Friday, November 11 2011
With today being Veterans Day, I thought the following was worth posting. We get lots of requests from soldiers at the front asking us to donate cigars. Many of them even have their own makeshift cigar clubs. It just seems right, that in exchange for their service - literally putting their lives on the line for us here at home- we send them something they can use to help relax when they're not out on patrol. If you saw The Hurt Locker, then you have some idea of what they're dealing with over there. Unfortunately, not all of the requests can be fulfilled by retailers, but some cigar store owners have placed "Cigaars For Troops" boxes in their shops so customers can participate.
Earlier this month, Famous Smoke Shop donated cigars to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The following is a series of email correspondences from B Co. 45 BSTB, which is based out of Atlanta. A "care package" was also sent to a troop from Pennsylvania, though I have not yet heard from them.
This first email was sent to Famous Smoke Shop Customer Service:
November 8, 2011 -- We, Travis, Scott, Phil and the men at Mehtar-Lam can't thank you and the men of Atlanta who stepped up to collect the donations, Famous Smoke Shop for adding to your order and supporting our TCAC mission here to create the atmosphere whereby troops, contractors and cigars lovers from anywhere can light up, relax, enjoy some downtime and get away from the stress of our chosen lifestyle.
It allows for some incredible times here in Afghanistan and memories that I know from hearing others talk, will be a part of everyone's lives.
Attached is one picture we got that seemed to capture the moment (see photo). More to come as we enjoy the rest of the cigars you all sent along.
Many thanks,
John Dowd
Secretary/Treasurer
Tali-banned Cigar Aficionado Club-Bagram 079-599-1070 Roshan
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Then there was this "After Action Report" from SPC Richard Windhorst...
November 9, 2011 -- We received the Cigar Care package and accessories today! Myself and other soldiers here at FOB Mehtar-Lam are grateful for the kindness. It will be a great pleasure to take a break, relax and enjoy these cigars with my brothers. We plan to have a small "get together" this coming Saturday, in our makeshift smoke shack. There will definitely be some story telling and clowning around as we take a break from out daily routine. I can thank y'all enough for what you have done to help brighten the mood of myself and my fellow soldiers over here in Methar-Lam, Thank you!
We also have a big "Thank You" to give to the men of Men's Division International of Atlanta who collected the money to buy the cigars that were matched with some additional bundles by Famous Smoke Shop of Allentown, PA. Their kindness and drive to support our mission allows us to enjoy not only our cigars but to share them with our brothers and sisters in arms downrange.
Thank you MDI Atlanta and Famous Smoke Shop.
With Respect,
SPC Richard Windhorst
B Co. 45 BSTB (UAS)
FOB Mehtar-Lam
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And finally, from Mr. Dowd...
November 9, 2011 -- Wow!!! What a great night at the Tali-banned Cigar Aficionado Club-Bagram tonight. 32 hardy members and guests came out!!!
The rain held off, cloud cover kept the temperature warmer than expected and we had a great time. Trash bags allowed for seating on the wet furniture, a push broom prior to the meeting moved the puddles around and we smoked 'em!!!
Lots of polo shirts, coins and poker chips were delivered to members, old and new, guests and we handed out 2 Membership Certificates to members leaving us shortly. We had 2 new members sign up with more taking registration forms to return with them next week.
For our support of our cigar-smoking brothers at FOB Mehtar-Lam, we got a big "Thank You."
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Now, if that doesn't make you feel patriotic...
To contact the Tali-banned Cigar Aficionado Club-Bagram you can friend-up with them on Facebook.
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