Operation Good Wheel - Support our troops during the holidays

[Flamingo Director]

The Seminole Cyclists, the Florida Freewheelers, and the Flamingos
have come together to conduct Operation Good Wheel in support of our
troops who are deployed to Iraq this year at Christmas. We have
adopted the 732nd Expeditionary Security Force Squad, Detachment 3 in
Baghdad. The objective of the operation is to provide each of the
approximately 180 soldiers in the Detachment a care package from home
for Christmas morning so they know we appreciate their service and
sacrifice to protect us and to keep the United States the greatest
country in the world.

We would like to extend this project to all cyclists in Central
Florida and invite your support to make sure every member of the unit
is accounted for on Christmas Day. This is what we ask of each person
who would like to participate:

- Pick up a standard USPS Overseas Soldier Shipment box from any
SC, FFW rides on November 22/23 and 29/30. You can also pick up a box
at the Saturday Lakemont ride.

- Contact Tom Bargnesi (Pres...@FloridaFreewheelers.com) or
Susan Deal of the Seminole Cyclists (misio...@yahoo.com) for a list
of highly requested/recommended articles that the unit provided, the
name of the soldier who you have “adopted”, and some guidelines for
what not to send.

- Create an individualized care package from those items on the
list

- Personalize it with your own touch (note, card, picture…)

- Bring the box to Outspoken Bike Shop in Lake Mary on Saturday,
6 December 2008 between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM where we will pack up and
do a mass shipment to Iraq to ensure delivery by Christmas morning.
(We will also set up alternate pick-up points as the project picks up
momentum.)

- Pay the $10.95 shipping fee for the package.


The list of items is long so there are a lot of choices to make up
your own package. The goal is to stuff the box full with a little of
many things on the list.

It is that simple to use your time and treasure to bring a touch of
home to a deserving young hero far away from us at that very special
time of the year when they need it most.

Thanks for your help. Merry Christmas and a Happy 2009!

Tom

Tom Bargnesi

President ‘08

Florida Freewheelers

[The Prez]

Please contact me if you are interested in creating a care package for
one of our soldiers. I will email you the list of items and provide
you with a name of a soldier who you will prepare the package for.
There is no need to stop at just one. Some folks have signed up for
more than 1. You can then pick up the shipping box from the ride
leader at any of this weekend or next weekend's rides.

Thanks in advance and a very Merry Christmas,
The Prez

[Bob James]

We shouldn't forget our troops in Afghanistan, either. Please send a
list of items and the name of a soldier in Afghanistan. I know a
young fellow on his way there now, after two tours in Iraq.

[psu...@aol.com]

Tom,

Put Karen & I down for two. We've been doing this for 5 yrs. now through OperationAC.com. It's a great experience & we've developed a few great, very appreciative 'pen pals' as a result. I encourage everyone to pitch in for such a worthwhile cause.

Ed

---

Check out smokin' hot deals on laptops, desktops and more from Dell. Shop Deals

[marget reynolds]

Hi Tom, I would be willing to do two boxes.  Marget --- On Wed, 11/19/08, The Prez <gl...@cfl.rr.com> wrote:

From: The Prez <gl...@cfl.rr.com> Subject: Re: Operation Good Wheel - Support our troops during the holidays

[Reg]

Our boxes are all packed except for a personal letter and Christmas
card we plan to add. We didn't make it to a club ride this w/e so we
got our boxes n/c at our local post office. While in line, we met
another serviceman's wife sending some boxes out, She told us we could
have also ordered them on-line.

Get the list of what to send or don't send from Tom.

Reg & Michele

[psu...@aol.com]

Reg,

Are you saying the post office is familiar with this Project and has the actual boxes?

Thanks,

Ed

-----Original Message-----
From: Reg <reg.u...@gmail.com>
To: Florida Freewheelers <florida-fr...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Sun, 23 Nov 2008 5:56 pm
Subject: Re: Operation Good Wheel - Support our troops during the holidays

Our boxes are all packed except for a personal letter and Christmas

[Katzman]

Ed,

 

The boxes are generic and not peculiar to our project. Any friend or relative with an APO address can send one of these boxes any time of the year. They are part of a Post Office program that lets anyone put as much weight in a given box size for a flat rate. I have used the civilian version of this PO offer many times and even the civilian boxes are free for the asking at any PO.

 

That said, I have at my house, currently 9 kits of boxes, labels, instructions, etc. I live on the east side of Orlando in the Rio Pinar neighborhood area. This is off of Lake Underhill Rd. near Chickasaw and Econlockhatchee. If anybody needs or want one, let me know and we can make arrangements to get a box or more to you. I’m sure when these kits run out, I can get more if needed.

 

Steve Katzman

407-658-4879

 

 

 

---

From: florida-fr...@googlegroups.com [mailto:florida-fr...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of psu...@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2008 7:25 PM
To: florida-fr...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: Operation Good Wheel - Support our troops during the holidays

 

Reg,

Are you saying the post office is familiar with this Project and has the actual boxes?

Thanks,

Ed

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Reg <reg.u...@gmail.com>
To: Florida Freewheelers <florida-fr...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sun, 23 Nov 2008 5:56 pm
Subject: Re: Operation Good Wheel - Support our troops during the holidays

Our boxes are all packed except for a personal letter and Christmas

card we plan to add. We didn't make it to a club ride this w/e so we

got our boxes n/c at our local post office. While in line, we met

another serviceman's wife sending some boxes out, She told us we could

have also ordered them on-line.

Get the list of what to send or don't send from Tom.

Reg & Michele

 

---

Check out smokin' hot deals on laptops, desktops and more from Dell. Shop Deals

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.9.9/1804 - Release Date: 11/23/2008 10:59 AM

[Susan]

Hi Ed,

Susan Deal chiming in here.  Operation: Good Wheel is the name of the cycling community’s movement to provide holiday cheer to soldiers in Baghdad.   It’s a play on words….Good Will… we’re cyclists…Good Wheel…get it?  Ha!  J

 

Anyway, the boxes are a Flat Rate box (some say military on them).  That means that to ship a 12 x 12 x 5 box overseas to military personnel it’s $10.95 if you use that particular box.  I ordered them online, but ran out.  They are provided free by the post office.

 

I believe the reason to get the box at the ride was to get the name of the soldier as well.  We need to track and make sure every soldier is accounted for.

 

Don’t forget to fill out your customs form and put it in the pouch when you are done. 

 

Also, here’s a list if you need it.

 

See you at the Out Spoken Bike shop drop off December 6.

 

Thanks so much for participating.

 

Susan

 

 

---

From: florida-fr...@googlegroups.com [mailto:florida-fr...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of psu...@aol.com

Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2008 7:25 PM
To: florida-fr...@googlegroups.com

Subject: Re: Operation Good Wheel - Support our troops during the holidays

[psu...@aol.com]

Thanks Steve - much appreciated.

Ed

-----Original Message-----
From: Katzman <skat...@cfl.rr.com>
To: florida-fr...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sun, 23 Nov 2008 7:48 pm
Subject: RE: Operation Good Wheel - Support our troops during the holidays

Ed,

 

The boxes are generic and not peculiar to our project. Any friend or relative with an APO address can send one of these boxes any time of the year. They are part of a Post Office program that lets anyone put as much weight in a given box size for a flat rate. I have used the civilian version of this PO offer many times and even the civilian boxes are free for the asking at any PO.

 

That said, I have at my house, currently 9 kits of boxes, labels, instructions, etc. I live on the east side of Orlando in the Rio Pinar neighborhood area. This is off of La ke Underhill Rd. near Chickasaw and Econlockhatchee. If anybody needs or want one, let me know and we can make arrangements to get a box or more to you. I’m sure when these kits run out, I can get more if needed.

[psu...@aol.com]

Thanks Susan. We're doing two right now maybe more. See you at Out Spoken

Ed

[lindade...@aol.com]

Hi Tom,
Please send the list of items to me.  I would like to participate.  Thanks.

Linda Derryberry

[The Prez]

Folks,

It is 11 days before the pack and ship party at Out Spoke 'N in Lake
Mary. We still have 60 names on the list that need a care package.
Please send me a note if you would be willing to send a Christmas
package to a deserving serviceman this holiday season.
Pres...@FloridaFreewheelers.com

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!

Tom

[Cathy Johnson]

Tom, I'll send one.  Let me to who.  Thanks!

Cathy Johnson
407-617-9409
www.u1stfinancial.net/cathyjohnson
www.discovermoneymerge.com/cathyjohnson 
Pay off your mortgage in 10 years or less!!
 
http://discounts.shopathome.com/?IAFCG=bMm64Ex47hGx3yyS3hLl8g==




 

EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Join me

> Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:12:22 -0800

> Subject: Re: Operation Good Wheel - Support our troops during the holidays

> From: gl...@cfl.rr.com
> To: florida-fr...@googlegroups.com

[Michael Cottle]

hey Tom
Arden and I want to do a box what do I need to do?
thanks Michael

[The Prez]

Michael,

I think Susan has been in touch with you to give you a name, a flat
rate box, and instructions. Let me know if you need anything else.

Thanks,
Tom

[The Prez]

The response to this project has been outstanding. With one week to
go, we are still about 35 short of the goal of having a package for
every airman on Christmas morning. A few notes as the Operation rolls
along:

1. You do not need to come to a ride to pick up boxes and supplies.
You can pick up a Military Flat Rate Box (FRB) or a Large FRB (they
are the same) at any Post Office for no charge. You will also need to
pick up a Customs Declaration Form, a self-adhesive clear envelop
pouch, and an address label (also for free).

2. You can mail the package directly from any Post Office by paying
the $10.95 Flat Rate fee. Many of you live too far from us to come to
Out Spoke'N next Saturday but still want to help with this great
cause. Thank you.

3. You can get the name(s) and address(es) of the airmen by sending
me an email to Pres...@FloridaFreewheelers.com or calling me at
407-592-0033.

Thanks for your time and effort. God Bless and Merry Christmas.

Tom

On Nov 26, 10:12 am, The Prez <g...@cfl.rr.com> wrote:
> Folks,
>
> It is 11 days before the pack and ship party at Out Spoke 'N in Lake
> Mary.  We still have 60 names on the list that need a care package.
> Please send me a note if you would be willing to send a Christmas
> package to a deserving serviceman this holiday season.

> Presid...@FloridaFreewheelers.com

[Santich, Kate A]

Hey, Tom, that's exactly what I needed to make this doable for me. Please send me the list!

Thanks so much,
Kate
ksan...@orlandosentinel.com

-----Original Message-----
From: florida-fr...@googlegroups.com [mailto:florida-fr...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of The Prez
Sent: Friday, November 28, 2008 10:43 AM
To: Florida Freewheelers
Subject: Re: Operation Good Wheel - Support our troops during the holidays

[The Prez]

Wow! We've done great between the Seminole Cyclists, the Florida
Freewheelers, the Flamingos, and our friends and families in the
cycling community. We have put together 143 packages for the 157
airmen and women of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Force Squad,
Detachment 3 in Baghdad. this leaves us 14 short with 6 days to go.
We would also like to prepare a few "spares" which are unassigned in
case the unit finds itself with a few more members come Christmas Day.

Please let me know as soon as you can and I will forward you a name
and address of an airman.

Thanks,
Tom

[kan...@aol.com]

tom, i would be more than happy to put together a few boxes. please
send me the details. JoAnne Kane

-----Original Message-----
From: The Prez <gl...@cfl.rr.com>
To: Florida Freewheelers <florida-fr...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Mon, 1 Dec 2008 4:14 pm
Subject: Re: Operation Good Wheel - Support our troops during the
holidays

[Lisa Matas]

Tom,

 

Is it too late to participate in some way, and how would we do so at this late time? 

 

Lisa Matas

----- Original Message -----

From: The Prez

To: Florida Freewheelers

Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 4:14 PM

Subject: Re: Operation Good Wheel - Support our troops during the holidays

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com

Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.12/1822 - Release Date: 12/1/2008 8:23 AM

[Katzman]

Lisa, JoAnne and any others that want to get involved,

 

I think Tom B. is away on business but I will answer your questions. No, it is not too late to get involved. You can get boxes several ways.

 

1. You can get the boxes free from any Post Office. They are known as APO/FPO Flat Rate boxes. If they are out of those, the civilian version of Flat Rate boxes will suffice. You should also get a “Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note – CP72” and a plastic stick-on envelope for the customs form. You can also get a stick-on Priority Mail label, but this is not a requirement because you can write the address directly on the box if you choose. If you go with this option, let me know and I will send you the instructions via e-mail. Its getting a bit late for snail mail.
2. You can arrange with me to pick up the above kits (I have 8 left) of boxes, labels, instructions, etc. I live on the east side of Orlando in the Rio Pinar neighborhood area. This is off of Lake Underhill Rd. near Chickasaw and Econlockhatchee. If anybody needs or want one, let me know and we can make arrangements to get a box or more to you. I’m sure when these kits run out, I can get more if needed.
3. You can arrange with Tom B. (when he gets back home) or Susan Deal or anyone else participating, to get the kits.

 

Either way, once you have the boxes loaded you need to contact Tom Bargnesi via e-mail or phone and have him give you address(es) of service men or women to send it (them) to. You can send them yourself at any post office or you can bring them (along with the $10.95 for shipping) to Out Spoke’n Bike Shop in Lake Mary next Saturday between 11 am and 2 pm and they will post them for you.

 

The boxes have no weight limit. As long as they close, they will all cost the same to mail, which is $10.95 each.

 

It is recommended that you include a card or letter to the service person to personalize your gift.

 

No pork products, no pornography, no alcohol and no glass containers. The instructions include a list of recommended items but you can add others of your choosing to spice it up.

 

Steve Katzman

407-658-4879 home

407-340-4257 cell

 

 

---

Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.11/1820 - Release Date: 12/2/2008 9:31 AM

[The Prez]

Lisa,

Check your email. I sent you the name of a soldier for you to prepare
a package. Call me (407-592-0033) or Steve if you have any questions.

Thanks so much for supporting this project and our troops.

Tom

[The Prez]

JoAnne;

Check your email. I sent you the names of 2 soldiers for you to
prepare packages. Call me (407-592-0033) or Steve if you have any

[The Prez]

OK Freewheelers!

Great work! We are still 9 packages short for the whole unit. If
anyone wants to do more packages, please contact me TODAY.

Thanks to all for your help and support. God Bless and Merry
Christmas!

Tom

[Michelle L. Pattee]

Please send me one more name ... I have been working on three boxes.

Thanks,
Michelle

Sent from my iPhone

[marget reynolds]

Just wanted you to know that I put the two names that you gave me in the mail this afternoon.  It was just easier that I mail them myself. Marget

--- On Fri, 12/5/08, The Prez <gl...@cfl.rr.com> wrote:

From: The Prez <gl...@cfl.rr.com> Subject: Re: Operation Good Wheel - Support our troops during the holidays

[annga...@aol.com]

Tom,

I will take 3 service men.  How many after this are you left to have packages for the entire unit?

Thanks,
Ann

Ann Gathings Stein
Mobile, Alabama

Subject: Re: Operation Good Wheel - Support our troops during the holidays

OK Freewheelers!

Great work!  We are still 9 packages short for the whole unit.  If
anyone wants to do more packages, please contact me TODAY.

Thanks to all for your help and support.  God Bless and Merry
Christmas!

Tom

---

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[Michael Cottle]

Hey Tom
We have already had some packages drop off at Out-Spoke'N let me know how many packages you have Saturday morning
we may be able to do a couple more.
I need your help to get the word out on this:  CENTRAL FLORIDA CYCLIST UNITY.

 We need the cycling community to come together and help out some seriously ill children. On Christmas morning our good friend and fellow cyclist Adam Goldstein's will ride a solo century for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses so they may attend Camp Boggy Creek. Camp Boggy Creek, founded by Paul Newman and Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, is Florida's only multi-disease therapeutic camp program where seriously ill children in 15 different illness groups can simply be "kids" and have fun ~ at no cost to the child or family. Children participate in all the normal camping activities, including swimming, archery, fishing, arts & crafts, and horseback riding. The difference is that these children have been diagnosed with a serious illness, but they get to be with other kids dealing with the same illnesses so everyone feels "normal." Adam Goldstein's daughter Whitney attended this camp during her fight with cancer. I know this may not be a good time to ask for your help but if you can please help. Please email this to everyone you know asking them help this great cause.

Please donate in In Honor of:
CENTRAL FLORIDA CYCLIST UNITY.
copy and paste this link.
http://www.boggycreek.org/2006/contribute/donations.asp

You can make a cash donation at Out-Spoke'N Bike Shop

Out-Spoke'N Bike Shop would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas. Thank you
Michael and Arden Cottle

[The Prez]

Michael,

As of this morning, I still have 3 names left.

Let me know if you can fill them out. (407) 592-0033

Tom