Help Our Soldiers Overseas

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StarWolf

Limp Gawd
Joined
Feb 25, 2005
Messages
192
I'm not sure where to post this or if it has been posted anywhere else. It is in the Anandtech and PCPer for sale forums so I guess this is a good place to start. This was posted by JWade who is in the military in Afghanistan.

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For those of you who dont know me, I am in the army and am on my 6th deployment, this time i am back in afghanistan.

I am trying to get parts together to do some upgrades to the MWR computers over here. The base I am at has 4 computers for a whole bunch of people to use. If we had more computers here to hook up then more people could get on the internet to talk with their significant others back in the states.

anything would be appreciated, and the address (which is below) is an APO/AE so that means USPS rates, doesnt cost extra to mail to an APO/AE.

The 4 systems here are P3's of various speeds, and anything would be for the most part an improvement. Ram, bigger HDs, faster processors etc. IF we can get stuff to build more comptuers we can hook them up to the lan here also (once they get "checked out" by the army computer person in charge of the MWR building). What I am also hoping to do is get a couple systems put together so that there can be some LAN gaming for people to do.

I am doing this myself, so the best i can offer is to pay for shipping. I already have my wife sending all my spare parts over here, which will make almost a complete system. Any help would be appreciated.

mailing adress is:

Jeffrey Wade
749th Ord Co (EOD)
Bagram Airfield
APO/AE 09354

by the way, i am not at Bagram, but a smaller FOB, my mail goes to Bagram and i make trips there to pick it up when any comes in.

again, anything is appreciated, and the best i can offer is to pay shipping.

Edit/Update:

Just figured i would update the original post. Things are looking very good. I think i can safely say that i will be able to set up the MWR building here at this FOB pretty nice, and should be able to do another one at another base too. As i get stuff in and get systems up and running, i am going to work on helping out another base, i think it is safe to say the impact of the extra computers at the other bases will be the same positive effect as it has here.

Once again, a big thank you to everyone sending stuff and who have already sent stuff that is on the way, and also a BIG thank you to Anandtech for allowing the post and stickying it.

As long as nobody has any objections also, everyone who includes a name with their stuff will have it put on a big sign at each place letting all the soldiers who use the equipment know exactly who donated the systems/parts. And each system will have a card attached to it stating who donated that specific machine/and or parts inside of it also.

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Mods if this has been posted or is in the wrong place please take the appropriate action. :) I thought some [H]ard members might be able to help these guys build some kickass systems and they deserve it. You can also see a few pics at a website that has been setup. http://computersforsoldiers.lvcoyote.com/media.htm
 
Seems like a very good cause. Gathering some parts and shipping them out today.
 
Bump for a good cause. Would you know if he needs any networking equipment? I could always ask in the AT thread. :)
 
eyedol said:
Bump for a good cause. Would you know if he needs any networking equipment? I could always ask in the AT thread. :)
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I went through a few pages at AT. On 7/19 he said, "the only part i can defiantely say is not needed here are modems, no dial up here."
 
A couple of other posts from JWade:

"as far as speeds go, anything is good. for machines to check email, well a P1 or K6 machine would suffice for that. Dont need no speed demon to check email. Obviously the faster ones i am able to piece together will get used for the lan gaming idea (if i am able to get enough parts in).

Also yesterday (it is 5am here right now), i talked to the Civil Affairs team and if i manage to have anythign left over after setting up the MWR building better we are going to help out the local school in the town outside the base. So even a P-60 (no 486s though) would be good. (as long as the items can run atleast win98)

for those who are sending stuff, or even just thinking of sending stuff, i want to say thanks, and if you include a return address, i will ensure i send you a unit photo from here, i know it isnt much but we (the troops) really appreciate it."

"I just want to let people know, that i will be buying the monitors myself for what ever systems i get put together. Keyboards/mice are appreciated too, but if i dont get any, i will be buying them over here. I jsut re-enlsited over here, and am setting a portion of my bonus money aside to buy the monitors, keyboards, and mice and pay for shipping for anyone who needs me to pay for shipping. I dont think it is worth trying to ship a monitor to here for the costs of it and the chances of a monitor getting broke."

"anything is appreciated, as long as its able to run atleast win98 (processor speed wise)."

"I forgot to add to please include with anything you send a return address and name. If you do include a return address and name inside, I will ensure certificates of appreciation gets sent to everyone who sends stuff. I will also try and include pictures of the troops here using the stuff also, and if enough stuff is sent, of the stuff getting donated to the school in the town here."

"Well to let everyone know, i got done talking with the Base XO (he XO is Executive Officer, 2nd in command of the base). Before i had only talked to the computer guy here, but with the responses i have gotten i talked to the XO about it, and well i wish i had a camera with me at that time. He was truly amazed that people are sending computer stuff to set up for MWR (for those who dont know MWR is Morale, Welfare and Recreation). There will be a big sign in the building to let everyone know who uses it all the people who has donated parts/systems to make it all possible.

The soldiers here will be waiting eagerly for the stuff to get in. Once the stuff starts arriving, the XO has already told the ISSO that his priority will be to get the stuff set up so the troops can start using it as soon as possible. This already has had a BIG positive effect on the base, everyone is excited about being able to talk online with their spouses/loved ones longer and more often, play games against each other, and that they know without a doubt that people back in the states that dont even know them, do truly appreciate the sacrifices they are making over here being away from their families.

I know people have just started sending stuff, and hopefully people keep sending stuff (it would be nice to be able to do this to the other small bases here) and even though nothing is here yet, it is already being appreciated.

so from me, and everyone else here on this base, i just want to say a BIG thank you to peope who have sent stuff and who are going to send stuff also. Again, no part will be turned down, anything will happily be accepted, as stuff comes in and a system is able to be completed it will get setup, and once this place is done, I will get stuff sent to another outlaying base also. And any system that isnt fast enough to handle a network connection (internet/online messenger programs) will be getting donated to the local school. If all you have is a spare IDE cable and want to send it, it will be gladly accepted.

All i can offer is to pay shipping. I do have money from my re-enlistment bonus set aside to pay for shipping for people if they need money for shipping. "

A great pic of him re-enlisting .. http://webpages.charter.net/chris.k/wade's%20re-enlistment/Copy%20of%20wade's%20re-enlistment%20picture.JPG

This is a great thing he is doing. The troops really need some more [H]ard packages. :)
 
I have a TON of old computer parts doing nothing around here. Let me gather them together and see what I have for you.
 
Man, what a DUMP!!! At least it used to be when I was there. Was there in late 01, early 02 when we first took it over, and there were about 300 or so people on the base, and that's it. It was very austere, and COLD AS HELL. I heard they've been making improvements to the place over the years, so I hope they've made it more liveable for you guys.


....I'll see what I can scrape up and send out.
 
Worthwhile cause. Hopefully some of the unused items will filter down to the local schools as JWade detailed.

I have a couple of items they probably could use that are just collecting dust.
 
Thanks for your service Scroatdog.

So far I'm sending:

Keyboard / mouse
Antec 430w PSU
FX 5200 video card
512 meg stick of ram

I can probably get some more things from the IT dept. at work tomorrow.
 
You got my attention. I have a lot of stuff that might be of use over there, that wouldnt cost tooo much to ship.
 
r00k said:
You got my attention. I have a lot of stuff that might be of use over there, that wouldnt cost tooo much to ship.
Click to expand...

He has said he would pay the shipping if needed.

Bump for the troops.
 
Would you also be willing to accept hubs as well?

I think I have a few 24-36 port 10base hubs sitting around.
 
If someone can find the power supplies for them, I got about 100 18-36 port 3Com switches you can have (no I'm not kidding, I bought 2 skids worth from a dude here, and I never got around to using them).

On top of that, I got a dual P3 board, power supplies, a p3-650 system with 512mb and about 100GB of HD storage.

Anything I can do to help the men and women that keep my family safe, and I'm 100% behind it if I can help.

This situation, I can. I got mice, keyboards, blank CD's, CD-RW drives in a few of the PC's I got laying around. I'll share whatever you find you can use. Just PM me and we'll discuss further.

I'll provide pics of the items in question if it'd help you realize the volume I have laying around.
 
I will gladly move the Gig-O-Meter down a few GB for such a cause - YGPM.
 
Man I wish we had been able to do this for our unit when we were in Iraq last year...

I've got a home-grown dualie P3-800 I can send your way... this was the original Hardfought game server. The gfx card is an old TNT2 - can get away with playing some older titles, but this box would be great as a small to moderate dedicated server (put *nix on it :D ) if you're able to get some LAN parties goin, or it'd be just fine as a email/web-browsing machine. I have a 17" CRT flat panel monitor too if ya need it. Just lemme know what to send exactly.

Hope you're able to meet your goals, and good luck over there.
 
I plan to send over some old ram i dont use, 128mb PC2100 and an antec TP PSU... im only 16, so i need to convince my parents to let me.. how much did you guys pay for shipping? i just want an idea of the cost
 
Not sure what I got, but count me in.

/need to look in the box under the stairs for parts...
 
0810 said:
I plan to send over some old ram i dont use, 128mb PC2100 and an antec TP PSU... im only 16, so i need to convince my parents to let me.. how much did you guys pay for shipping? i just want an idea of the cost
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Just get a usps priority flatrate box, $7.
 
yeah, i can dig up a few p2s, and also, anything elese you guys want, except computer stuff, like a disposable camera or something like that, and also, need games too?
 
Damn man, I wish I could help!

To all of you putting your life on the line over seas we should be the ones thanking you.
 
Since they mentioned some gaming if the hardware is avail to support it game CD's with license keys would likely be beneficial.
 
Here's what I can send
P4 2.4A Prescott (nice overclocker too)
Abit IS7-E Motherboard (as soon as my new one arrives. Its also got a bunch of AC tape stuck to it that won't come off, was my Pelt board for a while.)
1x256MB DDR333
GeForce4 4600ti
HP CD Burner front bezel broken but it works
Cables and such
Unreal Tournament 2003 Full Edtion with Key
Many other Games I don't play anymore.
 
Definately for the CPU and highly recommended for the RAM as well. Just put the screws in a small ziploc/baggy. Im pretty sure you can throw both CPU and RAM in the same static bag.
 
Anyone have this guys email address.....I may be able to arrange 15 or 20 complete working P1 systems. If I can get in contact with his chain of command......I may be able to get them on a transport out of RAFB near Macon. Worth a shot at least.
 
Mad Machinist said:
Anyone have this guys email address.....I may be able to arrange 15 or 20 complete working P1 systems. If I can get in contact with his chain of command......I may be able to get them on a transport out of RAFB near Macon. Worth a shot at least.
Click to expand...

you can try posting on the anandtech forum and wait for him to reply
 
Mad Machinist said:
Anyone have this guys email address.....I may be able to arrange 15 or 20 complete working P1 systems. If I can get in contact with his chain of command......I may be able to get them on a transport out of RAFB near Macon. Worth a shot at least.
Click to expand...

That would be great !! Definitely post in that thread at AT and/or PM JWade there.

As a vet myself, thanks to all the [H]'ers for stepping up to the plate. :)
 
0810 said:
I plan to send over some old ram i dont use, 128mb PC2100 and an antec TP PSU... im only 16, so i need to convince my parents to let me.. how much did you guys pay for shipping? i just want an idea of the cost
Click to expand...

I shipped out a 300W. PS, 2 keyboards (saitek & eluminex), 4 rounded ATA cables, 6 new fuji CD-Rs in case, logitech 4000 webcam (new in box), an AT power cord and a 92mm fan in a very sturdy box with packing material for $16.75 priority mail. For what you are shipping, it should be quite less.
 
Actually I can't find the case...prolly under some boxes in the garage, but I can send the PSU and DVD drive as both were parted out. I can also see if I can find some IDE cables and other stuff you guys might need.
 
Just got off the phone with my brother......retired Signal Corps Colonel...might have found a better way.....as he knows all the HMFIC's at 335th Signal which has responsibility for Southwest Asia. This is one of those things that unfortunately can get over looked in time of war. Rest assured some people in a much higher pay grade than mine was (0-3) will hear about the problem. Hopefully we can get it solved. And I have to commend a young Sgt for exercising some personal initiative. HuuuuuuuuAhhhhhhhh.
 
Its pretty kick ass to see how everybody is trying to help these guys out. Wondering if I should tear down some folding rigs and send them out. Both great causes.
 
phungilax said:
Its pretty kick ass to see how everybody is trying to help these guys out. Wondering if I should tear down some folding rigs and send them out. Both great causes.
Click to expand...
One or two shouldn't hurt
 
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