15 December 2009
No, this isn't actually a review of a product. Instead it's a review (and reminder) of the organization known as AmericanSnipers.org; what they do; how long they've done it; why they do it and who they are. AmericanSnipers.org first came to my attention a few years ago and since I first became aware of them, their efforts to support deployed military snipers has continued to grow even as support and belief in our war efforts is reported to be sliding (if you believe the popular media hype). So, as Christmas approaches, I write this review as a reminder that this non-profit organization exists purely to serve our brothers who serve at the tip of the spear. I encourage you to keep them in your plans this holiday season.
Founded by police sniper Brian Sain, AmericanSnipers.org has a history of providing needed items to operational military snipers - those hunting on the front lines (and behind them) in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In a recent phone interview conducted with Brian (now retired but still active in the industry where his expertise can continue to serve all those in uniform) I learned that AmericanSnipers.org has, since its inception, delivered over $3 MILLION worth of equipment to deployed snipers. Now, if you watch television or go to the movies you know that only the Army and the Marine Corps have snipers, right? Wrong. Every branch has snipers and AmericanSnipers.org has served them all - and continues to do so, providing gear and equipment to snipers from 675 different units (so far) in every branch of service.
To maintain this effort, the guys (and gals) at AmericanSnipers.org count on the tax-deductible donations provided by all of us. On their website, there is a list of commercial supporters who have provided, and continue to provide, financial and equipment donations to support the effort. One supporter, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, is on that list as SHOT Show. They have provided AmericanSnipers.org a free booth at SHOT Show for the past several years. Each year there are a huge number of supporters who visit that booth to see what they can do to continue to support the effort - and usually to purchase a few items. One hot seller is always the new Challenge Coin.
This year's, as you can see, is a skull shaped coin with a hole in the forehead (where every good sniper would put it). There are politically correct versions and not-so-politically-correct versions. Although blurred out here I'm sure you can get an idea of how the phrase ends on the less PC version.
On the back of the top version, is the image shown right. The first two words - FIGHT TERROR - are a blatant reminder of the job our deployed snipers are doing. Often they go out to do their work without the necessary or proper gear, or with support team members who are operating under similar conditions. There is no way to measure how the effectiveness of a sniper or his team is hindered by a lack of gear or by a lack of the proper gear. Additionally, there is a long list of "comfort items" that many of these guys don't have that are inexpensive to donate. I would think several of them would be happy with a new toothbrush, a bottle of mouthwash, some deoderant, new socks, gloves, hats, or some new magazines. Now, don't be cheesy and send them your well-thumbed-through months-old copies of whatever. If you're going to send them reading material (and they do appreciate books), go out and get something new; package it; add a note; send it out to AmericanSnipers.org at one of the four mailing addresses listed on their website. A comprehensive list of requested / required items cna be found on this page.
As you look ahead at Christmas, now just a few days away, take a moment to think about those who are serving in the War On Terror (no matter what our President wishes it were called), and especially consider those who do the ugliest of work under the harshest of conditions. It takes little to express you appreciation to them in a tangible fashion. Spend the few minutes it takes to do so.
Thank you in advance for support this group of warriors who support a brother group of warriors. Without support from all of us AmericanSnipers.org couldn't perform as efficiently and exceptionally as it has.
Happy Trails!
