What is a Flat Daddy or Flat Mommy?

They are life-size cut-outs of deployed service members.

How cool is this?  Another similar article here and here.  These would be great for any family or spouse.

Some people have said it is a bit creepy and my husband even said it is crazy, but I know my kids would love it!!

HOOAH to the Maine National Guard:

The Maine National Guard is giving life-size from-the-waist-up pictures of soldiers to the families of deployed guard members. Guard officials and families say the cutouts, known as Flat Daddies or Flat Soldiers, connect families with a relative who is thousands of miles away. The Flat Daddies are toted everywhere from soccer practice to coffee shops to weddings.

I have not been able to find a link for purchasing these, but I am sure that local communities have businesses that could create them.  If you know of an on-line link or know how to make these at home, please do share with us via comments or email.

Email LMT

Comments

[Love My Tanker]

Here is a link that is similar and cool.

Thanks to P for sending it in!!

This link isn't for the flat daddies that you were talking about instead it's a more portable option!!

http://www.daddydolls.com/index.asp

I am loving this blog!!
-P

[Love My Tanker]

Another idea emailed in from MN~

I saw a story on this on CNN this past weekend. I contacted a local photo company today that does photo restorations, blow-ups, etc.

A standard "poster" size would cost me $50! I will certainly do some checking around for a cheaper rate and will also see if there would be a discount offered for the project that it is.

Point being, try checking with a local photo company that does this type of blow-up. Office Max or Office Depot can't enlarge photos this big.

MN

[MaryAnn]

My friend's husband just deployed for the second time. A few days after he left, their youngest daughter (who is 5) confessed that she had "stolen" a photo of my friend and her husband from their bedroom... so she "wouldn't forget what Daddy looks like." :-((

After we both dried our tears, I recommended the Daddy Doll to my friend. Great to see you've gotten the link. They are absolutely wonderful.

[Dorothy]

When my son was deployed to Kuwait, my daughter made a box Pat. She blow up his face and put it on cardboard and attach it to the box. Put an army sweatshirt on the box, made arms and box Pat went to every family event. Some of friends also took Box Pat to some of their partys. We all took pictures and sent them to Pat. He enjoyed them.

[Emily]

If I had a cut out of my husband while he was deployed I would probably punch it in the face a lot for joining the military. I'd never hurt my actual husband, but his decision to join infuriates me every waking hour.

[Todd]

This company is great. They have great customer service which you don't get much of today and the products are durable. Check 'em out! I saw an advertisement on the local military base.

[Todd]

"This company" is www.DirectAdXpress.com
They have a toll free number (877) 423-7767. Give 'em a call.

[Bob]

I am a soldier stationed in Korea, and also do large format printing. I currently charge $40 for the print, but trying to get sponsors to help defray some costs and reduce prices. My website is www.masterdesigns.biz or USA ph#: 315-381-5079. I would also like the concept of flat family; from a soldiers perspective, we are often the ones who feel alone. I think it would be great to send a life size cutout of the children or spouse. If I can be of any service to you or your spouse deployed, please let me know. For any further questions please visit my website for further information or e-mail.

[Kim M]

I found the web site that does it for military familys and loved ones over seas. I love the site and it is great to look into. The site is :www.flatdaddies.com
I hope this helps your loved ones.