A VERY SPECIAL REQUEST-Please help.

[NorCalPiper]

Hey Guys-

Across the street from me lives this a man. He is a paraplegic and VERY shy, and for the last 6 months I have only seen him sparingly. I didn't even know what his name was, or what his story was....Until today.

I found out he is a very special Iraqi war veteran.

This guy is actually Iraqi and was instrumental in training and organizing the first Iraqi special forces unit to help the Americans fight terrorist and insurgents in Iraq. Because of this, Al-qaeda (sp) put a bounty on his head and he was eventually ambushed while trying to reach his family one day.

Guy was shot 12 times...OK-You can read the story here-

http://www.atlantamagazine.com/article.aspx?id=27467

Anyway, this guy worked up enough will to come over today to tell me how much he has loved seeing me in my kilt and wanted to know the story behind it. By the time we were done talking, he was begging me for one. He has applied for political asylum (Still a bounty on his head back home), so he can't work for money to buy one. So I thought.........

This guy is terribly depressed (He hasn't seen his family in 3 years) and the prospect of getting kilted out made him as excited as a little boy. This guy wants to join the club BAD!!!!

I have decided to get him kilted.

The gear is no problem so I am getting him the belt, sporran, flashes, and such.

Everything but the kilt

Being as money is a bit tight I'm asking the rabble, if anyone knows someone who is selling a used kilt or knows a good deal (maybe we could make a trade) to send me a PM.

This guy it TOTAL military. You know the type, so if you have an armed service branch tartan US or UK-That would really be the end all to be all!!! But any tartan is fine none the less.

His waist 34 inches and the drop would be by my estimation 22 inches. If anyone has something close and doesn't need it anymore send me a PM.

I can't tell you how excited he was at the prospect of being kilted and getting some gear. Let me know if you can help

-Josh

[tyger]

PM sent.

[NorCalPiper]

If anyone would like to donate a sgian, or an old kilt jacket-That be fine also. I'll post his measurements and my address and just leave it here on the thread. That way, if you have an un-used article, you can just send it! This is REALLY going to be great. Its not everyday we get to make someone happy through the experience we all love. Thanks everybody!-Josh

[Cavebear58]

Extraordinary story and a brilliant idea to help the guy. Would it be a good idea to keep it a little less public though? It doesn't read to me as though he is entirely out of personal danger?

Just a thought.
Graham.

[NorCalPiper]

Hey Guys-
Man...What a great showing of supports!! Looks like the Captain is gonna get a Semi-Trad from USA kilts (BLACK WATCH)!!! I've gotten requests for sizes, but please hold tight. I was not able to see him today, but I will get a full measurement list. He lloks to be about 5'10 with a built chest and arms (I guess from spinning his wheel chair). I'll have precise tomorrow. He is going to be blown away when he gets his gear!!!!

[NorCalPiper]

Any article can be sent to should you want to-

J O S H B R O W N

2 2 8 C L A R I O N A V E.

Decatur, GA 30030

[dfmacliam]

It's good to see the support you are getting, it shows him just how appreciated he is, and that will mean more to him then just the gear.

[Downix]

Gah, I want to do something, but have no idea what.

[thescot]

I've got an extra sgian dhu. I'll be in touch, josh.

[tyger]

A Labyrinth of Jericho belt buckle is on its way to you, a gift for the Captain. Thank you for being his outfitter.

I have chosen the labyrinth design for good reason.

In medieval times, the labyrinth symbolized a hard path to God with a clearly defined center (God) and one entrance (birth). Thus, the labyrinth retains its connection with the the cycle of birth, death, and triumphant return.

Labyrinths have been used as symbolic forms of pilgrimage. Walk the path, and thus ascend toward salvation or enlightenment. Many people could not afford to travel to holy sites and lands, so labyrinths and prayer substituted for such travel.

Labyrinths are used by modern mystics to help achieve a contemplative state. Among the turnings, one loses track of direction and of the outside world, and thus quiets ones mind.

I hope that the Captain finds peace in all, and satisfaction in his new dress.