Ain’t the American businessman great? Over the years so many great innovation have been revealed right here on U.S. soil- but nothing seems to spark that glimmer in the consumer’s eye quite like things that are given out for free emblazened with the names of corporations that seek to gain your business. And one of the hottest items at this year’s meeting of the Association of the United States Army (aka the Army Expo)- stress balls!
“The defense contractor (Boeing), at yesterday’s annual meeting of the Association of the United States Army, handed out hundreds of green foam “stress balls” made in the shape of hand grenades. Just squeeze whenever you’re feeling tense — but don’t try to take it through airport security. “Then you’ll be really stressed,” said the guy handing out the grenades.
The squeezable grenade was a popular idea — General Kinetics, another defense contractor, handed out similar ones with its own logo — and so were stress balls generally. The Army Corps of Engineers offered stress balls in the form of hard hats, and Picerne Military Housing gave out stress balls shaped like single-family homes with roofs and chimneys.
These may be hard times for the troops. But the military-industrial complex continues to show the kind of innovation and adaptability that makes America great. Hundreds of defense contractors have filled the Washington Convention Center this week, and they have brought with them an arsenal of promotional materiel to distribute to military procurement officers and other conventioneers.”
Yes. Nothing touts the greatness of our country like promo stocking stuffer fodder.
“And the biggest haul is yet to come. At Wednesday night’s black-tie dinner, General Dynamics will give away Camelbak hydration backpacks.”
Ok, hold the phone… I’ve had to buy at least 4 of those things in the span of 1 1/2 years- because the “free” ones the Army gave me a: definately weren’t backbacks, and b: leaked the moment you put water in them.
“At the Drash booth yesterday, the off-the-menu swag was a 128-megabyte flash drive on a deluxe lanyard. On a signal from her boss, a woman at the Drash booth lifted a curtain and exposed the stash. “Only for special people,” she said”
Yup, I’ve had to buy a few of those in my time as well… hey all, any chance we could maybe take all this free stuff and make a care package or two? After all… when it comes to “special people”- who’s more special to our country than our troops?
Popularity: 2% [?]
