8/29/2009: Email to Marine Corps systems Command

UPDATE: 9/1/09 FOLLOWING A FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST FOR THE RESULTS OF THREE CIVILIAN LABS TESTS ON COMPETING HELMET PADS IN BLAST/IMPACT PROTECTION, WE RECEIVED 185 PAGES OF BLACKED-OUT TEST DATA. WHAT ARE THEY HIDING?

July 28, 2009 GAO letter to Congress is yet another namby-pamby self congratulatory bunch of BS claiming the military was correct in changing from the 'Gold Standard' helmet pads to the cheapest crap they could find. They still rely on:

• now-discredited USAARL helmet pad tests

•  the useless 'user evaluations' done Stateside in which troops wear each of four helmet pad sets for two days and compare them. How the Perfumed Princes of the Pentagon (and Belvoir and Quantico) can claim this short-term user evaluation is equal to reports from troops wearing helmets all day every day for months on end is beyond reckless.

and ignore:

•  the blast-wave testing done at Livermore Laboratory pointing out the dangers of too-firm helmet pads  

•  the legion of emails we have posted from troops in combat both in Iraq and Afghanistan that tell the true story about inadequate helmet pads causing headaches and deterioration of mission performance.

 As one disgruntled reviewer writes after reading the GAO letter: In summary…all logical thinking, common sense, and integrity have been replaced by stubborn, self-serving, bureaucratic posturing.  The truth, responsible behavior, and proper priorities (seem to) have no standing in today’s government.

The Marines have reluctantly listened to the words of wisdom from warriors for their future helmets. Their new Request for Information from vendors includes the mandate that new pads being sought for both current and future helmets  must "(3) Provide increased human comfort compared to the current fielded systems and allow for user customization/adjustment without altering the level of protection." Just a coincidence, I'm sure, but that's what we've been providing for the past 5+ years. Go figure. Disappointingly,  they go on to say they will keep using the current GI 'brick' pads in the new helmet. I'm confused.

We'll keep on keeping on bucking a seemingly morbid system until our warriors get what they need and ask for.

The "Dan Rather Reports"  show was somewhat of a disappointment in that it didn't stress enough that troops in combat are the ones complaining about too-firm helmet pads, and with good reason (see:  Skull Flexure from Blast Waves- A New Mechanism for Brain Injury with Implications for Helmet Design ). You can view the program and decide which helmet pad vendor comes across as a snake oil salesman for yourself, knowing that all helmet pads pass the Army's blast/impact protecting tests equally. We don't give a rat's patootie what manufacturers say to try and sell their goods or what Stateside 1-2 day 'user evaluations' come up with. We depend on what our warriors in combat tell us from first-hand experience during the months on end they wear their protective gear.

Lawrence Livermore National Research Laboratory study of brain injury from blast wave can be reviewed here. (click on the blue stuff).

"Traumatic brain injury [TBI] has become the signature injury of current military conflicts. The debilitating effects of TBI on society are long-lasting and costly. Although the mechanisms by which impacts cause TBI have been well researched, the mechanisms by which blasts cause TBI are not understood. Various mechanisms, including impacts caused by the blast, have been investigated, but blast-induced deformation of the skull has been neglected. Through the use of hydrodynamical numerical simulations, we have discovered that non-lethal blasts can induce sufficient flexure of the skull to generate potentially damaging loads in the brain, even if no impact occurs. This mechanism has implications for the diagnosis of TBI in soldiers and the design of protective equipment such as helmets. "

"An effective mitigation strategy against the deleterious effects of skull flexure would be to deny the blast wave access to the airspace under the helmet, and then either incorporate rigidity into the helmet itself, or design the helmet suspension system so that the flexure of the helmet is not transferred to the skull" (via too-firm pads...emphasis and explanation in italics are mine).

From: McGuiness, John J COL MIL USA USAASC [mailto:john.mcguiness@us.army.mil]
Sent: Monday, February 09, 2009 8:14 PM
To: Bob Meaders MD; Sumner, Vicki CTR USA USAASC; Hauck, Barry T Mr CIV USA USAASC
Subject: RE: Telecon with Congressman Wu's office

Today, 10 January, 2009, I spoke with Congressman Wu's staff (Chair of the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee) to discuss this and other matters concerning helmet protection. Expressed concern about troops' telling us their pads are so uncomfortable they detract from mission effectiveness and performance. No solution offered by the Congressman's staff.

Is it just me, or are things crazy when politicians can raise MILLIONS of dollars almost overnight while our troops have to make do with inferior products? Read the emails we get and see if you can find a few bucks to send our way...99.95% goes for helmet pad upgrades.

New ACH Army helmet to be fielded with higher protection specifications: http://www.fbodaily.com/archive/2007/11-November/15-Nov-2007/FBO-01451187.htm

Re: AP report http://www.star-telegram.com/238/story/1122102.html. The Marine Commandant was given a supposedly wonderful new body armor set to wear on visiting troops. Within a short time, he shucked it off and said it was too heavy, too cumbersome, and will NOT be used for his Marines.

Bravo Zulu  to the Marine Corps Commandant, a highly decorated combat veteran. Instead of blindly following the assurances of those in charge of testing, purchasing and supplying the troops with body armor, he went into the combat zones and tried the gear himself, listened to the troops’ complaints and ordered instant changes regardless of cost in order to better protect his Marines and increase their combat effectiveness.

The military's procurement chiefs depend on 'Limited User Evaluations' (LUE's) that test gear in a short-term play-like scenario stateside. If no one complains during these limited evaluations, the bureaucrats stamp the gear ‘Approved’ and send it off for use in combat without further question. When troops go into combat for months at a time, problems with their combat/protective gear surface in what are best called Combat User Evaluations that are overlooked, don’t come to light, or are ignored in the short-term artificial LUE trials.

Operation Helmet has tried to get the military to give note to Combat User Evaluations (CUE's)  regarding troops’ blast/impact protecting helmet pads as reflected in the emails we get almost daily from warriors asking for the top-of-the-line pads Operation Helmet provides (and the Army used to provide, but went for cheaper). So far, no response other than to say there isn’t a problem. Better body armor means more lives saved. Better head armor means better quality of those lives.

To better understand the difference between LUE’s and CUE’s, look at www.operation-helmet.org. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen email us almost daily asking for helmet protective pad replacement sets for their GI pads that have proven dangerous to use in their prolonged combat environments (CUE’s),  but were approved for use by the short-term LUE’s. The GI pads are much too hard, resulting in headaches that detract from mission performance and safety when warriors have to remove their helmets for relief or loosen them to be able to concentrate on their complicated missions and patrols. Helmets only work when worn properly; no one can predict IED’s or ambush.

The troops’ Combat User Evaluations’ reflect combat reality, not the ‘scientific’ but meaningless approach taken by Marine Corps Systems Command and PEO Soldier, both of which assure us they’ve not had ONE complaint from warriors in Iraq and Afghanistan or in post-deployment debriefings about their helmet pad problems. To this we say Hotel Sierra…and I’ll leave it to you to decipher the meaning.

S/Robert H. Meaders, MD, CAPT, Medical Corps, USN-Ret

Meeting with PEO Soldier at House Armed Services Committee Hearing Room, Washington, DC 9 December, with HASC Staffer Jesse Tolleson attending as well:

Summary: Army will continue to use Team Wendy or MSA pads for the ACH, as PEO Soldier claims they've not had ONE complaint from a Soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan or during post-deployment debriefing. We find that hard to believe when we get emails by the handful from Soldiers seeking to upgrade their helmets with pads that allow them to wear the helmet continuously during long and danger-filled duty hours.

 Something is amiss, either in what the Army asks troops or in the willingness of combat troops to stick their necks out via the chain-of-command and risk either censure or ridicule being labeled 'soft' for asking that they get more wearable helmet pads. Also, troops tend to fix their own problems by any means at hand when they know that going up the chain of command will do NOTHING to help.

When helmets contain pads that are so hard they cause headaches, troops will remove them for momentary relief...and no one can predict at what moment an IED will go off or some other form of ambush will lead to death or disability from brain injury, the 'signature' injury of the war. We are disappointed, but will continue our efforts to change hearts and  minds.

1/9/09 New impact/blast wave testing is being done in three independent civilian labs as we speak and we've been promised results (don't hold your breath). However, the same faulty test parameters that insisted on using frozen or baked helmet systems on frozen/baked head forms were mandated for these tests, so that part of the data should be disregarded. It's a simple thing to test the helmet system on a biosimilar head form or volunteers to see what happens to pad temperatures at those extremes of temperature when exposed to the 'heat sink' of the human head's heat regulation. UPDATE: 8/1/09 FOLLOWING A FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST, WE RECEIVED 185 PAGES OF BLACKED-OUT TEST DATA, ALL INFORMATION 'REDACTED' FOR REASONS KNOWN ONLY TO PEO-SOLDIER.

If we can help save just ONE Soldier's life and future, the efforts of all of us are repaid endlessly.  On the other hand, if ONE Soldier dies or is disabled due to a fixable flaw in their head armor, SHAME ON THE ARMY and whoever is resisting the changes asked for by our troops.

A more complete report from myself and son Mark who attended and participated is now posted on the US Army section of this website.

In the meantime, please help us keep shaking the money tree. Another 'surge' of troops is headed for the dangerous killing fields of Afghanistan even as Iraq winds down.

Make a Donation

Sent July 25, 2008:

Dear Col McGuiness, I’ve read your bio with interest and deep respect for what you’ve done to improve the safety, survivability and comfort of your Soldiers during your highly decorated military career.

As you may know, we’ve supplied many Soldiers with helmet pads manufactured by Oregon Aero (OA), once in universal use by the Army in the ACH/MICH, now supplanted by the GI pads manufactured by Team Wendy.

The reason we prefer the OA pads is simple. Under realistic ambient conditions, they provide the same or slightly better protection than the GI pads and are an order of magnitude more comfortable, according to reports from troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As you can see on our website, we’re bombarded with requests from Soldiers, Marines, and other Service members for OA pads to replace the GI pads they say interfere with mission performance due to headaches caused by the too-firm pads. Also, the pads disintegrate quickly in the field and, in spite of being issued duplicate pads, they run out.

We agree with troops that helmets don’t do the job they’re supposed to unless the Soldier wears it, hopefully without distraction.

Our own admittedly amateur pad flammability tests also show the GI pads to flame easily and burn to exhaustion of material while the OA pads self-extinguish. This may in part explain why the majority of severe burns at BAMC show only a patch of skin on the crown of the head escaping burn injury when one would expect burn protection from the padded helmet’s contact with the head during a conflagration. The Kevlar shell has to pass a rigorous flame test, and one would expect the interior pads to be likewise stringently tested to at least the standards set by Snell Memorial Foundation (SMF) for race car drivers’ helmets (NASCAR).

We met with Marine Corps Systems Command personnel on the same issue with staff of the House Armed Services Committee in attendance. HASC staff have encouraged us to ask for a similar meeting with you. I’ve tried to send emails to addresses for you and BGen Brown supplied by HASC, but they return with ‘fatal errors’ in the address.

We would appreciate hearing from you on the possibility of a meeting to discuss the issues brought to us by the troops. And, by the way, we have no relationship with OA or any manufacturer/vendor other than to purchase their goods and send to requesting troops with the help of thousands of Americans wanting to help.

Sincerely, Doc Bob

Reply 2 August, 2008:

Dr Meaders,
I appreciate those kind words and your service to our Soldiers by staying on the forefront of this issue. I would be happy to meet you and whoever else you would like to bring along. We can never allow ourselves to think or accept we have the best solution and be done with it. We are constantly seeking improvements to everything the Soldier wears or carries. I have seen first hand in Theater and on a subsequent visit to BAMC how devastating burns can be. Please let me know when it would be convenient to meet. You can call Vicki at (703) 704-3xxxx to arrange a meeting. Thanks, John (Col McGuiness).

Update: We were scheduled to meet August 22, but Doc Bob wound up in hospital (again) with bowel obstruction from scar tissue in abdomen. Will re-schedule when up and about again. Seems as I get older, if it doesn't leak, squeak or break, it just quits working!

Update # 2: Scheduled now for 26 Sept at Ft Belvoir. House Armed Services Committee staff will participate either in person or by video teleconference.

Update # 3: Re-scheduled for 9 December; We're meeting in the Sam Rayburn House Office Building, Rm 2118, the site of my previous testimony to the Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces. Should be interesting.

Army has proudly announced they're launching a website asking troops for feedback on issued gear. Guess what? We can provide them hard info about helmet/helmetpads for free from our web site. We get emails almost daily from troops telling us the current pads are dangerously uncomfortable and detract from mission performance. LISTEN TO THE TROOPS, ARMY! READ THEIR SPONTANEOUS EMAILS TO US. 

11 July 2008: Meeting with Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) personnel and House Armed Services Committee Staff

Points discussed concerning pad protection from blast/impact forces vs. comfort and pad flammability:

Glossary: fps = feet per second, or the speed at which the helmet is dropped onto the arresting anvil for g-force measurement. OA = Oregon Aero 3/4" pads, TW = Team Wendy 3/4" pads.

 1. Both Oregon Aero (OA) and Team Wendy (TW) pad systems passed the 10 fps drop test specifications.  (We only use BLU-6 3/4" pads, so the BLSS test  with 1/2" pads is meaningless.)          

Marine response: TW pads show 'more protection' at the 10 fps test when extreme hot and extreme cold are included in the Mean-all temperature chart. 

            Our response: The temperature extremes of 14 degrees for cold and 135 for hot are not realistic. Those temperatures are not compatible with human life. The head acts as a heat sink; the pads will assume a temperature somewhere between body temperature and the helmet pads. Test results at these extremes are meaningless. The ambient temperature (real-life) charts show OA padded helmets to be slightly more protective than those with the TW pads under real-life conditions.

            Marine Response: Test parameters are set in concrete and cannot be changed (who made them up, we wonder)

2. The OA pads have been shown to be wearable and preferred by Soldiers and Marines under combat conditions. We get emails from troops saying the TW pad-configured helmets are uncomfortable and are removed to relieve hot spots caused by the too-firm pads. Very dangerous when no one can predict ambush with IED's, RPG's or accidents trying to avoid them.

            Marine Response: A LUE (limited user exercise) was done with Marines in full uniform and combat configuration. No preference for helmet pads was expressed except for one which was 'off the charts' but not used by Marines…no explanation.

            Our Response: In order to achieve real-life information, each component of the combat gear must be field tested separately, as individual component results become obscured in the mass of information concerning the combined total combat rig. Sort of like asking a man on fire if his shoes are too tight. The test asked if the helmets were uncomfortable when worn for 'one or two days' instead of the seven-month duration of combat tours!

 3. Given equal protection provided by competing vendors' pads, more emphasis should be placed on comfort and wearability so troops will wear their helmets full-time..

            Marine Response: Marines will opt for protection over comfort.  TW pads showed 'more protection' or at least failed a 14.4 fps drop test as a lower level than OA pads. That means they're better. (???)

            Our Response: The 14.4 fps test was performed "for informational purposes" and was not mandated in the test protocol. It is not know what the test at 14.4 fps represents in the real world. No test standards have been established; 14.4 fps was selected for informational purposes only as per the test report. Safety is compromised when troops remove helmets due to too-firm pads, losing any advantage shown by laboratory testing.        

 5. Both OA and TW pads will burn when exposed to flame for a specific duration; only the Oregon Aero pad self-extinguishes once the pad has started flaming.

            Marine Response: PYROMAN testing (see below's photo/link) done at two labs showed only mild charring on any exposed pad edges of pads in a 4-second standard test of garment protection. The flame nozzles are aimed at foot-to-waist level to exert maximum heat to the garment-draped torso. Also, a trial by MCSC personnel trying to light pads over their barbecue pit did not elicit flames.

            Our Response: NASCAR and Snell Memorial Foundation standards require the test to have nozzles aimed at the helmet edge so flames will impact pads directly instead of the remote nozzle position of the Pyroman garment test. Click on the photo below of the test on a Nomex suit to see how the nozzles are aimed. Marines can't get their pads to burn outdoors in the wind. Our own admittedly unscientific pad burning tests were done in a closed garage with no wind effect; all pads burned, some fiercely.

 6. Scientists believe that too-firm pads in the 'standoff' space between the kevlar shell and the skull accentuate blast-wave transmission to the head from the helmet.

            Marine Response: Not enough is known about blast-wave effect on the brain to consider, please send more information.

            Our Response: We sent MCSC emails from Dr Makris of Med-Eng, (now Allen Vanguard) explaining the phenomenon. He also stresses the need for comfort/wearability over protection that is not used in the manner expected.  Note: We sent the Marines...and Army... the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory test results on this very issue: no response.

Operation Helmet Bottom line: Given the similarity of protection offered by TW and OA pads, comfort and wearability under actual combat conditions should be strongly considered in pad selection. Flammability should be studied under conditions at least as rigorous as that required by NASCAR.

Marine Bottom Line: Team Wendy pads will continue to be the only authorized pad for Marines.  Individual commanders may permit or deny troops wearing 'other than standard' helmet pads.

In other words: 'don't confuse us with facts, our minds are made up.

So, we'll keep on shaking the money trees and helping troops who ask. With your help, of course! Make a Donation

Marine Corps Systems Command put out a press release on 20 Jun 2008 [full text here]. It states in part "Testing was conducted using the American Standard Test Methods (ASTM) International Standard F1930-00. Using this test protocol, the uniform ensemble, including issued helmet pads, was exposed to a four-second flame duration ranging between 1,472 to 2,552 degrees F."  We are looking into how the testing was conducted.  The standard does not call for a specific amount of time that the burn will occur nor does it specify where the burners will be aimed.  Take a look at this test video comparing cotton/poly and Nomex.  Please notice that the dummy is suspended by a 2-3 inch tube through the neck.  I wonder how this affected the flame/burn pattern and helmet fitting.  More questions than answers at this point.

Here's how NASCAR has their racing gear tested; During tests of the edge beading, the techs direct the flame so that it will wrap over the edge of the shell and scorch the comfort liner of the helmet.  For this reason, the comfort liners of the helmets are Nomex(r) or some similar flame resistant material.  This is about as far as we get into the interior of the helmets when we check for flame resistance though.  We're satisfied so long as any point on the helmet that might reasonably be exposed to flame in a crash will self extinguish quickly once the flame source is removed. The video below shows the difference between fire retardant material and that which burns easily:

12 June 08: Important notice that led to the above meeting:

This past week, I got wind of the possibility that Government Issue (GI) pads might be extremely flammable. Being a suspicious old doctor, I tested for myself one each of the GI pads and the Oregon Aero pads we have been providing for the past four+ years. I lit a kitchen match, holding it just under each pad so the flame made contact. The GI pads manufactured by Team Wendy and the other approved pads except those of Oregon Aero burst into a flaming inferno producing a stream of burning plastic dripping from the pad. The Oregon Aero pad flamed momentarily then self-extinguished.

 Click here for more Operation Helmet burn test photos.  New photos and videos from 20 Jun 08.

The Kevlar helmet shell must pass rigid flame tests, but evidently no one thought to test the helmet’s interior contents, i.e. the blast/impact protecting pads.

As you can see from our website, troops are bitterly complaining the GI pads (cheaper but much harder) are so uncomfortable they keep taking their helmets off to relieve severe headaches. Hard to predict when an IED is going to go off or an ambush occurs. Now we find the protective helmet pads become a flaming fuel source adding to burn injuries from the flash of an IED, Molotov cocktail, etc. Our troops carry loads of electronic gear with batteries that can burn and are surrounded by fuel tanks, hydraulic fluid, motor oils, MRE boxes and ammunition. Should a trooper be rendered unconscious for a short period and waken in a burning vehicle with a helmet full of flames and a veritable lava-flow of burning plastic over the head and face they're in a world of hurt.  The same goes, of course, for a trooper struggling to exit a twisted and deformed burning vehicle while flames converge on him.

The Army Burn Unit at BAMC reports that most severe burn victims have a spot on the top of their head that is usually spared. The crown of the head's pads won't flame up if the oxygen is used up in the neighborhood due to burning pads around the helmet periphery and the general environment. Worth a second look? We think so. The entire head area should be protected somewhat from flames by the flame-resistant Kevlar helmet AND self-extinguishing pads. NASCAR does much more rigorous tests on drivers' helmets than the military does on warrior helmets. WHY ???

I would ask you to request immediate confirmation by the military and removal of this dangerous fuel source from our troops' head armor. Less dangerous pads are readily available.

Here's an ACH with the full 7-pad Government Issue kit, following 7 seconds of flame exposure; How long does it take to exit a burning Humvee? If you're injured? Unconscious?

I've emailed the Commandant of the Marines and several Congress folks, hoping to stir immediate action by the military to have the faulty and dangerous pads taken out of all troops' helmets and replaced with the best-but-not-perfect Oregon Aero pads until such time as all manufacturers come up with pads that don't eat your head/face. In the meantime, we need donations to quickly replace as many of the faulty pads as possible! My wife and I are still donating monthly as well as putting in our 'stimulus' check.

 Please help us replace these faulty pads. Takes money, more than we have. This is a matter of life and death

Make a Donation

p.s.: I hear that DOD is convinced we're some sort of agent for Oregon Aero because we don't point out that their pads are more expensive than the competition. I have NO idea what OA charges the military nor do I care. That's not my business. All we want is for our troops to have the best, not the cheapest, equipment that makes their jobs safer and more effectively performed. I also don't know how much a UAV costs, or even the M4 carbine. If an item costs 3/4 as much but lasts 1/2 as long, where is the saving? Attention DOD: Don't shoot the messenger, fix the problem!

No one should take our findings of pad deficiencies as criticism of USAARL's testing. They can only do what they're charged with doing. They pointed out the lack of testing requested by the military concerning wearability and water logging, recommending further testing be done concerning those issues. It was the military's responsibility to read their report and request the tests be done either at USAARL or by independent civilian labs. It is disappointing USAARL didn't question the test parameters that required either frozen or baked helmet/pad systems be tested rather than using temperatures that reflect those of a helmet being worn on a human head. Helmet systems on the human head quickly change temperature so they are close to that of the wearer. Also, they failed to point out 'outlying' test data that should have been discarded, according to another Army scientist at PEO Soldier. USAARL was 'only following orders'.

19 April 09: I have been in Iraq for over 3 months now and we conduct night route clearance.  I have to constantly adjust and shift my current pads around due to headaches, which in turn takes my eyes away from searching for IED's. (SSG, USA-R)

4/8/09 ... the new pads are awful, they are too hard and most Marines get headaches. ( they just don't compress enough) Sgt, USMC

4/3/09: Sir, I am happy to tell you that I did a little.. 'Which one would you like to wear'. Almost a type of blind taste test. In every case they all said that they would want to wear your pads vs the ones issued to us. As a matter of fact I was talking to a Sgt who said that she had to take a knife and stab the issued pads to get them softer and more comfortable. Thank you again! (Combat Medic, Afghanistan). SPC, USArmy, Medic.  OpHelmet Note: DON'T DO THIS!  It destroys the pad integrity including the waterproof plastic bag that surrounds the pad.

4/2/09: My unit is using the Skydex pads that are currently in issue and they have been literally nothing but a headache.  I was told by a friend that your organization was giving the better, more comfortable Oregon Aero pads to Soldiers who are deployed.  If there is any way that you could help us out, I would very genuinely appreciate it; the hot months are coming and the headaches that come in those months are terrible. Thank you for your consideration and patriotism. SPC, USArmy, Combat Medic

2 April 2009: I'm currently using Oregon Aero pads I received from the Army in 2005.  I love them and think that they're the best type of pads for the ACH/MICH; especially with the coming summer heat.  The other 11 guys on my team have the newer MSA pads.  My guys are constantly complaining about hot spots and a few of the pads have failed due to the material separating from the pad and ripping.  We're in a very isolated area along the Iranian border and our water usage is extremely limited.  Without the ability to take care of ourselves and our equipment some things don't get cleaned like they should. I've got a couple of guys that have helmet pads that smell very, very bad. I don't know what exactly caused this but I've been using my OA pads for closed to 4 years and have had no such problems.  I've been on a quest to get my guys set up with the Oregon Aero pads for a couple of weeks now but due to OP tempo haven't had internet access.  We appreciate what you and your organization are doing for us.  The tasks we face we do for our nation and the support people like you provide can make a man's allergies act up. Thanks for all that you do. SFC, USArmy, BTT

28 March 2009: I currently have the Oregon Aero BLSS kit and have been using it for 4 years. I love this kit and would like to get a replacement Oregon Aero kit since this one is on its last legs and every vendor I've tried says there is a 3-4 week backorder. If you have any of these available I would be very appreciative. Thank you. !Lt USA.

21 March 2009: I received them yesterday in the mail and the Marines had a 20k hike last night and put them in before they left.  They said it was awesome not to have their heads hurting after the hike.  We greatly appreciate all that you guys are doing for the Marine. Semper fi.

19 March 2009 Convoys, Security.. The current pads are hard and can lead to headaches with prolonged wear

14 March 2009: I just tried on a helmet with the pads you sent to another unit I'm attached to, what a difference, I have never used those pads. Thanks for taking care of the troops in the sand box.

29 February 2009:  THE SYSTEM THEY GAVE US IS HORRIBLE

23 Feb 2009: We are part of a crt (combat repair team) and we are constantly wearing our ach's and many of us continue to get headaches... We just arrived in Iraq and I would like the rest of my team to be comfortable and less irritable at times when we are on recovery

20 Feb 2009: Hey, Everyone at Operation Helmet, God, I can’t begin to explain to you how much better my head feels in the pads you so graciously gave me and members of my squad here in Afghanistan. We wear these things 6-8 hours a day and when in vehicles I have to put a radio headset in my webbing and at night NVG’s on top. Usually I would get major head pains and headaches from the cheap, old, worn out pads. My squad loves them too. I know I’ve been sending email correspondence back and forth but I haven’t seen the internet for months & so I’ll get back to those soon. I hate to ask, but I know a bunch of the members of my platoon have seen our pads and heard how we felt in them and would like some. (Actually someone I gave pads to just came off-post and was praising how much better they are).  I don’t know what you can do and I don’t want to impose, but those of us who have them love them and frankly others are jealous. I really can’t express how much I am gracious for the gift; definitely better than any care package. Thank you all and keep up the good work. I will be praising your organization and spreading the word so you get the recognition you deserve. Sincerely, LCPL xxxxxxxxx, (Afghanistan Marine)

NOTE: We may worry about the economy here Stateside, but that seems awfully petty compared to what these young warriors face every day. Please, please help me keep on helping them by donating some hard-earned and scarce cash TODAY. I'm sending these Marines more pads in spite of our bank account being so slim that if it turned sideways it'd disappear.

12 Jan 09:  Doc, I gotta tell you, these new pads are the best thing since sliced bread!  My Soldiers are now finding it comfortable and bearable, compared to the pads we were issued.  No more headaches, no more sweaty smell, gotta love it.  Finally, these really make the ACH feel more stable and a more natural feeling on your head, the best you can get while wearing a helmet.  Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication to Soldiers and their well being.  Bottom line, these are definately a 10 out of 10!

09 Jan 09: Being a Paratrooper, I have seen my share of concussions with the pads that come with the ACH helmet.  A few guys I know have jumped from an airplane and landed hard enough to knock themselves out cause the pads are so hard and stiff.  Now that we are back in Iraq, I am more worried about TBI from IED strikes while inside the new MRAP vehicles. Thanks for what you are doing.  I think what you are doing is very relevant but I believe the word needs to get out to more soldiers.  I  have been here in Iraq three times and this is the first I have heard of your program. Thanks again!!

31 Dec 08:  Doc,these pads are the best......this was the best gift the guys have received so far! We still need some more pads if you can send them.....we have someone with a large head and the size 6 pads didn't fit but if you could get size 4 that would be awesome. total number of pads still needed are about 45. 1st and 2nd Platoon guys are really whining about not getting any....thanks for all you are doing!!!!

21 Dec 08: I can tell you from first hand experience, the pads you guys send us are so much better than the regular pads.  Even though they are now giving pads out with the helmets, the pads are literally like rocks.  I know our contracts for equipment are given out to the lowest bidder the majority of the time, and this is where money should not be skimped. 

15 Dec 08: I'm in a security element for a XXXX unit deploying to southern Afghanistan in January, we were issued the old LWH kevlars without pads or any type of head support.  I am trying to get them for my squad in order to give us that extra comfort and protection that our older model kevlars do not offer...  I appreciate what you are doing for us, and my hats off to you...

13 Dec 08: Sir, Our ten hour patrol today helped refresh my memory on why my team is asking for replacement pads. The hard pads press relentlessly on your head, particular the forehead area, creating pain ranging from annoying discomfort, to more severe headaches in different individuals. The major complaint we have with the pads is how fragile the fabric is holding the stiff foam blocks. When you attempt to pull the pads out to clean or reposition them, they tear very easily requiring you to get new replacement pads that are need to be broken in again. Having worn the old Kevlar for many years prior to the ACH, I readily admit that the new ACH system is light years beyond what we had in the 90s. I couldn't imagine wearing a Kevlar all day, everyday here in Iraq.

15 Nov 08: I am a Cavalry Scout, conducting Reconnaissance and Dismounted Urban Operations.  I am currently in Iraq, and am scheduled to return back to the states in late 2009.  My platoon was issued the older pads that collapse after wearing them for about a month.

6 Nov 08:  Doc, Have been out of the loop for the past "couple" days on mission, a very long mission.  Got back and received the helmet pads.  Passed them all out and had to save one for myself.  They have all been used and there is only one word to describe them:  AWESOME!  I have asked everyone about the pads and they are all in love with them.  I am a .50 cal gunner in the turret and spend ALOT of time standing there all geared up watching and waiting.  Normally I have to duck into the vehicle every once in a while to wipe sweat and take the ACH off just to let me head get a break.  That is NOT necessary any more.  I can keep my ACH on without a problem.  I can also tell you that the pads also keep you warm as well as cool.  Here in Mosul it gets cold and I wear nothing under my ACH now. Again thank you so much for your support!!!  Be safe and take care!!!

24 Feb 08: Anybody else thing this is a heck of a great idea, sent in by one of our supporters? Bob, I am definitely sorry to see that you're still in business.  I had hoped that the Marine Corps (and also Army & USAF) would have gotten smart and started buying usable helmet liners for our people, but apparently they haven't.  Therefore, I'm sending you another donation via USPS.  Here's an idea for you.  America is getting a 'tax cut' of $300 or $600, right?  (Tax cuts in the middle of a war; Jesus, what's happening when our troops can't get critical equipment but we get 'tax cuts')  Well, tell folks through newspapers, TV, whatever to send their government check to Operation Helmet.  Save a life, save another troop from TBI, and strengthen the American economy by buying American helmet liners from an American company.  Make a direct appeal for the WHOLE check.  I'm pretty sure that a lot of Americans would respond positively.  This approach would work best if you could get it on TV as a news story so that it could be picked up on YouTube; then you'd get a continuing number of hits if it grew in popularity. ...I don't know about you, but that's exactly what I did in addition to our monthly donation. Buying a 'Made in China' Support Our Troops sticker for the back of my car just doesn't cut it! PS: We got our first 'stimulus' check from a donor today 5/28/08...but none since. Why?

29 May 2008: The requests keep on coming, but donations have tanked. Please look in your heart (and wallet) and see if this isn't as important as giving to politicians seeking office. LaVera and I put our 'stimulus' check into it; wanna do the same? Americans helping American troops with life-saving gear made in America by Americans...did I leave out something?

26 March, 2008:

 We're getting requests in right and left, asking for the top-of-the-line pads we send our warriors with your help. And we need your help right now, more than ever. Seems the election and economic dithering is scaring folks plumb stingy.

Lest we become complacent at the relative 'calm' in Iraq, read the ancient writings of Sun Tzu Sun Tzu on Warfare. Personally, I'm waiting for a modern-day "Tet" type offensive in which Al Quaida and/or the Mahdi Army to send numerous body-bombs into all parts of Iraq. One person, one bomb, multiple casualties...trying to show the American People that 'all is lost', when in fact just a handful of radicals are trying to implement classic 'irregular war' according to the above author.

An enemy that uses Down's syndrome women to unknowingly commit suicide for them in a marketplace crowded with women and children, innocent civilians all, is an enemy we MUST defeat.

Let's all pitch in and show the troops we haven't forgotten about their difficult and dangerous jobs performing the combat tasks we as a nation have asked them to do. The least we can do is provide the tools necessary for maximum protection as well as comfort, a force multiplier. We NEED DONATIONS to get the job done. From a regular donor: "My wife and I donate monthly, but can't do the job by ourselves. Please look in your hearts and help."

Note: Several great Americans have pledged to send in at least part of their 'Stimulus' check. We purchase American-made pads only!

One of the BEST recognitions a warrior could receive would be the support and respect we can give by helping provide better helmet upgrades.

Special Note: We received donations this week (Jan 15, 2008) from citizens in Italy and France, both wanting to help protect our troops engaged in the global war on terror. Can we do less?

Here's our local paper's, the Conroe Courier, take on the issue after interviewing Doc Bob and Congressman Kevin Brady: Helmet upgrade article

The military is finally taking blast/impact-related TBI seriously, as shown by this story.  Now to see how long analysis and action takes. Another issue to research is finding out whether or not the soldier was even wearing their helmet when the blast/impact occurred, as some report having to take their helmet off to relieve the headache caused by hard and unyielding pads. Wonder whose brilliant idea it was to buy the cheapest pads on the market then wait to see if they work rather than to simple and rapid studies to determine wearability of helmets with the various pads out there? According the reports released by the Marines, the cheaper pads were purchased even before blast/impact studies were available, nevermind wearability studies.

"The Marine Corps had already approved the use of pads prior to the tests, and while these tests were underway, Marine Expeditionary Forces, in coordination with Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), procured 39,000 sets of padded helmet suspension systems to meet immediate operational needs.  MARCORSYSCOM purchased an additional 50,000 sets of pad suspension systems..."(MarCorSysCom Release 10-6 dated Octo 6, 2006)."...in other words, ignoring all the scientific testing done to date by the Army, Operation Helmet, and joint military labs. The pads they and the Army chose are bottom-tier poorly designed pads that are too hard for long-term wear and fall apart quickly. Duh.

Here's a few emails from Army troops as well as from Marines experiencing problems with the cheaper GI pads Army and Marines have switched to. I'm forwarding them to my Senators and Representatives to urge appropriate testing for 'wearability' as well as protection. Helmets only work when worn! We don't care WHO makes the pads, just want the manufacturer(s) to incorporate comfort into the design. Hard to concentrate on dangerous jobs with a headache, especially one you know damwell isn't necessary.

Seems the 'new' pads ordered by the military are falling apart on the troops. We're getting requests from troops almost daily in ALL branches of service (except Navy), asking for replacements. "The current pads have worn out within a month of my first having them I have had to resort to how the helmet was first configured putting in the former system it had in it." And:  'the current kit i have (GI) although new feels cheap and tears apart way too easy'. BULLFEATHERS! Our military AND industry can and should do better than this shameful disregard for safety of our troops out on the pointy end of the spear!

The pad system starts off great, very comfortable and light weight. This is my second tour with it.  My first tour I thought hell yes, lighter helmet, removable pads, this can begood. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!  After about  a month of continuous wear the pads begin to stink from sweat. Don't try to wash them; they fall apart when you do, then you have the plastic on your head instead of the cloth.  Get supply to reorder the pad, yea right.  The pads are not ordered as a whole kit, they are ordered separately, at a cost of $75-$109 per pad and there are 7 pads in the damn thing.  That is a lot of money to have to be replacing one a month on a helmet.  Come on! I know that we are defended by the lowest bidder; they don't cost that damn much to replace do they??  (Note: Who's making grade by 'saving money' purchasing cheap crap and then going to work for the same company when they retire?)

In the meantime, let's get high behind and help these troops! We welcome help annoying Congress until they DO SOMETHING. Only congress, goaded by all of us, has the power to step in and force Industry to respond to needs expressed by the troops. However, letters and telephone calls to these men and women in DC won't protect our men and women in battle. Your donations WILL. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the 'signature' injury of this war and needs to be prevented as well as treated long-term.

Requests have come in from senior unit personnel asking for replacement kits as an alternative to the uncomfortable 'GI' pads (known as 'bricks). The common factor is their need to concentrate on their mission instead of a headache...especially Special Ops, Intel and Sniper teams. This operational necessity should be addressed by the Marines and Army supply folks; until then, we'll help as much as possible as long as the requests come from those authorized to do so.

We also continue to receive requests from troops in the field asking for the upgrades. Despite reassurances from MarCorSysCom to the contrary, some troops are still being sent 'out the door' to combat duty IN Iraq with the bare-bones LWH with NO protective padding. Commanding a desk is less dangerous than commanding a combat unit...but no less responsible for protecting life and limbs of our warriors.

8/7/07 telecon and email from Marine unit TODAY heading out 'quickly' says NO UPGRADES available CAN WE HELP? Thanks to you, America, we DID!

 You have helped to prevent injuries, reduce the severity of injuries that could not be prevented, and saved lives.

You have raised awareness of brain injury within the military.

You have raised awareness of brain injury within the general populace and also given them a way to directly contribute to the war effort.

Again - our deepest thanks

Our efforts together and the Congressional hearing in which I testified in June 2006 stimulated the military branches to recognize the problem with their helmets and at least start the process to provide blast-protecting helmet upgrades to troops in harm's way.

10/8/06 /Email from a Battalion Commander:  Doc Bob, The moment we got the first 75 pads from Operation Helmet, we distributed and installed them.  We were at Ft. AP Hill, VA at the time and conducting training.  I can personally verify the chasm of comfort that exists between the pad vs. suspension system and I have not encountered a single Marine that would change back.  Case in point, we had a 330 mile convoy from xxxxx (9 1/2 hours) and I was wearing the suspension system.  I was lifting the helmet every 10-15 minutes to get the blood flow started to my cranium -- miserable.  On the convoy back -- same distance, but 12 hours -- I never once took the helmet off.  You can use all the studies about susp vs pad brain injury, I just want them to keep the helmet on....the pads win.    I believe you sent about 125 sets.  They were out of the box and in helmets before the UPS truck left the parking lot.  We have two significant field ops under our belt in...the summer heat -- the pads are smelling ripe, but they wash out quite nice.  Not sure you'd want these systems back.

I mentioned the importance of the pads to the Regimental Commander -- he had a set from his previous job in Congress -- and also to the Division CG.  Word got to the ME as well and our supply system cork finally popped.  We spent last week swapping all the remaining suspension helmets for pad system helmets.  It is a much more firm pad, but is an enormous improvement over the susp system.  Bottom line - Our Bn is finally getting what we need.  The pads you sent were put to immediate use and would not be good for reissue.....if I could even pry them away from the Marines. I can't thank your donors enough.  Their benevolence is certainly saving lives. Sincerely, Jim

Jun 17, 2006 - Friends: Thank you for what you are doing for our service personnel. You demonstrate that "We love our Troops" is more than a slogan. Will you please tell me if I make a contribution to pay for a helmet-liner for my grandson (who has just completed his second tour in Iraq with the Army) will it be sent directly to his mail address or to his "outfit" for some authority to determine who gets the new liner?  [OpHelm note: sent to the troop as requested].  Again, thank you for doing what our government should have done long ago. Shame!

Sincerely,  Samuel of Crowley, LA

HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE: SUBCOMMITTEE ON TACTICAL AIR AND LAND FORCES HOLDS A HEARING ON COMBAT EQUIPMENT IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN 

 

JUNE 15, 2006 

 

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE CURT WELDON (R-PA) CHAIRMAN

MAJOR GENERAL WILLIAM CATTO (USMC), COMMANDING GENERAL, MARINE CORPS SYSTEMS COMMAND 

 

 

WELDON: General, you can make my day by simply saying that while you're doing whatever studies you're doing, 6,000 of the marines in theater, which I think are 20,000-something, are using these inserts. I'm not talking about the helmet test. I'm talking about the inserts that are certified for use, which your special ops recon people are using. 

 

We will give you the money -- you already have the money. Let's put Dr. Meaders out of business. Let's buy these inserts and make them available for the troops today. We're with you. Democrats, Republicans, you've got the money. Buy them. Let the marines use them as they're doing. And then if there is a study that shows we should improve it another way, then fine. 

 

To me, if it makes the soldiers who are using these inserts feel comfortable, then we ought to do that. You still do the study, but let's do that now. And we're not going to take this out of the Marine Corps budget. I'm going to the wall, as I have for the Marines, and I think my colleagues would join with me. 

 

CATTO: Congressman, you've always been a great supporter and your heart is pure and I love that. I will not go ahead and authorize the use of those pads unilaterally until I have the data that says what the right decision is. 

 

Now, having said that, I'm not going to tell them they cannot use it, but the issue we've talked about here has been primarily comfort or a better protection against crash. I've got to have the data to make sure that we make the right decision before we as a service move one way or the other. And I'm not trying to be a roadblock here."

 

Read this excerpt from a Romanian Newspaper. The article was written by Mr. Cornel Nistorescu and published under the title "C"ntarea Americii, meaning "Ode To America") in the Romanian newspaper Evenimentulzilei


"The Daily Event" or "News of the Day".
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''


~An Ode to America~


Why are Americans so united? They would not resemble one another even if you painted them all one color! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of civilizations and religious beliefs. Still, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart.


Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the army, and the secret services that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts. Nobody rushed out onto the streets nearby to gape about. The Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand.


After the first moments of panic, they raised their flag over the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag. They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place and on every car a government official or the president was passing


On every occasion, they started singing their traditional song: "God Bless America!" I watched the live broadcast and rerun after rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who gave his life fighting with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a target that could have killed other hundreds or thousands of people.


How on earth were they able to respond united as one human being? Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions and millions of dollars were put in a collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit, which no money can buy.


What on earth can unite the Americans in such a way? Their land? Their galloping history? Their economic Power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases with the risk of sounding commonplace I thought things over, but I reached only one conclusion... Only freedom can work such miracles.


Cornel Nistorescu
 

 

6/25/06: Not lazy, just busy. Had a most productive time testifying before the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Tactical Land and Air Forces (whew, almost ran out of breath saying it). The Chairman and members were very polite, attentive (helped to have Cher sitting with me), and took the problem head-on to the Marines especially.

Final result: Marines want more tests in spite of having the Army's test results when THEY decided to go with shock-absorbing pads, and the Committee ordered that the Department of Defense itself do the tests instead of the Marines, and do it RIGHT NOW.

Everyone had a problem understanding why MajGen Catto provides shock-absorbing pad suspension systems (instead of the old sling suspension) for Recon, Snipers, Special Ops and paratroops, but not for grunts facing IED's. Puzzlement for sure.

Anyhow, under best circumstances, the ponderous wheels of government may address this within 4-6 months, so we've got a lot of quick work to do providing the helmet upgrades to troops already out there facing the blast dangers unique to this war.

Should we wind up with excess funds when (and if) the Marines take over our job, we will consult with our base (all of you, via this website) and donate the remainder to a charity dealing with the needs of wounded troops and their families which we know does not charge an excessive admin/salary fee...after all, our fees for that are zero!

Semper fi, shipmates, and thanks for your support. My experience in DC proves that an ordinary doc from Texas can be heard in Congress and get results. Good thing, because we pay their dang salaries!

********************************************************

"Combat troops operate in a diverse range of operational environments and injury threats. These operational environments and injury threats place demands on protective systems to provide consistent protective performance throughout an expected range of temperature and threat magnitude. Protective helmets are no exception. The  Helmet should be configured with fitting pads that possess the capability to attenuate blunt head impact forces. Previous combat helmets, such as the Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT), the newer Marine LW helmet and the older M-1 "steel pot," were not required by their governing specifications to provide high tested levels of blunt impact protection. Protective helmets are typically required (ARMY ACH, Special Ops MICH helmets) to absorb energy in order to reduce head injury risk during blunt impact events. The energy-absorbing mechanism must be robust enough to reduce the impact energy to a low injury probability level throughout a realistic range of impact velocities and environmental temperatures, regardless of the helmet impact site." U.S. Gov't paper.

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	Operation Helmet Assists IAFF Members and Soldiers Serving in Iraq May 26, 2006 – In an effort to keep our brothers and sisters serving overseas as members of the Reserve Forces and National Guard safe, the IAFF is supporting Operation Helmet, a program to provide soldiers with potentially life-saving upgrades to ballistic helmets – free of charge. [...] "It is a disgrace that our government continues to send troops into combat without the proper equipment to do their jobs and come home safely," says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. In honor of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, President Schaitberger has made a $5,000 donation to Operation Helmet to help pay for these desperately-needed helmet upgrades for the 407th Air Expeditionary Group based at Ali Base, Iraq, the unit in which former Attleboro, MA Local 858 President Paul Jacques, members of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and other IAFF members are now serving.  These helmet upgrades replace the 1950s-era helmet support system, are more stable and decrease G-force transmission to the head and brain on impact. The IAFF encourages its affiliates and members to help their brothers and sisters serving overseas by making a donation to Operation Helmet. Upgrades are $98.69 each, and contributions can be made for a specific soldier. Click here and go to “contributions” to make a donation. Click here to visit the Honor Roll for a list of names of IAFF members serving in the armed forces.

5/28/06: From the front:

Bob: Received an email from a fellow IAFF Brother in Fallujiah. You have also sent him helmet upgrades.  Thank you! Below is his email to me:

Jim and others, I just read Paul Jacques email stream and would like to thank you all for your support. I am currently in the Fallujah area serving with a number of our brothers from MA, RI, NY, MO, CT, and NH.

Back in January when we were doing our pre-deployment workup I contacted CAPT Meaders at www.operation-helmet.org and told him who I was and what I was looking for.  I'm the senior corpsman for 165 members of a Marine Corps weapons company.  To date, project helmet has donated 90 helmet liners to our company and he just emailed me to tell me there were more on the way.

This organization is incredible and they could always use more help. 

We've already experienced at least one situation where the helmet upgrades have made a difference between a mild concussion and one that would have taken the Marine out of the fight. 

Thanks in advance for helping this cause.  It is greatly appreciated by all who serve. Very respectfully, HM1 John G/ Senior Corpsman 1/25 Marines, Weapons Co. Fallujah, Iraq

 

Army ACH complete story: Questions from a Congressman to the Army were answered as follows:

What is the Army's acquisition objective (AAO)?  In other words, how many helmets do they want to procure?

Ø       AAO is 1,100,000

 What percent of the AAO has been met?  How many helmets?

 Ø       992,950 contract or 90%

 Will the AAO be completed in FY06?

 Ø       AAO will be procured by FY06 and Fielded by FY07.

How much has been spent on the program to date?

 Ø       $304,673,000 has been spent on ACH to date

 For clarification, how many have been fielded? 

 Ø       To date, 370,000 have been fielded to the Army through the rapid fielding initiative (RFI) program.

May 22: Email from the front:   Summary: Thank you America

I belong to a USAF special operations unit (combat control and pararescue) and while our operators are outfitted quite well those of us who are support personnel are not. We are often required to travel with the guys outside the wire and have received similar training - at least enough to make us combat savvy and not a liability to those we support - to what the operators have completed. At times it may be a simple helo trip to a base to drop off supplies and pick up items. Other times its a small convoy of just three or four of us going out to pick up the guys from a remote location. Bottom line: Although we are expected to operate within the same environment as the guys the funding just isn't there to provide support with the same gear. My CC has been trying to get upgrades but they are slow in coming and most of us can't afford to purchase our own gear set up - especially my enlisted folks. I will find out how many people need the kits and send you a list of names to prevent the number of emails flowing in from increasing even further - I can imagine how busy you must be with all of these requests!

I have forwarded your web site to about 30 of my family and friends in an effort to draw so more financial support for your worthwhile cause. I will also pass it along to my unit - and I am certain that they will pass it along to their family and friends as well. I want you to know we really appreciate what you are doing - it means alot to know how much folks care.

And from the Home Front:

Hello, thank you for your email. He is in the Marines and I did tell him to get in touch with you. He does not have the special pads for the helmet. I spoke with him today and he said that it would be wonderful to have these kits. He works on IED's exclusively and they lost one of their guys March 8th. One of the guys with their team was in the vehicle when this accident took place and suffered a concusion, he is a good friend of our family. My husband thinks this would be a wonderful thing for their team and would help so much. I hope that you will be able to help them out. Thank you so much. Holly

Letter To Gale Strassberg, Staten Island Marine Mom raising funds to provide helmet upgrades to her son's outfit...doing a wonderful job.

Gale Strassberg 60 Highview Avenue Staten Island, NY  10301

718-981-9254 917-797-5527 cell

galebstrassberg@aol.com siprojecthomefront.com

Hello Gale,

Words can not express the deep sense of thanks we have for you and Stanton Island Project Homefront. This week John was bracketed by two IEDs. The one behind was so close that he could feel the intense heat. The concussion of that blast felt like a 2X4 had hit him in the head. God was gracious, as he sustained no injuries. In talking with John, he credited his helmet [aka brain bucket] and the BLSS kit liner purchased by Staten Island Project Homefront in helping keep him from any injury.

We will always be indebted to you, your unflagging energy on behalf of all who serve, and the people, who make Staten Island Project Homefront the success that it is.  

Sincerely,

Greg and Tammy Maxie

 

Heart-warming (and wrenching) slide show. Poke this link.

 

Greetings From Rancho Mirage
By Ben Stein
Published 4/5/2006 2:29:42 AM

Tuesday
Dear Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, National Guard, Reservists, in Iraq, in the Middle East theater, in Afghanistan, in the area near Afghanistan, in any base anywhere in the world, and your families:

Let me tell you about why you guys own about 90 percent of the cojones in the whole world right now and should be damned happy with yourselves and damned proud of who you are. It was a dazzlingly hot day here in Rancho Mirage today. I did small errands like going to the bank to pay my mortgage, finding a new bed at a price I can afford, practicing driving with my new 5 wood, paying bills for about two hours.

I spoke for a long time to a woman who is going through a nasty child custody fight. I got e-mails from a woman who was fired today from her job for not paying attention. I read about multi-billion-dollar mergers in Europe, Asia, and the Mideast. I noticed how overweight I am, for the millionth time.

In other words, I did a lot of nothing. Like every other American who is not in the armed forces family, I basically just rearranged the deck chairs on the Titanic in my trivial, self-important, meaningless way.

Above all, I talked to a friend of more than forty-three years who told me he thought his life had no meaning because all he did was count his money.

And, friends in the armed forces, this is the story of all of America today. We are doing nothing but treading water while you guys carry on the life or death struggle against worldwide militant Islamic terrorism. Our lives are about nothing: paying bills, going to humdrum jobs, waiting until we can go to sleep and then do it all again. Our most vivid issues are trivia compared with what you do every day, every minute, every second.

Oprah Winfrey talks a lot about "meaning" in life. For her, "meaning" is dieting and then having her photo on the cover of her magazine every single month (surely a new world record for egomania ).This is not "meaning."

Meaning is doing for others. Meaning is risking your life for others. Meaning is putting your bodies and families' peace of mind on the line to defeat some of the most evil, sick killers the world has ever known. Meaning is leaving the comfort of home to fight to make sure that there still will be a home for your family and for your nation and for free men and women everywhere.

Look, soldiers and Marines and sailors and airmen and Coast Guardsmen, there are eight billion people in this world. The whole fate of this world turns on what you people, 1.4 million, more or less, do every day. The fate of mankind depends on what about 2/100 of one percent of the people in this world do every day -- and you are those people. And joining you is every policeman, fireman, and EMT in the country, also holding back the tide of chaos.

Do you know how important you are? Do you know how indispensable you are? Do you know how humbly grateful any of us who has a head on his shoulders is to you?

Do you know that if you never do another thing in your lives, you will always still be heroes? That we could live without Hollywood or Wall Street or the NFL, but we cannot live for a week without you?

We are on our knees to you and we bless and pray for you every moment.

And Oprah Winfrey, if she were a size two, would not have one millionth of your importance, and all of the Wall Street billionaires will never mean what the least of you do, and if Barry Bonds hit ninety home runs it would not mean as much as you going on one patrol or driving one truck to the Baghdad airport.

You are everything to us, as we go through our little days, and you are in the prayers of the nation and of every decent man and woman on the planet.

That's who you are and what you mean. I hope you know that.

Love, Ben Stein

 

May 19, 2006

I just happened to catch you on CNN yesterday, and was so impressed with you and your organization.  I follow what is going on very closely, and am very aware of the devastation of the head injuries.  I am grateful for the opportunity to do what little I can.  Our men and women are sacrificing so much, I do hope they know how much we think of them and pray for their safe return.  Thank you again for all that you do .  (ed; for all we AMERICANS do!)

May 18, 2006  Does it help our troops is more ways than one???

Thank you very much!  Your organization is what makes America worth defending and helping others enjoy the life style we all do!  I couldn't say thanks enough, Tyler

And another:

That’s amazing.  I’m so overwhelmed right now.  It’s people like you and your organization that make me proud to be here doing what we’re doing.  I can’t thank you enough Bob.  I know my shipmates feel the same way.  I haven’t even told them that I requested the kits.  I’m sure you know as well as I do that in the military as soon as a large group gets their hopes up…that’s when they’re let down.  I’m happy to say that Operation Helmet has gone far far above and beyond any hopes that I h ad.  Thank you so much.  I’ll personally make sure that these kits are returned to me and turned over to the next mission.

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I just returned from my second tour in Iraq and was issued the old suspension style helmet system.  During my last deployment I spent time in all the worst places in the Al Anbar province of Iraq from Al Qaim to Ramadi and those helmets were definitely a boon to operational efficiency.  Never mind the 40 lbs. of body armor, 25 lbs of weapon, ammo, and water; fighting with the old heavy, poorly suspended helmet was misery.  Anything that can be done to ease the strain discomfort - however small is NOT insignificant.  As a Sgt., I know how the smallest thing can inspire Marines to achieve goals that would be impossible for others.  Some of the Marines have talked about how the helmets sink down over your eyes when you're in the prone position or how the sweat from your head will cause the old helmet to slip around your head while you're trying to run and duck for cover.  Fixing this is not insignificant and can't be understated.  I don't even need to mention the importance of the increase in ballistic protection! Thank God that America still produces people like you and the people who have donated to this worthy cause.  I pray every day for my Marines still in harms way, thank you for trying to help them, too.  Semper Fi!

18 May 06: From the front

Dear Sir or Ma’am, I came across your organization while reading an article on Military.com. I am currently deployed with a Surgical Company in Western Iraq until SEP/OCT 06. I have 86 personnel in the unit, we have personnel that routinely are directly in harms way both on the ground and in the air providing medical support. I understand that supplies are limited so if there are not enough kits for all our personnel whatever can be sent will be utilized by those more frequently go outside the wire. Thank you for all that you do in supporting us.

AND: The story picked up by America Supports You,  the official DOD website for approved charitable organizations. Please note that all this publicity and the resulting shipments of helmet upgrades is due to the patriotism, support, and genuine love for our troops by the  American public.

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Servicemembers and veterans should be careful when making donations to solicitors claiming to be charities in support of our troops. Fraudulent activities associated with donations may come in the form of an email or a telephone call. Before making a donation, verify the legitimacy of the organization using the DoD website America Supports You.

May 10, 2006: We're (all of us) justifiably proud of the OVER 6,000 helmet upgrades we've sent, providing an extra measure of protection to our troops in harm's way.

Here's the DOD article of 8 May, 2006 on Operation Helmet. Remember, the story isn't about old Doc Bob, it's the American public and our brave, enduring troops that deserves the applause.

February, 2006: Grandson Justin's combat engineer detachment arrived at Camp KV (Korean Village) where his sapper unit is out in front (again), doing what brave men and women have done since our Nation's beginning that keeps us all safer here at home.

January 11, 2006: Still going strong. We're now over 4,500 kits sent to the troops. With the introduction of the the new Marine LW helmet, the upgrade only costs $71, while the older PASGT helmet used by the Air Force and Navy still use the full BLSS kit costing $99.0 apiece, shipping included for both.

Aug 7, 2005: Bombs Kill More Troops Than Bullets (click here for story one and here for story two).: News release verifies need: Over 65% of combat-related morbidity/mortality is due to bomb blasts. It is more important than ever to provide our troops with the best protection available.

Nov 10, 2005 HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEVIL DOGS! Today we went over 2,500 helmet upgrades sent to our troops, thanks to the generous contributions of ou r fellow Americans...you should be proud of yourselves! While the Hurricane relief effort is important, let's not forget that our men, women, guys, gals, old fogies, etc are still out there in Bad Country facing some real challenges just to stay alive.

July 7, 2005  Operation Helmet has now sent over 950 (July '05) BLSS helmet upgrade kits to the Marines, their Corpsmen (Medics) and other troops operating out of Camp Fallujah and elsewhere in Iraq. We are also responding to units deploying in the immediate future, especially Reserve units that seem to have a paucity of gear available to them. Just had to send a couple of dozen or so to Air Force guys as well, even though NO Air Force-specific donations have come in. These guys are doing convoy duty, standing guard, getting incoming 2-3 times a day...can't resist lending a helping hand.

Navy SeaBees are now doing convoy duty in Iraq and have been included in our shipments as well. Welcome aboard, Shipmates.

July 2005: Official notification by IRS that Operation Helmet has been approved for 501-3 public charity status, enabling all past and future donations to be tax deductible.

May 31, 2005: Air Force ground personnel stationed at Kirkuk AB and Balad AB have requested help in obtaining helmet upgrades for the PASGT helmets they wear for around 18 hours/day. We're trying to get a program going for them, have sent data to Air Force Association.  On July 18th, 2005, AFA provided a $1,000 to support our Airmen.  These kits were sent the same day the check was received.

April, 2005

News flash: The Marine Motor Cycle club is having a "Protect the Troops" day with a poker run, live auction, live music, food, and vendors on May 14 For further specific details, visit

GREAT NEWS: The Marine Motorcyle Club, http://marinesmc_texas.tripod.com, a grand bunch of beat-up old Marines,  raised $19,500.00 FROM THIS ONE DAY EVENT. WHEN GOOD PEOPLE GET TOGETHER, GREAT THINGS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED! Thanks to the Marine Motorcycle Club, Vietnam Vets, VFW, Cut and Shoot HOGS, The Marine League and a host of wonderful donors plus assorted beautiful people...you know who you are!

Some of the families whose loved ones have received the helmet upgrades have now sent contributions that will enable us to help others as well. Any amount is appreciated, as it all adds up to mo re troops protected. Thanks, concerned families and loved ones.

March 2005:  Justin is home. A Company Commanding Officer of the 3rd Bn, 4th Marines in Iraq is now receiving the helmet upgrade kits and distributing to his Company and ultimately to the entire battalion. As well, a Gunnery Sgt in FSSG2, the unit replacing my grandson's unit of FSSG1, will also begin distributing helmet upgrade kits in Iraq. Our arrangement with these dedicated troops will provide the widest possible fair distribution of this sought-after resource. 

Thank you for helping us help our troops. Your contribution just may well save the life of a trooper who could otherwise not afford and/or not even know about this added protection.

You and I both still have about 30,000 'adopted' grandkids in Iraq facing danger every day. In our small way, we can help get them home safely.

Jan 1, 2005:  We go t a telephone call from our grandson in Iraq last night.  His Combat Engineer company is now helping rebuild streets and infrastructure damaged during the Fallujah battle, distribute humanitarian aid, train Iraqi National Guard troops and continue to  fight remaining insurgents.   

Unfortunately, one of his buddies was killed earlier during the 'big battle' when a remote-controlled IED was detonated as he entered a house. Two Marines were just behind him: one had installed the upgrade kit in his helmet and one had not yet done so. When the blast occurred, the Marine with no added helmet protection suffered severe fragment wounds to his head requiring medevac to Germany because his helmet was blown backwards, exposing his head to shrapnel. The Marine with the upgrade kit installed in his helmet came out with shrapnel embedded in his helmet instead of his brain.  The helmet stayed firmly in place and absorbed the shock of the fragments. He has facial lacerations, but no severe wounds.  

December 20, 2005. Justin called, he's going back with his Company in January, part of a massive, 25,000-strong replacement for LeJeune Marines. His Company has been brought back up to 100% coverage with the helmet upgrades, and we're still fielding requests from many others. We're proud of him but can't help but be worried fuss-budgets about the kid...actually the MAN, with one combat tour under his belt and facing another one with a new wife waiting anxiously, along with the rest of his family and ALL Marine parents.

 

DOLLARS AND SENSE!

      According to a 1998 report by the National Institutes of Health, NIH, there are 5 million new head injuries in United States each year.  Of that number 2 million sustain brain injuries that result in lifelong difficulties in areas of work, school and family. Most such individuals do not even require a hospital stay, yet they suffer such insidious impairments that lives are forever changed.

     About 100,000 of the most severely injured never return to meaningful, productive lifestyles. And, an estimated 750,000 a year require hospitalization, and another 100,000 result in death. 

     An astounding 1.9 million individuals, the lion's share of such injuries, suffer serious brain injuries that are largely viewed as inconsequential.  But, in reality such injuries cause devastating impairments that destroy lives just as effectively as more severe injuries.

    The problem for many such individuals is that their impairments may not be immediately apparent.  However, before long it becomes painfully clear that such individuals have been deeply changed in areas of thinking, mood and emotional control.  Many such individuals never resume their pre-injury lifestyles.  An alarming number spiral down into poverty and despair.. 

     Estimated annual cost for all conditions includes medical costs and indirect costs associated with death and loss of income.

Condition            Incidence       Deaths         Cost 

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Brain injury          2 million        100,000       $25 billion