Keson Donates More Marking Chalk for U.S. Service Members in Afghanistan
Manufacturer of measuring and marking tools also helping U.S. troops to identify and eliminate deadly IEDs
AURORA, IL, February 1, 2012 – Keson Industries, a leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative, high-quality, measuring and marking tools, announced that it is supporting the 501c3 non-profit organization, TroopsDirect.org, with a second donation of chalk to be used by U.S. service members in Afghanistan for marking improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The company also donated chalk in June 2011 through TroopsDirect, which is located in San Ramon, Ca.
The use of IEDs in Afghanistan have reportedly increased by 400 percent since 2007, and IEDs are responsible for 64 percent of all coalition forces casualties in Iraq through 2011.
“When we heard that our chalk was working much better than the talcum powder to mark IED locations, and that it was holding up to the elements more effectively, we were glad to offer another donation through TroopsDirect,” said Ron Nosek, chairman, Keson Industries.
Keson again donated about 1,300 pounds of its Glo Orange Pro-Chalk, this time in 2lb bottles. Troops are again using the donation for marking and identifying IED lanes by temporarily discoloring IED locations with marking chalk, then allowing troops and local residents to pass IEDs safely.
The chalk was shipped from Keson’s Aurora headquarters to California at the end of December, courtesy of Roadrunner Transportation Services, and has already reached U.S. troops in Afghanistan. This donation is serving a respective battalion of 1,000 service members on the front lines of Afghanistan.
“Keson’s donation of colored chalk means that our troops are now able to prevent serious injury and save lives of fellow service members and residents throughout Afghanistan,” said Negherbon, president and founder, TroopsDirect. “This company is really making a difference in the world!”
Press Coverage
Trib Local – February 1, 2012
About Keson Industries
Keson Industries is a leading maker of measuring tools and devices. Since 1968, Keson has proudly served professionals in a wide array of industries, including construction, land surveying, paving, civil engineering, carpentry, roofing, irrigation, landscaping, traffic safety, athletic, appraisal/estimating, maintenance, golf course design, mining and blasting, and property insurance. Keson products are made for people who are passionate about their work and getting it done right. For more information, go to www.keson.com.