09/11/2026
Ukraine Offer from Mike Dennis
It’s come to my attention recently that the Ukrainian military is wearing a number of what are probably formerly US advanced combat helmets. Although these helmets are excellent at deflecting both ballistic and shock forces, they are also famously uncomfortable. This results in soldiers frequently removing their helmet or even going without.
Prior to the Gulf wars, the US Army Systems Center approached Oregon Aero and asked if we could develop an internal pad system that was both effective at damping blunt trauma and simultaneously comfortable to wear. Over time, they added waterproof, breathable, flotation, fire resistant, moisture wicking, stable, durable, and easily installed in the helmet. An additional requirement was that the helmet, with the kit installed, should not interfere with the prone shooting position.
The impact requirements allowed no more than 150 gs of acceleration to the head from any one of several impact points on the helmet in a standard test configuration, and they hoped for an aggregate acceleration of 125 gs. 150 gs will produce a moderate but survivable head injury. Impact energy is not a linear scale, but is like the Richter Scale, logarithmic.
It was a tall set of requirements. The patented Oregon Aero BLU kit, at ambient temperature, produced no more than 94gs at any one impact point and an aggregate average of 65.15gs. Although the US does not use these helmets for frontline troops, we continue to manufacture the BLU helmet pad kit for other customers.
To help protect the Ukrainian soldiers, Oregon Aero has donated, through a qualified 501c3 charity, five hundred $120 (fair market value) kits for their evaluation. As much as I would like to continue donating for free, it’s not economically possible. So… here’s my offer. Anyone interested in helping with a donation of as little as one kit, I will match their donation at no cost. Simple math, this is a two-for-one deal.
Anyone interested can call Oregon Aero to order one or more kits. We will handle the packaging and shipping in your name so the charity will send you the donation receipt directly for your purchase, and the troops get two kits.
The following testimonials are just a few of the comments we’ve received from grateful customers over the years.
“You and your helmet pads have saved lives and a lifetime living with TBI for many of our military. May God continue to bless you and may HE continue to prosper your business!”
“Your pads are great for what we do. We take repeated, intentional blows to the head. I have been concussed 3 times and almost been concussed another three times. Your pads are the reason that number is not 6. Thanks for your time and your product.”
“Endless hours on the rough roads and I will tell you what, the ENTIRE platoon used to get headaches or migraines, numbness, throbbing, and just straight up pain when using our ballistic helmets. Then by some miracle we received an entire box of Oregon Aero helmet pad replacement kits. I tell you now that this is the honest to goodness truth, I was one day away from removing the pads in my helmet and driving without them so that I could actually concentrate on the task at hand DRIVING A 60,000 LBS VEHICLE!”
“The pads we are issued are what feels like solid cardboard and hard plastic wrapped in felt. The pads we received from Oregon Aero are pliable but firm, soft but supportive, and they mold to the shape of your head and communications gear. Goodbye headaches, goodbye distraction! The moment I got the new pads I literally ripped my pads out and threw them in the trash. And I have a photo I would like to send showing that.”
“You make a great product, and you make our lives so much more comfortable! Appreciate you guys. From frontliners!”
“I just received my shipment of helmet pads for my Marines and myself, and words cannot describe how thankful we are for your support. Thank you so much once again.”
