLAST SO THEY CAN LIVE, AND BE ABLE TO MAKE IT BACK HOME SAFELY TO THERE LOVED ONES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME SIR.
Jul 29, 2006 - I ordered an insert for my son last month and he received his and LOVES it. I am requesting 5 more inserts for 5 other marines in his unit. Please send all 5 to my son 29 Palms. My son called early this AM to ask for these inserts for his buddies. I really like the way Marines look out for each other. My son then hurried off for artillery training. This unit will deploy to Iraq about August 15 so please expedite this order, if possible. Thank you for all of the work you are doing. As a proud mother of a US Marine, I am eternally grateful for your efforts. God bless. Lura July 26, 2006 - I requested, on behalf of my son, that you send 13 inserts for him and his squad of 12 Marines. He promptly received them. I can't thank you enough. They leave in about 6 weeks for Iraq and he was thrilled to be able to give them to his squad. You are doing a selfless job for a bunch of deserving heroes. Penny 25 Jul 2006 - I'm trying to get these kits for my platoon, because i saw some of my buddies suffer concussions and worse from ied and rpg blasts and would not care for a repeat of that experience. my unit is deploying in about a month and a half or so and they cant get us the systems fast enough. your efforts are appreciated by all us boots on the deck. semper fidelis Jul 18,2006 - I just heard about this on the news. I am a Marine getting ready to deploy in August. We are getting issued these [LWH] helmets but usually the run out of certain sizes. I still have a few of my guys without them. Also the one we are getting issued don't have the pads in the that you show here. it has the new chin strap and the mesh in the top middle but it still has the same old leather head band. though it is a great improvement in comfort these pads that appear in these picture seem to be better and more safe. Keep up the good work and we all here are happy to see someone trying to get us the best gear available. S.R. Jul 12, 2006 - I just want to say thanks for donating the bliss kits to myself and to my company. xxx Co, 6th Engineer Support BN, 4th MLG. We will be heading to Iraq in Aug and knowing we have the kits boost our spirits. Thanks again. LCPL Jeremy F. Jul 12, 2006 - I want to thank you and your organization for providing helmet liners for my unit in Fallujah. The Marines in my unit and I were overwhelmed by your generosity...the helmet liner gives our helmets better fit and make it much more comfortable especially since there are times we wear them 24/7. My Mom said Cher had made a donation that also made this possible, please pass on our thanks to her also. Semper Fi, LCpl Jxxxxxxx, Joshua
Jul 12, 2006 - My husband Sgt M called me from Fallujah yesterday to
tell me he has received the helmet protectors for his platoon. He
very much want's to thank you and gave them out right away to his men.
They had 4 more head injuries just last week so they were very happy to
receive them and starting putting them in right away. Thank you
and god bless you and yours.
Elsa M, Wife of Sgt John M (USMC), SEMPER FI
10 Jul 06 - Background on LCpl. Conor from his father Conor is 20 years old and was born in Martinsburg, WV. For as long as I can remember, he has wanted to be part of the military. Although he is 6' 4" tall, he has always been a rather gentle giant with a million dollar smile. After one semester in college, he felt that college was not for him at this time. When he told me that he was going to enlist in the military, I thought it would be the Air Force as he had three years of Air Force ROTC. But he said that he was enlisting in the Marines. My heart sank fearing for his safety. When I suggested that he try to get training in some specialized field, he looked me in the eyes and said that if he was going to be in the Marines he wanted to be a Marine and volunteered for the infantry. That was 16 months ago and he has never voiced any regrets even since going to Iraq 4 months ago. Ironically, he is a liberal Democrat like myself, opposed to the war in Iraq. But as he told me, in Iraq, you leave your politics behind. He has become my hero, demonstrating the Corps Values of Courage, Honor and Commitment and his devotion to duty. I can't thank all of you at Operation Helmet enough for the work you're doing do help keep our Marines safe. My brother, a former Marine himself, and I are doing everything we can to spread the word about your organization and the great work you all are doing. Thanks again and SEMPER FI. Bob O
Jul 7, 06: We found your pads for the kevlar very comfortable so we figured we should order some more for the platoon who do not have. Thank you very much, 2/8 golf co. Jul 7, 2006: Sir, we have received the Operation Helmet upgrades. I wish I could have gotten a picture of my platoon when I opened the box full of them. We are very grateful for your donation and for helping with Operation Helmet. Thank you for your outstanding support to our company as we deploy for Operation Iraqi Freedom 2006-2006!
CPL T.M. USMC
Jul 1, 2006 Thanks to the efforts of you and your organization a number or marines have escaped serious injury as a result of the upgrade. About a dozen of my marines have suffered some type of concussion since we've been here and we've had only one evac'd. I credit the helmet upgrade with such positive results. I will keep you updated on the effectiveness of you efforts. We will forever be grateful for your efforts and for the wonderful people who have donated to your organization. Respectfully, Jun 22, 2006- AS A MARINE SERGEANT VIET NAM VETERAN I CHALLENGE ALL OF MY MARINE BROTHERS AND SISTERS TO SUPPORT OUR YOUNGER BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE CURRENT WAR. THEY NEED THESE HELMET INSERTS AND THE PRICE IS SO LOW. FOR $71.00 THEY HAVE THE PROTECTION THAT COULD SAVE THEIR LIFE. I CHALLENGE ALL VETERANS OF ALL THE ARMED SERVICES TO EACH JUST DONATE THE $71.00 SO EACH CURRENT WARRIOR CAN HAVE THAT PROTECTION…..ESPECIALLY TO ALL THE MARINE VETERANS…..SEMPER FI…. MARINE TO MARINE…LETS GET THEM THESE HELMETS.. ..WITH ALL MY LOVE AND SUPPORT…I WISH I WAS WITH YOU….GOD BLESS YOU, BILL KELLIN FORMER MARINE SERGEANT MAG 36 1ST MAW PHUBAI, VIET NAM 1969-1970. Jun 17, 2006 - The helmet kits that I passed out to my team are working great. Just a month ago our team was hit by an IED. The vehicle was destroyed but every one made it. The Staff Sergeant that was driving was thrown from the vehicle and his helmet stayed in place when he landed on his face. He ended up walking away with some bumps and burses. The only damage to his helmet was his chin strap clip broke. If there is a way to request an replacement chin strap? Thank you, GySgt Phillip xxx USMC, I MEF Jun 17, 2006 - Thanks. watched Dr. Bob and Cher on C-Span and was enlightened. As a Former Marine (and LEO who suffered a severe brain injury) with a son who was in Iraq, all of this really hit home. Jim K former Marine Sgt
Sent: Monday, June
12, 2006
We got hit a couple
of days ago by a double stacked mine. Two of my marines were in the back of
the humvee and two attachments were up front. The mine ripped the front
right of the humvee off and shot frag inside. Luckily there were no KIA but
the assistant driver received superficial wounds to the face and the others
just scratches and bruises.
My two marines in the
back had upgrade kits installed, the other two did not and complained that
their heads hurt maybe from a concussion but I don't know. Obviously the
overpressure from the blast rang their bells.
They were closer to
the blast then my marines were, but my boys with the BLISS kits had
absolutely zero head trauma and were able to respond as our units SOP's
stated. Don't know if you can use this. I'm sure you have a lot better
stories than this but its just the latest hit that we have had.
SGT J
Thank you again. He was soo funny today. He got to a base where they had computers and e-mailed me. He said after he put the 20 names in the jar and passed them out the 20 guys ran into their hooches and installed them. Then he said they came running out one by one like kids at Christmas showing each other how comfortable they are and how awesome they are! He said all he could do was smile and laugh they were soo excited. He said he never seen anything like it! I will let him know that there should be more coming to finish them up. They got together and got a group photo and wrote a "thank you" note. You should be getting it soon. You have really made their day and been a true blessing to them. I hope the Air Show goes well and I can send you a good amount of funds!!! Tina (wife of a Navy Corpsman, 1/25th MAR) The good news for Marines is that the new Marine Light Weight Helmet (LW) is 30% more bullet-proof than the old PASGT which it is replacing. The not-so-good news is the new helmet meets the minimum requirement established for it, albeit less than that provided with the provision of shock-absorbing pads. Independent civilian lab tests show the helmet, when retrofit with the pad suspension, provides superior protection from blast waves, the fragments carried on them, and the trooper being flung into stationary objects or tumbling around inside their vehicle from blasts or MV accidents. If that level of protection is required for the Army's new ACH (advanced combat helmet) and those of Special Forces MICH (modular integrated communications helmet), and Paratroopers jump helmets it would seem appropriate to combine the ballistic (bullet) protection of the new LWH with the non-ballistic (blast) protection of shock-absorbing pads, whatever the source, to provide similar protection to Marines. Tests performed at the NATICK Army Research Labs have shown that adding shock-absorbing pads actually INCREASES ballistic protection, the pads acting as 'shock absorbers' for bullet impacts. This is in direct contradiction to the 'impression' being banded about by an individual in MCSC that adding pads may decrease ballistic protection. See the Army portion of the 'Stories' for reference material. Breaking news: Your efforts are paying off, shipmates! Click here for details: Natick (finally) authorizes impact-protection and alternative suspension system testing for the LW helmet. "U.S. Army RDECOM Acquisition Center, Natick, MA has a requirement for ballistic evaluation of the current suspension system system and an alternative system for the USMC Lightweight Helmet". We have asked for details of the test to be done and results, but no response as of yet. More to follow ... Operation Helmet gets emails every day from Marine commanders asking for upgrade kits in the name of their troops, realizing the new dangers of this war and telling us they need to 'fight smarter, not harder'. Maybe the Commanding General should listen to the troops in the field instead of civilians behind a desk. "ENOUGH PROTECTION" is easy to spout from behind a desk, less so from behind a weapon. This is the warning that comes with the LW helmet:
Ramadi to be the next Fallujah? Marines are now training and re-training for urban warfare, expecting to be told any day to go in and wipe out the snake-pit of insurgents hiding and dug in inside Ramadi, Hit, Haditha and other terrorist strongholds. This will be extremely dangerous and they need all the extra protection we can afford to give them. PLEASE pitch in RIGHT NOW and help us get the helmet upgrades out to them. Dear Dr
Meaders, From the front and families, Email: March 28, 2006:
I am Sgt PXXX, a Marine currently
deployed to OIF operations in the Al Anbar province. I heard about your
program from another Marine in the unit, SSgt DXXX, and he told me to
inquire about your item for our section as we are on the road four to five
hundred miles a week. Currently with the kevlar we are using after a couple
hours of constant wear you have a basic migraine. Also with the jolting
power of IED's and even counter measure driving, our current hardware is
insufficient. I see there is a deficiency in funds but even if we don't
receive the equipment during my tour which ends in January it is a great
item to pass on as our mission here as years to come. We have 14 Marines
under my watch that I would like to get the gear for, and I will also
forward ths email to our friends and families and try to get some funding to
keep your program available for Marines to come! . Thank you for the
support provided in the past and times to come
Respectfully, Sgt PXXXX
Comment: Classy guy! "If you can't help us, how's about helping my comrades
as donors respond down the line": Marines really do take care of their own.
From: Mxxxxx Capt Bxxxx (CSSE CLR25 H&S CO)
Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2005 6:10 AM
Subject: I know things are tight, but I still gotta ask!
To Whom It May Concern:
Good afternoon. First I’d like to say thank you. Some of my Marines
coming from reserve units were recipients of liners from Operation
Helmet. They are irreplaceable. I passed mine along after I completed
my first tour during OIF I to my great full replacement.
[OpSec deleted]
We’re pushing 24/7 and bless them there isn’t a complaint from one of
them. As well disciplined as they are, after the 6th hour on in the
issued helmet it starts getting very difficult to keep the gear on their
heads. You start seeing them pushed back “John Wayne” style and pulling
them of “just a second” to scratch and adjust. There is no good time to
adjust since the gear only works when it’s worn.
I have about 100 that legitimately can’t afford this equipment on their
own. Any amount will help, even if I can only outfit our Marines in the
turrets behind the automatic weapons.
I have made relatives and friends aware of your site. Hopefully
fundraising will improve in the near future. If there is anything I can
do on this end please let me know.
Have a great day,
Capt Mxxx, USMC, Company Commander, Camp TQ, Iraq
“If I had a house in hell and a farm in Al Qaim, I’d sell the farm and
move home”
I want to tell you what happened to my Marine Friday. He and 13
other Marines were riding in the back of a 7 ton truck - the truck slid
off the rode and flipped over down a 12 ft. embankment. Jimmy remembers
someone yelling "we are going to flip" and the next thing he remembers
is waking up face down in the dirt with sand bags on top of him. He
said that his Kevlar has a big gash in it - several of the Marines had
concussions - Jimmy did hurt his arm - but he said that the Blss kit
saved his head. He only had a very slight concussion. Luckily only one
of the Marines had broken bones and none were injured seriously. But I
know that the Blss kit helped protect my son - Thank you for all your
hard work. Mary Jo.
I'm currently in Iraq. last Wednesday my vehicle was blown up by an I.E.D (improvised explosive device). When it hit the truck I was thrown from the vehicle at 45 to 50 mph. I rolled a good 100 feet. Your bliss (BLSS) kit system for our kevlar (helmets) saved my life and the other marines that I was able to help pull out of the burning truck. I walked away with three minor shrapnel wounds to my forehead and back of my neck, and just really sore. The kit suffered a burn in the front pad. How can I get a new pad? Thank you for your service and my life. Needless to say, his replacements went out the day this email came in! I received the BLSS kits for my team today and wanted to thank you. My team will serve as both the Marine Corps Logistics Command liaison to 2nd FSSG as well as run an equipment replacement program in Iraq. I will do everything I can to make sure that the leaders and logisticians I come in contact with know about the BLSS kit and your organization. My twin brother, who just spent a year in Iraq as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserves, showed me your website after hearing about your organization from other soldiers. Around a week from now I’ll be in Iraq, and I can’t thank you enough for helping to protect me and my team.GySgt D E, USMC. 1 Feb, 2005 Another new distribution point for Operation Helmet: 22 Feb 05: Dear Sir: Thank you for all that you have done for all of us over here. It is appreciated, despite the time it took me to respond. My firm base is in the City of Falluja. I have talked to my boss about what we are doing and I do not see a better way to get the BLSS kits. I plan to out fit my company and then my battalion. Once this is done I will look for other points of contact with the units around us. I will find a suitable point of contact for you here before I rotate back to the states. Capt JT, USMC.
From:
DXXX SSgt L (CSSE CSSD25 S6 RADIO CHIEF) Hello, I am writing to you from Al Asad Iraq. I wanted to send my sincere thanks for one of the greatest helmet upgrades of all time. We run re supply convoys for western Iraq, some of them 6-8 hours one way. With the issue helmet lining most Marines heads are hurting and uncomfortable about 1 hour into the trip. Not me!!!! I can not even tell the helmet is even there half the time. I look forward to those convoys because I know I will be safe and comfortable for the fight ahead. My GySgt is jealous because my helmet is cooler than his. He borrows it when he goes on convoys!! I would like to ask if you could send one to him as a gift. He does not know I am writing you guys. I had a photo snapped of myself and him with our helmets in hand. I told him it was for my picture album. Once again, thank you for a great product!!!!!!!!! Sincerely, ************************************************* The start of a friendship: Hello from Iraq, My name is Gunnery Sergeant A S (Tony) (Name removed for OpSec) and I am with a unit out of Okinawa Japan who was deployed to Iraq to join a unit in support of Iraqi freedom. I stumbled on your website as I was browsing and looking for helmet pads on the internet. I have 43 Marines who all have the old helmet linings, chinstraps, sweatbands with no pads. I seem to think that we are the only ones here without the new stuff. Most of my Marines are motor transport operators and the helmets seem to be quite uncomfortable and irritating especially when driving under the elements. It has been around 110 degrees each day. We have been here for a few months and have no way to get any comfort by using "doo-rags" or skull caps under the helmets. We still have a lot of time left out here and I have been desperately trying to think of ways to help my Marines out. We are near Fallujah and at a place where Burger King, rock bands, and celebrities will not come. It would be too dangerous for them. I know that this may seem way out but I would never ask for helmet pads myself without asking for all of us. Is there any way to get 43 sets of pads? If not I understand and we will continue to march. GySgtXXX> 1/6 H&S Co MT, FPO AP 09509
And now, the rest of the story:
Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 5:07 PM
Subject: Re: Thanks to some Great
Americans
Since September 11 2001 Americans have been up on their toes in our fight
against terror. The falling
of the world trade towers was something that cannot go un-noticed and will not
ever be forgotten. Literally
thousands of US Military have been where I am now. I am proud to have the
chance to do my share in our
fight. I have been honored to serve in the Gulf War, the Kosovo conflict, and
now Operation Iraqi Freedom.
I am the senior enlisted Marine in a unit I brought over here already deployed
to Okinawa Japan. As we
first stepped on to grounds of Fallujah, destruction and displacement were all
around us. I am in charge
of a motor transport unit with a primary mission to get the necessary assets
from one place to another. Email of May, 2005: My son received his helmet last week and Saturday he was involved in a bombing. He is in the hospital with injuries to his legs and arms, but he was wearing his new helmet and his head received NO INJURIES. I can't thank you enough for what you have done. Cheryl P (name removed for OpSec). Email of 5/11/05:
Friends,
Wanted to share this good news
with you. Yesterday was my birthday....no that's not the good
news! Though I am grateful, proud, and honored to have
lived this long!! ;-)
I had a wonderful day made all
the better by a call from Matt. He had been out in the
field and didn't think he'd be in camp to call. They made
an unexpected trip back to camp for showers and a good
night's sleep.....so he called me. Actually he called the
school and they covered my class while I ran to the front
office to speak with him. To make that good news of a call
even better....he said that when he returned from his
shower, the kit had been placed on his cot. He got the
helmet update on MY BIRTHDAY! Is that not a gift? You
can't tell me that God didn't have a hand in this! :-) Matt
said that he was going to go see a movie and put his helmet
together and then get a good night's sleep. I slept so well
last night knowing that Matt was in a safe place and would
be safer than yesterday when he headed to the field again
today.
He said the kit looked awesome
and he was really touched when I told him that we are
working to outfit his troop. He said I should aim for 40
helmets initially, if at all possible. I think he has quite
a few friends that he wants to look out for.
Marine Mom BJ. Typical exchange with good guys going out after the bad guys:
From the Oregon Aero website:
"We went on a 13-mile hike and we were the guys on the breaks that left their helmets on unbelievably comfortable. A head that does not ache makes for a much more productive person." Sgt. Maj. D.J., USMC
"I just received my BLSS Kit from you guys. I think it is a great piece of gear, and I am going to use it to my fullest. I think every Marine should have this." Sgt. J.W., USMC "I want to compliment you on the design and performance of your BLSS? Helmet Upgrade Kit. Prior to deploying for Operation Iraqi Freedom, I installed your product in my Kevlar helmet. I was impressed by the comfort of the kit and its performance with mounted NVGs. I was the commanding officer of the Marine Corps artillery battery and frequently led convoys at night. As I led my battery north of An Nasiryha, my vehicle was hit with an RPG. Although I was seriously wounded, losing my right hand, I believe that your helmet liner spared me from additional wounds from the concussion. The blast shattered the dust goggles that were attached to my helmet but I only received one small cut below my ear. As I was evacuated back into Kuwait, corpsmen and other medical personnel kept trying to remove my helmet and give me something softer to rest my head on. Each time they tried I refused because I was more comfortable with your liner system... Your product truly made a difference for me and I would gladly recommend it to my fellow Marines." Capt. J. R., U. S. Marine Corps.
This is a poem being sent from a Marine to his Dad.
For those who take the time to read it, you'll see a letter from him to his Dad at the bottom. It makes you truly thankful for not only the Marines, but ALL of our troops. THE Marine We all came together, Both young and old To fight for our freedom, To stand and be bold. In the midst of all evil, We stand our ground, And we protect our country From all terror around. Peace and not war, Is what some people say. But I'll give my life, So you can live the American way. I give you the right To talk of your peace. To stand in your groups, and protest in our streets. But still I fight on, I don't bitch, I don't whine. I'm just one of the people Who is doing your time. I'm harder than nails, Stronger than any machine. I'm the immortal soldier, I'm a U.S. MARINE! So stand in my shoes, And leave from your home. Fight for the people who hate you, With the protests they've shown. Fight for the stranger, Fight for the young. So they all may have, The greatest freedom you've won. Fight for the sick, Fight for the poor Fight for the cripple, Who lives next door. But when your time comes, Do what I've done. For if you stand up for freedom, You'll stand when the fight's done. By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, US Marine Corps USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF March 23, 2003 Hey Dad, Do me a favor and label this "The Marine" and send it to everybody on your email list. Even leave this letter in it. I want this rolling all over the US ; I want every home reading it. Every eye seeing it. And every heart to feel it. So can you please send this for me? I would but my email time isn't that long and I don't have much time anyway. You know what Dad? I wondered what it would be like to truly understand what JFK said in His inaugural speech. "When the time comes to lay down my life for my country, I do not cower from this responsibility. I welcome it." Well, now I know. And I do. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do. Even though I have left behind a beautiful wife, and I will miss the birth of our first born child, I would do it 70 times over to fight for the place that God has made for my home. I love you all and I miss you very much. I wish I could be there when Sandi has our baby, but tell her that I love her, and Lord willing, I will be coming home soon. Give Mom a great big hug from me and give one to yourself too. Aaron |
Send mail to
ophelm@operation-helmet.org with
questions or comments about Operation Helmet.
|
US Marine Corps
- First-hand reports. Not research, but REALITY. 
we communicated in order to acquire helmet inserts for the [his
unit] out of Miramar, CA. before they deployed to Iraq (Sept 3, 2006). These
Marines were very thankful for the liners designed to give them extra
protection. We had many conversations with our son while he was in Iraq and
he told us once his vehicle was struck with a small IED and said the liners
definitely helped. He compared it to a similar IED hit in Aug of 2003 in
which he received a purple heart. But on Monday evening our lives were
changed by the ringing of the doorbell. We were informed that our son, Cpl
Matthew Dillon, had been killed by a large IED explosion along with three
other of his fellow Marines. Two other Marines are in our prayers who are in
critical condition. 
know if there is special details or information we need to pass along to
the TV or newspapers in this regard.
