Son in Afghanistan

[GomerPyle]

I'd actually like to post this in several places to make as much contact as possible, but I'm not exactly the most computer savvy person. Maybe someone on here can help me.

My name is Ed Tharp. My son, Jesse Tharp, (some of you may know him on here as Shifty) is a sniper with the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division currently deployed in Afghanistan. He is having great difficulty obtaining cleaning supplies for his weapons. If he can get them at all, it takes months (literally). I'd like to send him what he needs, but the Post Office tells me I cannot ship solvents or lubricants through the mail.

Does anyone on here have any other means to ship to the troops other than through the postal service? Perhaps someone who has served knows another string he can pull to get what he needs through Army channels? I have no idea if this is a common problem or an isolated incident, but it's pretty frustrating to me to have my son putting his life on the line, but can't get what he needs to keep his weapons operational.

I don't need a bunch of wild ideas. Just some genuine information that will help me get him what he needs. My e-mail is [email protected]. Please contact me if you can help.

Thanks so much,
Ed

 

[Mitch Rapp]

I know we already talked, and I am out of ideas, but as a member of OSA and a friend of Jesse's let me just say that maybe we as a community can figure out a way to get some stuff to him AND pay to send it. I know that's not what Ed is asking for, but it seems to me that if there is a way to ship it, the HazMat shipping cost might be expensive. What supplies does he need?

 

[Glocktogo]

You might check into getting a package on a MAC flight:

http://www.baseops.net/spaceatravel/

http://www.militaryhops.com/

http://www.airt.net/macflightdepartment.html

That would circumvent the HazMat issue. I just don't know the probability of it getting to him.

I have a packable OTIS cleaning kit and plenty of bottles of lube I'll donate to the cause if it will help. Shifty's good people!

 

[AKJ20]

http://www.amazon.com/Southwest-Specialty-Products-30007C-Barbasol/dp/B000HZ8RN0

 

[bigcountryok]

Would this be an option? It does not appear to contain anything considered hazmat.

http://www.froglube.com/productinfo.htm

A little pricey but would be well worth it if it keeps their weapons functional.

 

[recon279]

hmm i cant believe they dont have cleaning supplies we had plenty for our snipers and infantryman sound like a supply issue maybe u should email his batt commander or brigade commander

 

[ripnbst]

Send him some ky lube or other brand "personal lubricant". I am not joking. It wont help with cleaning but in a tight spot, it will work for lubrication at least well enough for a day or two. Seriously I'm not kidding, it will work well enough as lube if he applies it daily.

Certainly less than ideal, but you asked for what would be possible. This is possible.

 

[Shadowrider]

Would this be an option? It does not appear to contain anything considered hazmat.

http://www.froglube.com/productinfo.htm

A little pricey but would be well worth it if it keeps their weapons functional.

I was going to suggest this. It's a USDA certified "green" product. I don't place much stock in that, but it might help in this situation.

 

[recon279]

motor oil works too if worst comes too worst im sure he can get it from the mech on his cop or motor sgt

 

[SMS]

1) SLP-2000 ships directly to APOs. (one of the "Extreme Cleaning System 3 packs" will last him a long time). http://www.slip2000.com/index.php. You have to call them to place the order because APO shipments require special handling. (707) 665-0592

2) Call your congressman and ask to know why your son has to write home for cleaning supplies. Of course that will draw some heat on Shifty, so talk to him first to make sure there is a legit shortage or not...maybe he just doesn't like the GI issue stuff.