FAQ's

[Smitty]

- What is an AGENT ?

An Agent is someone who is a volunteer for OpFTH that has agreed to take on more responsibility. Someone that agrees to collect and send to the troops directly (instead of shipping to OpFTH). This person becomes an "Agent" of OpFTH and acts on our behalf. They also assume the costs of shipping to the troops and the work of filling out the customs paperwork etc.



- Do they have to ship 10 boxes a month like OpFTH?

NO! We require Agents to ship one box a month to the next Unit on the rotation list. Only once a month shipping (minimum) is required to remain active in the agents program. Shipping dates are decided by the agent.



- Who pays their Shipping?

The Agent takes on the cost of shipping. They can keep track of their shipping costs and claim it as donation on taxes (after OpFTH obtains 501(c) status).



- Can an Agent ship more then one box a month?

Of Course! It is up the Agent how involved they want to be. We just require one box a month to be shipped to remain in active status in the program. The more the better ! But we only ask you promise to send one a month


- How do they get cigars and items for their boxes ?

As an Agent, you can decide how active you become as a representative of OpFTH. Some have set up collection drop sites in churches, schools, local cigar shops. You can make arrangements with your children’s school to join you in having a class of students collect and write letters! You can purchase the contents by yourself and just fill and ship a box too. IT IS UP TO YOU!


- How do I show OpFTH that I am “Active”?

Agents will be given access to AGENTS ONLY section on this message board. In that section will be instructions of what I need to do each month. We encourage them to be active on this board and posting ideas to increase the presence of OpFTH on the web and in their communities. Some Agents will be assigned website message boards that they will be promoting OpFTH on. This includes posting of events and promoting donations.

All agents will be required to post their monthly shipments on the OpFTH board under the Units name and include pictures when available. The posting of the Shipments shows us your active. They will need to post in the AGENTS section the weight of each package and costs of shipping. This is for yearly record keeping. Failure to post this information will show us who is active or not.


- Can I , as an Agent, show up at an event and tell them I AM OpFTH?

YES! As an Agent, you will be acting on our behalf, for OpFTH. Be sure to tell them you are part of the AGENT PROGRAM. They can contact me (smitty) at anytime to confirm. Remember, when representing yourself in public as OpFTH you are representing the entire organization. 


- Will I get letters and pictures from the troops?

YES! Please include a letter in every package explaining your have sent this package from OpFTH and encourage the “target” to notify you (email or address) when it lands and send pictures if they can. Let them know you will be posting updates on this pacage online on our website. Receiving a person letter of thanks from the soldiers is the most rewarding part of being involved in this program. Then share by posting online under the “letters from the Troops” or “Pictures from the troops” threads.


- Can I get letterhead or labels from OpFTH?

Yes. I can provide you with letter head for personal letters. I encourage you to create your own personal form letters to include in each box. It is better then a basic letter from OpFTH and adds a personal touch. Label templates can be sent to you in word format to print your own. It’s not required. I place OpFTH stickers on all shipments. A soldier once told us “we go to the mail room everyday and look for those OPFTH stickers on boxes! Its like 5 years at Christmas time looking for one with your name on it!!”


- Can I leave the Agent program after I join?

OF COURSE! You can exit the program at anytime. If you are unable to support the cost of shipping for a while, and need a break, Let us know. You are welcome to return to the program at any time.


- Who can be an AGENT?

Anyone (usually). We would like to know the people in our program a bit before giving them access to shipping addresses and access to protected areas in the site. We also would like to know a bit about the person first, since you will be representing us in public! So get to know us! Post on the boards; send donation items to be shipped to us. Get to know us….. It will not take long to gain our confidence.


- Can someone be removed from being an agent?

YES.

We reserve the right to remove anyone in the program at any time at our discretion. No questions asked. You agree to this by accepting a position in the program and being given access to the Agents section of the website.

There are many reasons to be removed from the program. Not being active, negative response to your posts on boards, Negative reports of personal appearances or representation of the program. Basically, any conduct that can be deemed as detrimental to the program or image of OpFTH will warrant immediate and permanent removal from the program.

We hope never to remove someone from the program unwillingly. But incase the need arises, we reserve that right.