Sailing plans twarted by Iraqi insurgents

[SPC Paul]

Sad news, folks. The maiden voyage of my "new" Mac 26S will have to be postponed until next season. My unit has been extended to stay past our 1-year tour due to the recent surge of fighting over here. I guess that means my hard-earned leave will have to be a little harder earned. I had planned see a few of you out on the water this summer, but I'll try again in '05. Also, our internet service no longer be available, so I'll take this opportunity to bid you all a temporary farewell.

Fair winds,
SPC Jared Paul
Baghdad, Iraq

[Sloop John B]

Yes, and fair winds to you, Jared. We hope you're back before you expect. This situation seems to becoming another tar baby.

[Rich Smith]

Stay safe and, as the old song goes, "May the four winds blow you safely home!"

[Max]

All the best to you - keep yourself safe.
Max

[Richard Philbrook]

Stay safe. My best thoughts go out to you and your BIAs.

Phil ( #22)

[Steve Smith]

Jared - Best to you and your family.

Im 100% behind our troops and 100% against this "war" - in quotes as it has not been declared in accordance with the Constitution of course.

[Ben]

Our prayers are with you Jared.
Thank you for your service.

[Mark Prouty]

That lack of eloquence was me.

Also, our internet service no longer be available, so I'll take this opportunity to bid you all a temporary farewell.

You're as close to anyone I know over there. I sure hope we hear from you again.

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

Jared's mailing address is:
SPC Jared Paul
HHC 1-37 AR, S3
Unit # 93038
APO, AE 09324
I'm sure he would enjoy hearing from some of us. Even just a postcard from some of our sailing destinations.

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

I just wanted to get this back on top.
I found a copy of the MacGregor 26C owners manual I am going to send him. I've also been digging up stuff that would work on his boat.
The threat of an extension was one of the things that made me snap in 'Nam in '65.
I'll edit out the last sentence and send this along with the posts that come in in the next couple days.
Thanks

[Mark Prouty]

Can we send you stuff to forward onto him. If so, what would it cost?

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

Mark, et al - Jared's mailing address is just above my previous post.
It is an APO so I think postage should be the same as if it were going to someone in this country.
Thanks

[TonyHouk]

Remember All,
Anything that would be considered offensive will not make it. Countries in the Middle East screen the mail. Including U.S. government stuff. I would suggest panty hose if you are wondering. It keeps that rash down from the sand. Nothing sexy, i.e. fishnet, just normal hose, queen size.
Happy sails, Tony

[mike]

I just wanted to get this back on top.
I found a copy of the MacGregor 26C owners manual I am going to send him. I've also been digging up stuff that would work on his boat.

Hmmm... I just had a thought. Anyone else interested in pitching in to buy Jared something neat for his boat? If a couple dozen of us pitch in $20 or so, maybe a mapping GPS unit (perhaps Bill could get it wholesale)?

--Mike

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

Sounds like a plan. Send me your contributions and I will get Jared something wholesale.
If I receive $500, I'll add $500.
Any other ideas on what we should get him?