1987 The Fridge: Physical Training Instructor (mail order)
Includes: football flail
The Fridge was available as a mail-in offer packed with specially marked 1987 figures (seen here).
He was based on NFL star and former Chicago Bear Defensive Lineman William "Refridgerator" Perry.
He was based on NFL star and former Chicago Bear Defensive Lineman William "Refridgerator" Perry.
The Fridge came in a padded mailer envelope with a Cobra catalogue and he was sealed with a red-back file card and a Football Flail.
Filecard information:
Code Name: THE FRIDGE
PHYSICAL TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
File Name: Ferry, willam
Primary Military Specialty: Physical Training Instructor
Secondary Military Specialty: Special Services
Birthplace: Aiken, South Carolina
Grade: E5
G.I. Joe training procedures are tough to the max and no expense is spared in insuring that G.I. Joe personnel are prepared to deal with the worst possible scenario. Regular troops tackle standard obstacle courses like fences, crawl pipes and water traps. The G.I. Joe obstacle course consists of only one obstacle--The Fridge.
"If lacrosse is the little brother of war, football must be the rich uncle. Note the similarities: Strategy (offensive and defensive), teamwork,
violence, camaraderie, television coverage, parades for the victors and humiliation for the defeated. Using The Fridge to train the Joes is logical and practical...Besides, The Fridge likes to see the looks on their faces when they look up from the mud and see who they have to get past—to pass the course!"
PHYSICAL TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
File Name: Ferry, willam
Primary Military Specialty: Physical Training Instructor
Secondary Military Specialty: Special Services
Birthplace: Aiken, South Carolina
Grade: E5
G.I. Joe training procedures are tough to the max and no expense is spared in insuring that G.I. Joe personnel are prepared to deal with the worst possible scenario. Regular troops tackle standard obstacle courses like fences, crawl pipes and water traps. The G.I. Joe obstacle course consists of only one obstacle--The Fridge.
"If lacrosse is the little brother of war, football must be the rich uncle. Note the similarities: Strategy (offensive and defensive), teamwork,
violence, camaraderie, television coverage, parades for the victors and humiliation for the defeated. Using The Fridge to train the Joes is logical and practical...Besides, The Fridge likes to see the looks on their faces when they look up from the mud and see who they have to get past—to pass the course!"
Creator Commentary
Kirk Bozigian (G.I. Joe Product Manager) tells how Bob Prupis talked the NFL's biggest star into being a G.I. Joe.
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This two sided insert was included with some 1987 figures (ex. seen here). A television ad supported the promotion (see below).
Below is a revised insert where they added "Send the "FRIDGE" to"
Parents and kids could either send in 5 proof of purchase certificates and $1.00 for postage and handling to receive the Fridge, or they could call or mail in a self-addressed, stamped envelope to discover the Fridge's special combat skill. By filling in the Fridge's Combat Specialty, they'd only need to send four proof of purchase certificates. The postcard below was returned to parents and kids that chose to send the self-addressed, stamped envelope.
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The Fridge was never sold carded in stores. The card seen above is a custom piece of fan art created by a friend of mine.
He sells under the name evolving_door_1975 on eBay. You won't be disappointed by his custom cards. Tell 'em 3DJoes sent you!
He sells under the name evolving_door_1975 on eBay. You won't be disappointed by his custom cards. Tell 'em 3DJoes sent you!
