Hi Gang,
Over the past few months there has been increasing interest by our membership in providing traditional archery gear to our troops serving in the Mideast. More recently, I was forwarded an email from one of our service members requesting just this. I have discussed the issue with Terry Green and I will be coordinating an effort to supply the troops with any traditional archery gear that the membership cares to donate. Here is a copy of the email....
(the email)I know that you probably get a lot of requests, but I was hoping that you might be able to help me. I am currently deployed with the Alaska National Guard (we have soldiers from Wyoming, California,Delaware Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Alabama) in Afghanistan. I am trying to establish a hunting DVD library for the soldiers here. We are all a bunch of rednecks and wish we could be hunting or fishing, but due to our deployment we will miss a season or two of hunting. If we had DVDs that we could watch it might help, any type of hunting, fishing or training video would be great. I know that I might be asking a lot but I am looking for donations of videos for my deployed soldiers. This would mean a lot to them to pass some of the time that we have here.
My Soldiers and I are also trying to establish an Archery Club The Denali Aces . We have very limited access to equipment and I was hoping that your company might be willing to assist us in this endeavor of ours. We have shooters of both hands that would like to participate. When I was in Iraq in 2004-2005 we were able to get enough equipment to get a good start for the next unit coming in. I understand that I am asking for a lot, but it is for my soldiers, to try and make our lives over here just a little more like home. We would appreciate any help and assist. We also appreciate your support.
1LT Randy Russell
If anyone has any equipment laying around that you would like to donate, and this can be anything traditional archery related - bows, arrows, gloves, tabs, bracers, arrows, points, books, DVD's, etc, etc,(NO CASH PLEASE), please post here and let the gang know what you have. All I ask is that you get your donation to me and I will be responsible for packing and shipping the equipment to the troops. Also, if any of you have any suggestions on how to proceed please let me know. Depending on the response, we may be able to supply several units with gear, it's all up to you........
Here's my address for those of you that will be sending items:
Bob Walker
301 Hayfield Pl.
Lynchburg, Virginia 24503
Just remember, Freedom is not Free, it is bought and paid for by our service members, past and present..........
http://www.flashdemo.net/gallery/wake/index.htm
Bob,her is a list that I will send to ya.May take a few days,gonna refletch some of the arrows.I think if someone sends arrows they need to be ready to shoot,they won't have access to fletchers or have inserts or nocks to fit specific sized arrows.I have:1 rh leather tab,3 rh bear weather rests[new],1 neet hip quiver,2 125gr judos,1dz 2216 inserts,4 carbonwood 4000's with 175gr pts,3 2018's with 145gr pts,8 2216's with 175gr pts.All arrows feather fletched with nocks,inserts glued in.Let me know where to ship to.I wish I had my Bear Kodiak Hunter back ,I send it too.
I've got a couple of gloves, fingertabs, arm guards and some other stuff I will send. Please post the address I need to send them to.
A couple of years ago my police department gathered up alot of hunting magizines and gave them to a 1st. sgt. She stayed behind and her job was to send her unit the supplies they needed. She was able to take the supplies we dontated and she slid them into the supplies that she was sending.
I would be honored to send some support to our troops and be able to support some of my local troops. I have a Spirit Longbow 62" 51# @ 28" that I will donate. This bow is about 4 months old and in excellent condition. Let me know an address to ship to and it's in the mail. Mark
I can telll y'all that this is a big big moral booster. I was in Iraq from 3-05 / 4-06, and we built our own range from donations from folks back here in the states. When we left we had everything needed to refletch arrows, re serve strings heck we even had a portable bow press. It was such a big success that the base commander emploted us as the "wild dog " control on post.
Bob,
Forward me your address so I can forward gear.
I have a 69" LH 66# Wing longbow that is brand new never shot with soft case which I was going to sell, but I'm sure the men could use it more than I need the money, a shooting glove, arm guard and a new dozen cedar arrows cut to 29" with points.
Regards,
Jim
Bob Sent you a PM
Bob,
I'd like to you to check out the last issue of Traditional Bowhunter magazine, an article I personally wrote regarding just this exact subject matter. I set up an archery range complete with 12 new AIM recurve bows, arrows, targets, a big box for all the stuff to store in, etc. for Military dependent kids in Hohenfels US Army base in Germany. It was a rewarding experience to put the archery equipment together for the kids. The US Army Major (name withheld) who put in the request from the Germany side of the pond used the stuff to train some kids how to shoot archery on one or very few occasions. Then he transferred back to the states, took the equipment with him and that's the last I've heard of the stuff being used for military kids.
I am not trying to dampen this worthwhile cause but everyone should be reminded just how mobile these military men and women are. There's not much in the way of consistency over the long run, save for the military's recreation department that is built in-house. I raised $2000 worth of equipment that was used at best a handful of times and is now some guy's personal property. The end result did not turn out to be like the military officer represented it to be at the beginning.
Mike,
Thanks for the reply. The way the mail goes around here, the equipment will be to the troops by the time I even receive my copy of TBM, LOL!! I appreciate your concern, but we're not talking about dependents in Europe, were talking about our front line troops in the Mid East and while that type of thing could still possibly happen, I hope and pray that it will not. What I hope will happen is that the gear will be passed on from the units as new ones arrive and old ones come back home. It is my understanding from my wife, Brenda, who will be deploying back to the Mideast at the end of this month for her 3rd tour in 4 years, that they are only allowed to take (2) bags with them out of country so I do not expect that this gear will leave the troops until the troops come home. Anyway, thanks for your concern, but we are going to go ahead with this worthwhile project for those who wish to participate.
Take care and May God Bless,
Bob
Here is some PIC I took of equipment that was donated last year to me when I was in Iraq. I left it with the MWR of the local base, when I left. I hope they still have it for I know that I will be back. It is a great thing you are doing and some of you truly understand the sacrifice that is made. Thanks and God bless.
(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e383/gillk/Archery/Me.jpg)
(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e383/gillk/Archery/DCP_0112.jpg)
Thanks to a trad club in FL
Bob,
Just an FYI, The Michigan Longbow Association has been sending archery equipment to our soldiers for a while now. The guy you might want to talk is John Vasos (jdvasos@yahoo.com)he has a wealth of info on sending archery stuff to Iraq, you might want to hook up with him.
Jeff
Would any one be willing to chip in with me on a bow here in the classifieds.If we get enough we could buy a few.If that doesnt work Ill send some SW Asia Ribbon crested cedars.Whens the deadline?
Hello Bob,
I have a hardly used Internature Viper longbow. 68" 53# @28". Nothing special but a good shooter. I will try to get it in the mail by Wednesday.
May God bless your effort and our troops as a result.
Curt
To all who have responded so far and those that will in the future I want to say THANK YOU!! I know that whatever we send will be greatly appreciated. As far as a deadline, right now there is none. As the gear comes in, I'll assemble the packages and ship. I will also post a detailed list of what I receive and what I ship and where it is shipped to.
Jeff - Thanks for the contact info for John. I'll email him today.
Remember, videos and dvds or copies of them will go a long way also as well as reading materials.
I for got to mention I have a bunch of videos I will send to you in the next couple days.
TTT
Bob,
I have a few things I will send you. Will get it out in a couple of days.
Danny
This is the reason we're doing this.
http://www.flashdemo.net/gallery/wake/index.htm
Hello,
I've been lurking awhile, learning and laughing with the great people on this site. I've planned to join and I couldn't get a better time or topic than this one. I'm somewhat of a Gypsy, started travelling in the Service out of high school long ago, and kept going after I got out. I just got back into hunting this last season, sure have missed it. I didn't harvest anything but that's not how I judge success. I got out there and had a great time and am planning next years season already.
I will be putting together a box of gear this week for our Heroes. I have a couple recurves, gloves, tabs, rests, strings, and arrows I can send. I am surely blessed to be able to help in this way. I'm to old now to go help out myself, or so I'm told.
I want to thank you all for many hours of pleasure I've gotten on this site and for the many to come, you're the best.
Dan
Dan,
Welcome to the gang and thanks for helping out. Hope to see you more often around the camp fire.
Bob
Bob,
The one thing I needed was strings, in the PICs I posted that string was gone, and I used shorted one of the less shot right handed bows.
I also took a look at the hyper link, and noticed a lot of weapons and boots, for you who don't know and did not guess it, that is what is displayed of fallen soldiers. It is done so there comrades can pay respect, a memorial service.
I need to get the Pearson bow check out if it is shoot able I will send it.
Kelly,
Don't worry about the string. I'll check all of them out before I ship them and make new strings for the ones that need em. Yeah, that link will really make you think, and weep............
Thanks again,
Bob
Operation Trad America has been going on. Guess we'll never be able to send enough. That's been going for a while now.
Bob I'll get a bow out to you this week. Hope it will help. Greg
Bob,
I have a bow you can have . . You're gonna have to make a string for it though.
It will be in the mail on Sat. AM.
Larry
TTT
UP
guys, i am in iraq right now and a bow right now would be the next best thing to coming home. this is a great idea. to help keep the equipment here, just send a letter explaining what your wishes for the equipment are. soldiers together are good about respecting gifts from home. those who know how to shoot will love it and i am sure it will spread like wild fire when the stuff arrives. EXCELLENT JOB guys. and thanks!
NO DOUGERS, THANK YOU!!! You guys and gals are doing the heavy work. God Bless You and May He Keep You Safe!! :pray: :pray: :pray:
TTT
We at New York Bowhunters have sent a bunch of equipment to the Middle East for the soldiers to set up 3 ranges overseas. I beleive the person in charge was Major Robert Gwinner.
UP
ttt
Just wanted to let everyone know I just received the first donation bow in today's mail. Anvil from Wisconson sent a very nice Viper longbow that, I'm sure, the troops will enjoy. Thanks, Curt!!!
Bob,mailed ya some stuff today.Should be there by tuesday.
"Trad America" was the program for donating equipment to our troops which was sponsored by Trad Gang . I know there were issues with the individual who initially took the lead, then another Trad Ganger took over, but then it seemed to disappear (a long time ago). However, the website is still up and it refers to a transition to "Phase 2" on a couple pages. Does anyone know what the current status of Trad America is? Is it still running, and if so, is there still a Trad Gang affilition?
Just curious,
Paul
http://www.tradam.org/Program.html
Bob I'll be sending you a box of stuff on Monday. found some arrows a bow stringer a couple tabs. If you need help with strings let me know.
Hawken,
Terry or Rob can probably answer better than I can, but to my knowledge, there is no affilition to tradgang. Sorry, but I do not know whether they are still operating or not.
Thanks,
Bob
Thanks Bob,
Your efforts just reminded me of that program and I wondered what became of it. It's great that you've stepped up to continue that cause here on Trad Gang. Keep up the good work.
Paul
Got two more packages in the mail this am. One was from Greyfox54 and was a "Library" of video tapes. They should really be enjoyed by the troops! The other was from Tradesmen4 and is a nice 3 piece takedown recurve made by Rodney Reed!
THANKS, Fred and Greg!! :notworthy: :notworthy:
I just finished doing a Duracoat desert camo job on my old Damon Howatt Hunter. I intend to give it to Sackett, who I believe is running the TradAmerica program, later this month. If that doesn't work out I'll let you know. One way or the other this bow is going to the desert!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l97/Landjaeger/Damon%20Howatt%20Desert%20Demon/100_2103.jpg)
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l97/Landjaeger/Damon%20Howatt%20Desert%20Demon/100_2105.jpg)
The mail just arrived with a package sent from Robert Honaker containing arrows, tabs, hip quiver, judos and rest.
Thanks Robert! :notworthy: :notworthy:
You're welcome Bob.
Bob,
I'll be mailing a Browning Nomad Stalker-50 lb, 58" with two new strings, geat shape, by end of week. Also 11 2016 and 2018 arrows, a glove, tab etc.. I'm boxing them up now.
Dan
P.S. Jaeger, I love that Desert Camo paint job! The guys will love that and the work in it.
I hope so. I was kind of torn on doing it or not. On one hand I thought that since they were immersed in militaristic stuff that they might not care for a similarly styled bow. On the other hand I thought it was pretty cool. In the end the hammered original finish was just begging to be redone.
It's a good shooter. I need to get some extra strings twisted up.
Michael,
Believe me, it looks AWSOME! They will probably be tickled pink that you went to the trouble.....
By the way, got another shipment in. This time there was about a dozen and a half arrows, glove, tabs and stringer from Golden Hawk and a couple of dozen arrows and 5 gloves from Fred Gimbel. Ya'll are the greatest! :notworthy: :notworthy:
Bob, box of hunting videos headed your way.
Bob I had My took the Pearson to a local bowyer to ensure it was safe and he gave me a thumbs up. I plan on shipping it out on the 15th. It does not have a string, though. Sorry
Thanks, Barney and Kelly!
Kelly, don't worry bout the string, I'll twist one up for it.
Thanks again to all that have helped and that will help........
hey brother your doing a great job :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Really cool Wished I would have had a range with bows last time I was over there. That kind of stuff really helps with stress and being so dang homesick.
Let me know if you still need some stuff. I have a bow and mabey some other stuff I can dig up.
That Damon Howett Hunter, camo bow is just a beauty right there. As I am currently a soldier in the Canadian Forces, I respect and am honored about what is going on here, great job guys.
Cheers, "Messin"
Bob...Told you I was going to send you a bow. It's packaged up and will mail it first thing Monday morning. Included an armguard, tab and glove. Thanks again for heading up this project.
Bob,
Sent mine off today, it should get there in about 3 days. It is funny I grew up not far from you over in RockyMount.
Hi All,
Sorry for no updates in a few days but I've been running in many directions......
I received a big box of videos from Barney Henrich, a box of arrows from DannyBoats, a longbow from Rabbitman and four leftys, 2 longbows and 2 recurves, from Gregg Dudley along with some T's and misc supplies. I'm currently waiting on a shipping address and then will be preparing everything for shipment and making extra strings for the bows. Thanks to all who have so generously donated!!!!
Thanks,
Bob
The bows I sent were originally donated by TBOF member Bill Peterson. TBOF members have generously donated about 20 bows to send overseas first through Operation TradAmerica and then through local club contacts. Now club members will be encouraged to send donations to Bob as long as he is going strong.
Best of luck,
Gregg
OK, guys, here's the latest update. Received another box of videos from Fred Gimbel and he has another box of misc. supplies on the way. Got a shipment of bow strings from Crossed Arrows and 2 dozen carbons from Greg Antrim.
Thanks again!
I've gone over the bows and made new strings for the ones that needed them. I have refletched the arrows that had vanes with feathers. Got all of the videos boxed up and will have the rest of the gear boxed this weekend and ready to ship at the beginning of the week. I'll get a final inventory posted this weekend.
Again, I want to thank everyone that has, so generously, donated this gear to our men and women in the mideast. I am sure that your generousity will bring a lot of smiles to lots of faces that don't have a lot to smile about right now......
Tradgang is such a GREAT family to be a part of!!!!
Well, the last of the boxes went out today, headed for Kandahar Airfield, Kandahar Afganistan. The final count was Nine (9) bows, 10 dozen arrows, 11 gloves, 8 tabs, 4 bracers, 2 stringers, and a bunch of misc. supplies such as nocking points, extra strings, fletching cement, hot melt, rest material, bow socks, field points, T shirts, and a quiver.
I, again, would like to thank each and every person that sent items to be included. This Tradgang family is comprised of some of the finest individuals that I have ever known.
May God Bless America..........
Bob,
You did the most work on this, we just had to put a few things in a box and send them to you. You had to go over everything. Everything revolved around you. You were the driving force. I would like to extend a Heartfelt Thanks to you for caring so much about our guys and gals and being a leader in our effort to do something for our beloved troops. We can't share their sacrifice but at least thru you we can show we appreciate them, and we are thinking about them all the time. You did us proud, Thank you!
God Bless You and America. If you need anything in the future just sing out.
Dan
P.S. I mistakenly put my sailing handle, (DannyBoats) on the arrows, but I think I put my TG handle on the bow.
Thanks for taking care of this Bob....much appreciated Sir!
Good job brother Bob! :thumbsup:
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Bob -I'm sending a lefthanded Martin ML14, 55# @ 28". That should make some lefty happy who's been discriminated against all of his life by the wronghanded crowd.
Thank you for doing such a great job for our Troops - you are a Great American.
De Oppresso Liber.
Robert,
Shoot me an email or pm before you send it.
Thanks,
Bob