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So you have been designated as the point person for the "T-Shirts for Troops" for your Fire Department. The main thing to keep in mind is, the more T-shirts sold in your community the more T-shirts that you can send to the Troops. Don't worry---the rewards will be many!
The following are some issues that you may want to discuss before you kick things off in your Department.
Will your Department be the main sponsor of the T-Shirts?
The following are some issues that you may want to discuss before you kick things off in your Department.
Will your Department be the main sponsor of the T-Shirts?
You can decide if your Department will run this project alone or will you partner up with another organization - EMS, Police also consider the American Legion, the VFW or the Elks in your community.
Which Unit in Iraq will be receiving your T-Shirts?
The best way to decide on this is to check in your own department and see if anyone has a family member currently serving in Iraq. You can also check the FMBA web site which has a list of current NJFMBA members called to active duty. Your local Veterans organizations would also be able to provide this information.
What is your time frame for this project?
I have found that this project takes about two months from the original printing of the shirts for sale, sale of the shirts and, the re-printing of the shirts for the troops in Iraq. So, when you are deciding on a Unit to "adopt" be sure they will still be deployed in Iraq when you plan on shipping your T-shirts.
Who is the Chaplain of the Unit you will be working with?
Without a doubt, the units Chaplain is the best person as your contact in Iraq.
An individual solider is not equipped to handle the receipt of the T-shirts which could be delivered in many boxes. Leaving distribution up to them would be an unnecessary chore. The Chaplain has contact with many of the troops and would see that the T-shirts are distributed to those soldiers who should receive them. Both times I have run this project, the Chaplains have been just thrilled to be able to distribute something tangible to their troops.
How do I contact the Unit Chaplain?
Email is the best method of communication with those in the sandbox. Please contact me directly if you need some assistance locating a Unit Chaplain or their email information. Also, read the "Tips" section below.
