We really, really, try to avoid inter-service rivalries but will make an exception in this one case -- because it is for a really good and noble cause, we were asked to help out Team Navy and we like underdogs. Via e-mail from Project Valour-IT shipmate Maggie:
... Every year, just before Veteran's Day, the Milblog world breaks up into service related teams to raise funds. The funds we raise purchase assistive technology for wounded service members. It started with voice activated laptops and has expanded to include WII units (which help with physical therapy) and GPS (which helps brain injured patients stay on track). Because the parent charity -- Soldiers' Angels, covers overhead, 100% of donations to Project Valour-IT go directly into purchasing technology.
This is our 5th year and Navy normally makes a very good showing. This year, inexplicably, we are getting creamed. So I write for two reasons -- one, this is pretty much our one big event and we need to do well in order to meet the needs of the wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. There is a waiting list as I write.
Secondly (and much less important), Navy is getting creamed and it's killing Mary and I!
Here is some additonal information, how to help out Team Navy and contribute to a very important cause:
Contribute to Team Navy's Efforts
The History of Project Valour-It
Editors' Note: Forgive us Chesty for we have sinned.
Comments
OOOrah!
What I find even more disturbing is that this project has nearly equaled the *entire* Combined Federal Campaign annual donation from the staff members at the Missile Defense Agency. (Our total Agency goal is $95,000 -- or one Starbucks grande latte per month from each of our 1,800 government employees and military. Even DARPA, with less than 10% of our total staff, has a higher goal....)
Karaka,
Well we ain't one-percenters around here - come on guys and gals - can we see a couple more percentage points tonight?
Hells bells, I chipped in a few bucks and with that and this post I've had my Marine decal stripped off my truck by the MPs - in my driveway no less, been PNGed by the Marine Corps Association, forced to march the walk of shame in front of the Quantico O'club and told I have to have my EGA tatoo surgically removed NLT COB tomorrow!
Dave
Navy does have some <a href="http://shop.ebay.com/spliffslips/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_tr… items up for auction</a>.
Ultimately, all funds go to the same pot, so donations only matter as point of pride. I'm sure the Army doesn't mind being a distant runner-up to the USMC in much the same way the Navy doesn't mind being edged out for third place by the Air Force.