Some Background
Beginning in June of 2009, we have been donating guitars and other musical supplies to our Troops in Afghanistan. This has brought a lot of joy on each end of the program. Sgt. Bob receives our packages with guitars and other goodies (read snacks, personal items) and distributes them among the soldiers that are part of Task Force Builder in Afghanistan, and to soldiers from other units as well. Everyone we tell about this program responds positively and many have wanted to take part. So we are opening this up to you, the guitar community. If you have a used guitar you would like to donate, or funds you would like to donate, we will be able to send more instruments to our guys and gals over there. You may telephone Robin, at 615-672-7733 or email us at info@guitargal.com . We want to thank Galloup Guitars for their generous donation of a guitar. We also want to thank PEETs Coffee for donating 20 lbs of coffee to our troops at Task Force Builder! And we want to thank Bruce Emery of THE SKEPTICAL GUITARIST Books series for his great donation of instructional guitar books! We also want to mention Jake at KAMAN Music (Takamine) for coordinating a great deal for us on some new Takamine Guitars for our Troops! And Misha at The Music Link for extra consideration when we purchase gear for the troops. We want to thank THE VILLAGE CHAPEL for their generous donation during December 2009. This will enable us to put guitars in the hands of some very appreciative soldiers!
We will post a few pictures here of Afghanistan that Bob & other soldiers have sent us, and also of the Troops playing some of the instruments we have sent thus far. Please SCROLL down the page, new pictures are added frequently!
Here's an update (Nov.2009) from Commander Lee that initially brough Great Concern, but we are so thankful for the safety of our soldiers:
There are some days you wake up and don't want to get out of bed. On every day, however, we should remember that we're blessed because we can.
Two days ago, while everyone at home was either fast asleep or just waking up, five of the 166th Engineer Company's soldiers were hard at work, helping another unit at a remote Combat Outpost in preparing for the winter here in Afghanistan.
Without warning, two enemy 107mm rockets exploded at their feet. The "kill radius" of these weapons is 195 feet, and severe damage can be expected at distances up to 325 feet. Four of our five soldiers were standing within 10 feet of the detonation; one was within 100 feet.
To say 'thank you' for the prayers we've received is not enough, but it's all I can do today. So, thank you. I have no doubt that, without them, we would have lost every soldier present; instead, all injured will make full recoveries. I would characterize the circumstances as miraculous.
I would prefer to hold off on details, but I want to put a stop to rumors that are circulating:
All family members have been notified and have been able to talk to their soldiers.
Within minutes of the attack, we were notified and began passing the information along to the 877th Engineer Battalion. What we heard at the outset was relatively accurate, but we couldn't be certain of the situation until our soldiers were transported for medical evaluation.
We were fortunate that the soldiers were sent to FOB Shank, where our 3rd Platoon is currently working for the 168th Engineer Company, 877th Engineer Battalion. MAJ Jones, the company commander, 1LT Smallwood, the 3rd platoon leader, and every available soldier from 3rd Platoon immediately moved to meet the incoming helicopter carrying our soldiers and were there with them for as long as they were able.
1SG Treece and I arrived in Bagram the following morning, where we were immediately taken to see the soldiers. They were all smiles and clearly well aware of how blessed they are to be alive. The jokes never stopped. We spent the day there, making several visits to check on them, and they continued to be in good spirits until we left them to rest for the evening.
I'm at a loss for what more to say other than we have been and continue to be very, very fortunate-- Commander Lee Thompson
Paul receives his new Johnson Trailblazer.
Jack with his new Takamine Guitar.
Aaron with his new Takamine charcoal flame Maple Guitar.
Bob with a Washburn guitar.
This is an email sent to The Village Chapel, after their donation:
Thanks so much for the generous donation to the Guitars for Troops program with Robin at the Guitar Gallery. We have been extremly blessed to have Robin as a friend and music as a distraction from the daily routines of a combat zone. There is no way to quantify the benefits of the program. The soldiers who recieve the guitars are blessed, but also everyone that hears the music that they produce, in the coffee shop, the chapels, the chow hall jam sessions and the outdoor gatherings. My unit will be home in a few weeks, winding down the tour. We are also bringing back a lot of great memories that center around the time spent with these instruments. Thank you again for your prayers, support and the music. It has been a rewarding deployment.
Sgt Bob Persch
Afghanistan
Afghanistan sandstorm.
A soldier enjoys the Larrivee 12 string guitar
Guitar lessons in Afghanistan!
Another guitar arrives safely to happy local (Goran)!
Another guitar arrives safely to happy soldiers!
Commander Lee playing his new Spartan from Galloup Guitars!
The Washburn guitar gets passed on to a new player!
Bob playing his new Recording King guitar!
Sunset in Afghanistan....
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