Mailing address:
Operation Helmet
c/o Dr. Bob Meaders                                                           Donate by clicking this link:    Make a Donation
74 Greenview Street
Montgomery, TX 77356                Email: ophelm@operation-helmet.org

Telephone: 936-449-9706. Answered gladly 8AM-5PM CST Monday through Friday (sorry, English only)  Reluctantly answered before and after... (this is our home phone also, but if you think it's an emergency, go ahead and call at other times)

We are a 100% volunteer, non-partisan, charitable organization headquartered in Montgomery, Texas (near Houston) with volunteer operations around the country.  99.96% of all contributions are used to send upgrade kits to our troops!  We have less than one-half of one percent overhead which is used to for very limited expenses related to sending thanks to donors or forwarding upgrade kits that didn't reach the addressee. This is a labor of love.  We have no salaries or payroll. Doc Bob covers all office expenses.

14 May 2012: My current pads are rock hard and over any extended period of time they cause headaches and pain. My old pads make it nearly impossible to wear any helmet for longer than 10 or 15 minutes. After that I would remove my head protection to work more smoothly. I badly need new pads to help me think straight and allow me to wear my helmet for longer periods of time. I am deploying shortly and I would greatly appreciate any help from this organization. SGT, EOD, USMC

28 Apr 2012: Current Pads: THE ONES THAT ARE ISSUED. THEY ARE GREY AND THEY ARE HORRIBLE
Comments: THE CURRENT PADS THAT WE HAVE ISSUED TO US GIVE JUST ABOUT EVERY MARINE HEADACHES AND THAT IS THE LAST THING THAT WE NEED WHEN GOING ON PATROLS OVER IN AFGHANISTAN. I AM A MACHINE GUNNER AND NO MATTER HOW I PLACE THE PADS MY HELMET ALWAYS FALLS FORWARD ALONG WITH MY MARINES. I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING BUT IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HELP AND ONE OF MY BUDDIES FROM 1/8 SAID HE GOT PADS FROM Y'ALL AND THEY WORKED WONDERS. MY FELLOW MARINES AND I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE NEW PADS BEFORE WE SHIP OUT BACK TO AFGHANISTAN. CPL, USMC.

21 Apr 2012: Hello there Mr. Meaders, I just wanted to let you know we received the helmet pads about 5 days ago. I passed them all out and the guys put them in. 5 days later I've heard nothing but rave reviews of the new pads. The guys say they are much more comfortable and the discomfort is gone. I want to thank you and your organization for the donation. It's nice to know there are people out there like you all that care enough about the little things and actually make a difference in our lives over here. SPC US Army

3 April 2012: During my  last deployment to Afghanistan several marines in my unit had the helmet pads sent to them from your org. and even without using them i can tell that they are of much better quality than the issued pads. The issued pads quickly get compressed and turn into a very hard foam block which is very uncomfortable and often times fall apart to the point that they wont even stay inside the helmet. I would appreciate it very much if you could outfit our Assault section with a better helmet pad.

The current helmet pads have many issues that effect mission performance. They cause terrible migraine headaches. The last thing you need to be doing after returning from a patrol that often times is several hours long is dealing with a migraine. Also this is an issue while standing post, being distracted by a migraine while you need to be as alert as possible is another unnecessary problem. When the issued pads get quickly worn out and compressed they no longer hold the helmet in place on your head properly, this poses an obvious issue with things such as running, laying in the prone, employing your weapons system, and using helmet mounted night vision optics. I notified my local church about your need for donations. They will be posing a flyer this week on the bulletin board. LCpl USMC

28 Feb 2012: My name is Hutch Sxxx and  I just received a new set of pads in the mail before a recent mission. I quickly switched them out and went on my mission which lasted roughly 19 hours. Just did my business and didn't think anything about it. Wasn't even thinking about my helmet. And that the amazing thing right there, because usually 3 hours into any mission I am wishing I could take my helmet off. But with the pad set y'all sent me it was great! I tried to write y'all earlier to tell you how grateful I was and am but lost the email contact I had. So I am writing you now, thank you so much. You guys are doing an amazing thing for the troops out here and we are all very appreciative. Keep up the amazing work! A1c, USAF, Licensed Paramedic

24 Feb 2012: I had a set of the old black and green issue pads and never had an issue. After three deployments, they were shot. I had a new set from CIF and put them in. The pads are mind numbingly uncomfortable. Being an EOD operator requires a clear mind to accomplish our mission safely. I can barely ignore the discomfort in training. I don't want to think of me or my guys trying to soldier through one more level of distraction when we deploy again (which will be soon). I hope your organization can help out my platoon and hope to hear from you soon. SSgt US Army

5 Feb 2012: Thank you for contributing to our mission! People like you and your organization's dedication make serving our country a great honor!!! Sir I sincerely appreciate your service as well!!! SSgt, US Army

1 Feb 2012: HAVING BEEN DEPLOYED WITH IN THE PAST YEAR AND WEARING MY ACH ALL THE TIME OVER THERE I CAN SAY THAT THE ISSUE HELMET PADS ARE HORRIBLE. THE CAN MAKE THOSE LONG PATROLS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND IN A PLACE LIKE THAT YOUR HELMET BEING COMFORTABLE IS A MUST. THE ISSUE PADS, ONCE FILLED WITH SWEAT ONE TIME, ARE ALWAYS HARD AS A ROCK AND NEVER REALLY FORM TO YOUR HEAD. LIKE I SAID EARLIER I AM THE XO FOR AN INFANRTY RSTA (Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition) COMPANY AND WE WILL BE REDEPLOYING HERE IN THE NEXT xxx MONTHS. I AM REQUESTING ENOUGH PADS TO OUTFIT THE COMPANY BUT ANY THING WOULD BE A START. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS AND I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON. THANKS IN ADVANCE. 1Lt US Army   Should we help these troops? Hopes high, bank account low; can YOU help?

19 Dec 2011:We are #1 route clearance in Kandahar Prov.(true story). Our job is Route Clearance, we lead all missions for anyone that needs safe travel off the hard ball. Most missions are approx. 8-10 hours, but more often than not we are directed to clear specific routes to enable freedom of movements for trigger pullers. typically missions exceed 15 hours. I have more than occasionally found my soldiers with kevlars (helmets) off while on mission, specifically due to pain on the head or eventually headaches. any amount of donations to my soldiers would be greatly appreciated. Sgt USArmy

10 Dec 2011: The pads are issued and black in color. They take too long to form to the head. They are uncomfortable and cause the Marines in my platoon pain if worn for extended periods of time. In order for the Marines in my platoon to wear the helmets they remove some of the pads to relieve the pressure and pain; however, this reduces the safety of the kevlar helmet. My Marines ability to effectively operate outside the wire is negatively affected. In training, I see Marines constantly adjusting their helmets while patrolling on foot or in a vehicle. Their focus is not 100% on the mission while wearing the helmets. There is a noticeable difference in my Marines when they train with and without their kevlar helmets. 1st Lt, USMC

6 Dec 2011: Pads: the number is worn off but it is like a gray cloth with plastic wrapping underneath the outer shell. Comments: First off they fall out every time one of my guys takes his kevlar off, secondly they hurt! walking for hours they give me and my guys headaches. I know one squad that takes off their kevlars and puts on boonies just after they step out on patrol. CPL, USMC

29 Nov 2011: Your charitable work for the ones continuing to get dirty is extremely appreciated.  My thanks to you for setting the example in the past for us to continue doing it in the present day.  It's because of understanding men like yourselves that we are able to enhance our operability over there.  Besides that we get all these great ideas from people that have never been outside the wire which in turn affects things negatively.  Sir I personally want to thank you again and whatever you can get to us is great.  If you can't get to the 100 then we will make the 50 work. 1st Lt, USMC

15 Nov 2011: Every day I wear my helmet for at least 8-10 hours when outside the wire. I have to wear them on dismounts to keep myself safe, even though they give me terrible headaches because of the constant pressure each "pad" puts on my head. I'll admit I do not always wear my helmet in our armored vehicles, because it tends to hurt so bad, even though when im inside the vehicle is one of the most important times to wear it due to IED's. Ive tried everything to soften them up such as, washing them excessively, placing heavy items on them to make them a little more flexible, all with negative results. If I had comfortable pads, i'd never take my helmet off which could definately save my life one day.

3 NOV 2011: I would get a pressure headache, due to the pads pressing down on certain points on my head. They never really got to the point of being unbearable, but I would be forced to unstrap my helmet so the ache would not get any worse. Being in combat, you need to be able to stay focused on the mission and not having a nagging headache to deal with. SSgt, USAF.

25 Oct 2011: I have received a set of helmet pads from SGT xx, just like to thank you for the donation and how much better these pads are. Its a lot more comfortable to wear my kevlar now and I actually dont mind having them on. Big difference and greatly appreciated. I'm currently with XXXXXX, in Sangin, Afghanistan, a lot of the Marines out here could use these! CPL, USMC, Infantry.  (we today sent him 150 for his Company)

19 Sept 2011: It is very difficult to concentrate when we're on patrol and sweeping when the current pads we have give us all headaches. They take away from situational awareness. the new pads would be greatly appreciated, Thank you all for everything you do and the considerations you've made for all of us! SGT, USMC, EOD.

13 Sept, 2011: Explosives Expert By far the most comfort in a Helmet I have ever Had I have seen these pads put to the test and marines that should of had severe concusions had very minor or no concusion at all while others wearing the older harnness were rattled something fierce. If you care about you troops you'll get these pads and spread the word for donations. SSGT, EOD.

8 August 2011: My platoon is running convoy security missions in Southern Afghanistan. On some of the missions they are in their trucks for up to 14 hours and the pads we currently have caused headaches, and pain from the pressure on their heads. The undue discomfort causes the Soldiers to remove their helmet to get some relief. My Soldiers deserve to have a helmet that they can wear without causing pain and also provide protection from blast injuries. I would greatly appreciate your assistance to help me take care of my Soldiers. 1Lt, US Army

6 August, 2011: I've always used army issue ones, and now with the amount of time spent wearing my helmet, they have really become unbearable, causing many of us to take em off soon as vehicles stop moving or especially when attaching essiential equipment, the added weight is even worse for our foreheads. Bottom line: I don't want to be readjusting or be distracted by my helmet sliping around uncomfortably when treating casualties. I'm jus thankful there's an organization that recognizes this problem!! Medic, US Infantry

7 July 2011:Last year I was in Afghanistan supporting 3/1.  There were several Marines who had received the pads and swore by their comfort.   Comfort may not sound like much, but when Marines are standing post for 8 hours at a time, or conducting 12 Kilometer patrols in 135 degree heat, comfort can ensure a Marine is focused on his mission and the task before him, and not how uncomfortable in helmet is or how bad or a headache he has.  I am deploying to Afghanistan again soon with 9 other Marines, and I would like to ensure we are able to perform at the best of our abilities to accomplish our mission without the distracting headaches caused by our current helmet pads.  Thank you very much. SGT, USMC

24 June 2011: We used the pads (sent by OpHelm) last year in Afghan and they worked very well for us. However a few of the pads stitching have come loose over time.  To be honest with every thing we put our helmets through i'm surprised any of them made it back. The only reason i'm asking for these kits are because my teams going back soon and our shops budgets fading fast. Every little bit we can save helps us get the tools and gear we need to have a safe and successful deployment. I know from personal experience that when leaning over an IED, our helmets placement and comfort definitely comes into play. If only we could get the higher up to understand that we'll be doing great. Helmet pads are not on their list of necessities. Any assistance you could offer my team would greatly appreciated. Thank you. EOD, USMC

20 May 2011:After an hour, the headache keeps me from being able to concentrate on complex tasks and my shooting accuracy goes down significantly (it's really apparent when I compare my targets from my first hour of shooting with the helmet vs my second hour).  This scares me a little since I know I'll have to wear my helmet for long periods of time and still need to be able to shoot accurately.

28 March 2011: Due to the lack of comfort with the current pads, helmets are not worn as tightly as needed which greatly increases the risk of concussions/TBI. We are a route clearance unit (finding, defusing/disposing of IED's).

16 Feb 2011: ......in my opinion, helmet fit and comfort makes a huge difference in mission performance.  When your helmet is uncomfortable, or for some even painful, all you can think about is your next stopping point where you can take your helmet off and let your head get some air.  With pads like the ones your organization sent, I no longer have to concentrate on how uncomfortable my helmet feels, rather I can be completely focused on the task at hand. The (GI) pads are so thick and stiff it makes my helmet feel like it is sitting way too high on my head. Thanks again. Sgt USArmy

20 Jan 2011: Wearing the ACH for long hours results in severe discomfort at the end of the day; just in time to put it on again for a night mission or the next day. Its not intolerable, but its one more factor that works against us. It would be nice to actually have a comfortable helmet. 1LT, US Army

12 Jan 2011:My Soldiers take off their helmets to relieve from headache in the vehicle which is dangerous in moving vehicle with limited headspace. we have received injuries just from hitting a bump in the road and bouncing your head off the roof. The current pads bother everyone's foreheads. SFC, US Army (It's not just IED's that can disable troops).

11 Oct 2010: Mostly, the problems we have is that soldiers dont want to wear their helmets. So they will either unclip them or take them off altogether, any chance they get. It gets real bad when we are out in the sun all day. The draining sun plus the headache the helmets give us makes for a deadly combination. We all thank you so much for what you are doing for us guys over here. Your help is greatly appreciated.