MISSION: Roller Derby Rally for Kindness

I'm a bit of a wimp.  And by "a bit of" I actually mean full-fledged.  In high school, I played tennis.  Not exactly a rough sport.  Sure, I've flown in an F16, but I was all suited up and protected.  So, when I received this mission from a roller derbyin' gal and Affiliated Agent from Kansas, I thought to myself, "Better her than me!"  Luckily, her roughness stays on the roller derby course, because in real life, Affiliated Agent L and her fellow derby-ers are as kind and lovely (and gentle!) as can be.

Date: Saturday, 14 August 2010

Location: Towne East Mall; Wichita, Kansas

Time: 10 a.m.

Affiliated Agent L tells us about the incredible mission she planned for and executed with her fellow roller derby-ers:

So, I was so happy after completing my first mission at work on Monday, that I couldn't wait to complete another one. I wanted to do something bigger, and came up with a plan I knew I couldn't pull off alone. Friday afternoon, I posted this on my Facebook Page:

"The forces of good are formulating a TOP SECRET mission. If you are local, free Sat AM and interested in doing something awesome, message me by 6pm today. I will give you mission details then. (mission is fun and fulfilling- does not entail work...roller girls are encouraged to participate)"

I am a member of the local WFTDA roller derby league. By the end of the day, 6 Roller Girls stepped up to join the mission, committing themselves with no more information than what I had provided. I was ecstatic! I spent a little money gathering some supplies after work and then hurried home to send them their mission details. This is what I sent them:

"Greetings Operative:

Our mission begins tomorrow morning at 10am sharp. We will assemble at Mead"s Corner coffee house (430 East Douglas Avenue) to coordinate, prepare mission supplies, and fuel our bodies for this very important endeavor.

If you happen to have any small gift items around your house that you do not want or need and don't mind getting rid of, bring them. Any item should be something that would bring a smile to a random stranger's face. If nothing comes to mind, and time or money restrictions stop you from procuring a snickers bar or two on your way to meet the rest of the squadron, that is A-OK. Your mission leader will have some supplies at hand. Your presence is what is most imporant.

Sleep well, Operative, more will be revealed tomorrow."

The next morning, I arrived at the coffee shop so excited I could hardly contain myself. Everyone showed up, I explained the premise behind Secret Agent L, and we got to work. Altogether, we wrapped around 30 gifts, with message cards attached. Everyone brought a little something, and the treats ranged from bath gel to jewelry to M&Ms. We had a blast getting everything ready.

Once we were finished, we headed to the local mall. We split up into groups of 2, decided on areas on which to focus,divvied up the gifts and set out.  Only one drop was intercepted, when the fitting room attendant caught up to one operative saying, "You left this in the dressing room!" The operative denied that it was hers profusely and confusion ensued. Finally, the operative asked the attendant to read the package and left.

All in all, we had a fantastic time and a very successful operation!

Affiliated Agent L (and team!), YOU ROCK.  I love how you got so many other Affiliated Agents in on this mission, complete with a fun message on your Facebook page.  Way to go!

MISSION: Aircraft and Awesomeness

Maybe it's because I pulled 7 Gs.

Maybe it's because I broke the sound barrier.

Maybe it's because I went 750 mph.

Maybe it's because I totally rocked my flight suit like nobody's business.

But I TOTALLY love military aircraft.

So this mission? Yeah. I'm all over it. Affiliated Agent GM of Kansas (by way of New York State), who is an aircraft maintainer on the KC-135R Stratotanker (read: crew chief that makes the pilots look good) rocks.

Date: Wednesday, 25 August 2010

Location: Chicopee, Massachusetts

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Affiliated Agent GM tells us about his mission:

I'm on day 3 in Chicopee, flying out of Westover ARB, MA. Today was a rather cloudy, cool day, which for a naturally born and raised New Yorker brings wonderful memories of my childhood.

After completing a mission and having a drink with the aircrew, I decided to drop my "kindness package." I made my way over to the Big Y grocery store, next to the Hampton Inn that I was staying at and couldn't decide how to make my drop. It wouldn't have been good to do it outside because of the drizzling rain.

I then remembered another agent who slipped their package into one of the grocery carts.

Since many of the carts were outside, I placed mine into a basket, quickly snapped a picture and left.

Too bad we're not allowed to take the "getaway vehicle" until Friday when our temporary duty to Westover ARB ends.

Affiliated Agent GM? We love you.

Lots.

Also, take a look at some video that Affiliated GM shot during his real-life mission:

MISSION: Lucky Lotto

I've never played the lottery. Don't get me wrong--I've thought about it. I guess I never think I'll win, so I never buy the ticket. But then, you can't win if you don't play!

Affiliated Agent GM from Derby, Kansas thought he'd pass along some potential good fortune to an unsuspecting individual. That's my kind of Affiliated Agent.

Date: Sunday, 22 August 2010

Location: local high school parking lot; Derby, Kansas

Time: 8:00 a.m.



Affiliated Agent GM's report:


Today's mission was a little easier given the fact it was an early Sunday morning in my sleepy little town of Derby, KS.

0730: My fridge was low on some wholesome OJ so I decided to multitask and make my drop since my "kindness" gift was sitting in my car for 2 days after it was packaged. I drove to the grocery store and looked for a good place to drop it, but found none. Instead, I went in and bought my OJ.

0800: On the way home I thought why not drop it off at one the High School? So, I drove up to the teacher parking lot and made my move, dropping it off in the branches of a tree on the way to the doors of the teacher's entrance.

0830: Mission accomplished and drove home before anyone knew what happened.

Next week I fly to Springfield, Mass so, I'm looking forward to bringing a little "Sunflower State" kindness to the good ol' New England area that is closer to home. (Go New York!)

Well done, Affiliated Agent GM! But I'm confused--are you from Kansas or New York? No matter! We're just glad you're on the team! Can't wait till your next mission--maybe the one you do in Springfield. Thanks for your kindness!

{You can see Affiliated Agent GM's other mission here.}

MISSION: Searching for Fun, Word-Style

Remember when I said that we needed more male Affiliated Agents? Well, it's true. We do. Our culture has taught us that women are the caregivers, the tender-hearts, the nurturers. I want to show the world that men can be--and already are--those important things as well. Thankfully, I'm getting a few more men joining the ranks of Affiliated Agents, and I couldn't be happier. But we still need more! *ahem* *nudge, nudge*

I thought I'd highlight one of our new gentlemen agents today, not only to share the kindness he sowed, but to inspire other guys to get out there and give!

Date: Thursday, 12 August 2010

Location: the parking lot behind a strip mall; Derby, Kansas

Time: not specified

Let's hear about Affiliated Agent GM's first mission!


It was a hot day. I decided that leaving any meltable tangibles would be a bad idea.

So, I grabbed a simple word search book created a simple letter and slapped it on the window of an unsuspecting victim. It was a cool experience, though the sneakiness was a bit awkward. I have lots to learn as a new agent.

I was concerned that perhaps someone could trace my handwriting so the next day, I bought stickers in the shape of letters so I can create more mysterious notes in the future. I'm already planning my next hit for next week.

I'm looking forward to it.

And so are we, Affiliated Agent GM! Thanks for stepping up and showing the world that when men give, it's AWESOME! Looking forward to next week's mission already!