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The Iraq Model Network |
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| July 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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It's semi-official, folks, I will be leaving theater to return stateside; SFC Steven DeLong has been with me since taking over the hobby club here in Baghdad and will continue to serve as Point Of Contact. If you have already sent donations under my name they will continue to arrive safely and the mail room has been briefed to forward any packages to SFC DeLong. We have been fortunate here in B-dad as new, highly motivated members have come onboard and will also be available to help SFC DeLong with club donations and shipping to our numerous contacts. I personally want to thank all of our contributors for your kind support and donations that you have sent during my short tenure. This is the first time I have seen such support from back home in my 20 year career and makes me truly proud to serve the American people. Thank you ever so much! MSG Brian Allen |
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| June 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The very first Baghdad Hobby Club Newsletter courtesy of MSG Brian Allen. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| May 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Photos from the Baghdad Hobby Club, and an update, courtesy of SSG Steven DeMott. |
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| January 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Greetings (for the last time for me) and Happy New Year from Iraq! Good news, I have found an extremely capable person to replace me with the Baghdad Hobby Club. SSG Steven Demott will take over my duties as of the 15th of January 2008. Steve hails from southern California and is an excellent modeler. We are doing are transition now and Steve will be fully on board by then. I'll still be around until I leave in the beginning of February. I have emailed all those who have previously contacted or donated to the club the information already, so we should be on board for a smooth transition. The past couple months have had a significant increase in the modeling effort to the troops throughout Iraq. First, our little Baghdad Club has recently seen an increase in our local participation. The MWR here has really helped us by providing some storage and shelf space. We've also had new groups spring up at Balad, Kirkuk and Sather AB. Thanks to the generosity of a large model drive at the Musueum of the Marine Corps in Quanitco, VA, we were able to supply numerous kits and supplies to most of the MWRs (Al Qu'im, Al Asad, Korean Village, Haditha, Fallujah, Ramadi) in western Iraq, where a majority of the Marines are. We've also been able to expand to the MWRs in the South, to include Iskandariyah, Hammer, and Kalsu, as well as hitting other MWRs we haven't supported in a while. We also have had several individual Soldiers in outlying areas make requests that we are able to support. As one Soldier emailed me, "I wonder how many modeling careers will have been 'born in battle' before this thing winds down." This is all possible only through the kindness and generosity of everyone. Soldiers are amazed of the quantity of stuff that is donated, and the fact that all of it is free. It really makes us proud to see this support.
Thanks to all those who have donated this past period. As stated before, the Museum of the Marine Corps ran a model drive, providing a few hundred kits, to include some extremely fine and expensive ones. I lost count at all the boxes that came through. As well as all the generous individuals that have donated, we have gotten our continued support from the Mid-Michigan Model Makers, Cincinnati Scale Modelers, IPMS Space Coast, and the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society (several HUGE boxes). We also received several nice donations from Firehouse Hobbies, Mobius Models, Kit Bashers of Southern California, Classic Plastic Model Club, the Brooklyn Plastic Modeler's Society, IPMS Northeast NY, Long Island IPMS, Al's Train and Hobbies, United Tool Supply and Polycontrol Southwest LLC. Again, if I have forgotten anyone or you didn't receive a thank you note, I apologize. Your contributions are greatly contributed. After running this effort over the past year, I'd like to try to provide some guidance to those who wish to donate to better help us, as well as better inform you. In no particular order:
1) Supplies - This has been the biggest limitation over here. Unfortunately, AAFES does not carry model glue and there are no hobby shops. We really only need the basics, as most modelers are young kids who just want to find something different to "kill some time." The main necessity is glue. The simple little Testors tubes are perfect. If you send a box of kits, I recommend you through a couple tubes in the box. This has been are biggest shortfall. The clubs/groups have no problem controlling supplies, as they are "managed" by modelers. The stuff we ship to MWRs is a different story. I emphasize the need to "control" the supplies, but they usually disappear quickly, so they can't be shared (in fact, someone broke into the Baghdad Club's wall locker and stole some. Fixed the lock). Everything after is purely in the "great to have" category. As for paints, acrylics are the best. Access to paint thinner is very limited. We have water and rubbing alcohol for acrylics, which work fine. As for tools, tweezer are good. Hobby knives are also good. Sanding material is always helpful. Of course, with that being said, we will find a use for anything sent. 2) Aftermarket - We have received some aftermarket, and have tried to link it with kits; however, there is some we cannot. If you wish to donate aftermarket/resin/PE, it is recommended you package with the appropriate kit. Again, we'll take anything and try to find some use for it, but most modeling over here is really fairly basic. 3) Packaging - Models are fairly survivable. Extra popcorn, newspapers, packing material are okay, but if you want to save shipping an extra box (i.e. money, because I know it is expensive to mail stuff here), don't worry about the packing material. Just cram all the kits into one box. We send the kits out to other bases that way since we are limited on boxes and want to maximize each shipment. We haven't had any issues with those. Unless something is fragile (paint bottles, glass, balsa), I would not worry about the packing material. 4) Magazines - Love them. Most modelers over here are starved for information. They love being able to read the magazines. I take them and through several with every box we ship out. As for books, I would love to get them to the right folks. Like all modelers, we have our certain niches. It's easy for those who come visit me and see the books and reference material. I'm usually guessing when I send them out. I try to match them with similar kits. Not trying to discourage anyone, it's just the way it is. As noted earlier, this is my last time updating the effort here. I'm going to try to stay in the loop to help as much as I can. It has been an extremely long fifteen months, however, the fact that I have been able to model over here has helped the time go by, as I'm sure it has for the other Soldiers. I have been sincerely humbled by the generosity and kindness of all those that have unselfishly donated to the troops. It has been impressive and inspiring. Hopefully I'll someday get to meet some of you in person in the future, at model shows (Texas) or even the National (if my wife lets me go). I cannot thank you enough for your support in making the Baghdad Hobby Club/Iraq Model Network function. Thanks. Sincerely, George GEORGE J. SALERNO |
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| November 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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In the
mail this week, we received the attached
Certificate of Appreciation and letter from LTC George Salerno.
I wanted to do something special for all the generous efforts of IPMS. The contributions of everyone has greatly assisted the service members in Iraq. Most are overwhelmed by the extreme generosity. We greatly appreciate the support to the troops.
Sincerely, George Salerno |
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| October 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Greetings from Iraq. Before I begin the update, I'd like to put out a request for any IPMS members that may be coming to Iraq; preferably to Victory Base in Baghdad. I'll be leaving in February 2008, and would really like to find a volunteer to take over what we've started here. Please let me know. Things continue to go well with the Club here and all through Iraq. We have been getting emails from various Soldiers, Sailors, Marine and Airmen throughout the theater requesting kits and supplies. We try to meet every request regardless of how small or large. For instance, there was a young sailor out in a remote location requesting some kits and supplies. In fact, he sent some photos of his finished P-39, which is very nice when you consider the austere conditions (Photo 1). After sending some kits to the MWR out at Fallujah, I got a nice note from a Marine CWO, who sent me some photos of his LAV (Photo 2). About a week later, a 1SG on the other side of the base sent some photos of his hot rods (Photo3). We were able to send them some more specific requests and link them up. I even get Soldiers come up to my office and select kits from the "hobby shop" (Photo 4) I get a lot of requests about specific clubs and folks wanting to donate to specific clubs. The reason I tried to set things up this way for the year I've been here is the fluidity of people coming and going. Some clubs, like Falcon, are going strong. SSG Belue has made contact with others organizations and is self-sustaining. Unfortunately, a couple lead folks have left the AO and the status of their clubs are unknown (specifically Speicher and Al Asad). As I've stated above, there are many little groups that get together and have requested kits and supplies. Though they are not formal clubs, they welcome the kits and support. Since I last wrote, we've had groups spring up from Q-West Base in the North, to Ramadi, to a bunch of aviators in Balad, to a couple groups down in Bucca. In fact, I made contact with a group known as the Basrah Club down there as well. We've also been constantly sending many kits and supplies out to various MWRs; with all the wonderful support from everyone, it is a must. My "storage area", which is a cubicle next to mine, is overflowing. Since I came back from leave, we have had tremendous support from numerous folks and organizations. We've received large donations from the Washington Armor Club (several large boxes of armor), IPMS Space Coast, Firehouse Hobbies, Big Bethel Hobbies, Oregon Historical Modelers (several large boxes), Williams Brothers Models (with several large boxes), and as always, the Mid-Michigan Modelers. Also, we are expecting over three-hundred kits from a model drive held at the Quantico Marine Museum (more next time on that). There are numerous other individuals and organizations that have donated. If I have not responded to anyone with a thank you note or an email, I apologize. Your support is appreciated. There was one individual I would like to thank and note publicly; Mr. William Brown of King George, VA. I lost count at 25 large boxes of numerous models. Many were extremely nice and expensive kits! This generosity was amazing and greatly appreciated. Well this well be my second to last update. On the next update, I'll hopefully have good news about a replacement to continue this operation. Thanks to all for the wonderful support. George
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| June 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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We've had a lot of fantastic support in the last month. Over 50 packages of kits and supplies arrived in theater. Most have already been distributed to other places. The support has been coming from all of over the country, which is really neat to see. We would really like to thank the Kit Bashers of Southern California, IPMS Fresno Scale Modelers, IPMS EH Miller of Indiana, the Washington Armor Club, Jones Crossroads Baptist Church, the John Glenn IPMS of Ohio, the Cincinnati Scale Modelers, the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society, the IPMS Space Coast, the IIPMS Seattle and the Oregon Historical Modelers Society. I would really like to thank the Mid-Michigan Model Makers who have provided a steady flow of supplies and kits. As well there are two individual gentlemen I would like to especially thank. Mr. Scott Thompson provided two large boxes of some fantastic, high quality kits (rare Hasegawas and 1/32 kits), which were quite impressive. Also, Mr. John Thomasovich has been extremely generous with many donations. Thanks to all the individual and groups who have been supporting the troops over here. There are just to many people to name. The club at Al Asad Airbase, where there are many Marines, as well as Soldiers, continues to thrive. We forwarded them another large shipment of kits and supplies this past month. They also are working with the hospital there to provide kits to the patients, as well as some of the staff. The actual Baghdad Hobby Club continues to grow. We have about 10-15 people rotating through every week. In order to allow others whose schedules don't work for the one day, we are working on going to multiple nights a week. I'm currently working to find a permanent home that we can call our own. Hopefully by next update, we'll have a place. We have also provided more packages to Camp Striker, Camp Liberty West, Camp Liberty East, the U.S. Embassy, and Camp Rustimayah. The great news story is at FOB Falcon. SSG Michael Belue, with his command's assistance and the MWR people, has put together a new building club. The FOB is one of the locations in the Baghdad area where some of the "real" Soldiers do the dirty work. We have been able to provide them the kits, paints, supplies, etc. that he needs. The MWR people gave them their own room, and even helped them get a sign. We've already had to resupply him once due to the great demand. Again, we appreciate everyone's kindness and generosity. As you can tell in the pictures, it does help the service members over here. We appreciate it. George |
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| April 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Things are going very well with the Iraq Modeling Network. Kits and supplies are coming through fairly regularly. I am contacted on almost a daily basis by people wishing to send items. I believe I have the issue with mailing enamels and model glue fixed, so those should not be an issue anymore. There is one change. After being thoroughly inspired by MSGT Gonzalez up at Speicher, we have restarted the Baghdad Hobby Club. We've met four times since we started a month ago. There has been a lot of interest, with about 45 people signed up. Though it is difficult for many to show up every week (schedules, duty, etc) we have about ten or so show up; however, we just had 20 more people sign up this week, so attendance should be up. We're looking at doing some classes and a model show in the future. We have also managed to get more kits out to the different outlying bases. The Marines at Al Asad Airbase have started a club and we were able to help them out with everything. We also provided kits to both Camp Liberty (extremely large concentration of Soldiers) and Camp Stryker. We've been in contact with some Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Falcon who wish to start a club. We should have them squared away in the next couple weeks as we're re-supplied. By the time you read this, MSGT Gonzalez at Camp Speicher will be home. We truly appreciate his great work up with Speicher Model Club. We wish him the best of luck in the future. SGT Juan Baptisa will take the reins from him. I'm sure he'll do a great job. I sincerely wish to thank all those who have donated and contributed to all those serving over here. Of special note, the Mid Michigan Model Makers (Brian Francis), IPMS Space Coast (Mr. Richard Martin), Mr. John Thomasovich (who was extremely generous), Mr. Michael Collinan (three boxes of Hasegawas!) and all many others. To emphasize the thoughtfulness of people, I wish to thank Ms. Ruth Ayers. Her father, who used to collect kits, recently passed away. She sent a photo of the kits, from which I could see many old, collectible kits that could be worth something. I recommended she find a collector; however, she said her father was a WWII Navy man and he would have rather service members get them. I was very moved and grateful. When the kits arrived, they were some wonderful gems. We greatly appreciate it and send our condolences to Ms. Ayers and her family. That is all for now. Thank you to everyone for the help and support. GEORGE
J. SALERNO |
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March 2007 |
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Things here are starting to pick up
greatly. We have received several large donations (Eddie Rickenbacker
Chapter and Syracuse Chapter, as well as R&J Enterprises).
Things are going well. I have sent boxes out to four camps so far (Kalzu,
Diamondback, Prosperity and Sykes), with two more ready to go (one will go
to Al Asad to help the Marines). I have received quite a bit of support
within the theater. I've been contacted by groups others that want to
start forming clubs.
Speaking of clubs; I finally was
able to track down MSGT Erick Gonzalez (President of a Jacksonville
Club) at the Camp Speicher Club. Judging by the attached photos
(below), he has done a fantastic job with the model club he ran there.
They recently had a model show, with a competition, prizes, etc. Some of
the work, as you can see, was outstanding. You can tell he has put a great
deal of work and heart into the club, and the service members and the
command appreciated it. Unfortunately, Gonzo will be departing soon, but
I'm sure there will be support to continue his efforts. Actually, Erick
has inspired some of us to start a building club here in Baghdad, as well.
Just a bit of info: There has been a bit of a problem shipping flammable items (i.e. paint and glue) in theater. It gets into theater fine; however, Military Postal Policy does not permit these items to be shipped from camp to camp. I'm working on a workaround or exception to policy. Not sure what we can do about the glue, but for paint, we would request if paint is sent, it should be acrylics. I can still use enamels on Victory Base, which is the largest. Thanks to everyone for all their help and support. LTC George Salerno |
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