PMEL Forum

General => General Discussion => Topic started by: MsSitaP on 02-11-2010 -- 13:32:16

Title: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: MsSitaP on 02-11-2010 -- 13:32:16
We're doing an advertising campaign where we send 120 packets of Starbuckies VIA to our guys stationed out in Iraq/Afganistan for every MET/CAL procedure we sell from our MET/CAL Procedure List.  

I need recipients out there who can receive/distribute these packets.    I also need an alternate contact for each address in case the contact gets deployed elsewhere.  .  .   we don't know the frequency we will be sending shipments. 

So, please email me your info if you are currently stationed in Iraq/Afganistan and would appreciate good cups of joe from home: sita @callabsolutions.  com
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: step30044 on 02-11-2010 -- 13:41:12
Quote from: MsSitaP on 02-11-2010 -- 13:32:16
We're doing an advertising campaign where we send 120 packets of Starbuckies VIA to our guys stationed out in Iraq/Afganistan for every MET/CAL procedure we sell from our MET/CAL Procedure List.  

I think this idea sucks!!! If you want to support our troops stationed in Iraq/Afganistan just do it :x Dont make it a promotional tool for selling calibration procedures.

I cant believe you actually posted this!
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: Bryan on 02-11-2010 -- 13:56:09
As stated it's an advertising campaign.  a d v e r t i s i n g.
Advertising is often characterized by the utilization of promotional tools.  Go for it!
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: step30044 on 02-11-2010 -- 14:03:34
Quote from: Bryan on 02-11-2010 -- 13:56:09
As stated it's an advertising campaign.  a d v e r t i s i n g.
Advertising is often characterized by the utilization of promotional tools.  Go for it!

Did you mean "exploitation" instead of utilization :?
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: CalLabSolutions on 02-11-2010 -- 14:47:52
We started this ad complain in Dec.. Placing adds to sell our software in trade magazines and on our web site.   (where advertising  should be).

This posting is specifically geared towards finding TMDE / PMEL troops currently deployed.  We have access to list of deployed units, but I would like to focus on those soldiers who are calibrating in the field.  (What better place than this Forum?)

I myself am ex-Army, and I know just how bad the coffee can be, and how often we were left out of loop when it came to something good. 
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: step30044 on 02-11-2010 -- 15:12:57
So being ex-Army you should understand how I feel. I to am ex-Army and I hate the way our troops are not appreciated. 

"I need recipients out there who can receive/distribute these packets.    I also need an alternate contact for each address in case the contact gets deployed elsewhere.  .  .   we don't know the frequency we will be sending shipments."

Doesn't sound to well organized..if I order your software what guarantee would I have that you would even ship? That it would be distributed to troops in the field and not sold?

Come on if this were a charity asking for donations for our troops would you give :|

By the way I have used your software and think you provide a great product I just cant agree with this. So I have made my point and promoted your software.

Please provide more details on how you are going to make this happen. As two ex-Army calibrators we both know its the details that count.
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: MsSitaP on 02-11-2010 -- 16:05:30
Several years ago, I was a volunteer for OperationPaperback.     I personally sent over 300 paperback books I bought second-hand or got for free.     I picked through them to make sure they were what the troops requested for reading material, packed them according to specific instructions, and took them down to the post office to fill out the paperwork and ship.    
From my perspective of being someone who would do this on my own, this ad campaign doesn't feel a whole lot different.    .    .     if you were the recipient of this coffee, would you feel exploited?  Regarding the alternate contact.    .    .     I learned from working with OperationPaperback, that those in the field are not always in the same place by the time the shipment arrives.     Plus, the paperwork at the Post Office will have a space for alternate contact, otherwise the shipment could be dumped if not claimed by the original recipient.    
Another thing to think about is the time frame from receiving the recipient info to actually getting an order off of our Procedure List.   Most of the procedures we sell are customized to use the customers standards, so by the time we sell a procedure from the List, the recipient info may no longer be current.    If they provide and E-mail Address we can double check before we ship.   Since I'm running out of room here, I will post some FAQ's on our web site regarding the process.      We appreciate the feedback.    .    .     we just need contacts!  :wink:
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: Bryan on 02-11-2010 -- 17:09:07
I'm a former Army Calibrator also, I don't blame this business for the way our troops are appreciated ot not.  I do appreciate that they thought enough to include them in thier promotion.
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: MsSitaP on 02-12-2010 -- 12:28:46
UPDATE! In response for more info, we've posted FAQ's on our website: www.  callabsolutions.  com/VIA_METCAL.  asp

To clarify, as a small, partner-owned business this is something we want to do.   We will keep doing things for troops because we are veterans and have family currently serving as well, so those in service our in our thoughts all the time. 
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: RFCAL on 02-12-2010 -- 21:23:44
Hey step30044--You are the one way out of line--put a ZIPPER on it!!
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: step30044 on 02-12-2010 -- 22:44:27
Quote from: RFCAL on 02-12-2010 -- 21:23:44
Hey step30044--You are the one way out of line--put a ZIPPER on it!!

My opinion you dont have to like it :roll: and stay away from my zipper I'm married
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: step30044 on 02-12-2010 -- 22:48:18
Quote from: MsSitaP on 02-12-2010 -- 12:28:46
UPDATE! In response for more info, we've posted FAQ's on our website: www.  callabsolutions.  com/VIA_METCAL.  asp

To clarify, as a small, partner-owned business this is something we want to do.   We will keep doing things for troops because we are veterans and have family currently serving as well, so those in service our in our thoughts all the time. 

Thanks for the added info...
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: NRA4Life on 02-17-2010 -- 12:41:41
I think your program is outstanding support for the troops, and sure they'll appreciate it.  There is no cost to them, or the military.  It sounds like all you're asking for from the customer is a military contact point to send the free coffee to.
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: Darrell on 02-17-2010 -- 21:45:51
No worries everybody.   There isn't a PMEL in Iraq or Afganistan.   ha ha.
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: dallanta on 02-18-2010 -- 08:10:51
  Yes there is PMEL/ Calibration in Iraq and Afghanistan, just not military.  The contract is held by Fluor, A civilian contractor.  I am on vacation now, but will be back there in two more weeks.
  I really don't see anything wrong with this idea myself.
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: CalLabSolutions on 02-18-2010 -- 12:10:15
We have had some forum members with family members currently serving in Iraq/Afganistan contact us asking if it is limited to PMEL people only.

No, it is not limited to PMEL/TMDE Soldiers, if you send us contact information, we will add them to the list of coffee reciepents.

Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: psirus716 on 02-20-2010 -- 05:38:45
There is PMEL in Afghanistan.    There is a Marine cal lab.    It has been there for about a year.    I've got pictures to prove it :)
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: CalLabSolutions on 02-20-2010 -- 13:36:53
Scott,
Make sure you get your name on the list.
Send your contact information to  [email protected].

And thank you for your service!

Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: Reverand.Duke on 02-25-2010 -- 11:13:52
Quote from: Darrell on 02-17-2010 -- 21:45:51
No worries everybody.   There isn't a PMEL in Iraq or Afganistan.   ha ha.

I beg to differ--I worked at the contract lab in Afghanistan '04-'07, and I'm coming up on the 1 year point at the contract lab in Iraq.

As a contractor, I'm obviously not above allowing myself to be exploited--especially if there's a decent cup of coffee involved!
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: jimmyc on 03-01-2010 -- 13:33:19
Quote from: psirus716 on 02-20-2010 -- 05:38:45
There is PMEL in Afghanistan.    There is a Marine cal lab.    It has been there for about a year.    I've got pictures to prove it :)


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MALS-40
Title: Re: Need Coffee Drinkers stationed in Iraq/Afganistan
Post by: dallanta on 03-08-2010 -- 20:37:17
  I don't know about the Marine cal lab.  I do know that most calibration is completed by contractors.  Here in Afghanistan, KBR lost the contract last yeatr and Fluor now has it, and they pay crap.  That is why I have not applied to them for a PMEL position.