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February 03, 2008
Troops To See Super Bowl Thanks To Texas Businessman
Troops To See Super Bowl Thanks To Businessman
HOUSTON
An Army sergeant and his buddies will get to watch the Super Bowl in Iraq, thanks to a Houston businessman, KPRC Local 2 reported Wednesday.
"I am in the United States Army. I am from Houston, Texas, currently serving a 15-month deployment in Baghdad, Iraq," Sgt. Aaron Simmons wrote in a letter to Jim "Mattress Mac" McIngvale, the owner of Gallery Furniture. "We have been trying to come up with ideas of how to get a TV, and I thought it would be a good idea to ask you."
Mattress Mac had just the TV -- a 42-inch high-definition flat screen.
But there was a problem. The letter had a military address, but no quick-shipping address and no fast way of contacting Simmons.
McIngvale called the head of the United Service Organizations for help finding Simmons.
Retired Lt. Col. Susie Barlow, Houston's USO president, called the Army.
"I need a specific location on how I can track this down," Barlow said. "(The Army) said, 'I can't help you with that, but we can make it so that we can get him,' on such and such a date to a point to get the TV."
The TV costs about $2,000, but the shipping for the TV, DVD player and other gifts costs even more.
McIngvale said the money did not matter.
"These kids are over there putting their life on the line so we can enjoy these freedoms," he said. "Yet he (Simmons) says, 'I know how expensive a TV can be, so I will not be disappointed if you cannot send one.'"
The TV was to arrive on Tuesday, five days before the Super Bowl.
Wild Thing's comment........
Here is the VIDEO of the news about this story. CLICK HERE to be taken to website where video is locatied. It is a wonderful video and also tells added information that will make your heart smile. He also supports the USO and the video tells about that too.
Posted by Wild Thing at February 3, 2008 03:50 AM
Comments
That is what this Country is all about!!
Posted by: Tincan Sailor at February 3, 2008 11:07 AM
Hooorahhhh! Mattress Mac. Thank You!
That Lt Col Susie Barlow is a hottie too!!
Posted by: TomR at February 3, 2008 12:02 PM
Tincan Sailor, I agree it sure is.
Posted by: Wild Thing at February 3, 2008 12:47 PM
Tom I loved this story it made me so happy.
Posted by: Wild Thing at February 3, 2008 12:48 PM
What a super gesture at a time when all the nation seems to be thinking of 'what's in it for me?'.
Jim McIngvale and Lt. Col. Susie Barlow made this a real happening. Thanks to both of you.
Posted by: Jack at February 3, 2008 02:46 PM
Jack I agree it is such a wonderful thing to do and to be done for our troops. I love hearing about these kind of people, special Americans!
Posted by: Wild Thing at February 4, 2008 12:31 AM
HD tv's are $2,000 plus and cable tv bills are $100 monthly and we're supposed to get a stimuli check for $300 in July? WTF ?? - Mitt Romney in 2008!!! or ENRON 2009?
Posted by: drstrangeloveb52isok at February 4, 2008 05:30 AM
