Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots

Doug Taylor · November 30th, 2003, 13:27

Here's what I've come up with so far:

* A few gameboys plus extra (!) batteries
* Big packs of beef jerky
* Cases of canned ravioli
* Cases of fruit cocktail
* Cases of chili (MikeD is a huge Dinty Moore fan)
* Cases of dehydrated soups
* Cases of dried fruits
* Toilet paper (as suggested by a Desert storm vet)
* "Gentleman Friendly" magazines (as requested)
* Assorted PG-rated magazines
* Mini soaps
* Mini shampoo bottles
* Handy wipes
* Hand-cleansers
* Poore Brothers potato chips (Almost a religion in AZ)
* Bill Johnson's "Big Apple" BBQ sauce (it's an AZ thang)
* Sun screen (lots)
* Lip Balm (lots)
* Moisturizing lotion (lots)
* Blankets (as requested, and I'm working on Delta to see if they want to donate some international biz elite blankets)
* Pillows (see above)
* Maybe even 12 or so Delta Biz Elite toiletry kits
* Toothbrushes (decent quality)
* Toothpaste (decent quality)

Does anyone else have any ideas?

rausda27 · November 30th, 2003, 13:37

Perhaps a few disposable cameras and/or some type of candies...?

WillNotFly4Food · November 30th, 2003, 14:02

Nail clippers. They could double as a lethal weapon used against the insurgents.

Would they be allowed to sport Jetcareers t-shirts? Maybe our creative department (602) could make a JC-Iraq shirt of some kind for them. Or sell them and use the profit to pay for the care packages. (was idea already mentioned?)

Seems like the military would supply the recreational items but if not maybe something like: football, frisbee, ball and mits...

Listerine/empty listerine bottle with a smooth "spirit" inside

-Gum
-Sunflower seeds
-Powdered drink mixes (gatorade, etc.)

I've got an old playboy to donate but I would have to think long and hard about giving up my Maxim collection (heh, I said long and hard)

WillNotFly4Food · November 30th, 2003, 14:17

Cards, Uno, Checkers, Chess, Monopoly, Darts, etc.

Novels, crossword puzzle books or other game books.

I may be over estimating the amount of free time they have or their willingness to want to do anything but sleep when not on mission.

Doug Taylor · November 30th, 2003, 14:21

Fantastic ideas! Keep 'em coming!

JEP · November 30th, 2003, 15:09

maybe some Rolaids

all that dinty moore and canned goods might shock their stomach after eating that bland military food.

the cameras would be good. Maybe MikeD or one of the others might have access to a digital camera and they could send off a picture or two of them enjoying the goods.

JDMcFly · November 30th, 2003, 15:11

This is going to be an awesome gift

I_Money · November 30th, 2003, 16:35

When living away from home I always liked a local paper!!

I also think before you go shopping (apart from things requested from the boys) - find out prices and really plan it so you can get the maximum for the money spent!!

How do you ship it out, as that alone will cost a fortune! Do you take it to your local AFB, and they organize it?

Doug Taylor · November 30th, 2003, 16:56

I did a walk-thru at Costco to look at prices and such and I think I'll get a lot of bang for the buck at Costco.

On the shipping, I'm going to call Davis-Monthan AFB tomorrow and inquire about that. If not, I'll probably try to pimp FDX or UPS locally here for a good rate in return for some free publicity. Maybe even Delta or America West could 'help out' and get the boxes to the APO for transport.

But if all else fails, shipping is going to be a killer, but if that's what it takes, so be it.

Tired · November 30th, 2003, 17:47

Bug repellent
Eye drops

Cleared_ILS_RWY_9L · November 30th, 2003, 20:21

How about Video Tapes?
DVD's are more compact.
Paperbacks.
Those airline peanuts.

cointyro · November 30th, 2003, 20:23

I'd get lots and lots of the things we're sure he needs or wants. While a big variety would be cool, if it turns out they don't need or want some of the stuff, they might instead wish there was more of the primary items.

Maybe we could ask MikeD, "hey, just hypothetically if you could have $200 worth of stuff RIGHT NOW, what would you and your buddies prioritize and want/need the most?" (the numbers a little low, but that will disguise the sweetness of the gift somewhat, and shipping WILL be absolutely killer, probably 60% or more of the total cost of the gifts - especially with that heavy canned food).

It might compromise the surprise a little bit, but I think it would be worth it, just so we'd be sure to get stuff that would be like heaven for them.

Thanks!

tonyw · November 30th, 2003, 20:23

Is alcohol allowed? If it is, let me suggest that nasty Irish sangria...no, just kidding, although it would definitely take the edge off being in Iraq right now.

Seriously, if it's allowed, maybe a nice bottle of wine?

EatSleepFly · November 30th, 2003, 20:26

I don't think it is intended to be a surprise.

cointyro · November 30th, 2003, 20:28

If it isn't a surprise - then, by golly, let's just tell MikeD - hey we have $XXX, what do you want?

That will give his crew something fun to think about and toss around for a few days, and then to look forward to - especially since they can pick out what they want.

Gifts are o-so-much better when you pick them out, whaddya think?

WillNotFly4Food · November 30th, 2003, 21:09

Razors:
-Cheap plastic ones
-Mach3s
-Mach3 replacement blades
-New blades for electric razors if anyone actually uses an electric

Bags/Cans of quality coffee. I'm sure they get stuck with yak wiz.

cointyro · November 30th, 2003, 21:42

[ QUOTE ]
-New blades for electric razors if anyone actually uses an electric

[/ QUOTE ]

I think some of this stuff is a little overboard.. they are only there for 4 or so months, not years and years. Electric razor blades don't wear out in 4 months...

We're trying to make them comfortable, not outfit them for a 2 year expedition or anything.

I'm surprised they need toothpaste, is the government issue nasty or what?

Doug Taylor · November 30th, 2003, 21:45

That was actually a suggestion from a gulf war vet on the Delta ALPA forums.

Along with some interesting ways of getting 'gentleman-friendly' magazines to our troops as well.

EatSleepFly · November 30th, 2003, 21:48

[ QUOTE ]
I think some of this stuff is a little overboard.

[/ QUOTE ]

Easy for you to say, from the comfort of your living room.

WillNotFly4Food · November 30th, 2003, 22:10

Do those things last 4 months? I replace my Mach3 blades every 6 shaves or so. Maybe someone has a hairy back

Spit out any ideas you have, they may lead to other ideas much better than the original. No harm.

cointyro · November 30th, 2003, 22:19

Hey EatSleepFly, no need to dig me. I know they have it rough, but geez, our list sounds like basically they don't have ANYTHING. Surely they have some stuff. I'm not saying "let's not get them anything", I was just suggesting we prioritize and optimize so they end up most happy with all we give them.

By the way, they are Air Force officers AND pilots, which means they get taken care of better than 80% of the other unfortunate Armed Forces individuals in the sandbox. This is not to say they won't be ecstatic or aren't deserving of help, just pointing out that they aren't exactly dug into foxholes with one pair of socks, two MREs, and three cans of ammo.

And WillFly, I said electric razor blades last well over 4 months, not manual blades. Mach3 or whatever they use I bet would be appreciated!

Anyways, in the positive spirit of making the list the best it can be, keep the challenges and ideas coming! That's my take at least.

FlyChicaga · December 1st, 2003, 01:49

[ QUOTE ]
Is alcohol allowed? If it is, let me suggest that nasty Irish sangria...

[/ QUOTE ]

FUH...Q...NO.

TheShortOne · December 1st, 2003, 08:35

what about a small (fake) xmas tree and some decorations? or something similar to spruce up their tents (or hovels)

tonyw · December 1st, 2003, 09:02

[ QUOTE ]
what about a small (fake) xmas tree and some decorations? or something similar to spruce up their tents (or hovels)

[/ QUOTE ]

Now this is a really cool idea. And did you do the "spruce up" thing on purpose?

pilot602 · December 1st, 2003, 11:30

How's this for a t-shirt/creative idea.

November 30th, 2003, 13:27	#1
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 39,749 Blog Entries: 1	Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots Here's what I've come up with so far: * A few gameboys plus extra (!) batteries * Big packs of beef jerky * Cases of canned ravioli * Cases of fruit cocktail * Cases of chili (MikeD is a huge Dinty Moore fan) * Cases of dehydrated soups * Cases of dried fruits * Toilet paper (as suggested by a Desert storm vet) * "Gentleman Friendly" magazines (as requested) * Assorted PG-rated magazines * Mini soaps * Mini shampoo bottles * Handy wipes * Hand-cleansers * Poore Brothers potato chips (Almost a religion in AZ) * Bill Johnson's "Big Apple" BBQ sauce (it's an AZ thang) * Sun screen (lots) * Lip Balm (lots) * Moisturizing lotion (lots) * Blankets (as requested, and I'm working on Delta to see if they want to donate some international biz elite blankets) * Pillows (see above) * Maybe even 12 or so Delta Biz Elite toiletry kits * Toothbrushes (decent quality) * Toothpaste (decent quality) Does anyone else have any ideas?

November 30th, 2003, 13:37	#2
rausda27 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 1,230	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots Perhaps a few disposable cameras and/or some type of candies...?

November 30th, 2003, 14:02	#3
WillNotFly4Food Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: SGU via SLC Posts: 420	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots Nail clippers. They could double as a lethal weapon used against the insurgents. Would they be allowed to sport Jetcareers t-shirts? Maybe our creative department (602) could make a JC-Iraq shirt of some kind for them. Or sell them and use the profit to pay for the care packages. (was idea already mentioned?) Seems like the military would supply the recreational items but if not maybe something like: football, frisbee, ball and mits... Listerine/empty listerine bottle with a smooth "spirit" inside -Gum -Sunflower seeds -Powdered drink mixes (gatorade, etc.) I've got an old playboy to donate but I would have to think long and hard about giving up my Maxim collection (heh, I said long and hard)

November 30th, 2003, 14:17	#4
WillNotFly4Food Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: SGU via SLC Posts: 420	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots Cards, Uno, Checkers, Chess, Monopoly, Darts, etc. Novels, crossword puzzle books or other game books. I may be over estimating the amount of free time they have or their willingness to want to do anything but sleep when not on mission.

November 30th, 2003, 14:21	#5
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 39,749 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots Fantastic ideas! Keep 'em coming!

November 30th, 2003, 15:09	#6
JEP Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Eden Prairie, MN (KFCM) (KMSP) Posts: 10,531 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots maybe some Rolaids all that dinty moore and canned goods might shock their stomach after eating that bland military food. the cameras would be good. Maybe MikeD or one of the others might have access to a digital camera and they could send off a picture or two of them enjoying the goods.

November 30th, 2003, 15:11	#7
JDMcFly Old Skool Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New York Posts: 1,664	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots This is going to be an awesome gift

November 30th, 2003, 16:35	#8
I_Money Moderator Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Socal Posts: 5,644	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots When living away from home I always liked a local paper!! I also think before you go shopping (apart from things requested from the boys) - find out prices and really plan it so you can get the maximum for the money spent!! How do you ship it out, as that alone will cost a fortune! Do you take it to your local AFB, and they organize it?

November 30th, 2003, 16:56	#9
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 39,749 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots I did a walk-thru at Costco to look at prices and such and I think I'll get a lot of bang for the buck at Costco. On the shipping, I'm going to call Davis-Monthan AFB tomorrow and inquire about that. If not, I'll probably try to pimp FDX or UPS locally here for a good rate in return for some free publicity. Maybe even Delta or America West could 'help out' and get the boxes to the APO for transport. But if all else fails, shipping is going to be a killer, but if that's what it takes, so be it.

November 30th, 2003, 17:47	#10
Tired Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 514	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots Bug repellent Eye drops

November 30th, 2003, 20:21	#11
Cleared_ILS_RWY_9L Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Titusville, FL Posts: 201	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots How about Video Tapes? DVD's are more compact. Paperbacks. Those airline peanuts.

November 30th, 2003, 20:23	#12
cointyro Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: East Palo Alto, CA Posts: 306	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots I'd get lots and lots of the things we're sure he needs or wants. While a big variety would be cool, if it turns out they don't need or want some of the stuff, they might instead wish there was more of the primary items. Maybe we could ask MikeD, "hey, just hypothetically if you could have $200 worth of stuff RIGHT NOW, what would you and your buddies prioritize and want/need the most?" (the numbers a little low, but that will disguise the sweetness of the gift somewhat, and shipping WILL be absolutely killer, probably 60% or more of the total cost of the gifts - especially with that heavy canned food). It might compromise the surprise a little bit, but I think it would be worth it, just so we'd be sure to get stuff that would be like heaven for them. Thanks!

November 30th, 2003, 20:23	#13
tonyw Old Skool Join Date: May 2002 Location: Maryland Posts: 15,126	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots Is alcohol allowed? If it is, let me suggest that nasty Irish sangria...no, just kidding, although it would definitely take the edge off being in Iraq right now. Seriously, if it's allowed, maybe a nice bottle of wine?

November 30th, 2003, 20:26	#14
EatSleepFly Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ?? Posts: 4,600	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots I don't think it is intended to be a surprise.

November 30th, 2003, 20:28	#15
cointyro Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: East Palo Alto, CA Posts: 306	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots If it isn't a surprise - then, by golly, let's just tell MikeD - hey we have $XXX, what do you want? That will give his crew something fun to think about and toss around for a few days, and then to look forward to - especially since they can pick out what they want. Gifts are o-so-much better when you pick them out, whaddya think?

November 30th, 2003, 21:09	#16
WillNotFly4Food Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: SGU via SLC Posts: 420	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots Razors: -Cheap plastic ones -Mach3s -Mach3 replacement blades -New blades for electric razors if anyone actually uses an electric Bags/Cans of quality coffee. I'm sure they get stuck with yak wiz.

November 30th, 2003, 21:42	#17
cointyro Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: East Palo Alto, CA Posts: 306	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots [ QUOTE ] -New blades for electric razors if anyone actually uses an electric [/ QUOTE ] I think some of this stuff is a little overboard.. they are only there for 4 or so months, not years and years. Electric razor blades don't wear out in 4 months... We're trying to make them comfortable, not outfit them for a 2 year expedition or anything. I'm surprised they need toothpaste, is the government issue nasty or what?

November 30th, 2003, 21:45	#18
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 39,749 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots That was actually a suggestion from a gulf war vet on the Delta ALPA forums. Along with some interesting ways of getting 'gentleman-friendly' magazines to our troops as well.

November 30th, 2003, 21:48	#19
EatSleepFly Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ?? Posts: 4,600	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots [ QUOTE ] I think some of this stuff is a little overboard. [/ QUOTE ] Easy for you to say, from the comfort of your living room.

November 30th, 2003, 22:10	#20
WillNotFly4Food Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: SGU via SLC Posts: 420	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots Do those things last 4 months? I replace my Mach3 blades every 6 shaves or so. Maybe someone has a hairy back Spit out any ideas you have, they may lead to other ideas much better than the original. No harm.

November 30th, 2003, 22:19	#21
cointyro Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: East Palo Alto, CA Posts: 306	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots Hey EatSleepFly, no need to dig me. I know they have it rough, but geez, our list sounds like basically they don't have ANYTHING. Surely they have some stuff. I'm not saying "let's not get them anything", I was just suggesting we prioritize and optimize so they end up most happy with all we give them. By the way, they are Air Force officers AND pilots, which means they get taken care of better than 80% of the other unfortunate Armed Forces individuals in the sandbox. This is not to say they won't be ecstatic or aren't deserving of help, just pointing out that they aren't exactly dug into foxholes with one pair of socks, two MREs, and three cans of ammo. And WillFly, I said electric razor blades last well over 4 months, not manual blades. Mach3 or whatever they use I bet would be appreciated! Anyways, in the positive spirit of making the list the best it can be, keep the challenges and ideas coming! That's my take at least.

December 1st, 2003, 01:49	#22
FlyChicaga Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 4,747	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots [ QUOTE ] Is alcohol allowed? If it is, let me suggest that nasty Irish sangria... [/ QUOTE ] FUH...Q...NO.

December 1st, 2003, 08:35	#23
TheShortOne Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Park City, UT Posts: 3,293	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots what about a small (fake) xmas tree and some decorations? or something similar to spruce up their tents (or hovels)

December 1st, 2003, 09:02	#24
tonyw Old Skool Join Date: May 2002 Location: Maryland Posts: 15,126	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots [ QUOTE ] what about a small (fake) xmas tree and some decorations? or something similar to spruce up their tents (or hovels) [/ QUOTE ] Now this is a really cool idea. And did you do the "spruce up" thing on purpose?

December 1st, 2003, 11:30	#25
pilot602 Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: who haa Posts: 3,750	Re: Shopping list for Mike and the 12 A-10 pilots How's this for a t-shirt/creative idea.

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