Looking for a unique way to support our troops this holiday season? Well check out The Baghdad Hobby Club, which is a group formed by US soldiers dedicated to role-playing games, board games, scale modeling and other hobbies. Karey Koehn, from Hobby Town, explains in her own words (via email) more about the club and how you can assist.
Yes, I am still working on the Baghdad Hobby Club project...and the need is still great. Most of the soldiers I began this project with are home safely and the club is filled with new faces still very interested in gaming, scale models, railroad, and radio control to pass their time in Iraq. The news on additional troops being sent means the club's stash of products will be in even greater demand as options for free-time activities are extremely limited. In addition, word about the Baghdad Hobby Club has spread - and soldiers from camps in other areas make a point of stopping by the club on their supply trips to Baghdad to pick up a few games or models to take with them to their unit. So now the Baghdad Hobby Club is serving far more than its 100 members, including many outlying posts as well.The club is now under the direction of Sgt. Dean Flyte, who has informed me that the club is delighted to receive donations. Even though the holidays may delay their mail his comment was, "getting hobby stuff is always the best - no matter when it arrives!" Club members have indicated particular interest in military and fantasy gaming, but donations of any sort are welcome.
All donations should be packaged carefully for US Mail shipment (boxes weighing more than 40 lbs. will be charged extra). A customs form will need to be completed for each box indicating its contents (I usually write "hobby items" or "games") and estimated value. The boxes are shipped to an APO address (in New York City) and then the military picks up the boxes from there (that's why sending US Mail is most cost effective, Fed Ex and UPS will not ship to an APO address).
I'd recommend each donation include a shipping list (in case there are several boxes and they get separated so the club knows what to look for) and a nice note for the club members letting them know how you heard about their club and how much we appreciate their efforts. The club does post these notes, and I believe they can be just as important as the donations.
Send all donations to:
Sgt Dean Flyte
Baghdad Hobby Club
ISG/MCT#4/SCP-B
Camp Slayer
APO AE 09342If you have a large shipment please contact me. There is a pending plan for a Medical Evac plane that operates out of Ohio to take the big shipments over.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Thank you for supporting our troops and the Baghdad Hobby Club!
Karey Koehn
Editor, Hobby Outlook Magazine
the nation's largest hobby publication
6200 South 58th Street
Lincoln NE 68516
(402) 434-5052
karey[at]hobbytown.com
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