Thread: Pens for the Troops

Good Stuff Amos!

I am studying Defence Systems right now. Early last year we visited the Warradale Barracks. This was while the fires were still burning in Victoria. Having an interest I asked them about it. The Army gets plastered in the media at the smallest error but here they were carrying a load and completely ignored. A Current Affair was talking all about the great work by all and sundry and went through a huge list of people without mentioning the Army. Behind the reporter was a football oval of green tents. All straight and square. So I asked the Major at our visit about this, and he explained their intention is to serve as required. It struck me that their culture is not one of self aggrandaisement. They have a desire to serve as requested and aim to do so in the most humble way. Far from the heroics and glamour of the Hollywood portrayal the work these men and women do is hard grind, dirty and thankless.

Should they succeed and bring stability and democracy to Afghanistan the world will be a safer and better place for all. From earlier posts their appreciation is obvious that people at home appreciate that the people in service hold true to their oath of service. I think that is it. Politicians choose to send men or not. The men and women in the services receive orders and obey them. In spite of the conflict of self, whether the decision is right or wrong they serve at great risk to themselves. This should be the greatest comfort to those of us at home that whatever the personal cost these men and women will take up arms at personal risk to protect our rights liberty and lives.

Studley

Pleased to see this standing out a bit more -I hope it encourages a few more to contribute. Will get into the shed again for this initiative now that all the family have had their wooden bits for Christmas!!!

JD

Amos
I've just received the kits for another handfull
will take me a couple of weeks to get them to you - but should get them there by the end of Jan. fingers crossed.
If I made all the same timber would that be a problem?

Nick, they can be all the same, no problems, remember different individuals receive them!!! Amos

Originally Posted by Woodenink

Nick, they can be all the same, no problems, remember different individuals receive them!!! Amos

fair enough - I spose no one gets the VC twice

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

fair enough - I spose no one gets the VC twice

Noel Chavasse, Arthur Martin-Leake and Charle Upham might disagree with you.

That one was answered pretty neatly.

I did read a history that Jacka who won won should have been awarded two more for his service in France but had to be satisfied with lesser decorations.

Studley

Originally Posted by FXST01

Noel Chavasse, Arthur Martin-Leake and Charle Upham might disagree with you.

Ha
when I posted that I thought - "you're probably wrong and no doubt, if so, someone will point it out!"
thanks

Hello Amos. Sending over a few pens for the troops.I would like to thank David (Timberbits) for
his generous donation.All others involved,you know who you are thankyou.Not long now till Xmas.
Cheers Graham

Hi all and what a great idea. I'm an ex serviceman and know first hand what it is like to receieve something out of the blue from home and what a great morale booster it can be. I haven't read all 14 pages so if this suggestion has been made already please feel free to disregard it. So here goes.

How about putting in a small certificate noting who made it, what the wood is and the address of the person who hand crafted it. This way the troops have a contact outside of their circle of family and friends who they can thank for a stupendous gift.

Something like
Hand crafted by Fred Bloggs from Blue Gum sourced from the Blue Mountains in NSW.
PO Box 1234 Somewheretown NSW.

To have something hand crafted from an Australian source which hasn't been issued to them will be something that they will carry with pride.

Mike, some people do that already, others are anonymous, feel free to join in, if you have some ready just send them to me to pass on, PM me for address. Thanks Amos

As a Viet Vet you have my support. If you give me an address I will send you some. Wish people like you were around in my days.

Hi Amos
I have 20 pens glued up ready for the big turn tomorrow - will get them into the mail asap - hopefully Monday - in the hope they might make the journey in time for the festive season.

JD

Originally Posted by Touchwood

Hi Amos
I have 20 pens glued up ready for the big turn tomorrow - will get them into the mail asap - hopefully Monday - in the hope they might make the journey in time for the festive season.

JD

Hi Touchwood and other contributors

I am currently in Afghanistan and would like to send my thanks to you all for your support. The guys over here really appreciate it and it is a massive joy to receive care packages in the mail, especially those from the public. Thanks for taking the time to show you care at the time when soldiers will be thinking about home the most!

To answer your query the mail is taking 2-3 weeks right now so they should arrive in time . If you want any help organising things from my end send me a PM and I will see what I can do.

Cheers

James