Thank you Team 179, team 237, team 269, team 303, team 1065, and team 1251

[Arefin Bari]

Sometimes I sit down and think what FIRST really is about? Is it about 1000 teams going against each other at the competition or is it about working together? I have been asking myself this question since I was a freshman in High school. I used to be with team 108, a team with a great resources and engineers. I was so used to it. But after graduating from high school, I made the decision to help a team without any resources or engineers. Team 1345 works with a drill, drill press, bandsaw, jigsaw, and a belt sander. It was a big change for me to not to work with a mill and lathe this season, but it was surely a lot of fun to work with team 1345. One of my mentors always tell me to think and make it simple. That's what I told this team, and thats what we came up with. A very simple working robot. But it wouldn't have been possible without few teams.

Throughout the season, there are few teams who have helped us and let us get through the 2006 build season. Team 179, team 237, team 269, team 303, team 1065, and team 1251... thank you. All of these teams were there for us. They have donated wheels, shafts, bearing blocks that came in the kit of parts. We wouldn't have been able to get through the season without you guys.

On behalf of the Platinum Dragons, I would like to thank you and let you know that we really appreciate you.

[nehalita]

I would just like to add to this by making some personal thanks.

As Arefin stated, we have humble beginnings. We have limited tools and limited support but thankfully, our team isn't just "1345" but 1345 and so many other teams that have helped us out, either physically, materialistically, verbally, mentally, or even emotionally.

I'm the programmer for our team and this was the first year I sat down to make a serious code that did more than just a few movements. As I realized, I had a lot to learn from simple "C knowledge" to "Robot Programming Knowledge" and I want to thank everyone who helped me get to that level. To others, the contributions may be simple, but to me, it has made a difference and has gotten our team to where we are.
So I would like to personally thank Mike (237), Brat (25), Jonathan Catt (1251), and most recently, Tom (195) and of course Kevin Watson's genius code and FAQs.

When I started FIRST, I thought it was all about secrecy and keeping everything a mystery, but it hit me around last year that if we all share, we all learn in the process. So for all of you that have taken the time aside to help another team out, thank you.

[tiffany34990]

it is always nice to see acts of kindness in this crazy world. you can win so many awards but you really win by helping and lending a hand.

thank you to team 179, 237,269,303, 1065,1251 and many other great teams in
FIRST that help other teams. you all rock and inspired those around you

[techtiger1]

Platinum dragons are looking great. Good luck you guys the robot looks amazing., I am impressed. Everyone I know on the platinum dragons is great 1251 was happy to help you all and lend a helping hand. Thank you guys for recognizing us you guys are going to do great see ya at UCF.

-Drew

[Sara Milton]

I would like to thank team 1345 for the 40amp fuse panel they gave us. Don't hesitate to ask for anything else!

[Ricky Q.]

We are always willing to help anyone that needs it. You guys can send us back some warm Florida weather, its getting cold up here again.

Hopefully we see you guys sometime this season!

[dubious elise]

I figured I'd better stay on Neha's good side, just in case I end up living next door to her again someday

Feel free to ask for anything you need, we are more than willing to send and offer what we have, even if it is just advice about what other teams might have the necessary supplies.

[nehalita]

Originally Posted by Ricky Q.

We are always willing to help anyone that needs it. You guys can send us back some warm Florida weather, its getting cold up here again.

Where exactly do you want us to ship that? Should we overnight it?

[Ricky Q.]

My preferred method is FedEx SameDay service to the whole state of Wisconsin. Thanks.

[Arefin Bari]

Originally Posted by Ricky Q.

My preferred method is FedEx SameDay service to the whole state of Wisconsin. Thanks.

I will get right on that.

... but seriously, the way team 269 responded to my request was amazing. I had those wheels in my hands in 2 days after I asked.

[Arefin Bari]

I would also like to add team 45 Technokats to the list.

Thank you for sending us more wheels. Platinum Dragons wouldn't be where they are without you guys.

[DarMagi]

Originally Posted by Arefin Bari

Sometimes I sit down and think what FIRST really is about? Is it about 1000 teams going against each other at the competition or is it about working together? I have been asking myself this question since I was a freshman in High school. I used to be with team 108, a team with a great resources and engineers. I was so used to it. But after graduating from high school, I made the decision to help a team without any resources or engineers. Team 1345 works with a drill, drill press, bandsaw, jigsaw, and a belt sander. It was a big change for me to not to work with a mill and lathe this season, but it was surely a lot of fun to work with team 1345. One of my mentors always tell me to think and make it simple. That's what I told this team, and thats what we came up with. A very simple working robot. But it wouldn't have been possible without few teams.

Throughout the season, there are few teams who have helped us and let us get through the 2006 build season. Team 179, team 237, team 269, team 303, team 1065, and team 1251... thank you. All of these teams were there for us. They have donated wheels, shafts, bearing blocks that came in the kit of parts. We wouldn't have been able to get through the season without you guys.

On behalf of the Platinum Dragons, I would like to thank you and let you know that we really appreciate you.

Wow, I know I gave some shafting to you guys and I can tell you made awesome use of it. =] I just want to say Your Welcome!! And yeah, it is 10-times more fun to work with the less fortionate teams. We work with a Drill, Hacksaw, and a Belt Sander - That's it... Of course, that is 1543 where I spent most of my time. 1065 has alot more a selection, but still none of the resources of the bigger teams. On behalf of 1543 and 1065 I just want to say You're Welcome, and that you did an awesome job with this team. They were great. =] (The shaft did come from 1543, but both teams are always willing to help with what they can).

[Matt_Kaplan1902]

Congratulations to 1345 for their awesome showing last weekend!

They are a prime example of why FIRST works. No matter how little resources a team may have, they can still be competitive, and that is because the more fortunate teams are always there to help out.

As if Arefin wasn't busy enough with his team and on the field announcing, he took the time to help out our old team (108). Even though he was not always treated well by a few people, he still did it because of the kids on the team that asked him to. It too bad 1345 won't be in Atlanta because they sure deserve to be.

[nehalita]

I would also like to return the thank you to 108 for letting us use their field to practice the day before shipping. That day was crucial for our programming and it helped us assess a bunch of problems. Your hospitality did not go unnoticed =).