I want to support our troops directly. They are suffering because the upper-echelons are not providing enough support, in many different areas, because they cut costs in areas which are important to the soldier on the ground.
I am tired of charities that seem to spend all of their money on advertising and appeal letters. Operation Helmet does none of that. Operating costs are covered by the founder, who operates out of his house, i think. I have never seen an advertisement or any other item of ‘wasted money’ associated with his organization.
They provide soldiers life-saving equipment that the military STOPPED providing to them because of a few dollars in savings by using an inferior pad system for the helmets of soldiers. The original pads, designed by a long-time military contractor for protective devices, were only issued to the first wave of troops. The new type of pads are very uncomfortable, causing troopers to REMOVE THEIR HELMETS or they are constantly adjusting them. And they are causing headaches and sore spots on the scalp, etc. Instead of being a protective device the military-issue pads are detrimental to the health of the soldier. They don’t provide protection from the blast waves of IEDs like the original pads. They don’t absorb the impact of shrapnel hitting the helmet, so the shockwave boggles the brain. If the IED flips the vehicle or otherwise causes the soldier to hit their helmeted head against a solid object (the ground, the inside of the vehicle, a rock) the shock is not absorbed by the pads issued by the military, which came from the cheapest bidder — instead of using the pads designed by a company that has been designing protective shock absorbing equipment for all branches of the military for years.
Some idiot thought saving a few bucks on a helmet pad was a good idea, even though it ends up allowing traumatic brain injury and closed - head injuries. Which means this veteran is now going to need medical care for the rest of his or her life! Where is the savings in that ?
And our troops shouldn’t be distracted by the aches and pains their issued pads are causing. They can’t be as alert as necessary if they are distracted by their “protective” gear.
So, this is the most worthy organization I have encountered. I purchased 10 sets of pads to be distributed to any trooper in need. The organization has already distributed 95,000+ sets of pads (the ones originally designed for the helmet), that actually work and absorb shockwaves and are extremely comfortable, meaning the troopers keep their helmets on their head and are able to concentrate on the mission, instead of being distracted by head pain.
The manufacturer and designer of the original protective pad set is giving a discounted price to Operation Helmet, so this is a Win-WIn situation.
My son in law was deeply concerned about going to Afghanistan because he knew he no longer had the right set of helmet pads - the correct kind that saved his brain and his life through five explosions during his Iraq tour. He asked me if I could somehow sew or make something. While searching for foam products online - and trying to figure out the differences my son in law was explaining to me - I found Dr Meaders. Within a couple of weeks we had 64 sets of these lifesaving pads in a box on my front porch. My son in law distributed them to everyone in his deploying unit. I have grandchildren because of Dr Meaders commitment to this work. This is the most important, most effective at meeting it's target goal and most efficient nonprofit I've ever come across. And I'm a former nonprofit fundraiser. It is unbelievable to me that after ten years of his work - he still needs to be doing this work. Our soldiers deserve the right pads instead of the lowest bid pads that are currently issued to them by the military and paid for by taxpayers.
I asked for a few upgraded helmet pad kits to be sent to my son and his Army Humvee crew in Kuwait and not only did they respond right away with a nice note, they sent extra for others in his company. Great organization that truly cares about all our soldiers with their boots on the ground. Thanks to Bob and crew at Operation Helmet. I donated to the cause, how about you?
I ordered a number of helmet liners for friends' sons, grandsons, etc. who were deployed. 100% raved about the comfort and being able to wear them more, thus increasing their safety. This charity is an act of love for our troops. It deserves the highest rating for service.
I'm an avid supporter of Operation Helmet and the good work they do in providing safe, comfortable upgraded helmet pads to members of our Armed Services operating in combat enviroments. Reading the requests and comments on Operation Helmet's website from troops representing every branch of our military should be enough to motivate anyone to donate if they have the means to do so.
Operation Helmet is a 100% volunteer, non-partisan, charitable organization headquartered in Montgomery, Texas (near Houston) with volunteer operations around the country. 99.96% of all contributions are used to send upgrade kits to our troops! We have less than one-half of one percent overhead which is used to for very limited expenses related to bank charges or resending upgrade kits that didn’t reach the addressee. This is a labor of love and duty to our fellow Service members.
