Paints are needed!

Dear FSM Community,

Once again I am overwhelmed with the kindness, concern, and generosity of everyone that stops by the forums.  It's been a while since I've been able to write; things in our neck of the woods are constantly in flux- fort the good.  There are always a lot of guys coming and going; and it's always a mixed feeling.  Several members of our little group have been moved to another hot spot.  Before they left, we were able to put together a "squad box" of model supplies and send that along with them to their next stop. We will miss them.....The next batch of guys came in on their heels, and already, the new guys are coming by looking for kits and supplies. There were quite a few guys from the new outfit that had never built models before and were hesitant to try one.  With encouragement from their buddies, they have dove right in, and are having a great time.  Even a few of our Iraqi friends have taken up modeling; for most they have never seen a model before, much less build one.....

Our base continues to be a busy hub of activity, with units coming and going, some for only a few days.  When guys come in from a convoy or a long security patrol, they try to check their email, or use the phone before they leave.  Several that have seen my notes have stopped by to see if they could get some modeling supplies, even though we may never see each other again.  Because of the generosity of the folks back home, I've never had to say no or turn anyone away.  I wish that you could see the sincere gratitude in these guys' faces, and the excitement as they dig out a kit or two.  It's always good to know that every Soldier that comes here leaves with a kit and some building supplies, and more importantly that he has a rock solid base of support back home from the friends of Fine Scale Modeler and IPMS. 

We will be doing everything we can do to support the guys here until we leave in the summer, date to be determined.  All of you guys have been a tremendous boost to our collective morale.  Despite what many may think of the war, everyone has rallied behind the Soldiers and Marines on the ground here in Iraq and Afghanistan to support the various clubs that have been started.  Here in Tall Afar, we are all so very thankful for your support and encouragement.

Many thanks to everyone of you that helped make the 'Paint for Troops' project happen, especially Bgriggs, Jeff Herne, Berny13,  and each of you guys that helped organize, donate, collect , pack, and ship the paints to us and other clubs, where ever they may be.  You guys are awesome, and I am proud to know you all!!!

Thanks for everything,

Dave Wallace

NEW/Latest address:  MAJ David Wallace, C Co, 1/1AD, (311 MTT), FOB Sykes, APO AE 09334-1138  (This address is soon to be outdated, but as long as it has: 311 MTT, FOB Sykes and the zip code things should still reach us.

My son just e mailed this picture.   He told me there are several members of the flight crew that was very impressed with what we are doing. 

Oops, pulled a Homer...DOH  Thoght thats where i was... the mind is going....

On my way to the Post Office now to send this to the people in Kosovo.  10 kits, several of the Hasegawa weapons set, Acrylics, sanding sticks and some other goodies.  My stash is small but was easy to weed out some stuff and then fill in with a few diferent kits and such.

Total cost?  Dont' care.... The reason I can to this.... is because they are over there doing that.

We have transporation arranged.  My son is going over to the Sand Box soon and has agreed to take the paints, kits or what ever is needed.  Contact me or Bill Grigg for my mailing address. 

The cut off date for delivery to me is NLT 11 March.  I have talked to the manager at Hobby Lobby and he is ordering an extra supply of paint that I can buy.  The paint will arrive in the middle of next week.

Operation Sand Box is well on its way.