Question for Defender...

[Thargor]

I was looking through old SOSAK articles and came across this, its about collecting SAKs and multis and sending them to Iraq:

http://www.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=40&Itemid=35

Were you part of this or did you just post the email? Do you have any update on how it worked out, did they collect much of them since that was posted in 2005?

[Grant Lamontagne]

We have done that twice now.  A gentleman named Pete Berkenkamp (Balldboy here and on other forums) spearheads the initiative.  He's been doing it for a while now, and has a pretty good system down.  He takes the stuff in and donates it to the local Marine base, who distributes it to unit commanders who give them to soldiers who need them, as "attaboys" or simple pick me ups.  Everyone loves a gift from home.

Pete runs the program constantly, so if you ever feel like donating you can contact him here or through the info on SOSAKOnline.  He also accepts just about anything, not just knives and tools, so feel free to contact him with whatever you may have.

SOSAKOnline and Multitool.org are happy to support Pete, but that's really all we do- just help to get the word out.

Def

[Thargor]

Its a good idea alright, did he ever say how many hes distributed anywhere though? Im just curious about it...

[Grant Lamontagne]

I couldn't say for sure, but I know that each time we ran the knife and tool drive on SOSAKOnline, we managed to raise over 200 knives and tools.  I'm sure Pete will be around sooner or later to fill in some mroe details.

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Pete's having some computer issues so he asked me to post this:

We raised 350 knives for that USMC collection, enouhg that everyone got a knife/tool and thier sister unit got the overflow.

I have a small box started and am more than willing to do it again as desire to donate/need of gear is presented.

At this point I am looking at paperback library donations as well, gotta keep the minds occupied.
I have acess to plenty of books, just loking to cover shipping costs.

Thanx,
Pete Berkenkamp
24 Kearney ave.
Whippany NJ
07981

Thanks Pete!

Def

[I'm Still Bison]

Has anybody ever gotten any feedback on which is the most desired or appreciated SAK or multi  from the donations?

[Thargor]

Does anyone know if any of the American units get issued a multitool or SAK the way the Swiss do?

[Grant Lamontagne]

As far as I know they don't.

In fact, while troops are sent over with the finest in high tech gadgetry, they are (again, my understanding- I could be very wrong) lacking simple tools like can openers and pocket knives.  The M9 bayonet and a p-38 can opener are about all the tools troops are issued.

Def

[Anthony]

I can't get the hang of that P-38 opener...I'd be one hungry soldier.

During the second world war didn't Camillus make a issue knife similar to the boy scout one at the time?  Large blade, bottle opener, can opener, awl...

[Grant Lamontagne]

Yup, but since MRE's don't come in cans nowadays I think they decided can openers weren't a priority.

Def

[inkster]

MMMMMMMmmhaaaaaaa   I reckon