Operation Helmet
Jim and Monica Sexton of Z-Line Designs donated $20,000 to Operation Helmet for the provision of combat helmet upgrade kits to American troops in harm’s way. Every penny of the donation was used to buy and send these kits to troops who have specifically asked for them.
The donation was a result of a NASCAR challenge at the “Rumble in Richmond” on September 11th, 2009 as part of the NASCAR Nationwide Racing Series. This race pitted Jim’s Number 18 car driven by Kyle Busch supporting the “Racing for Kids” charity against Monica’s Number 20 car driven by Denny Hamlin supporting Operation Helmet. This good natured completion resulted in the two cars taking the first two starting positions, and more importantly, provided much needed publicity and donations for both charities.
“The same day as the donation, we received a request from US troops asking if we could retrofit some 946 combat helmets before they headed into Afghanistan twelve days later”, said Dr Bob Meaders of Operation Helmet. “This was a time-sensitive request because once they get in-country and move into combat outposts far out in the boonies, supplies may lag by a month or more. Thanks to the Sexton’s, we got on the horn and got the ball rolling right away. Lives will be saved and missions made more efficient and tolerable using head armor that is protective as well as comfortable. Once again, Great Americans stand up when their Nation calls.”
“Monica and I are proud to be able to help in this small way and are gratified to see our fellow Americans keeping our troops in their hearts and minds as they fight to defend our way of life under terribly hard and dangerous conditions”, said Jim Sexton of Z-Line Designs
News from our military hospitals continue to show that head injury and brain damage from improvised explosive devices (IED’S) as the majority cause (75%) of death and disability in Iraq and Afghanistan. Taliban IED’s in Afghanistan have more than tripled in number lately, and they will undoubtedly continue the trend as the ‘surge’ of troops expands their combat roles in Afghanistan.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
