Around here the two go hand in hand. Because the truth is, a Gerber isn't a Gerber until it's got a few (or a few hundred) stories under its belt.
Subject: OEF Vet opinion of Gerber products
To whom it may concern,
I just thought you might like to know a brief story about my experience in Afghanistan involving a product of yours which probably saved my right hip. I will start by saying that I returned from Afghanistan at the end of September, 2003. The reason I am only writing you now is I was going through some old photos and came across the one I attached. It reminded me of the incident and a friend of mine (Navy SEAL Vietnam vet) thought you guys might like to hear the story.
On July 19th, 2003, while serving in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and attached to the Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 344, I was involved in a sustained fire fight with Taliban and Al Qaeda forces. During a combat patrol in the Gayan Valley, Our convoy was struck by extremely accurate small arms fire, critically wounding one friendly Afghani soldier in the vehicle in front of mine and forcing our two vehicles to stall in the kill zone.
I was the gunner in the turret of my vehicle, so as such, I began returning fire with the MK-19 automatic grenade launcher. While exposed to enemy fire, I had to remain on the weapon system to allow my team members and the Afghan Military Forces to secure covered positions.
I was receiving effective fire from three directions when my weapon malfunctioned due to 6 direct hits. While attempting to restore the weapon, I was hit in the abdomen just below my protective body armor plate. Thankfully, where the Kevlar lays over my riggers belt buckle, there was enough protection to prevent the round from penetrating my belly. I tried further to get the heavy weapon working and just as I had given up and was reaching for my rifle, the Gerber tool on my right hip exploded and a round punched through the turret ring at my side (the enemy round effectively ricocheted off the Gerber tool/pouch and shot through the vehicle turret ring - saving my hip but burning the first of my 9 lives).
Unfortunately a few rounds later I was not so lucky as I got one in the arm and shoulder.
To make a long story short, no US or allies perished. I treated my wounds, and called air strikes on the enemy positions while my brothers gathered up the remaining wounded and laid down small arms fire so we could break contact.
So there it is and I've included again a picture of my wounded buddy (the Gerber). Thank your designers for me and if I see one of you guys in downtown Portland sometime (I'm an Olympia resident just north of you), I got the first round.
Oh and I bought a new tool when I got back ( the one where you can change out the pliers heads from needle nose to normal) but I must admit I like the regular style better because I can just whip the tool out with a flick of the wrist and don't have to fidget with connecting the two pieces.
Take care guys!
