Flat Daddy
 

I wonder if they do an AT model, "Fat Daddy"..... :}

The Observer: America's cardboard army of Flat Daddies boosts families

It is one of the hardest things about being a military family. How to cope when a husband and father, or wife and mother, is posted abroad, especially to combat zones such as Iraq or Afghanistan. Now the United States army has come up with a bizarre solution: Flat Daddy and Flat Mommy.

Many military units can provide families with a life-size cardboard cutout of their overseas warrior. The family can then take that figure to parties, put it in the passenger seat of their car, take it to bed or do whatever it is that families want to with a replica of their loved one. Named after Flat Stanley, a children's book character who was squashed flat, the cutouts have been a surprise hit since they were introduced. In Maine alone, the state's National Guard has given out more than 200 Flat Soldiers since January.

The scheme began in North Dakota when one army wife, Cindy Sorenson, made up a life-size photograph of her former husband for their daughter, after he was sent to Iraq. The model helped the girl cope with missing her father and Sorenson mentioned it to a motivational speaker, Elaine Dumler, who included it in a book. From there the idea took off and has been adopted by units across America. They can be found going on dates with their wives in Alaska and having dinner with their families in Colorado.

Experts believe the cutouts are a useful psychological device, especially for children, that helps cope with the stress of long absences. It allows the family to genuinely feel the missing person is still involved in day-to-day life.

'Families miss people so much when they are gone that they try to bring their soldier everywhere,' said Barbara Claudel, director of the Maine National Guard's family unit.

What a fantastic idea - but not for the families; can't see Brit families going for it.

What we need are the same thing, but for AFIs and visits by MPs etc. The impression people get when they visit some units is that we have plenty of people - during a recent AFI the reviewing officer met some people 3 or 4 times in different guises. He at least could see the funny side, and those concerned were pretty good humoured about it as well, as it was a genuine attempt to make the best use of what we have.

If visitors could see cardboard cut-outs where there should be people, I think some of them would be very surprised.

STH

STH

I REALLY like your idea. Some way of graphically demonstrating to those visiting as high paid help who is missing, where from and where they are if elsewhere. In fact, if I get the posting I want next, that will appear out there at least for the stackers/movers/mtd. Anyone out there going for this??

Brilliant - Tony's you can have anything you need
 

Shortly to be included:

Cardboard A10's
Cardboard Heli's
Cardboard Armoured Vehicles
Cardboard Ships
Cardboard Pilots
Cardboard Troops
Cardboard Accommodation

Thereafter followed by

Cardboard Hospitals
Cardboard Trains
Cardboard Prisons
Cardboard Pensions

But not Cardboard Tax
Imagegear (Just slightly cynical :E )

Blow-up Hubby for the Missus? :p

Mrs Mustard uses my photo to keep the kids away from the fireplace when i`m away :eek: .........(dangerous place you know)

ha! What about Cardboard food?

Already got that with Pot Noodles!!!:E

VEEPS

even better idea - sent the cardboard cutout to Iraq instead :)

Although you have to admit, the cardboard cut-out Prime Minister has been remarkably convincing for some years now, bringing some comfort to all those still longing for a real one.