Operation DVD

[GooeyGUI]

Reading some of the comments from the troops who have recieved these DVDs will make you aware of how deeply they are appreciated.

Praise from the troops

If you decide to donate postage it's tax deductible.

http://www.operationdvd.us/howtohelp.php

:thumbsup:

Edit: They really don't want bootleg copies just so you know.

 

[GooeyGUI]

Often times, troops find that they cannot play sports and are severly restricted to their base. Soldiers in Irag have to trudge around in 117 degree heat, with gear on, for hours at time. They face utter boredom when they return to their barracks.

I posted this in hopes that ATOTers would take some interest in this. Was I wrong?

 

[GooeyGUI]

No matter if you support or don't support the war in Iraq. There are troops in Afghanistan and other places around the world where these DVDs would be appreciated too.

In Iraq, they can drink 8 liters of water a day and still not even have to piss. Wouldn't it be nice if they could find some form of entertainment when there is absolutely very little else they can do.

Now that they have cut off bandwidth intensive access to the internet, their need is much greater I'd think.

 

[mercanucaribe]

Originally posted by: GooeyGUI
No matter if you support or don't support the war in Iraq. There are troops in Afghanistan and other places around the world where these DVDs would be appreciated too.

In Iraq, they can drink 8 liters of water a day and still not even have to piss. Wouldn't it be nice if they could find some form of entertainment when there is absolutely very little else they can do.

Now that they have cut off bandwidth intensive access to the internet, their need is much greater I'd think.

What kind of internet connections did they have before?

 

[Flyback]

Can't/don't their own families send them care packages?

 

[GooeyGUI]

Originally posted by: Flyback
Can't/don't their own families send them care packages?

A box of 35 DVDs lasts how many hours? Would cost the families how much?

Surely $5 for postage (to send a box of 35 DVDs) is the very least a person could donate for such a great program and such troops who give it 100% on a volunteer basis.

 

[Kwaipie]

What kind of warriors are these? Well hell, in my day, we had the Stars and Stripes and were happy. Namby pamby wussies.

/sarcasm

I guess netflix doesn't send to APOs.

 

[GooeyGUI]

Originally posted by: Kwaipie


I guess netflix doesn't send to APOs.

Other incoming things like mortar shells and rocket propelled grenades are delivered though.

 

[Flyback]

Originally posted by: GooeyGUI

Originally posted by: Kwaipie


I guess netflix doesn't send to APOs.

Other incoming things like mortar shells and rocket propelled grenades are delivered though.

:laugh: was that a joke or... ?

 

[nonameo]

I think a large problem might be that many of us don't have DVDs.

Or money.

 

[jpeyton]

I have plenty of DVDs; just very little reason to donate them.

 

[GooeyGUI]

Originally posted by: nonameo
I think a large problem might be that many of us don't have DVDs.

Or money.

Didn't stop this 13 yr old.

http://www.operationdvd.us/local_heros.php

 

[shortylickens]

I dont wanna sound like a wiseass but heres my persepective.

I just got out, last summer.
Did not support the so-called war by the end of my enlistment.
I already helped collect and send a large box of entertainment devices (DVD's especially) to the troop in the middle east. Personally donated about 20 DVD's.
I did this many years ago when I was stationed on cushy stateside shore duty with some disposable income and also believed in what we were doing over there.

In the years since my attitude on the war has changed along with my attitudes on many things.
I dont want our troops over in that hopeless land anymore and I'll be damned if I give any more incentive for them to stay.

The fact that you didnt recieve any responses for a day and then only jokes should have given you a clue.

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: shortylickens
I dont wanna sound like a wiseass but heres my persepective.

I just got out, last summer.
Did not support the so-called war by the end of my enlistment.
I already helped collect and send a large box of entertainment devices (DVD's especially) to the troop in the middle east. Personally donated about 20 DVD's.
I did this many years ago when I was stationed on cushy stateside shore duty with some disposable income and also believed in what we were doing over there.

In the years since my attitude on the war has changed along with my attitudes on many things.
I dont want our troops over in that hopeless land anymore and I'll be damned if I give any more incentive for them to stay.

The fact that you didnt recieve any responses for a day and then only jokes should have given you a clue.

Bingo! :thumbsup:

 

[GooeyGUI]

Sad. I hate the Iraq War. I never thought we should have gone there. But, some people are there for their fourth tour. An enlistment lasts for 4-6 years when they sign up. After that, they are the property of Uncle Sam.

I'm trying to put forward the concept that there are men and women who are all over the world (read Afghanistan too) who are representing our military that could benefit from a morale booster. Morale is a vital component of combat readiness.

The folks in the military don't decide where they go. Blame Bush. I actively sought to prevent his election twice. I'm proactively trying to alleviate what boredom is doing to some of our troops. It does nothing to support the war in Iraq. It *does* uplift morale.

 

[Flyback]

Originally posted by: GooeyGUI
Sad. I hate the Iraq War. I never thought we should have gone there. But, some people are there for their fourth tour. An enlistment lasts for 4-6 years when they sign up. After that, they are the property of Uncle Sam.
...
The folks in the military don't decide where they go.

Don't feel so sorry for them--many are living out their childhood dream.

You might have better luck in P&N, or at the local veterans gathering places with this venture.

 

[BigJelly]

I use anysoldier.com to send care packages to the troops. You wouldn't believe the responses I get and how much morale it gives them.

If you want to spend less or don't have the time you can purcase a ready made care package Care Packages with No Effort. The "Cookies Galore" is only $26.75 shipped.

I rather make my own. My average care package is ca. $60 of snacks, candy, footballs, cookies, and granola bars and costs ca. $25 to ship (about 20 lbs).

So far this year I've sent 4 out; one to two different wisconsin groups and two to a Kentucky group whose PX is pretty bad.

Pretty sad at the responses. "Incentive to stay?" Yeah the war will continue because people send DVDs; the soldiers are there (and will be there) reguardless of what people send (or don't send) them. Do if for them--the soldiers; or get an attitude adjustment.

People need to support the troops--even if they don't support the war. The world we live in where people need to be told that .

 

[GooeyGUI]

Originally posted by: Flyback

Originally posted by: GooeyGUI
Sad. I hate the Iraq War. I never thought we should have gone there. But, some people are there for their fourth tour. An enlistment lasts for 4-6 years when they sign up. After that, they are the property of Uncle Sam.
...
The folks in the military don't decide where they go.

Don't feel so sorry for them--many are living out their childhood dream.

You might have better luck in P&N, or at the local veterans gathering places with this venture.

Yeah, I gotta quit putting myself in other people shoes. It makes me feel bad when there are foot stompers who would rather have an excuse to believe that forgetting is the way to solve problems.

I don't think preaching to the choir will get you very far. Sometimes you have to stand up and take stock of a situation then do something about it. When I saw what that 13 year old kid was able to do while full grown adults sit on their hands with an excuse that troops are part of the problem, I was astounded.

Isn't blaming a DVD care package for encouraging the war, or a person for wanting to serve their country (where ever they're sent and by the way there's a war starting now or there's been an earthquake, hurricane, flood, etc.) a little small minded?

Sorry, but I don't get it.

 

[Wheezer]

Originally posted by: shortylickens
I dont wanna sound like a wiseass but heres my persepective.

I just got out, last summer.
Did not support the so-called war by the end of my enlistment.
I already helped collect and send a large box of entertainment devices (DVD's especially) to the troop in the middle east. Personally donated about 20 DVD's.
I did this many years ago when I was stationed on cushy stateside shore duty with some disposable income and also believed in what we were doing over there.

In the years since my attitude on the war has changed along with my attitudes on many things.
I dont want our troops over in that hopeless land anymore and I'll be damned if I give any more incentive for them to stay.

The fact that you didnt recieve any responses for a day and then only jokes should have given you a clue.

Not that I am discounting your service, but I would hope that you of all would understand what an ignorant asshat statement that is.

Agree with the war or not, this is not about the political aspect of the war.

There are others like you who are over there and do not agree with why they are there....but regardless they are there.

Your statement indicates that have some disillusion your little token of 20 DVD's will decide whether we stay or not...it will not. What it WILL do is give someone a chance to have SOME form of entertainment while they are there. Because the fact is they are there.

Your statement sends a clear message to any member of the armed forces that are still there..."You are there, I am here and because of that since I don't agree to why you are there, I am going to turn my back on you and not offer any degree of assistance to ease your stay in hopes that the government will notice my pathetic little stance and bring you home.....in essence I am going to piss down your back and tell you it's raining."

good job, I am sure that those you served with would be proud.

 

[Goosemaster]

Might as well support the men and donate so porno...


Seriously though, sounds like a decent idea...

 

[KarenMarie]

Originally posted by: Wheezer

Originally posted by: shortylickens
I dont wanna sound like a wiseass but heres my persepective.

I just got out, last summer.
Did not support the so-called war by the end of my enlistment.
I already helped collect and send a large box of entertainment devices (DVD's especially) to the troop in the middle east. Personally donated about 20 DVD's.
I did this many years ago when I was stationed on cushy stateside shore duty with some disposable income and also believed in what we were doing over there.

In the years since my attitude on the war has changed along with my attitudes on many things.
I dont want our troops over in that hopeless land anymore and I'll be damned if I give any more incentive for them to stay.

The fact that you didnt recieve any responses for a day and then only jokes should have given you a clue.

Not that I am discounting your service, but I would hope that you of all would understand what an ignorant asshat statement that is.

Agree with the war or not, this is not about the political aspect of the war.

There are others like you who are over there and do not agree with why they are there....but regardless they are there.

Your statement indicates that have some disillusion your little token of 20 DVD's will decide whether we stay or not...it will not. What it WILL do is give someone a chance to have SOME form of entertainment while they are there. Because the fact is they are there.

Your statement sends a clear message to any member of the armed forces that are still there..."You are there, I am here and because of that since I don't agree to why you are there, I am going to turn my back on you and not offer any degree of assistance to ease your stay in hopes that the government will notice my pathetic little stance and bring you home.....in essence I am going to piss down your back and tell you it's raining."

good job, I am sure that those you served with would be proud.

I was just gonna type the very same thing.

War sucks. This war suck. And given the choice, I would bet that every soldier over their would rather be stateside with their family.

But how I feel about the war does not diminish the fact that these brave men put their lives on the line every day.

And my opinion on the war is certainly not a good excuse to take deprive these brave men and women of any ease or entertainment that could be provided.

 

[KarenMarie]

Originally posted by: Goosemaster
Might as well support the men and donate so porno...


Seriously though, sounds like a decent idea...

I dont know how that would be accepted... the porn I mean.

I have been a member of Adopt A Platoon for many years, am on my fifth Iraq stationed soldier, as well as the stuff that goes to other parts of the world. I have sent out a package every two weeks for the past four years.

there is a long list of stuff that we are not allowed to send. It gets confiscated upon arrival and destroyed. And while I am sure that the soldier do get access to the DO NOT SEND list of stuff, there is a chance that you will have wasted your money by sending it, as it will be destroyed upon arrival.

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: shortylickens
I dont wanna sound like a wiseass but heres my persepective.

I just got out, last summer.
Did not support the so-called war by the end of my enlistment.
I already helped collect and send a large box of entertainment devices (DVD's especially) to the troop in the middle east. Personally donated about 20 DVD's.
I did this many years ago when I was stationed on cushy stateside shore duty with some disposable income and also believed in what we were doing over there.

In the years since my attitude on the war has changed along with my attitudes on many things.
I dont want our troops over in that hopeless land anymore and I'll be damned if I give any more incentive for them to stay.

The fact that you didnt recieve any responses for a day and then only jokes should have given you a clue.

So this is what's going on in soldiers minds:

"Man, I WAS about to quit this 117oC hell hole fighting a war that appears endless, "helping" a group of people that hate us and getting shot at daily. But man, these 20 dvd's just came in so I guess I'll stick it through for another tour!"

 

[natto fire]

Wouldn't the MPAA be all over this since it is likely they will be watching these movies in large groups?

I would support the troops any way I can, as I know they are not responsible for administrative decisions, but you would think for a trillion dollars the gubberment could have thrown in some entertainment. I have been unemployed for quite a while now, so I can't really do much but a bump and hoping this insanity ends soon.

 

[shortylickens]

Originally posted by: Captain Howdy
Wouldn't the MPAA be all over this since it is likely they will be watching these movies in large groups?

I would support the troops any way I can, as I know they are not responsible for administrative decisions, but you would think for a trillion dollars the gubberment could have thrown in some entertainment. I have been unemployed for quite a while now, so I can't really do much but a bump and hoping this insanity ends soon.

The US military is a lot more popular than the MPAA right now. As foolhardy as they are they know attacking the government directly is extremely self-destructive. Better to sue 11 year-olds. They would rather settle than put up a fight.

As for all the blow hards here in Anandtech: My idea of service actually includes serving, not picking an American flag for my avatar.
I have already murdered enough ragheads (directly and indirectly) and after nine years saw no more point to my service, for either the governments benefit or my own.
I donated tons of goodies to the folks overseas, not just 20 movies. After a while it became apparent there was no more I could personally do to comfort them. We need to get them out to make them comfortable. Everything else is just a waste and makes the politicians believe we actually want them over there.

I also find it very interesting that anytime someone wants to win a fight here, they have to put statements into someone elses mouth and then make an argument based on that. Wheezer, you reek of stupidity and ignorance. It is ALWAYS about the political aspect of the war. Thats what war is: violent politics. You cry for the poor soldiers over there and curse the politicians who sent them and yet you fail to make the connection that everything we do as a people influences the politicians.

KarenMarie, I like you and know you to be one of the sharp ones here on AT but its pretty darn obvious you havent been over murdering ragheads either. Just like Mooo said in a sarcastic way: Getting creature comforts isnt going to decide one way or the other whether they stay or not. They dont have a choice and they will fight simply for survival if nothing else.

Those troops have already recieved tons of shipments. We really cant help them any more aside from pressuring politicians to call it quits.
I make plenty of official protests through TogetherWeServed (of which I am a member) and a few other veterans groups with the idea that it has more impact to protest with a group of Vets. The congressmen dont seem to be listening much to the general public lately.

Enough anger. I have vented my displeasure at the ignorance here and it is likely that (similar to the gun or abortion issues) most of us have our viewpoint and wont be changing it for the opinions of other people in a forum.