Firefighters Cool Off Troops in the Middle East

Members of your Los Angeles Fire Department have been involved in a unique effort to support U.S. troops in the Middle East, and encourage you to join them.

Unbearable Heat That Firefighters Understand

Every day, our troops conduct physically demanding operations wearing full combat gear that includes body armor. With ambient temperatures in the Middle East often rising above 120 degrees, a specially constructed Modular Combat Cooling System - that includes a helmet liner and a neck scarf, are now in high demand by our soldiers.

In a show of solidarity and support, LAFD members have made personal donations and gathered contributions from friends and family to raise $118,364.00 for the purchase of these cooling vests for their military Brothers and Sisters.

How The 'Cool Off' Project Came About

In April of 2004, Trevor Anthony Win'E died when his armored vehicle struck an explosive device near Mosul, Iraq. As one might imagine, Trevor’s mother Debi Win’E was distraught and sought a way to heal.

Prior to her son’s death, Debi had shipped a cooling vest for Trevor to wear under his camouflage during the summer months. The high-tech lightweight vest became very popular in his unit - to the point Trevor would share it with other soldiers.

Debi soon initiated the Trevor Win’E Memorial Fund. The Memorial Fund purchases and delivers the cooling vests to assist other soldiers that suffer from the scorching temperatures of the Middle East.

What Is The Modular Combat Cooling System?

The MCCS is a vest containing reusable chemical packs manufactured to freeze solid without benefit of refrigeration. The total expense to get one vest to a soldier is $174. For every tenth vest purchased the vendor has been donating one additional vest.

How Can You Help?

We welcome you to join Neighborhood Firefighters in supporting this important and worthwhile campaign. 100% of your contribution goes to purchasing and shipping the cooling vest to our troops. Debi includes a letter with each vest explaining where they came from, and asks the troops to leave the vests in country for other soldiers when they rotate home.

Please join Firefighters in sending your check today
payable to the "Trevor Win’E Memorial Fund":
Bank of the West
Trevor Win’E Memorial Fund
4400 MacArthur Blvd.
Newport Beach, CA 92660

The Trevor Win'E Memorial Fund is a 501(c)3 registered charity
Tax ID:20-8539627. Your donation can be tax deductible

NOTE: By writing 'LAFD' on the bottom of your check, an LAFD patch will be sewn onto each vest purchased through this effort. It's a small but important way to remind our soldiers of those at home who remain inspired by their bravery.

To learn more, please visit:

www.trevorwine.com


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department