I just sent this message over to Cavallo, but I thought that I’d test the waters with the rest of the BOTL. Here are my thoughts:

I’ve been doing some thinking on creative ways to generate some additional support for cigars, etc… to send to the troops. I would like to solicit donations of the best cigars that the BOTL have to offer (I’ll start the “prize” with two ISOM Cuaba Salomones, two ISOM PSD’s, two ISOM Monty #4’s, two PAM 1964 “A”s and one Fuente Añejo Shark No.77 – this is some of the best cigars that I have).

This stash of choice cigars would be “raffled off”. We’d make the “raffle price” be 5-10 quality hand rolled cigars (no dog rockets) or a nice letter for the troops (or something else, carton of cigs? – give me suggestions – I’m still pretty new to this kind of stuff). I think that we could generate a large care package for the troops this way.

I don’t really think that the troops care that much about getting ISOM (or other super premiums) as much as they care about the general support from home (I’m not saying that we send them crap, I’m just trying to setup as many care packages as we can get). Let me know what you think of my idea. If you think that I’m craze just let me know. I’d still like to get you some smokes, etc… to send to the troops. Thanks

Julian

P.S. If anyone thinks that this is a good idea e-mail me at juliannuss at nnpinc dot net.

Julian, I don't think you're crazy at all. I think you are a kindhearted, caring person to want to do something like this.

That being said... let me caution every one of you who may want to send cigars to the troops...

Mail takes forever in getting there and they aren't very careful with it, so pack them accordingly.

It is 10 times hotter than a friggin' sauna over there, and that's in the shade. The humidity is also pretty ridiculous... think Louisianna... SO, I would recommend freezing anything you send, because if you don't, it'll be beetle food by the time it ever gets to them.

Hi MACS,

What else could we send over that won't end up spoiled or ruined? I know that cigs are generally appreciated and I don't think that they will let us send Playboys, etc... I wish that we could send them a couple of cases of fine Kentucky Bourbon, some wonderful smokes and a nice air conditioned space to enjoy them in!! Oh well. How about CD's? Later

MAC,

I already asked CW to carry some sticks for me to pass on to the Marines who will be going ashore. That way I can avoid the whole mail system. I've got a few bundles and maybe a couple boxes of decent sticks to pass on.

Music

Eye Drops (sand storm season has started)

Lip Balm

Pre-Moistened Towlettes

Powdered Drink Mix Packets (they add it to their canteens to hide the taste of the foul smelling and tasting water)

Hard Candy (Life Savers, TicTacs etc) keeps their mouth a little moist in the desert heat

Fresh Socks

Foot Powder and Talcum Powder

Comics from your local paper

A Personal Note from someone back here in the States

NO CHOCOLATE CANDY PLEASE --

-it melts in the box long before they get it.......

Thanks for the suggestions on what to send to the troops. What do you think about the raffle idea?

Maybe would could use Bassdudes list as the "cost" of a raffle ticket?

Hey Buckwheat,

I think it's a great idea. I package my cigars, I send, in humipaks. It is a good Idea, to freeze your cigars, to kill the beetles, before sending.

Later

Dave (A.K.A. Homebrew)

What bassdude said!

And Pentz... great idea, since the Marines are on the ship with him. Most ships (except the really old ones) have great A/C systems that keep the ship at right around 70 degrees at all times (sometimes lower, if it is cold outside already). THAT is precisely why all my smokes are going with me.

sounds good to me. Where did you find the A size?

[email protected]

Bassdude - message sent

Still looking for help with this!! Thanks