Knives for Afghanistan bound USAF nurse

K

Kelly Willis

Joined
Jan 11, 2001
Messages
153
A friend of mine just left for a 6+ month deployment to a bad place in Afghanistan. All I could send with her, besides some good advice, was a Leatherman Wave, and a Blackjack Jaeger that served me well in the Army.
The Jaeger is Japanese made, but, finished in Effingham, Ill. I would like each and everyone of you to think about our men and women in uniform,
remember them in your prayers, and regardless of personal politics, support them in a real and personal way.
I wish I could have sent more with her, but these were all I could send. The advice was lessons learned in Beirut in the early 80's.
I just wanted to let people know that our service members "over there"
really are our friends, family, and neighbors. Heros one and all, regardless of what the "media" might say.
I don't post much here, but I do enjoy the info shared. Thank you for the opportunity to say my piece. Kelly Willis
Mods feel free to move this thread if needed.
 
Kelly that leather man will come in handy. Good choice on that.
yea I think about our troops over there every day and send prayers to.
Glad to hear you think about them too.
Bryan
 
My uncle just came back from afghanistan and my brother is waiting to be shipped over. i've sent in my application and am waiting to hear back as well.
never stop thinking of everyone out there doing their best.
nothing to add knifewise, just wanted to say my piece as well.
Russell
 
Probably the best tool other than the leatherman would be several pairs of trauma shears. I used them more than anything else when I was a medic, and they have a habit of wandering off.

Best wishes for a safe deployment & rapid return.
 
Kelly, I second the trauma shears. Actually, if you or your friend are interested, I may be able to part with a handful of them if I can find them...
 
You did good Kelly. Thank God for people like you and your friend as well as a lot of people I've seen posting on this Forum.
After I was hit, I was taken to Ramstein. After I had stabilized and recuperated, to a certain extent, I was taken CONUS. The whole time I was seen too by USAF Nurses, they are the best in the world at what they do, IMHO. Professional and compassionate they deserve more pay and respect then they get.
I don't want to compare other branches, I'm sure they are all great. But I have to admit I have a soft spot for USAF Nurses.
 
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Lemme know if you send some trauma shears...i'll send the pouch.
Maybe Kelly will pop in tomorrow to see this.
Perhaps someone might have an extra RC3 to donate which could also be used in the pouch when the shears aren't in it??
Someone in WSS uses it to hold a CRK. See picture.
 
Dougo and Porcupine, I would be honored to ship whatever you wish to have sent over there. I would like to thank you all again for the thoughts and prayers for our people over there.
I too have been treated very well by USAF medevac nurses, USN nurses, and US Army
nurses. Good People every one.
If anyone else is interested in having some "Blessings from Home" sent to our nation's finest people, please e-mail me at agiftoftouch@netscape.net referencing this thread,
and i will give you my shipping/contact info as needed.
Thanks again, and God Bless, Kelly
 
Good on you for doing this Kelly!

The LM is probably the most useful thing that you could have given her and will probably see daily use.

Everyone's suggestion of trauma shears are excellent, but even better for quick work, but not as versatile, is something like the Benchmade rescue hooks. Opens clothing and 1000d cordura like buttah!
 
Kage,
I looked at the rescue hook as well, but couldn't afford it and the wave together, so I
compromised and got the wave. On the BM rescue hook, a friend of mine on the county extrication team swears by the two that he carries. Kelly
 
God speed to her! I just saw off 10 more of my troopers who flew to Afghanistan tonight and I'll be heading that way at the end of July...it's getting hot over their and I don't mean the temp! Keep all the servicemen/women and contractors in your prayers...

ROCK6

I forget to add...I received a request for whistles for our female troopers as there have been problems with predatory Soldiers. Make sure she doesn't walk around alone after hours and that she stays in well-lighted areas. Recommend a good whistle she can carry around the neck as well. Unfortunately not all theats are outside the wire or T-walls :(
 
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Rock, Thanks for the reply and your service. The last time I was in the 'Stan, Ronald Reagan was Pres, and russians were there too! It was ugly then and it doesn't look any better now. I just wish the politicos would let our military commanders do the job they were trained to do, not what the politician/media complex wants them to do.
Sorry about the mini rant but I saw the same thing in Beirut, congresscritters thinking they were soldiers and armchair quarterbacking everything. As far as the prayers go, every morning, noon, and night. Kelly
 
ROCK6 said:
God speed to her! I just saw off 10 more of my troopers who flew to Afghanistan tonight and I'll be heading that way at the end of July...it's getting hot over their and I don't mean the temp! Keep all the servicemen/women and contractors in your prayers...

ROCK6
Click to expand...

Really good friend of mine just got his bar on Thursday and is heading that way in the next few months. Another buddy just got out of Ranger school. Prayers up for all of them...

Edit: Kelly, I am digging up the shears and some other fun stuff...gettin kinda busy at work so it may be a bit...
 
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You should be getting a box via USPS in a few days.
 
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I know there has been a lot of improvements/expansion of the facilities since I was there. But just in case the BX hasn't been expanded. You should throw in few handfuls of Chapstick, some greaseless sunscreen and some packs of Baby wipes as well as other needs of a female.
It's getting hotter with each day, especially if she's in Kandahar or further south. Keep in mind my knowledge is fairly dated and her needs may include other items as well.
Hopefully you can keep in touch via internet, and send things ASAP cause it takes a coupla weeks to get things over there.
 
Good afternoon.

I've got two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan under my belt. The Leatherman was a good gift...it will be used for everything.

Other things to consider sending are wetwhipes, feminine hygiene items (I sent them for my wife when she was in Pakistan and Afghanistan...bath & bodyworks got me cool points too ;)), BATTERIES (PX always runs out), a good quality book (a nice surprise comfort gift), Dr Scholl insole's (gel is awesome), a good pair of Wiley X (or comparable eyeware) are a godsend. Anyway...those are the items I can think of off the top of my head. I wish you and yours, well.
 
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