MacGregorSailors.com

Hello again, everyone! We've managed to get internet access here at our new base here in Karbala. I managed to get online one last time before we left Baghdad in April, and I saw this thread. I had no idea it would grow like it has. I really don't know how to thank you all for support and kindness you've demonstrated. Even with sattellite TV, internet and phones, it's really hard to get an idea of what is happening back home. With the whole Abu Gharib thing, I've personally been kind of apprehensive of what the folks back home might feel towards us. It only takes a few bad apples you know. But reading this thread has vanquished any fears I had. I received a care package from Heath and a picture and note from the crew of "Catigale." Words cannot express my thanks to everyone who has contributed, and to Bill for arranging the idea. We still don't know exactly when we'll be coming home, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I still might be able to get my boat on the water during my leave. It's been named "Old Ironsides" in honor of the 1st Armored Division, my unit, and in rememberance of the soldiers who have given their lives from my battalion.

Thank you all.

SPC Jared Paul
Karbala, Iraq

Good to hear from you Jared. We look forward to meeting you out on the water sometime.

Take care, stay safe, God speed you home,
Carol and Jim

Hey Jared, glad you were able to check in!

--Mike

Thank you Jared,

I am so glad to hear from you. I can't understand my reaction, but reading your post literally brought a tear to my eye. It must be the the personal contact you provide.

I love you guy and am worried about you. I sincerely appreciate your risking your life over there for us. I hope you come back and enjoy your boat!! What a great country you have to come back to.

Good luck and keep in touch.

Mark

Jared,
Well, I am here to tell you, most, if not all Americans appreciate your service to our country! It is difficult in these times to get alot of mail through,(Beans, bullets,and bandaids have priority of course!) but am glad some care packages are being delivered, great job Heath & Bill! It is with great honor and sacrifice of people like you, who are willing to be in harm's way, to allow us to enjoy the freedoms we now hold near and dear to our hearts!


From an old warrior, to a newer one.....Thank you!

Tom Root
GySgt USMC (Ret)
"Once a Marine..... Always a Marine"

Ditto Tom's note, great to hear from you Jared, OORAH! From a former soldier (Marine, 1371 Combat Engineer), to another soldier, best wishes and God Bless all you guys (and gals). Hope you get to take out your Mac when you get back, and I hope you receive something you really like w/ the money we've donated. Stay safe and "lock & load".

Semper Fi,

Steve
Nashville, TN
"The Doghouse"

www.jivedaddy.com/sailboat.htm

BTW, Jared, I forgot to ask... what's on your wishlist for your new boat?

--Mike

Mike - The two main things I need to equip my boat with is a VHF radio and a GPS. I'm already planning a major trip for the summer of '06 (Duluth, MN to Portland, ME), and I will definately need both of those items. Some of my friends out here have told me that is a pretty long trip considering I don't really know all that much about sailing yet. I figure by that time I'll have accquired enough experience to attempt it.

SPC Jared Paul
"Old Ironsides"
Karbala, Iraq

SPC Paul wrote:Mike - The two main things I need to equip my boat with is a VHF radio and a GPS.

Well there you have it, folks... straight from the horse's mouth! We are quite close to our goal of $500, and with Bill's generous $500 match, we can get a nice VHF radio (plus antenna) AND a very nice GPS unit. With any leftover money, perhaps a couple of inflatable life jackets?

--Mike

We're at $305 currently.

--Mike

Hiya Jared from Gt Britain!
Just put my Mac 26X in on a river near Worcester, GB.
Just to say keep y'self safe and enjoy the sailing when you get back.
(My son's about to join the Royal Marines, so one day I guess I'll know what you and all your family has been going through).
Kind regards
Max

Max,

Thanks for your support. Good luck to your son, as well. I got a chance to meet some Royal Marines in Baghdad a few months back. Very cool guys. To me, it seemed to be a more laid-back kind of organization, but they also had every ounce of discipline that we do, plus some. I've heard their training is very tough. I'm sure your son will do well, and I hope we can get this country on its feet soon so he won't have to come here.

Dave/Jared,
Thanks for kind words.
Amazing how the love of boats - in our case MacGregors - brings people together.
Wouldn't it be great if these undesirables in the world took up boating and put their hatred for everything in the west into sailing and enjoying MacGregors??
Perhaps they don't know what fun/friendship really is.....
Regards
all
Max

An update:
I posted on the 'Indian River Mac owners' thread last week about the minor damage my 26M suffered due to a Florida thunderstorm (rolled to starboard on its cradle into the Searay 33 footer stored next to it). Then I got ridiculed by 'mr. gu*st', (or at least my MacGregor sailboat did) for this occurance. Shortly after that, Bill at boats 4 sail contacted me on the thread and notified me that the the replacement parts I needed (starboard spreader and an upper shroud) could be obtained from him. Talk about a contrast in temperment and character! I believe he modified these from 'X' stock to fit my "M'. Bill was kind enough to ship these without prepayment and they arrived today. Thanks Bill, you're an all-around-nice-guy and I sure do appreciate it. I figured one good turn deserves another, so I dropped a check in the mail for 'Jared's fund' today. Now I need to pay Bill, so Bill, your check will be in the mail this Monday morning! I wanted to post this in the Mac community for others to see and so I did. Thanks again Bill B.
-Walt

I got a check for $50.00 from Walter Worth (greybird-M). Thank you Walter. The running total is now $355.00. - Bill