Economy (Uncertain about future employment and earnings.) 33 44.59%

Political (Oppose troop deployment and/or other reasons.) 3 4.05%

Accountability (Donations are used appropriately.) 1 1.35%

Expense (I can't afford to donate at the moment.) 41 55.41%

Unaware (Don't follow the troop support efforts.) 10 13.51%

Do it myself (I would rather send donations directly to the troops.) 16 21.62%

Other 12 16.22%

This poll is anonymous and you may choose multiple answers.

Since we moved over to CA I've noticed the level of troop support in the form of cigar and other donations has waned. This poll is to try and understand the reason(s) for this and to engage in an honest and candid discussion about the future.

I am very interested in reading your thoughts and comments regarding this especially if you selected "Other".

Thanks for your feedback.

Fred
[Reply]

Fred, I don't see the poll??:-)
[Reply]

Ahhhh. There it is.
[Reply]

For me, it's been all about the benjamins. Having been unemployed for 352 days, what money I make now is trying to keep me afloat. I did some over the summer, while I had savings to burn. (sandbox raffle, cash, some smokes sent to David, 1st annual club stogie nude herf heh heh)

Now it's just a wait and see.
[Reply]

Being military age (26),, I have a lot of friends rotating through deployments. So whether they like cigars (most do) or peanut M&Ms, I keep myself busy with them.
[Reply]

I try to help when I can... just wish I could do more!

I think you guys are incredible, Fred. Thanks for all you do. :-)
[Reply]

Hmmm I do a ton of donations to a lot of sources such as the local Vet House, VA Hosp, cigars when I get enough to gather, etc. Current donations are headed to Soldiers Angels Backpacks. My pay cut is eating in to some of the free money.

I didn't vote cuz I try to participate, may not as much as i would like though.
[Reply]

I just kinda fell off when Bruce came home.
[Reply]

Same here, back from deployment is like taking a 40% paycut when figuring in taxes, and now trying to get a hold on my expenses. Rent, bills, you know the everyday stuff i didt do for a while. Once i figure out how to put money into my savings again I will get more to the troops.

I did a donation last month and shold be able to do another around the middle of this month.
[Reply]

I have sent two packages off since the first of the year, one to Alex and one to a co-worker deployed in Afghanistan. I applaud your efforts, Fred, and hope to make another contribution very soon.
[Reply]

I try to help when I can... just wish I could do more:-)
[Reply]

:-) Bruce was a face to put with the efforts. We all got to know him. All the guys we knew started coming home all at once. I think having Brian onboard now will help bring things around again. and economy being a little shaky isn't helping.
[Reply]

I'm doing my best to get new blood into the mix, Fred! :-):-)
[Reply]

When Bruce was coming home and couldn't find someone who was willing to take over for him, I have to admit I was very disappointed.
I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. What Bruce did was very special, very selfless, and a lot of work.
Just goes to show what a special person he is. You don't find crazy bastids like that every day.
I just honestly haven't found time to get all re-involved. It's tough to go from "totally stoked" to "it's all over" to starting at square one again.
I sure miss getting all excited about sending stuff for the Slut Hut, though. It was tons of fun, and it's something I'll always remember
I hope I can get respirited about it. I sure do miss being involved. :-)
[Reply]

Sadly I haven't been buying as much as I used to so in turn that means I cannot donate as much as I used to...Sorry Fred.
[Reply]

I usually try and bring some smokes for the troops when ever I see bobarian at a herf.
[Reply]

have dropped off, but usually send my own to Alex.
[Reply]

I have gotten more active in giving through the Legion post that I am a member of. Saves the postage fees and they are still going to the troops.
[Reply]

Fred,

Before, the threads were in General Discussion, right out in front of everyone on stickys. Now they have a separate forum. The Troop Support forum has a dedicated group of viewers, but doesn't get the same viewing numbers as the general discussion forum does.

You must realize this, too- this thread is in general discussion and not troop support.

The more the topic is in front of people, the greater response you will get. I'm sure that there are a lot of folks who intend to or would like to donate, but it just kind of gets forgotten.

And yeah, JohnnyKay5 and SSG Adams being so well-known and outgoing probably helped a lot. But Alex is still there, right?

As far as the economy goes- believe me when I say this- the troops are just as pleased with $20 bundles as they are premiums. Just the fact that you take the time to send some smokes makes a great difference to the troops. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money. (Been there :-))
[Reply]

Sending stuff where to the what, now?
[Reply]