Tobacco Donations To Deployed Us Troops Programs Regulations And Alternative Support Channels

The tradition of donating tobacco products to deployed U.S. service members has been a long-standing practice within the tobacco industry, aimed at improving morale and relieving stress during overseas deployments. However, this practice has been significantly impacted by regulations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Specifically, an FDA ruling issued in August 2016 has prohibited cigar manufacturers from donating or sampling cigars, which has directly affected programs that send tobacco products to troops. Despite these regulatory challenges, various organizations and alternative channels continue to facilitate support for deployed military personnel through care packages and specialized kits. This article details the landscape of tobacco donations to troops, the regulatory environment governing these practices, and the non-profit and community-driven initiatives that have emerged to sustain support for service members.

The Tradition of Tobacco Donations and the FDA Regulatory Impact

Historically, tobacco manufacturers and distributors have participated in donating tobacco products to service members while they are deployed. These donations are viewed as a method to boost morale and serve as a stress reliever for troops serving overseas.

In August 2016, the FDA released an updated ruling that fundamentally altered this tradition. The regulation prohibits cigar manufacturers from donating cigars or engaging in the sampling of cigars. The initial intent of the regulation, introduced during the Obama Administration, was to prevent children from being negatively impacted by tobacco use. However, the FDA later re-interpreted the ruling to include a ban on donating cigars to soldiers.

The application of this ruling to donations for U.S. troops was not immediately clear. Following a letter sent by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA, 50th District), a Marine Corps reservist who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, the FDA provided clarification. Ramen Menon, acting supervisory congressional affairs specialist for the FDA, confirmed that the regulations prohibit such donations. In his letter to FDA Commissioner Califf, Rep. Hunter expressed concerns about the "possible prohibition on the charitable donations of tobacco products, such as cigars, to service members," noting that it would be unacceptable for the FDA to prohibit the distribution of tobacco products to service members who are fighting to protect rights that may now be restricted.

The impact of this ban on the supply chain for donation programs has been severe. According to Cigars for Warriors, the FDA ban on manufacturers cut their supply of cigars by roughly 80%. Consequently, the organization has experienced significant shipping delays, with wait times extending to eight weeks or longer for military personnel to receive shipments.

Non-Profit Organizations Facilitating Tobacco Donations

While direct manufacturer donations are restricted, several non-profit organizations have adapted their operations to continue supporting troops with tobacco products. These organizations typically rely on donations from the general public, retailers, and other industry partners rather than direct manufacturer contributions.

Cigars for Warriors

Operation: Cigars for Warriors is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to sending cigars to U.S. service members in combat zones. The organization notes that cigars are one of the two most requested items sent overseas by troops, alongside coffee.

Due to the FDA restrictions preventing cigar manufacturers from directly donating cigars, Cigars for Warriors has altered its acquisition methods. The organization accepts cigar donations from the public and industry partners. Additionally, some tobacco retailers and companies facilitate donations through sales-based mechanisms. For example, Warfighter Tobacco Company sells a product labeled "Cigars For Warriors Cigar." When a customer purchases this item, Warfighter Tobacco Company ships the cigar(s) directly to Cigars for Warriors at the end of each month, rather than to the purchaser. These purchased cigars are then included in care packages sent to troops in combat zones. By purchasing the product, consumers agree to this donation process.

The Free Pipe Project

The Free Pipe Project is a community-driven initiative that helps military members start the hobby of pipe smoking. The project operates on a donation basis, collecting unwanted pipes, new pipes, tobacco, and other smoking-related products from pipe smokers worldwide. A volunteer named Dave restores the donated pipes and prepares them for distribution. The project sends out packages free of charge to deployed military members, typically including a pipe, tobacco, cleaners, a tamper, and a pouch or PocketJars, depending on available donations.

Industry Partnerships and Support

Despite the FDA ban on manufacturer donations, some industry partners continue to support non-profit organizations through other means, such as supplying necessary accessories or supporting alternative morale-boosting initiatives.

Boveda and Cigars for Warriors

Boveda, a manufacturer of humidity control products, is a key partner to Cigars for Warriors. Initially, CFW approached Boveda to purchase humidity control packs at a discount to ensure cigars arrived in perfect condition despite global shipping. Once Boveda learned of CFW’s mission, they chose to provide the necessary Boveda packs for free rather than at a discounted rate. This support is crucial for maintaining the quality of cigar shipments, which have continued despite the reduction in cigar donations resulting from the FDA ban.

Warfighter Tobacco Company

Warfighter Tobacco Company actively supports the Cigars for Warriors mission through its sales-based donation model. By facilitating consumer purchases that result in donations to CFW, the company circumvents the FDA prohibition on direct manufacturer donations while still contributing to the supply of cigars for troops.

Alternative Support Channels for Deployed Troops

Organizations and initiatives have expanded to offer support beyond tobacco products, addressing a wide range of morale, welfare, and recreational needs for deployed service members. These programs often focus on creating a sense of normalcy and community.

Operation Deployed

Operation Deployed provides a variety of specialized packages and kits designed to support soldiers and chaplains in deployed environments. These initiatives address specific challenges faced by troops, such as the closure of gyms and USOs (particularly noted during the COVID-19 pandemic) and the need for relaxation and community building.

• The Soldiers Roast: This initiative promotes healthy relationships and coping mechanisms for soldiers and their spouses. It involves roasting unroasted coffee beans with soldiers and their families. The program sends 255 5lb bags of premium Honduran San Lazaro Coffee and roasting equipment. Coffee kits for home use or deployment cost $165 for three 5lb bags including shipping, while roasting kits cost up to $3,500 per unit.
• Roberto’s Movie Night and Ministry Kits: These kits provide a setting for Chaplains and personal interaction. They include portable wireless projectors, indoor/outdoor movie screens, DVD players, DVDs, sound bars, and Nintendo games or board games. The cost is up to $1,500 per kit.
• Roberto’s Brats and BBQ and Fellowship Package: Designed for post-field exercise gatherings, these packages include brats (over 3,000), premium condiments, special hot sauce, seasonings, portable grills, BBQ equipment, and portable outdoor speakers. Chaplains cook and distribute the food to express gratitude. The cost is up to $1,000 per unit.
• Holy Smokes: This initiative addresses the need for relaxation and reflection. It provides cigars for soldiers to enjoy around a fire pit or with remote teams, facilitating conversation and spiritual sharing. The program sends almost 4,000 cigars, with a cost of up to $800 per unit requested.
• New Baby Kits: These kits are sent to deployed soldiers to receive upon returning stateside, providing items for new parents to relieve financial stress and bring joy. The kits include everything a new mom and dad would need, costing $3,300 per unit/request, with 30 kits per unit.

Conclusion

The landscape of tobacco donations to deployed U.S. troops has been reshaped by FDA regulations implemented in August 2016. These regulations have effectively prohibited cigar manufacturers from directly donating cigars to service members, leading to a significant reduction in supply for established non-profits like Cigars for Warriors and causing shipping delays. However, the spirit of support continues through alternative channels. Non-profit organizations such as Cigars for Warriors and the Free Pipe Project rely on public and industry donations to fulfill the specific requests of troops for cigars and pipes. Furthermore, comprehensive support programs offered by organizations like Operation Deployed provide a wide range of morale-boosting items, including coffee, entertainment kits, BBQ supplies, and cigars, ensuring that service members receive varied forms of support and recognition for their service.

Sources

1. Founders Cigar Company: Cigars for Warriors
2. Warfighter Tobacco Company: Cigars for Warriors Cigar
3. The Pipery: Free Pipe Project
4. Boveda Inc: Operation CFW
5. Operation Deployed: Packages