A little over 3 years ago, Off-Road Adventures magazine and their parent company, 4Wheel Parts, developed a charitable program aptly called Operation Light Sabre. This program sends bright off-road lights to soldiers in Iraq & Afghanistan, in order to help them see IED's (Improvised Exploding Device or homemade bomb) before they do harm. The program works by people, clubs, organizations, etc. donating online. 4 Wheel Parts then matches the funds dollar for dollar, plus they pick up the cost of shipping the lights to the troops. The monthly magazine is also shipped overseas to help the soldiers feel connected to home and to spread the word about the program. The troops mount the lights on their military vehicles for use during the evening and night patrols. As you can tell from the letter below, and similar letters which are received by the company on a weekly basis, the lights are effective and help keep the soldiers safe.
To: Off-Road Adventures magazine
Subject: Re: Off-Road lights
Got the 8 sets of replacement lights 1 week ago and just in time. The Pro Comp 11Z lights work wonders mounted on the front and sides of our vehicles. The beams reach out to about 300-350 meters depending on the dust in the air. The side lights keep snipers from acquiring a target on us, as they're blinded by the lights. The front reaches out so far the Iraqis know exactly who's coming and they stay out of our way. I gave a few lights to another unit that was having problems controlling oncoming traffic and the lights have fixed all their issues. Thank you for everything you guys have done for us. We should be home in Colorado in August. It's been a long 10 months so far, but our time was made safer with the Pro Comp lights you sent us. SFC Chris Ten Eyck
The need for lights continues to grow with the military buildup in Afghanistan and as word of the OPERATION LIGHT SABRE program spreads among the U.S. military units. With the economy lagging, donations are down at a time when the need is increasing. Many in the off-road community, clubs and individuals, have jumped in to help raise funds for the program, as well as some private businesses, an 8th grade school class, and an Amvets group. Anyone can go to the website at www.4wheelparts.comand make a donation. The website also has letters and photos from many of the platoons that received the lights. In addition, the magazine runs a monthly editorial feature; "In Touch with Our Troops" that features letters from the soldiers. If you or your club or organization is interested in helping, contact Andrea the Operations Manger at -Road Adventures magazine at andreaf@oramagazine.com or 310-900-8711.