View Full Version : Wheelers for the Wounded
This is something I think most on here will find interesting.
http://www.wheelersforthewounded.org/
If you can find the time for any of the runs please do.
Here is a link to the forum for this too.
http://wheelersforthewounded.org/forum/index.php
HillBillE
03-25-2008, 01:26
Thanks wildman! Being a disabled Vet myself, I find this a great thing!
Didn't see any in MN, but I may try and catch one near me, like MI.
korisu56
03-25-2008, 03:58
The one in VA is September 12-13 with no club sponsoring/hosting. Anyway to work out who? I also saw it didn't see where in VA. Would that be dependent on who sponsored/hosted it?
looks like a great idea the one in texas didn't sound like a sure thing either
good idea but not organized
Okay guys you got to read a little more into this whole thing.
This isn't taking place until next year starting in April and going til Sept.
Yes 2009 not this year. He is looking for club/groups from states that don't have a host to step up and for the states that do to help the hosting club out. I don't have time right now to break it all down but when I get home this afternoon I'll try to explain a little more about it.
JeepinSoldier
03-25-2008, 10:22
Okay guys you got to read a little more into this whole thing.
This isn't taking place until next year starting in April and going til Sept.
Yes 2009 not this year. He is looking for club/groups from states that don't have a host to step up and for the states that do to help the hosting club out. I don't have time right now to break it all down but when I get home this afternoon I'll try to explain a little more about it.
Beltway Jeepers is trying to support the Wounded Warrior project and other events like this. (We will be raffleing off custom bumpers at the Falls Church auto show and donating the money) I am also one of the Trailride coordinators/event planners for the club. I work at HRC and have access to the Wounded Warrior POC's and the PSG for the WTU at Walter Reed. I read through the web page, and will contact the rest of the BOD about Planning/Hosting the Virginia event.
Great I am sure he will be glad for any and all help.
Any chance we can get this to be a sticky right now?
korisu56
03-25-2008, 11:02
Sticky done.
I wasn't trying to sharpshoot the program at all. I read the events thread on the website itself, but didn't read the entire site. My bad.
sorry i did not see 09 well when i get back to texas and find a club i will see what i can do i already have a place in mind to have the event
Well guys I got involved with his idea from day one. Just happened to find his MYSpace page so I have been around for a while and know a lot of what is going on. I think it is awesome and am helping to host the event in Washington state. I am also going to meet him in Moab and wheel there, then go home and in a few weeks head to Calif and meet him at the Rubicon. From there on I am going to follow him thru Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Colorado. Then I'll head back home from there. Looking forward to meeting a bunch of great people and wheeling in some great places.
If you can get the word out to everyone you know and help to get in contact with wounded soldiers and vets who would be interested in this that would be great.
korisu56
03-25-2008, 22:16
Shit. I could get in touch with a lot. Caisson Platoon at Fort Myer, VA does therapeutic riding for wounded service members. I'm sure they can put us in touch with people that would be interested.
Edit: Next time they come to the barn I'll ask.
Shit. I could get in touch with a lot. Caisson Platoon at Fort Myer, VA does therapeutic riding for wounded service members. I'm sure they can put us in touch with people that would be interested.
Edit: Next time they come to the barn I'll ask.
That's a good idea.
Do they still have that rope tied to the rafters in the barn? I use to stop off in the barn after going running and climb that rope a few times. I'd also take my soldiers over there before they go to Air Assault school to make sure they can climb a rope before sending them.
Oh...perhaps I should introduce myself. My name is Jason and I'm the Founder/President of Wheelers For The Wounded. The program began when a Marine on my team here in Fallujah lost both his legs to an IED back on November 30, 2007. When I finish my tour in Iraq, I was going to take 2 months off, drive around the U.S. off-roading and camping. Along the way, I was going to take my friend off-roading and camping for a weekend. I figured that, with the help of his prosthetic legs he could drive my Jeep off-road (it's an automatic). I wanted to help to show him that there's nothing he still cannot do.
Well, after telling a few people what I wanted to do, they said they wanted to join me when I took my friend off-roading. Others said that I should do the same thing for wounded veterans in other States as I pass through. Word about the program grew and it has become what it is today.
This is a HUGE undertaking for me and the difficulty is compounded by the fact that I'm trying to manage it all while being in Iraq. While there are still things to be worked out, the main events won't start until 2009, so I think there's enough time to ensure that it goes off without a hitch.
If anyone would like to get involved with the program, then I would encourage you to go to the website at www.wheelersforthewounded.org. PLEASE read ALL the information there...it will take less than 10 minutes to do so and it will provide you with some good information.
Then, sign up on the forum, find your State (or one close to you) and start posting. If there's a club hosting an event there, then offer your assistance. If there's no club hosting the event yet, then contact some clubs in your area to see if they'd like to be the event host.
The last thing I'll ask is to please have some patience if you contact me with questions. This is a LOT for me to keep up with and I have a job to do here in Iraq as well. I've been invited to join so many message boards (forums) that I've lost track of them all. Though, this one seems like a really cool one, so I'll continue to swing by here when I can. The best way to reach me though is through my own forum or email (jason@wheelersforthewounded.org).
I hope you all will decide to support this program and participate in the trail runs as I make my way across the U.S.
korisu56
03-26-2008, 09:03
The rope is gone. That barn has undergone some major renovation and should be opening back up here in the next month or two.
theyeti1775
03-26-2008, 12:41
Beltway Jeepers is trying to support the Wounded Warrior project and other events like this. (We will be raffleing off custom bumpers at the Falls Church auto show and donating the money) I am also one of the Trailride coordinators/event planners for the club. I work at HRC and have access to the Wounded Warrior POC's and the PSG for the WTU at Walter Reed. I read through the web page, and will contact the rest of the BOD about Planning/Hosting the Virginia event.
Alex, give a holler if you need anything/help/seats for a ride.
That's a good idea.
Do they still have that rope tied to the rafters in the barn? I use to stop off in the barn after going running and climb that rope a few times. I'd also take my soldiers over there before they go to Air Assault school to make sure they can climb a rope before sending them.
Oh...perhaps I should introduce myself. My name is Jason and I'm the Founder/President of Wheelers For The Wounded. The program began when a Marine on my team here in Fallujah lost both his legs to an IED back on November 30, 2007. When I finish my tour in Iraq, I was going to take 2 months off, drive around the U.S. off-roading and camping. Along the way, I was going to take my friend off-roading and camping for a weekend. I figured that, with the help of his prosthetic legs he could drive my Jeep off-road (it's an automatic). I wanted to help to show him that there's nothing he still cannot do.
Well, after telling a few people what I wanted to do, they said they wanted to join me when I took my friend off-roading. Others said that I should do the same thing for wounded veterans in other States as I pass through. Word about the program grew and it has become what it is today.
This is a HUGE undertaking for me and the difficulty is compounded by the fact that I'm trying to manage it all while being in Iraq. While there are still things to be worked out, the main events won't start until 2009, so I think there's enough time to ensure that it goes off without a hitch.
If anyone would like to get involved with the program, then I would encourage you to go to the website at www.wheelersforthewounded.org (http://www.wheelersforthewounded.org). PLEASE read ALL the information there...it will take less than 10 minutes to do so and it will provide you with some good information.
Then, sign up on the forum, find your State (or one close to you) and start posting. If there's a club hosting an event there, then offer your assistance. If there's no club hosting the event yet, then contact some clubs in your area to see if they'd like to be the event host.
The last thing I'll ask is to please have some patience if you contact me with questions. This is a LOT for me to keep up with and I have a job to do here in Iraq as well. I've been invited to join so many message boards (forums) that I've lost track of them all. Though, this one seems like a really cool one, so I'll continue to swing by here when I can. The best way to reach me though is through my own forum or email (jason@wheelersforthewounded.org).
I hope you all will decide to support this program and participate in the trail runs as I make my way across the U.S.
I'll post it up on a 'few' other sites I'm on. :D
I'm there, what about getting the US Forestry Service involved?? Maybe using the Pines campground as Ground Zero to camp and using the jeep trail as the run?? Heh and as far as I know I'll be again next year.
I'll run it by my heads and my Law Enforcement guy is reservist with the Marines, done one tour already, may even two?? To see what we can offer up!
I'll have the 5th wheel camper setup, plus I have extra tents. cots, gear anytime someone wants to pop in. And trail up on the mountain.
There's a GREAT club that I contacted about hosting the VA event. They've had to run it past their members and officers and they've decided to sign on as the event host (just got the email from them last night). If you all in VA could sign up on the forum and post in the VA thread, they'll give you the information.
I know they were thinking of having the event on the beach somewhere. I think that would be awesome...will probably be the only event held on a beach! Anyhow, I'll be working with the event coordinator now and I'll let him know that there's a terrific group of guys in VA that can help him contact wounded veterans and get things organized.
Just in case some of you haven't noticed, the main event won't be until 2009, but there will be charity events between now and then to raise money for the main event (to cover the cost of insurance, food, entertainment, etc). It should be an event the wounded veterans will remember for years to come. :D
JeepinSoldier
03-27-2008, 09:52
Who was it that comitted? I just got the go ahead from the BWJ Board to commit the club to host. Please PM me.
There's a GREAT club that I contacted about hosting the VA event.
C'mon...spill the beans, what club is it?
Who was it that comitted? I just got the go ahead from the BWJ Board to commit the club to host. Please PM me.
Sent you a PM. As you can imagine, I'm in quite a pickle with two clubs wanting to host the VA event. Though, I had to do a gut check and go with you all. Fact is, you all are comprised of military members, who I think have an emotional attachment to the program and I honestly think I'd be doing you wrong if I didn't give you all a shot at hosting the event.
I just hope the other club will understand, not hold it against me, and still wish to participate. :(
If it is the Tidewater guys, they have a bunch of military folks down there as well with langly afb and norfolk ns.
Truck
If it is the Tidewater guys, they have a bunch of military folks down there as well with langly afb and norfolk ns.
Truck
The club I contacted about being the VA event host was featured in Off-Road Adventures magazine a while back. For the life of me I can't recall the name of the club. I got a response saying they were thinking it over and then I was email-introduced to another guy just yesterday saying he'd be my POC for the event. I sent him an email yesterday but haven't heard back from him yet. I believe it was Tidewater, but can't be positive.
I feel HORRIBLE though for asking them to host the event and then going with the Beltway crew. I just hope they don't feel slighted. Maybe it would be possible for the two groups to co-host the event (Idaho is doing that...two clubs working together to host the event).
I sent Jeepin a PM, so hopefully I'll hear back from him soon.
In the mean time, it would be a HUGE help if all you here at Military Jeepers would sign up on the forum at www.wheelersforthewounded.org and post in your State's section. You all will be INVALUABLE when it comes to locating wounded military members (past and present) who would like to participate in the program.
I'm active in Beltway and have participated in many Tidewater wheeling events as we do most of our Virginia wheeling in middle VA - so we all have to travel. I'm will not speak for either but I don't see an issue with co-hosting as we both have access to different large military communities.
Truck
Cool...I really don't want any "bad blood" between the two groups and am hoping we can all work towards a common goal.
JeepinSoldier
03-27-2008, 15:46
If the club is Tidewater, I think that it would be a great idea if we co hosted (As long as they are up for it) They are a much larger club, some of the senior people there are active in United Fourwheel Drive Assoc, and have many contacts as far as locations and general support (To include the FWD industry). Beltway is alot smaller but is tight knit with many active duty and Military veterans. 02tj and I both have contacts with the Wounded Warrior Program. I think the two clubs could really compliment each other.
If we hosted, I was going to try for either Crozet, Oak Ridge (Camp Jeep was there), or Winchester (Big Dogs)
If this turns out to be a co host thing, how about one day of technical wheeling in central VA and one day at the beach? Please let me know what the end result of this is and I will brief the Beltway Board, and we can begin planning/moving this forward for VA.
korisu56
03-27-2008, 15:51
For an event like this, it would be great to have a co-host deal. That way more energy can be spent on the ENTIRE project, making it infinitely better than it could be with just one club doing it.
Yes, I think the co-host idea may be the way to go. With the Beltway guys having lots of access to the wounded military members we are honoring and Tidewater having the numbers of people to handle the vast amount of planning and coordination needing to be done, it would be a good match.
Now if I can just remember if it's the Tidewater club. HAHAHAHA...my memory is going in my old age. Actually, I think it's stress induced. Anyhow, I'll shoot the guy an email and hopefully we'll have this sorted out before Monday.
Okay, I just shot an email off to Chris and Mike...both of whom are in the other club. Mike Day is the one who's my POC. Though, since they just decided yesterday to host the VA event, I have yet to speak with him. Do you all, by chance, know him?
Anyhow, I explained the pickle I was in being that I approached their club and ASKED them to sponsor the event (that was actually a few weeks ago) and how I felt that the Beltway crew should be involved as well based on their members being in the military (and having a wounded soldier as a member of their club, who would obviously be an honored guest at the event). I suggested that both clubs could co-host the event and I hope they will go with that.
I hope to hear back from him soon so that it can all be sorted out. On the bright side, it's FANTASTIC to have so much interest from you all in VA that TWO clubs want to host the event! :D
I was just sending a PM to Miljeep and thought of something. How about having the Marine Silent Drill Team and/or the Army Drill Team do a show at the VA event! How cool would that be? :D
Well, it's 0100 hours here in Fallujah and I have to work in the morning, so it's time to get some shuteye.
Thanks for all the interest you all have shown in this program!
If one of you POCs is Chris Boucher then it is definitely Tidewater..
Truck
If one of you POCs is Chris Boucher then it is definitely Tidewater..
Truck
Yep, Chris is the other one. He's helped me out with a few things regarding the program...real nice guy.
Im a BOD also at beltway, I see no reason why not to have a co-hosted event! I will work w/ the other bord members an see what kind of ideas they have. It helps to have us who have been on the other side of the pond to help!!!
Yes, I think the military guys who are helping to organize events are vital to the programs success. As I'm sure you all are aware, generally those military members who have been wounded (especially if they were serious wounds) shy away from attention and don't necessarily want to be in the limelight. I think civilians would have a difficult time coaxing them to participate and let us show them a good time for a weekend.
However, with fellow military members involved in the planning, I think they will feel that military connection with their brothers/sisters in arms. It also helps that I (the Founder/President of the organization) am a Gulf War veteran, served 12 years in the Army, and am over in Iraq now. Even though I'm working in a civilian capacity, I'm still contracted by the Department of State and am assigned to Army and Marine units. I've done mounted patrols, foot patrols, responded to IEDs, went on weapon cache raids, etc. So, I'm just as much in the line of fire as anyone else...more so than some.
Yep, Chris is the other one. He's helped me out with a few things regarding the program...real nice guy.
Chris and company are marvels at organization and have a lot of horsepower behind there club and sponsers they can draw from. I have watched them to many things and worked with them on a couple. I think they would be very complimentary to Beltway.
Truck
JeepinSoldier
03-28-2008, 09:35
Im a BOD also at beltway, I see no reason why not to have a co-hosted event! I will work w/ the other bord members an see what kind of ideas they have. It helps to have us who have been on the other side of the pond to help!!!
Rick,
I already provided WFTW with some of your info as one of the POC's for Beltway as you authorized earlier. Please PM him your e mail address.
JeepinSoldier
03-28-2008, 09:39
Chris and company are marvels at organization and have a lot of horsepower behind there club and sponsers they can draw from. I have watched them to many things and worked with them on a couple. I think they would be very complimentary to Beltway.
Truck
Truck,
I already talked up Tidewater and the Boucher's in a PM. The experiance they have setting up large events, involvement with United, and other things are great. They are being contacted about co hosting and I will brief the Beltway BOD as soon as I hear about Tidewater's decision.
Hopefully I'll hear back from Mike sometime today with an answer on the co-host thing.
Okay...I heard back from Chris...we're a go for a co-hosted event by the Tidewater Fourwheelers and the Beltway Jeepers. Here's a link to the Virginia section of the forum...
http://wheelersforthewounded.org/forum/index.php/board,44.0.html
As you'll see, it's pretty bare...hopefully you all can change that and spark some interest in this program from your fellow Virginians. :)
Jeepian...send me a PM on my forum letting me know the screen names of those who are in your inner-planning group so that I can give them access to the "Penthouse" section.
JeepinSoldier
03-28-2008, 13:31
Okay...I heard back from Chris...we're a go for a co-hosted event by the Tidewater Fourwheelers and the Beltway Jeepers. Here's a link to the Virginia section of the forum...
http://wheelersforthewounded.org/forum/index.php/board,44.0.html
As you'll see, it's pretty bare...hopefully you all can change that and spark some interest in this program from your fellow Virginians. :)
Jeepian...send me a PM on my forum letting me know the screen names of those who are in your inner-planning group so that I can give them access to the "Penthouse" section.
Roger, I will make contact with Tidewater and we can begin sorting out things like location, responsibilities etc. I will also brief the Beltway BOD on the way this is going and then keep you backbriefed on evreything. Gotta warn you, I have a second job at night on Thur, Fri, and Sat nights to support my Jeep addiction. :) My commo slows a little on the weekends.
korisu56
03-28-2008, 13:34
MJ and Beltway alike, let me know what I can do.
JeepinSoldier
03-28-2008, 14:18
MJ and Beltway alike, let me know what I can do.
Chris, since you are a member of both clubs - do you want to fall under Beltway for planning/org of this thing? If so, PM WFTW your contact info and e mail addy and register on his forum. Then Ill add you to the Beltway planning comittee.
WFTW, I have briefed the Beltway BOD on my Forum and registered on yours. Will PM as soon as I know who all is in outside of myself and Rick.
Alex put me in the planning committee
Truck
JeepinSoldier...I won't need everyone's contact info...just yours (name and phone number...email it to jason@wheelersforthewounded.org and include "JeepinSoldier" in the email heading).
Once you have you inner-circle planning team, send me a PM on my forum and I will give them access to the "Penthouse" section of the forum (I updated your profile and gave you access to that already).
Also, Mike from Tidewater Fourwheelers wanted me to pass on his contact info to you so that you two can start working on this. So, I sent that to you in a PM here on this forum.
THANKS!
Jason
I was just sending a PM to Miljeep and thought of something. How about having the Marine Silent Drill Team and/or the Army Drill Team do a show at the VA event! How cool would that be? :D
Well, it's 0100 hours here in Fallujah and I have to work in the morning, so it's time to get some shuteye.
Thanks for all the interest you all have shown in this program!
Once the location and date are hammered down, I can get you the contact info for the Army Drill Team, but for offical purposes it would probably have to be approved at MDW. Not sure of the request process.
korisu56
03-29-2008, 20:54
Already trackin stud.
The Drill Team thing would be awesome! The main event is over a year away, so there's plenty of time. Just let me know who I need to contact to make that happen.
Also, if you all could sign up on the forum and let those in VA know that the event in that State is in good hands, I'd appreciate it. It's important because people who aren't members of you club but want to participate will look for the information on the WFTW forum in your State's section. If they see it blank, then they'll think there's no interest in that State. Know what I mean?
THANKS!
I posted this up on the Scrambler Owners forum...You already have one of ours (Stouttrout - Dan) working the Tx gig. I think there are others that are going to talk to their local clubs about working the states that are missing.
Truck
Thanks...appreciate any help to spread the word of the program throughout the off-road community.
Guys, I can't stress enough the importance of posting on the WFTW forum. Sponsors will decide which events to donate parts to (for raffles, geocaches, etc) based on which States they think will benefit them the most. If they see there are no posts in a States section, then obviously they'll move on to another State. I know that some clubs like to plan things out on their own forum, but it would be beneficial to do both if possible.
While their are no plans yet for a charity event in VA, even posting in the VA section will let people know there's an interest in the program from the VA off-road community.
As an example, here's a link to the Colorado section. As you'll see, they've done an outstanding job at keeping everyone informed.
http://wheelersforthewounded.org/forum/index.php/board,11.0.html
korisu56
03-30-2008, 15:26
Alright, well it sounds like we need a volunteer out of the planning committees to keep the state thread updated....
Already trackin stud.
kewl, you probably have more time than i do right now any ways(with the school option) lol
korisu56
03-30-2008, 16:01
kewl, you probably have more time than i do right now any ways(with the school option) lol
Hah. Most likely :)
just gotta give you sh!& because they dont give school option for indef or i would be right there with you......
I just posted the following in the "General" section of my forum (it's up top since I made it a "sticky"). Anyhow, I thought you all would like to read it...
-------------------------------------------------------
I just had a really nice, long conversation with one of the event host Club Presidents and he shed some light on the problem he was having with getting sponsorship for his local charity runs.
He's been told by a company, "It's a great thing you're doing, but we can't help you." Well, I'm calling "bullsh*t" on that! If you run into that, then let me know. Give me the company's name, contact's name, email address, and phone number and I will contact them. We shouldn't take "no" for an answer! While I don't want to turn companies off completely by telling you to hound them for sponsorship over and over again, I have NO PROBLEM WHAT-SO-EVER doing that myself! People, I have NOTHING BUT TIME over here! I have NO WIFE and NO KIDS. If I'm not working at my regular job, then I'm working on promoting this program. I'm a company's worst nightmare!
I will send email after email to a company until I get a "yes" response. If that doesn't work, then I'll call them up and speak with them over the phone! I know I for one would not want to be sitting in my nice, comfortable, air conditioned, 4x4 corporate office, get a call from a guy serving in Iraq, and have to tell him, "No, we don't want to help you." That would absolutely RUIN the rest of my YEAR!
The days of me taking "no" for an answer are OVER! We now have CLOUT! We have over 1000 "friends" on my MySpace page! We have the backing of TWO magazines, and the backing of FANTASTIC SPONSORS like TeraFlex, KCHiLiTES, Tuffy, and others! We have plans for 27 events in 25 States! We have a multi-media company that's going to shoot a DOCUMENTARY! We have the non-profit status! I've been selling this program short up to now and it stops immediately!
These companies make a TON of money off us off-roaders!!! We are a group that's NOTORIOUS for spending ALL THE MONEY WE HAVE building up our rigs, only to tear them up on the trails and have to SPEND MORE MONEY to fix them! Well, it's time for those companies to pony up and give something back! And not to us, but to the solders, sailors, airmen, and Marines who fight and have fought for our great country!
"No" no longer means "no!" "No" means I hound your ass until you see the light and get involved like you damn sure SHOULD do! These companies saying "no" better start realizing who they're saying "no" to! They're not saying "no" to us...they're saying "no" to the men and women busting their asses in foreign countries to preserve our way of life! They're saying "no" to the men and women in uniform who have gotten SHOT AND BLOWN UP in a country they didn't ask to be sent to! We're not sexual harassment victims here where "no" means "no!" WE'RE THE REPRESENTATIVES OF WOUNDED MILITARY MEMBERS and "no" had BETTER start getting changed to "YES!"
WHO'S WITH ME?!?!
Alright, well it sounds like we need a volunteer out of the planning committees to keep the state thread updated....
Thanks for volunteering Chris...:p
Truck
korisu56
03-30-2008, 18:45
Hah. Alrighty then. Don't have a problem doing it, but I haven't seen a single thread on BWJ about it. It may be because I'm a plebe over yonder, but I know my role. Let me know, and tomorrow or Tuesday I will throw posts up on the other site and maintain it keeping it updated for sponsorship purposes.
Thanks for volunteering Chris...:p
Truck
I think that's an excellent idea and I'd like to thank Chris for being so gracious as to volunteer for the job. :D:D:D
I think I'll recommend to the other event hosts they do the same.
I just posted the following in the "General" section of my forum (it's up top since I made it a "sticky"). Anyhow, I thought you all would like to read it...
-------------------------------------------------------
I just had a really nice, long conversation with one of the event host Club Presidents and he shed some light on the problem he was having with getting sponsorship for his local charity runs.
He's been told by a company, "It's a great thing you're doing, but we can't help you." Well, I'm calling "bullsh*t" on that! If you run into that, then let me know. Give me the company's name, contact's name, email address, and phone number and I will contact them. We shouldn't take "no" for an answer! While I don't want to turn companies off completely by telling you to hound them for sponsorship over and over again, I have NO PROBLEM WHAT-SO-EVER doing that myself! People, I have NOTHING BUT TIME over here! I have NO WIFE and NO KIDS. If I'm not working at my regular job, then I'm working on promoting this program. I'm a company's worst nightmare!
I will send email after email to a company until I get a "yes" response. If that doesn't work, then I'll call them up and speak with them over the phone! I know I for one would not want to be sitting in my nice, comfortable, air conditioned, 4x4 corporate office, get a call from a guy serving in Iraq, and have to tell him, "No, we don't want to help you." That would absolutely RUIN the rest of my YEAR!
The days of me taking "no" for an answer are OVER! We now have CLOUT! We have over 1000 "friends" on my MySpace page! We have the backing of TWO magazines, and the backing of FANTASTIC SPONSORS like TeraFlex, KCHiLiTES, Tuffy, and others! We have plans for 27 events in 25 States! We have a multi-media company that's going to shoot a DOCUMENTARY! We have the non-profit status! I've been selling this program short up to now and it stops immediately!
These companies make a TON of money off us off-roaders!!! We are a group that's NOTORIOUS for spending ALL THE MONEY WE HAVE building up our rigs, only to tear them up on the trails and have to SPEND MORE MONEY to fix them! Well, it's time for those companies to pony up and give something back! And not to us, but to the solders, sailors, airmen, and Marines who fight and have fought for our great country!
"No" no longer means "no!" "No" means I hound your ass until you see the light and get involved like you damn sure SHOULD do! These companies saying "no" better start realizing who they're saying "no" to! They're not saying "no" to us...they're saying "no" to the men and women busting their asses in foreign countries to preserve our way of life! They're saying "no" to the men and women in uniform who have gotten SHOT AND BLOWN UP in a country they didn't ask to be sent to! We're not sexual harassment victims here where "no" means "no!" WE'RE THE REPRESENTATIVES OF WOUNDED MILITARY MEMBERS and "no" had BETTER start getting changed to "YES!"
WHO'S WITH ME?!?!
I am all for companies that voluntarily support Veterans and their Families. I think what should be taken into consideration is that some companies are stepping up and supporting "the troops" and they should be applauded for their efforts. This could come in the form of listing as a sponsor. On the other hand, making a company sponsor and then giving them the listing in the sponsor section side by side with the companies that voluntarily sponsors kind of downplays those that volunteered to do it.
I understand what you are trying to do, get more companies to sponsor the events. I know that companies may be hesitant to sponsor an event, but it is most likely for reasons other than they do not support our military. They could have budget constraints and other issues, or maybe some companies are not able to commit to sponsoring right now because it is too far out.
I also personally feel that you have to be very careful when using your status as a vet in trying to persuade them to sponsor an event. This can get old really fast, especially if they have heard it a million times from other people trying to get them to support something.
The way I would go about it is to let those that want to sponsor the event, sponsor the event. Recognize those companies and let them reap the possible benefits of being listed as a sponsor. If someone does not want to sponsor an event, then let them not sponsor the event. They should not sponsor because of pressure to sponsor and then get equally recognized alongside those that did it on their own.
Just my two cents.
Fifthpro
03-30-2008, 20:26
WFTW,
I second MilJeep's comments wholeheartly. Whilst you have chosen to take on a noble cause, in my opinion it should not be at the risk of alienating people, groups or companies simply because they do not share the same views as you. Especially, trying to use your veteran status as a means of coercion with gaining sponsors will likely cause more harm than good as well as alienating other veterans that the companies come in contact with in the future.
trailsnail
03-31-2008, 01:49
Although WFTW makes me want to run down to a corporation and kick in the first VP's door, I agree with Fifthpro and Miljeep too. IMHO, I am sure that many corporations receive requests daily for sponsorships. I am also sure that there have been times that they tried to get involved and got burned, probably pretty bad. For the one's that said no, find out why first and then thank them for their time. Then after a few runs, and some publicity received during events, try to contact them again and see if they changed their minds. It may help make them see that this is all legit and is not going to go away. Sometimes the flies with honey.
You are all correct. The post was written more as a motivational tool for those involved as well as with a little tongue-in-cheek. I would never hound a company to that extreme explained in the post, but I do think it's important to be persuasive...it shows passion and dedication.
Obviously, with the sponsors I've gained thus far, I've gone about getting sponsors the right way. It shows that the approach I use works. I have a sponsorship packet that explains everything about the program...it's written very well. I'm not really having any problems getting sponsors. However, the clubs hosting events at the local level are running into roadblocks.
So, what I'm going to do is make a Local Sponsorship Packet for them to give to potential sponsors. This will hopefully solve the problems they've run into.
I'd like to point out that I am getting NO money from the charity events that the event hosts are having...no "kickbacks" or whatever. The charity events are very important to the program because the money raised at those events are going to fund the main events...100% of the funds raised will be used at the main event. Some of the clubs are going above and beyond when it comes to the main events.
The event hosts seem to have a fun little game going on where they are trying to out-do each others main events and so they are keeping their plans for those events a *secret* for now. But, I will tell you that what they have planned is AWESOME! One of them is going to have a concert on the Saturday night of their event. So, the charity events are key to making the main events a success.
Trailsnail...you're right...some companies have been "burned" in the past. I'm currently in touch with one of those companies and they have told me they're "very interested" in the program. But, they are taking a "wait and see" approach, which I can respect. The company is, without a doubt, the best at what they do and so I do not mind waiting and feeding them updates as the program progresses. I feel that, in time, they will realize the value of sponsoring the program and will sign on.
Miljeep...I think I understand what you mean about some companies who support our troops voluntarily and those that want something in return. I consider this website a way to bring us military members (past and present) together a "supporter of our troops" which is why I told you that the website sticker will be put on my Jeep. :D I will consider it a badge of honor! :D There's only 3 stickers going on the Jeep...the WFTW symbol, Military Jeepers, and the one for the guy doing all the customization. All the other sponsors will be advertised in a different way. I don't want sponsors stickers all over the Jeep because I feel that it would distract from the program's symbol, you know? So, I have other plans for how to get recognition for my sponsors without cluttering up the vehicle with stickers.
What would you suggest though, as a way to distinguish between the different sponsors you mentioned (the ones who voluntarily support our troops vs the ones who are in it for the attention it will bring them? Should there maybe be a "level" of sponsorship? What would those "levels" be? What would determine those "levels"? I'd appreciate any ideas you have about that. Although, I have not really heard from any company's who want to voluntarily support the program. The program is only 2 months old, so maybe not enough people have heard about it yet though.
Thank you all for your input!
I think that the sponsorship packet is a good idea and something which may help to legitimize the program when these clubs go forward looking for someone to pitch in.
Obviously this is not my deal, and unless we were sitting her tossing around ideas after drinking a few beers, I have to just throw some stuff out there and see if it makes sense.
I would set up different levels of sponsorship. Maybe something like gold, silver and bronze. Gold level would be sponsors that sponsor on the national level. You could put yourself in businesman mode and starting looking for national sponsors. Maybe a large company that will not spend the time or money to sponsor an event in one city may have the funds and find it worth it to sponsor the event nationally. Maybe it could be somethihg as simple as getting 4WD.com to donates a gift certificate for each event along with some key chains and other promotional items they have to give out. They could be listed as a gold sponsor and it would be nice to be able to tell these clubs that "hey, I know you are working to get sponsors, but this is what we have for you so far".
Silver could be someone that does less or covers less events, and bronze could be the local event sponsors.
Honestly, this is just my opinion, and don't get me wrong because I really like the idea of what you are doing, but I think that you need more people dedicated to making this work on your end. Leave the local events up to those people, but maybe have some other people perform the following duties and have a system of checks and balances. you may have this in place already, I don't know, so I will just throw my ideas out there.
Local events (planned locally by clubs on the ground)
Regional coordinators (staff that covers a couple of states to offer assistance to the local clubs)
national coordinators (work with the regional coordinators to help out and lessen your personal load)
national sponsorship coordinators (people designated soley to get national sponsors)
legal eagles (someone to make sure that the clubs have the appropriate legal paperwork, liability waivers, etc. Maybe even have some liability waivers drawn up by a professional in order to help protect you and your organization)
marketing (there only job is to get the word out and make sure the jeep is seen and the events are heard about. they may even go so far as to try to help link up local news coverage with the different clubs.
and I am sure there are others, but I cannot think of them right now.
I have taken care of the national sponsors...you can see a list of them on the my "Sponsors" page of the website. It's the local sponsors the event hosts were having problems getting support from. I made a sponsorship packet for them today (which is similar to the one I sent out to obtain the sponsors I already have). I'm thinking this should solve that issue.
The legal stuff is being taken care of. I have a liability waiver, and clubs in States that require things like insurance and impact statements are getting those.
I'm kind of relying on everyone for marketing...like a word-of-mouth sort of thing. The power of the internet has been successful thus far due to how quickly you can get information out there to the far reaches of the States. The stickers will help spread the word as well, I hope.
The local media will be left up to the event hosts, as they'll have a better idea of what's available in their area.
The only thing I don't have is the Regional and National coordinators. As this program gets larger, I may have to break it up into 4 or 5 regions and find a director for each one. Thanks for that tip...it's something I will consider and probably implement in due time. Thankfully, at the moment, I have a group of "advisors" who have helped me along the way where needed.
good deal, sounds like you are tracking pretty good with this thing. I know I have seen it mentioned in a bunch of different places.
I just picked up Warn as a sponsor! :D
Thanks! :)
The Jeep will start Phase 2 of the build in about 2 weeks. One of the things being installed in a winch bumper. But, until about half an hour ago, I didn't have a winch to put in the bumper...would have looked a bit on the -odd- side. :D
WoW dude, being over there and still pullin strings to get stuff done!!
My hats off to ya, the offer of the campground and the Jefferson National Forest at your finger tips are still on the table. Cant offer money or items on behalf of the Gov. but camping and the trail is there. If things were to materialize this way, I'm sure I could get the local IGA store to pitch in and furnish the grubs or at least help.. And WallyWorld (aka) Walmart is always doing things like this.
JeepinSoldier
03-31-2008, 20:49
I sent the e mail to mike at Tidewater. Once he replies, Ill keep evreybody informed of what we work out and who needs to start getting what done. :)
JeepinSoldier
03-31-2008, 20:52
Thanks! :)
The Jeep will start Phase 2 of the build in about 2 weeks. One of the things being installed in a winch bumper. But, until about half an hour ago, I didn't have a winch to put in the bumper...would have looked a bit on the -odd- side. :D
Which winch is going on?
Which winch is going on?
The 9.5Ti. AT first I was requesting the PowerPlant winch from them, but it sits a bit high and I was a little concerned about blocking airflow. Then, PowerTank contacted me and offered to supply me with some on-board air. So, I told Warn that I'd only need the 9.5Ti. The TeraFlex front winch bumper I'm putting on holds that model, so it worked out good.
HMRRSQ...Sounds good to me. I will have 4 to 5 days to get from one event to the next, so once the time gets closer, I'm going to decide what I want to see and where I want to go. There are some great trails around the U.S. that I want to check out.
Obviously I want to check out D.C. (I was stationed at Ft. Myer for 2 and a half years, but that was back in 1992-1995).
JeepinSoldier
04-01-2008, 12:44
The 9.5Ti. AT first I was requesting the PowerPlant winch from them, but it sits a bit high and I was a little concerned about blocking airflow. Then, PowerTank contacted me and offered to supply me with some on-board air. So, I told Warn that I'd only need the 9.5Ti. The TeraFlex front winch bumper I'm putting on holds that model, so it worked out good.
HMRRSQ...Sounds good to me. I will have 4 to 5 days to get from one event to the next, so once the time gets closer, I'm going to decide what I want to see and where I want to go. There are some great trails around the U.S. that I want to check out.
Obviously I want to check out D.C. (I was stationed at Ft. Myer for 2 and a half years, but that was back in 1992-1995).
Excellent winch! its the same one that I have, and mine has been thru some long, hard pulls.
I was going to comment on the winch and onboard air on your site, but it looks like you have it covered! I also run a 10 lb PowerTank system and its great! No worries about airing up, running air tools or reseating beads on the trail. If you want to know how to use it to reseat a bead, let me know. You will also need a hose setup with the Tomco supercoupler.
If I could suggest one other mod, I have the same style Tuffy Unlimited Security drawer in my 05 Unlimited. Its one of my favorite mods. You can doubble the amount of cargo capacity available back there though by adding cargo tie downs to the top of it. That way, the cargo will not fall out if the top is down or fly around inside. Details are here:
http://www.militaryjeepers.com/community/showthread.php?t=648&page=2
EXCELLENT MOD! I also like that you coated the top of the trunk...I think I'll do the same (either powdercoat or Line-X). Thanks for sharing that! :)
The Tuffy products are GREAT. I have the trunk, glovebox, center console, and the overhead security bar. Since I'll be removing the hardtop and door for the program, security is a must.
By the way...did you get the Event Host Club Info Packet I emailed out yesterday?
JeepinSoldier
04-22-2008, 22:33
EXCELLENT MOD! I also like that you coated the top of the trunk...I think I'll do the same (either powdercoat or Line-X). Thanks for sharing that! :)
The Tuffy products are GREAT. I have the trunk, glovebox, center console, and the overhead security bar. Since I'll be removing the hardtop and door for the program, security is a must.
By the way...did you get the Event Host Club Info Packet I emailed out yesterday?
WTFW,
Please dont think that I have dropped this. I am in contact with Mike from Tidewater. My work schedule at HRC was insane, and now Im in Colorado at a challenging military school in order to prepare for my next assignment. I will be here until after the 5th of next month, and then Ill be focused back on this. My time and internet access is limited right now. Mike from Tidewater is suggesting that we link your VA event to the VAFWD event for 09. If we can get the dates lined up - I think its a good idea. Lots of wheelers there and the support is phenominal. Trail guides and EMT's on site, special camping on site, benefit raffle, etc. Tidewater is also putting together fundraisers already. I can work this with Beltway when I get back. Once I have some solid info, I will post it on your site.
Linking the 2 events up sounds like a fantastic idea...just keep me up to date when you can.
Enjoy the military school! :)
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