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What a fast moving storm!! We only got about .2 inch, but at this point in time I'll take all I can get. Have to get to the store before the next storm comes in. LSA

Yo.

Thing suck here.

Though in a very minor way.

Still, enough to tick me off mightily.

Doesn't have anything to do with WK.

Everything to do with inconsiderate a$$holes...there, I said it, kinda.

While spending a quiet Sunday putting goodies pacakages together for the troops, I visited Operation Helmet again. It was founded by a retired Navy flight surgeon, and is dedicated to getting the helmet retrofit pads (developed and approved two years ago) out to the troops that still need them. I whine about our backlog, and realize he has a backlog of 3500 kits, at $100 a pop. It puts our effort in perspective.

It also frosts my cookies (as it should yours) when I realize the Army has already bought 900,000 sets, out of a total buy of one million. How many get out to the regular troops is a matter of conjecture, since many unit commanders don't even know this item exists. While developed for the elite new ACH (Advanced Combat Helmet), it can be fitted into all earlier styles of kevlar pots, including the original PASGT. It also fits the new Marine helmet, even though some general officers think the original suspension system is "good enough".

The pads stick to large velcro circles applied inside the helmet, and provide an impact-absorbing capability like that of a motorcycle helmet. The military kevlar helmet would fail miserably as a motorcycle helmet.

Current helmets provide superior ballistic protection (the ACH can even stop a 9mm round at 5 meters), but impact protection has not improved since the Korean-war-vintage suspension system developed for the old steel pots. An impact might not penetrate the helmet, but if it slams it against your head, you have problems right there. The new padding prevents that, which also makes it good protection in vehicle crashes.

Anyway, I think think this is important enough that I'd like ecurbh to add a link to their site. I'd like troops (and friends and relatives that visit) to learn more about this lifesaving technology.

I also "took the plunge" and signed up with igive.com. Any purchases made at any of their participating 470 stores generates a percentage donation to the charity you specify. I don't know if I'll be shopping at any of those sites, but if I do, a charitable kickback will go to Operation Helmet.

I also downloaded an applet that will identify any igive sites with a popup if I visit, so I know that a contribution will be made. You have the choice of getting a statement for tax purposes (useless for me), or a just a donation to the charity. There are hundreds of charities to choose from, but I figure Operation Helmet deserves my support.

Please give this some serious consideration. It doesn't cost a dime, and goes to a group that's doing work that makes ours seem trivial.

Got another 0.6 inches. Brings me up to 5.2 total inches for the weekend....so far....