Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Support Malaysian Heroes

100% of our T-shirt profit goes directly to our troops in Ops Daulat, in the form of 'care package'. My sister and I were inspired to create this care package when one of our close friends (more to the brother we never had) was killed in an ambush by a group of armed Suluk in Kg.Sri Jaya, Semporna, while our brother, uncle and friends are still serving in Ops Daulat.
We have read one of the blo...g entries written by U.S Marine veteran himself recalling that packages n letters were what kept them going on during the hard time. After reading it, we begin to think of all the care packages we could do for our warriors to keep them going while they are battling in Ops Daulat.

These people protect the very freedom Malaysian have become accustomed to and the land we held close to our hearts. They deserve the never ending thanks and supports of the Malaysian people. One way to thank the men serving in Ops Daulat is to send them care packages. They have left their homes, families, and friends to serve in Lahad Datu and Semporna. Regardless where the person is stationed, being away from familiar sorroundings are difficult.
This is where a care package comes to play. Whether sending the package to a family member, friend, or total stranger, showing the true appreciation these people deserve for the sacrifices they are making will not only make their day, but we as the sender's as well. Men serving in Ops Daulat are away from their families for extended periods of time. Few have sons or daughters born while they are away, many must leave their little ones behind for someone else temporaly raise while they serve the country. When placed in perspective, it is hard to imagine that something as simple as care package makes a difference, but it does, big time! Just saying "Thank You' and showing enough love to take time to prepare and send a token of appreciation not only helps keep our warriors spririts up, but also reminds them of why they are serving in the first place: To protect this great country and the citizens that live within it.

So, what will we send to them? What are the items in the care package?
The items don't have to be costly or elaborate. They can be practical, sentimental, or to share with the whole teams/troops. It can put smiles on your warriors' face and let them know that they are always on our mind.

1. Coffee
2. Maggie
3. Canned Food
4. Power Bars
5. Crackers/ Assorted Biscuits/ Homade Cookies
6. Sunflower Seeds
7. Sweets and Chewing Gum

It is important that these care packages get there. Whether a huge care package party, or just a few friends and neighbours wanting to send a couple of boxes. Our warriors personnel stationed miss home, their family, their friends and the lifestyle that they are accustomed to. Sending a care package with some reminders of Malaysia, gives them a little piece of the country they are fighting to protect. It also provides them with the knowledge that the people they are protecting are thinking of them, and care enough to send something as simple as a box of cookies. When you are stationed far away from your family, a box of cookies really isn't simple at all :)

For those who has purchased our T-shirts, we say 'Thank You' for your support. For those who are interested in supporting us in future, you are most welcome. You will not only wearing our tees to show your support but at the same time you are helping our warriors to get through the hard times.
Let us all together pray for Sabah and our HEROES to come home safe.






" Its them who salute the flag, who serve beneath the flag,
And whose coffins are draped by the flag "

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

Heroes are Humans

Heroes are something we create, something we need. It's a way for us to understand what's almost incomprehensible, how people could sacrifice so much for us. As for my uncle and my friends (who are now battling in Ops Daulat, Semporna), the risks they are taking, the wounds they are suffering, they do that for their country. Inspite of fighting for their country, some died for their friends, for the man in front, for the man beside him. And just for that, they are my heroes.

You see, being in a battle doesn't only required physical readiness but mental and emotion play their part too. To be awakened by a text or a call from one of them in the middle of the night, saying that they were scared of not returning alive by tomorrow, that really hit me. Some called and cried after having nightmare of their late friend, who had been killed in the battle. They fear of death, fear of never being able to see their families again and thus fear of losing what they are fighting for in the first place: defending our land.
The memories of their loved ones grieve their hearts. They often feel like reaching out to their near ones and sharing their grieve with them but their duty towards their nation deprives them of these opportunities. While guarding the place day and night, while being away from their near ones, they deprived of all the little joys we are having right now. There is no certainty that they will return home when they want to.
Try to put yourself in their shoes, would you ever possibly survive?

Our heroes have marched to the boundaries of our nation to serve our motherland. We can at least take a small step forward to help them cope with their affliction and bring smiles to their faces.
Check out our Facebook Page, 'Support Malaysian Heroes' or my next entry, to find out what can you do to help them.

"We crawl into our bed with pillows and try to get comfortable.
They crawl under tanks for shades and 5 minutes nap only to be awoken by gunfires"


Our Uncle with our dear late friend,Azrul and their fellow friends in PGA Battalion 14, Semporna.


Sunday, 3 March 2013

A Friend, A Brother & A Fallen Hero

I had a hard time to write this entry. Knowing that I have to start somewhere, as someone told me that writing does help in recovering your sorrow and pain. The worst part of losing someone is to realise that we will not seeing them again. We start wondering if we ever had the chance to say goodbye, what would we say?

I had once been rescued by a young gentleman, Lans Koperal Azrul (who is a friend and the brother I never had) from a local Suluk's captivation back in November 2012, in Semporna. This is the exact sentence used by him, "Biar aku mati asalkan hang selamat". Putting other people first before himself is the kind of who Azrul was. When his team was ambushed at Kg.Simunul, I knew that he fought till the very last of his breath.
To received a call upon his death is not the worst part but to hear how he was killed is. His body was found lying on the jetty where his head was chopped off and fell into the sea.
Emotionally, I'd lost it. I find myself just being a child who couldn't stop crying.

To Amira and Azrul's family, if you are reading this...Azrul was a courageous hero who stood strong and fought to defend the land we hold close to our hearts. His death is a devastating loss for our country, and he deserves our deepest gratitude for making the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for raising a brave hero, a defender of our country freedoms. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I'll always be in debt to him who gave his live so we may live ours. He will always live on in my heart and never be forgotten.


Mohd Azrul Tukiran (September 23, 1986 - March 3, 2013)

(Picture taken during our first trip to Mabul Island back in 2009)