Help the Troops: Send a Jake and Help Give Our Troops Equipment They Desperately Need

Regardless of our stance on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there's one thing all of us should be able to agree on ... we want the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces to have the very best of everything they need to get their jobs done and to get back home safe and sound. Well, one business has made a major advance that could drastically improve our soldiers' ability to navigate potentially dangerous urban environments, without requiring them to withdraw from the day-to-day personal contact that so greatly enhances their effectiveness in neighborhood areas.

So what's the big invention? You can call him Jake.

In summary, Jake is a 21st-century "Segway on steroids", developed by Russell Strong, an amazing engineer nicknamed "Mr. Tractor" for his innovative designs in heavy equipment. What began as a quest to improve mobility for persons confined to wheelchairs led ultimately to the development of this half-robot/half-vehicle mobile unit. Jake can rapidly move 2000 pounds of equipment through tight corridors, affording our troops greater protection and greater responsiveness to ever-changing situations. I could go on and on detailing all the things Jake is capable of, but you can read all you want to about his functionality at the Operation: American Agility website.

Many defense contractors have already recognized Jake's great potential, particularly in the difficult environments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jake's mobility and carrying capacity could help overcome the limitations that prevent our soldiers from carrying some of their best equipment into hostile areas. A few Jakes could enable troops to bring food, water, and medical aid to greater numbers of people. Defensive technologies designed to counter roadside bombs and snipers could be packed aboard. They can serve as a source for electrical power, something that is frequently in short supply in various areas of operations. And a Jake can even be controlled remotely if necessary. Unfortunately, despite the potential, without a requirement from the US military, few are anxious to foot the $10 million bill it would take to get the first prototypes geared up and delivered for formal evaluation.

Why should you care? Because right now, our troops can't use this incredible tool, even though many soldiers who have seen prototypes demonstrated have begged to be allowed to take them along down range. As with all things bureaucratic, change is slow and difficult. But each of us can help. Visit the Operation: American Agility website, and decide if you like what you see. Any donation you might provide goes directly to benefit both soldiers currently in harm's way, and those who have suffered injuries and are back home now.

In times like these, most of us wish we had a tangible, meaningful way to support our troops. Here's a great opportunity to do just that.