Written by By Sgt ‘Mo’ Morris PT1 RM (Sgt ERI Hasler Company)

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I joined Hasler Company just after Christmas leave and was tasked with the organisation of the Wounded Warrior Trials at Camp Pendleton, California.  These trials were designed for American soldiers who had been injured on operations and formed part of their rehabilitation.  The United States Marine Corp (USMC) conducted their own trials to select a team to compete at the national games against the US Army, Air Force and Continue Reading

On March 2nd myself, Robbie Robinson and Adrian Gurney were invited by Major Steve Melbourne (OC Hasler Company) and CSM Jim Morris to have a look around Hasler to see for ourselves how things are coming together for the boys…as well as to hear first hand about some of the successes, frustrations and aspirations of the 18 strng staff. Continue Reading

Sgt Adrian Gurney (Devon & Cornwall Police) explains how he is raising money for Commando 999 this year. Remember team…every penny counts!!

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It has long been a practice for local clubs and charities to raise money for their cause by carrying out bag packing events at local supermarkets / superstores.

Many of the well known outlets are more than happy to oblige community groups / charities as in some cases they will take a percentage for their own nominated store charity (normally 10%).  Most will be even Continue Reading

Dear all,

As this is the first ‘update’ of 2012, may I first take this opportunity to welcome all the new members of Commando 999 to our team!! It’s great that only are we all committed to help out the RMA and raise this £1 million by 2014 (which they desperately need) but also that so many old friendships are being re-kindled as a result of our efforts. Hoofing!!

So, to business….and always bulleted for ease;

• Operation Commando – It has been decided to postpone Operation Commando from March 2nd – 4th until 5^th, 6^th and 7th October with the recce and dry run planned for around 28-31 August October. The reasons for this is wholly positive and based solely on the recent arrival of a wonderful new sponsor, who has not only added significant enthusiasm into the event, but also a significant donation to Commando 999 and The Royal Marines Association.  Our teams are being asked to ‘keep training’ until October, and our volunteers asked to ‘stand down’ for now. Please can I take this opportunity to apologise to those of you who offered your services as Directing Staff for the event as I know many of you have sorted A/L. But I hope that you understand that the arrival of a significant corporate sponsor is big news for us and the reality is that I have to stay focussed on the money as that is the whole reason for the event taking place. Everyone involved in Operation Commando, from Commando 999, The Royal Marines Association, Captive Minds and William McNamara OBE, Chairman of Bluestone Resort are absolutely delighted with the new developments and hope that in due course when the news is made public that everyone will join us in the race to create a wonderful annual challenge to raise funds for the RMA, and for that event to be Operation Commando. Can I please ask that you all promote www.operationcommando.co.uk to friends and family. The more teams that enter, the better and can I also ask that I still need 15 volunteers to act as DS for the weekend (no pay but free accommodation/food etc and a hoofing weekend!). Names to me ASAP please team
• Maxi-nutrition and This Tribe – As most of you are aware, we have teamed up with our friends at Maxi and This Tribe to bring some fantastic discounts and money into the coffers. Also with Maxi, they are offering free Delivery on every order and a Free Case of Chocolate Maxi Milk’s on orders over £50 until the end of February.
• Commando 999 shop/website – Please do remember to use the site fella’s. The shop is going really well and as a consequence we now have over 1600 followers on Facebook. The FORUM is there to use, gob off and spin ditts…so crack on and use it.
• Events – We have many events happening this year regionally, including round the UK rides, Yomps, a Dive Tank at the Southampton Boat Show and Commando Kids in Monikie Park in Dundee thanks to Conrad, Ally Taylor and the boys North of the border. We will be the recipients of monies from the Angus for Forces Ball in October and of course we have our signature speedmarch on Remembrance weekend…Saturday 10^th November. Put it in your diaries fella’s. A new route this year and some very, VERY special guests for dinner!!
• Bmycharity.com – I am in the throes of moving us away from bmycharity. It appears that since they have been taken over by H4H, they have placed little/no investment in the site and as a consequence it remains clunky and difficult to use. We are moving to ‘Justgiving’ and I will update you in the next email as to how we are progressing with that.
• Bucket Shaking and Fundraising – Adrian Gurney has arranged a Bucket Shaking day down in Guz. The Gurn has agreed to share with us how he has gone about putting the event together and how much he has raised once done. ‘Hats off’ to Adrian!! Team, please do remember that we have committed to raising £1 million by 2014. We have so far managed £303.000 which is significant….but it is events such as the one that Adrian is arranging that will make all the difference. Please crack on and all do your bit. It doesn’t take the brains of an Archbishop to realise how much money the RMA need to help our boys that need it….LOTS!!

I will send out another update soon, as things are moving quite fast at the moment.

Out for now….

Mark

Who I am;

Mark Robinson is a serving Police Constable with Grampian Police (who is pictured with a 1400 GTR Kawasaki, similar to the machine to be loaned by Kawasaki (UK) for the event).

What I am doing;

On Tuesday 17 April 2012 I am undertaking a 10 day sponsored motorcycle ride affectionaltely called ‘GOING THE EXTRA MILE’, in aid of the Royal Marine Association through  ‘COMMANDO999′  to raise funds for injured ‘Royals’ for recuparation on return to the UK from overseas conflicts. The much needed funding will include onward care and welfare for the lifetime of the servicmen. I will be riding a motorcycle kindly loaned by Kawasaki (UK) around all 51 Scottish, English and Welsh Police Forces with stops at all head quarters to collect donations. Continue Reading

Corps History

In Holland on 23 January 1945, 45 RM Commando (Lieutenant Colonel W N Gray DSO RM), part of the 1st Commando Brigade under command of the 7^th Armoured Division, was leading the Brigade’s German position along the line of the Montforterbeek Dyke. Advancing in intensely cold weather over flat ground covered in snow the leading Troop, A Troop, together with Continue Reading

Last Summer, award wining director/cameraman Chris Terrill, the only civilian to have won a  Royal Marines green beret by passing all the commando tests, embedded with the marines of 42 Commando Company during their 6 month deployment to Afghanistan.  Much of the time he spent with Lima Company posted to Checkpoint Toki, nicknamed “Rorke’s Drift”, where Continue Reading

Members of Commando999 can now start enjoying the benefits of 33% discount on all products with your Maxiteams account.

To start shopping, please use the following instructions or simply login if you are already a member:

1)    Log on following your exclusive team link: http://www.maxiteams.com/teams/commando999

2)    Complete your personal billing and delivery details, using your unique Continue Reading

Background

The official promotional agency for London are running a campaign with Guinness World Records to promote London as a must visit destination for the period either side of the Olympics.  The campaign will feature a series of Guinness World Records which will be promoted within London and National, International Press and Television.

Guinness World Records will be attempting to break the worlds longest hug, officially know as ‘LONGEST MARATHON HUGGING’

We are looking for groups of two people who would like to attempt this world record in London at St Pancras Station on the 19^th and 20^th January 2012. We will need to beat 24hr 33 minutes to achieve a new Guinness World Record.  This is an endurance event and participants must be aware that they will be standing on the spot hugging their partner for this period of time.

Anybody fancy a bit of this for Commando 999. Sponsorship via ‘bmycharity’ and bucket shaking at the station..!!

Guinness World Record Information

●      The record is for the longest time for two people to hug and must be attempted  by two people.

●      The hug must be continuous and both arms must be wrapped round each other at all times during the full embrace.  If embrace weakens or parts, the couple are immediately disqualified.

●      Moving the position of the arms during the attempt is not permitted. If a participant has an itch or needs something altered on their body (e.g. to blow their nose) then a support person is permitted to aid them to do this so they do not loosen their embrace.

●      The contestants must stand during the attempt and cannot be propped together by any aids, such as pillows, cushions or people.  The couple must be awake at all times.

●      Rest breaks are the only time when the participants are permitted to use the toilet. Participants will be given a 5 minute break every hour.

We would advise that all participants bring a support person/team with them in order to assist the participants with their challenge

Participant Criteria

●      Able to attend the event at the times stated below and be over 18 years of age.

●      Fit and able to stand up and hug for the 24 hour challenge.

●      All participants may be interviewed and could appear within television broadcasts as well as National Press.

Event Details

Week commencing 16/1 – Telephone briefing

19/01 at 6am – Participants arrive at St Pancras Station for formal participant briefing

7am                       Press and TV broadcast arrive

World Record attempt begins

20/01                                           7-8am                   World Record attempt ends

Record winner award ceremony – photo opportunity

Press and TV interviews

●      Chillisauce will provide travel expenses within London for all participants and a secure room for belongings throughout the event.

●      Snacks and water will also be provided throughout the event.

●      The record winner will be rewarded with a winner’s package post event.

Next steps

If you are interested in being a ‘Guinness World Record holder’ then please get in touch to secure your place at the event.

Contact Details:

Karen Jones       hug@chillisauce.co.uk 0207 2991877

I thought it only right and proper to wish everyone a very Happy, propserous and above all healthy New Year…!!

2011 has been a great year for Commando 999. Our ranks have risen steadily and our numbers now stand at a little over 1500. We have once again raised over £100k this last year taking our total since we launched in November 2009 to £303.000. A significant achievemant I’m sure you will all agree.

With the money that you have raised, the Royal Marines Association have bought everything from prosthetics to mono-ski’s, our Hound for Hero (Yomper Richie), vehicles for our injured to be transported around in more comfort, we are sponsoring an Olympic ski-er in Pete Dunning and an adapted rowing boat…amongst other things.

We are now working in partnership with our own PR company (Captive Minds) and as a consequence are aiming our sights ever higher.

We have an ever increasing number of events this year. Operation Commando (www.operationcommando.co.uk) in March, a world record ‘diving’ attempt at the Southampton Boat Show, a range of other endurance events from individuals from within our ranks and of course our signatrure annual speedmarch in London in November to name but a few.

We are also now working in Partnership with ‘This Tribe’ to supply ONLY quality clothing Police/Military/out enthusiast clothing and equipment at a discounted rate (www.thistribe.com).

Our website is now fully functional and should you all wish to chat to each other…the FORUM is there for you to use. Don’t forget to let me know if you’d like to see something on the site that currently isn’t there. Our shop is now also filled with good quality clothing with our NEW logo embroidered on everything.

We have lots of money to raise to achieve our £1 million target by 2014…so please dig deep, crack on and remember that the small events that you put on for yourselves are every bit as important as the large events that we stage.

Spread the work, raise the money and let’s make 2012…the Olympic year…our best year so far. Happy New Year everyone.

Mark and Josie.