Official "Donate Games to the Troops in Iraq" Thread

I wanted to give a shout to the DC Metro area CAGers. Currently deployed in Iraq and it's hot as heck here. Constant sandstorms and getting chewed up by sand fleas.

Daily life is work, meals, and time off. There is only so much to do. Thank goodness for the USO and MWRs. They both have Xbox 360s, PS3s, and Wiis for the soldiers to play. Some areas have a good select of new games, others are really, really old games.

Good job on supporting the troops.
 
Ok, I did some research about the shipping. All you do is fill out a customs form that they have at your local post office. Not hard to ship at all. They also have international flat rate shipping boxes at the post office for mailing up to 4 pounds. Just FYI for others who are interested.
 
Alright I might have to jump in on this. My roommate from a year ago is in National Guard and he has to go back in August, he has to miss my wedding. Too bad he's not too much of a gamer.
 
Games coming your way

:ps2:
GTA San Andreas with strategy guide
Gran Turismo 4

:gba:
Gameboy Advance SP console
Pokemon Leaf Green
Tetris

:360:
Kameo Elements of Power
Assassin's Creed
Stuntman Ignition
Perfect Dark Zero
Prey

:xbox:
Doom 3

It'll be about a week before I can get them in the mail. All these games gave me lots of joy playing them, so I really hope they bring some joy to the soldiers.
 
[quote name='magiic']is there any restrictions on foreign stuff? Can I send a few games from the great white north?[/quote]


No because were invading your country next.
 
Same here, I didn't know about this either!

I have a close friend who's over there now as well as friends that have been there.

I'm sure I can round a few things up and mail it to them!
 
Hi All,

I am sending off a mint copy of "The Darkness" to Kevin's address tomorrow.
It certainly is the least I could do.
Tell em thanks for everything.

-Mike
 
I noticed on Kotaku, someone mentioned sending books and movies also. I have a few books I could send that I've finished (Chuck Liddell's Iceman: My Fighting Life, Chris Jericho's latest book and a copy of Stephen Colbert's I am America (And So Can You!) and some DVDs (including two of the recent Wrestlemanias.) I also have a few games I can offer up for a good cause: Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, God of War: Chains of Olympus, Lumines II and Trauma Center.
 
I'd like to say thanks for supporting fellow Marines and any other service members out there. This type of thing is a real morale booster, and a lot of times we feel forgotten. Thanks again to everyone who supports this.
 
Dear Troops,

I respect you all

so please put down the 007:Nightfire & Nascar '06
and Google the terms:

Depleted Uranium
False Flag Terror
Mercury in Vaccines
Problem, Reaction, Solution
WTC Controlled Demolition
Order out of Chaos
Peak oil scam
Artificial Scarcity

Please don't prove Henry Kissinger right:
"Military men are dumb, stupid animals to be used as pawns for foreign policy."

210905kissinger.jpg
 
i don't know why someone is donating their games to the troops. do they (the troops) get paid enough to buy their own games (and have them sent to them in iraq, i guess)?
 
[quote name='level1online']Dear Troops,

I respect you all

so please put down the 007:Nightfire & Nascar '06
and Google the terms:

Depleted Uranium
False Flag Terror
Mercury in Vaccines
Problem, Reaction, Solution
WTC Controlled Demolition
Order out of Chaos
Peak oil scam
Artificial Scarcity

Please don't prove Henry Kissinger right:
"Military men are dumb, stupid animals to be used as pawns for foreign policy."

210905kissinger.jpg
[/quote]

level1,
So if you believe playing games in your spare time will contribute to your stupidity then why are you a part of site? and please do not push your anti-war sites onto anyone. All that is asked here is to donate games. If you dont want to, then dont. Enough said.
 
[quote name='neushane']level1,
So if you believe playing games in your spare time will contribute to your stupidity then why are you a part of site? and please do not push your anti-war sites onto anyone. All that is asked here is to donate games. If you dont want to, then dont. Enough said.[/quote]

I never said video games contribute to stupidity. Ignorance to the facts contributes to stupidity.

Alot of the troops are already privy to whats "really" going on. So I'm not name-calling or pointing any fingers at the troops. The post was directed to people like you who misconstrued what I said as some kind of anti-war propaganda. It's not.

As a matter of fact, i'm actually very, very pro-war.... when it's justified and directed towards the real criminals of this world.

It doesn't hurt to put the controller down for 5 minutes and Google a few terms. That's all I'm asking.
 
[quote name='level1online']I never said video games contribute to stupidity. Ignorance to the facts contributes to stupidity.

Alot of the troops are already privy to whats "really" going on. So I'm not name-calling or pointing any fingers at the troops. The post was directed to people like you who misconstrued what I said as some kind of anti-war propaganda. It's not.

As a matter of fact, i'm actually very, very pro-war.... when it's justified and directed towards the real criminals of this world.

It doesn't hurt to put the controller down for 5 minutes and Google a few terms. That's all I'm asking.[/quote]

The problem here is that your political views are not on topic with this thread. This is simply about sending games to the troops out there. If you think they are ignorant or stupid about something, and are fighting an unjust war then that is your own opinion. This is just not the appropriate place to discuss it in.
 
[quote name='level1online']I never said video games contribute to stupidity. Ignorance to the facts contributes to stupidity.

Alot of the troops are already privy to whats "really" going on. So I'm not name-calling or pointing any fingers at the troops. The post was directed to people like you who misconstrued what I said as some kind of anti-war propaganda. It's not.

As a matter of fact, i'm actually very, very pro-war.... when it's justified and directed towards the real criminals of this world.

It doesn't hurt to put the controller down for 5 minutes and Google a few terms. That's all I'm asking.[/quote]

Well, I didnt try to misconstrue a thing. I simply stated that you referenced to a comment about stupidity amongst troops from a political source and then stated yourself to stop playing games. Then you stated to not make a undermining statement a realtity though it is a comment that is unjust and completely idiotic. I hate to tell you but I think I am way more aware of current situations with the war in Iraq. I just returned 3 1/2 months ago from there, who do you think took all the pictures in Cheapy's Flickr account????

Also, being part of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment (30 NCR, higher headquarters) in charge of more missions, covering hundreds of construction projects throughout the Al Anbar province (Google that!), I can safely say that political propaganda wont work with me. I eye-witnessed the good being accomplished over there 1st hand.
 
[quote name='neushane']Well, I didnt try to misconstrue a thing. I simply stated that you referenced to a comment about stupidity amongst troops from a political source and then stated yourself to stop playing games. Then you stated to not make a undermining statement a realtity though it is a comment that is unjust and completely idiotic. I hate to tell you but I think I am way more aware of current situations with the war in Iraq. I just returned 3 1/2 months ago from there, who do you think took all the pictures in Cheapy's Flickr account????

Also, being part of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment (30 NCR, higher headquarters) in charge of more missions, covering hundreds of construction projects throughout the Al Anbar province (Google that!), I can safely say that political propaganda wont work with me. I eye-witnessed the good being accomplished over there 1st hand.[/quote]

I never claimed to have more knowledge than you about the inner workings of Iraq!!!

What I do claim to have more knowledge than you about is how the troops wound up in Iraq. I'm referring to the lies that repeatedly, time & time again, have taken this country to war.

For starters, the real masters of this world have a toolkit. One of the tools in the kit is called "False Flag Terrorism." All major governments throughout history have used this tool, the British, the Germans, the Japanese, & now the Americans. Two examples are the Gulf of Tonkin Incident and the sinking of the USS Maine. The most recent example, being the events of September the 11th.

Based on your reactions so far, it's safe to assume that you'll write this off as more "propaganda." That's fine bro, to each their own. I apologize that I caused a stink on this thread. If you get sent back to Iraq, I wish you a safe journey.
 
I just got back a few months ago(from Iraq) i, all I have to say to everyone is anything to take your mind off of what going on helps. I the one I hated when I was over there was Guitar Hero. And war games. Thanks to everyone that help send games out, if you help with shipping cost just pm me, I will with the first 5 or so peeps. thanks

 
Hey whats up folks.

Thanks to all of those who have donated or are thinking of doing so.

The time and effort spent to bring a smile to the faces of those deployed overseas and show that you care and support them makes all the difference in the world.

The link below is to the flickr gallery I have set up and Kevin and company are constantly sending me new pics to update as things continue with the donation drive.

Im real glad to see things have picked up once again with the donations and Kevin has told me that hes real happy to see a lot of new packages comming in at a steady flow. Even our friends at Penny-Arcade have donated a bunch of stuff too!

Thank you all once again! :) Knew the folks of CAG were a kick ass no nonsense bunch!

Witzbold

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28155543@N08

This also is the following list of restrictions in regards to what can be sent and proper shipping procedure to the donation APO address. Most of it is pretty common-sense so shouldnt be a problem for anyone here. :) Still yet its good just to browse over this list.

Restrictions for Zip Code 09381

A - Securities, Currency or Precious Metals Securities, currency, or precious metals in their raw, unmanufactured state are prohibited. Official shipments are exempt from this restriction.

A1 - Any Service Member Mail addressed to "Any Servicemember", or similar wording such as "Any Soldier", "Sailor", "Airman", or "Marine"; "Military Mail"; etc., is prohibited. Mail must be addressed to an individual or job title such as "Commander", "Commanding Officer", etc.

B - Form 2976-A Form 2976-A is required for all mail weighing 16 ounces or more, with exceptions noted below. In addition, mailers must properly complete required customs documentation when mailing any potentially dutiable mail addressed to an APO or FPO regardless of weight. The following are exceptions to the requirement for customs documentation on non-dutiable mail that weighs 16 ounces or more:
Known mailers are exempt from providing customs documentation on non-dutiable letters, and printed matter weighing 16 ounces or more. (A known mailer is anyone who legally applies a permit imprint to a mailpiece. Mail with meter postage is not considered to be from a known mailer.)

All federal, state, and local government agencies are exempt from providing customs documentation on mail addressed to an APO or FPO except for those APOs/FPOs to which restriction B2 applies.

Prepaid mail from military contractors is exempt, providing the mailpiece is endorsed "Contents for Official Use - Exempt from Customs Requirements."

B1 - Form 2976 or 2976-A is required Form 2976 or 2976-A is required. Articles are liable for customs duty and/or purchase tax unless they are bona fide gifts intended for use by military personnel or their dependents. When the contents of a parcel meet these requirements, the mailer must endorse the customs form, “Certified to be a bona fide gift, personal effects, or items for personal use of military personnel and dependents,” under the heading, Description of Contents. Exceptions: All other exceptions listed in restriction B above are applicable to this restriction.

C1 - Obscene Articles & Comics Obscene articles, prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc., and horror comics and matrices are prohibited.

E2 - Objectional Material Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or nonauthorized politi-cal materials is prohibited. Although religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith are prohibited in bulk quantities, items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.

F - Firearms Firearms of any type are prohibited in all classes of mail. See definitions of firearms in DMM C024.1.1C. This restriction does not apply to firearms mailed to or by official U.S. government agencies.

H1 - Pork Prohibited Pork or pork by-products are prohibited.

M - Fruits and Vegetables Fruits, animals, and living plants are prohibited.

R - Alcoholic Beverages All alcoholic beverages, including those mailable under DMM C021, are prohibited.

R1 - Alcoholic Beverages Materials used in the production of alcoholic beverages (i.e., distilling material, hops, malts, yeast, etc.) are prohibited.

U2 - Limited to First Class Letters Mail is limited to First-Class letters only when addressed to Box R.

V - Express Mail Military Service Express Mail Military Service (EMMS) not available from any origin.

Z1 - Anti-Pilferage Seal Required The following restriction is applicable only to International Service Centers (ISC)/Exchange Offices. An Anti-Pilferage Seal (Item No. O817E or O818A) is required on all pouches and sacks.
 
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Hey guys,
Just wanted to drop in and thank all of you for your outstanding support. The Military is going crazy over this. They are all very appreciative of the donations and I hope we can keep this thing going. I sent Witzbold some pics for the flickr gallery yesterday and have more to send out later today.

Shane,
You might as well come back out and spend another year with us, you know you are just blowing money at home anyway.

Thanks again and I speak for everyone over here when I say that you all are the best.
 
Another update on the drive.

We have received a tremendous response from all of you here at CAG. The Military is going nuts and my once quiet little office has become a buzz of activity. You could never imagine how much it means to these young men and women to receive something like this. We have put together some thank you notes from the guys who received games and will be mailing them out tomorrow to all those that donated. If any future donators would like to receive one please include your information inside the package as the outside takes a pretty good beating on the way here. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
 
Stewey I will be sending a box of games to the address soon from my gaming community. Is there anything else they need?
 
Well, I didn't get to sending out any books, yet. But I did mail out 6 games, today.

God of War: Chains of Olympus
Valkyrie Profile
& Lumines II for the PSP

&

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Phoenix Wright: And Justice For All
& Trauma Center: Under the Knife for the DS.
 
And we thank you and Stewey for what you do, too.


Also a quick note to everyone, that Block Buster has a thing going right now where you can donate games and dvds to the troops just by bringing in whatever you want to give them, and dropping them in their Donation Box thingy. They'll be taking care of all the shipping and stuff like that. So thats another way to get some entertainment to our troops. =)
 
Hi folks,

Just dropping by again to say the gallery has been updated once again.

Donations are still comming in and its highly appreciated as always!

Will let you all know when more pictures are up.

Btw Cheapy if you see this message mind adding this gallery up on the original story also?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28155543@N08/
 
Well, I spotted some of the games I had mailed out in that last set of pictures! I'm really glad to know they're being put to good use!

I'll do my best to send some more out when I can.
 
Hi folks,

Have some bad news.

Im relaying a message from Kevin, since he is currently tied up with various things at the moment and is unable to post himself.

The bad news is by August 31st, Kevin and his team will no longer be able to take care of the donation drive due to the unforseen issue of he and his team not being in charge of the warehouse anymore and will be transfered out.

So please to those who are still or have donations to send have them sent out before August. Any packages that are sent out after that we will not be able to confirm their safe delivery / distribution at this time.


Kevin and his team will do their best to try to find another trustworthy soul(s) who would be willing to take up the torch in regards to keeping the donation drive alive over there. Since its been a real great run so far and we would really like to keep things going with this since its a huge morale boost for the men and women serving overseas in Iraq.

I will also be sure to keep you all posted on the status of the situation as new news reaches me.

--------

Cheapy can you also please update the story to reflect this news?
 
Hate to double post but just a slight update on the situation.

Kevin is still working on a way to keep the donation drive going and him in the saddle. Will keep you all updated with further details as they come along.

He would like to ask anyone who has a donation but has not sent it out yet to please hold onto your package, since it will not be 100% sure to arrive safely during this transition phase.

So please once again any donators who still have a package to send hold onto it for now.

-------------

Cheapy can you also update the news with this post too? Just so people know not to send anything in now.
 
Hey Witz...

Just got info about your problems. I had actually heard about the donation drive initially through the Penny Arcade guys and an email from Kevin.

If you are still interested in donating games to soldiers, you can check out our organization at www.gamesforsoldiers.org (not .com, as Catherine Taber is not affiliated with us) and see what we do. Basically the same type of thing, taking donations of entertainment items and forwarding them on.

The difference is that all donations go through our organization Stateside because many of the units and troops we donate too cannot release their address publicly due to Operational Security (OPSEC).

Check out our Thank You's page to get some idea of who has donated so far. Both private and corporate donations are accepted, as are monetary donations via Paypal to help cover shipping costs and the like.

Hope that all the CAG gang will consider us for future donations to troops.

And we do accept donations from outside of the US as well.
 
Big news!

We received a large (60 game) donation this morning from Popcap Games. That's our biggest new game donation to date. Also, there should be an article about GFS in tomorrow's Royal Oak Review (a small local paper, but still!).

This is really exciting stuff!
 
Yup, we're in the news this morning. Head over to this link to see the article, or read quoted below:

Royal Oak Review (MI)

Not playing around
Royal Oak resident, vet collecting video games for soldiers
JEREMY CARROLL C & G Staff Writer
Published: August 20, 2008
ROYAL OAK - While stationed with the Army National Guard in a remote part of Afghanistan in early 2007, Royal Oak resident and avid video game player Jesse Williams was without much entertainment in his down time. "Some of the bigger areas have computer rooms and televisions," Williams said." But we really didn't have anything."

So he reached out to some video game companies, magazines and video rental companies for help.

"It worked remarkably well," Williams said." The generosity of all of these companies was amazing."

Now back home, the 31-year-old Dondero High School graduate is looking to help other units stationed in remote areas overseas with the newly formed Games for Soldiers program. He sends donated video games and DVDs to units stationed in remote locations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He said they accept anything in way of donations.

"Obviously newer games are great, because most of the soldiers don't usually have newer stuff," Williams said." But when you are over there, you are not picky."

Sports games that get updated yearly are very popular, he said, but so are games dubbed "firstperson shooters," which often simulate war.

"We played a lot of war-type games that allow us to compete against each other," he said." It sounds strange, but it was a good stress reliever."

Garth Chouteau, spokesperson for PopCop Games, based in Seattle, Wash., said they donated about 60 copies of various games after Williams contacted them. "We are glad to be part of the program," he said.

The company makes many popular titles for computer games, including Bejeweled and Peggle.

"They are simple puzzle games, but are very engaging and downright addictive at times," Chouteau said.

They donated the specific games because they've been known to be a stress reliever and have a calming effect, he said.

Williams said his Web site detailing the program has been running for only a couple of weeks, but they've already been able to fill several requests from soldiers overseas. The site includes a spot for soldiers to say what games they would like.

Along with games, video game systems are needed as well.

"Systems are great, although we don't get many of them because of the cost," Williams said.

For more information on the organization, or how to do donate to it, visit Games For Soldiers.

You can reach Staff Writer Jeremy Carroll at [email protected] or at (586) 279-1110.

Caption:photos by Anthony L . Taylor Jesse Williams, 31, of Royal Oak and a specialist with the Army National Guard, stands next to his trunk full of video games before they are sent off to Afghanistan as part of the organization he started - Games for Soldiers.

Above: Williams prepares the packages for mailing overseas. Left: The games will go to soldiers stationed at remote bases overseas.


Copyright, 2008, Royal Oak Review (MI), All Rights Reserved.
Click to expand...
 
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I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who has so far donated to Games For Soldiers. Though our official holiday drive is over, we are still definitely collecting games to send through the coming months. Thank you again!
 
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