Kent14 Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 Our office is sending some care packages to the troops overseas. We have some ideas from websites and newspapers but I was wondering if any of the military members on this board had some ideas. Anything that would be hard to get over there or that's really needed, that kind of stuff. Thanks in advance for any ideas.
UConn James Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 Our office is sending some care packages to the troops overseas. We have some ideas from websites and newspapers but I was wondering if any of the military members on this board had some ideas. Anything that would be hard to get over there or that's really needed, that kind of stuff. Thanks in advance for any ideas. 131773[/snapback] First, make sure the packages are being sent to a named soldier and address and not "To Any Soldier." They announced those packages just can't be delivered this season. The common stuff I've packed for my brothers is baby wipes, beef jerky, chewing gum, some magazines/newspapers/paperback books, other odds and ends pertaining to their likes. And make sure to include a note or letter explaining that you appreciate what they do, no matter what your feelings about the President or the reasons for war.
Kent14 Posted November 24, 2004 Author Posted November 24, 2004 One of the women I work with has a cousin deployed so that is who we are sending it to. Thanks for the ideas, anyone else?
Campy Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 One of the women I work with has a cousin deployed so that is who we are sending it to. Thanks for the ideas, anyone else? 131791[/snapback] UConn pretty much nailed it, especially the small hand-written note. This may not be appropriate for someone with whom you are not related (or very close - don't ask don't tell ), but my brother had always asked for new underwear in his packages. I guess you can never have too many while you're in the field? We also included new toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, Gold Bond powder, Skin-So-Soft, and other similiar comfort-type items we knew he liked. I also saved old Shout! Magazines and old Sports sections of The Bflo News to put in there, he really seemed to like reading those. What you're doing is nice. More of us should do it.
JarHeadJim Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 Thank you for your support The things Marines need in the field the most are personal hygiene gear. Baby wipes Disposable razors shaving cream tooth paste tooth brushes foot powder The smaller the better. Nice to have items Cards Dominoes Magazines Semper Fi
JarHeadJim Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 Thank you for your support The things Marines need in the field the most are personal hygiene gear. Baby wipes Disposable razors shaving cream tooth paste tooth brushes foot powder The smaller the better. Nice to have items Cards Dominoes Magazines Semper Fi 131802[/snapback] also aaa/aa batries disposable cameras
Just Jack Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 I have about 10-20 magazine subscriptions. I'd like to give these after I'm done reading for care packages. Can I drop them off someplace, like my local recruiting office, and they'll send them on?
Satan Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 Thank you for your support The things Marines need in the field the most are personal hygiene gear. Baby wipes Disposable razors shaving cream tooth paste tooth brushes foot powder The smaller the better. Nice to have items Cards Dominoes Magazines Semper Fi 131802[/snapback] Great list there. Don't forget a Maxim or Playboy to help improve morale....
Campy Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 I have about 10-20 magazine subscriptions. I'd like to give these after I'm done reading for care packages. Can I drop them off someplace, like my local recruiting office, and they'll send them on? 131822[/snapback] I used to do that with my old ProFootball Weekly and Sport magazines (my bro only wanted Bflo stuff). I don't know if that was only a Marine-thing, or even if the Marines still do it, but I know they did in the mid-80's.
aussiew Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 Also: chapstick Small puzzle books small pencils
stevestojan Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 I know its been mentioned, but baby wipes. Now here me out. Once I went three days in the 95 degree heat without a shower. Baby Wipes were nice. I can't even imagine what these guys are going through with months and months in the 105+ heat and no readily accessible showers, and of course, risking their lives. So, make sure you toss em some baby wipes. I know that would help. Oh, and I don't know if this would be "allowed" in the military, or even good for the soldiers, but I like these things: http://store.yahoo.com/drsoda/crystallight1.html each packet is TINY, and makes 20oz of water into a decent drink. Again, ask one of the military guys here if that would be allowed.
Tux of Borg Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 Lets see, what did I use to write home and ask for.... sun tan lotion baby wipes disposable razors gatorade mix (drinking chemically treated water for 8 months sucks!) do not send a tape of the spice girls! (someone did that to me once and i still haven't forgiven them) magazines are always good stamps a small nurf football I would say a disposal camera, but I had one melt on me one time. You can't send this but I use to ask for propane quite a bit. Those small bottles that are light enough to throw in your ruck. I can't go without my hot cocoa and ramón!
stevestojan Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 Lets see, what did I use to write home and ask for.... sun tan lotion baby wipes disposals razors gatorade mix (drinking chemically treated water for 8 months sucks!) do not send a tape of the spice girls! (someone did that to me once and i still haven't forgiven them) magazines are always good stamps a small nurf football I would say a disposal camera, but I had one melt on me one time. You can't send this but I use to ask for propane quite a bit. Those small bottles that are light enough to throw in your ruck. I can't go without my hot cocoa and ramón! 131961[/snapback] sO, the idea of sending Crystal Light single packs is OK? I was wondering if a soldier would get ragged on or in trouble... But I was thinking, drinking that water for months must suck.
Alaska Darin Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 You can't send this but I use to ask for propane quite a bit. Those small bottles that are light enough to throw in your ruck. I can't go without my hot cocoa and ramón! 131961[/snapback] Tell me you meant ramen and not some spicy Latino dude (not that there'd be anything wrong with that).
VABills Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 Duct tape. Unless things have changed we used it to strap things down, all the time.
_BiB_ Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 Lets see, what did I use to write home and ask for.... sun tan lotion baby wipes disposable razors gatorade mix (drinking chemically treated water for 8 months sucks!) do not send a tape of the spice girls! (someone did that to me once and i still haven't forgiven them) magazines are always good stamps a small nurf football I would say a disposal camera, but I had one melt on me one time. You can't send this but I use to ask for propane quite a bit. Those small bottles that are light enough to throw in your ruck. I can't go without my hot cocoa and ramón! 131961[/snapback] You can't mail propane. Don't try it. I used to use those little fold up sterno stoves. They take less room anyway. Heat stuff up in my canteen cup. My platoon eventually found a way to get me fresh coffee every morning as they realized it made their lives much less miserable if they did so. I would also add pre-paid phone cards, depending on the location of the outfit you are sending the packages to.
Kent14 Posted November 24, 2004 Author Posted November 24, 2004 Thanks everybody, there are some great ideas here. Keep'em coming.
Tux of Borg Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 Tell me you meant ramen and not some spicy Latino dude (not that there'd be anything wrong with that). 132042[/snapback] damn spell check!
Tux of Borg Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 sO, the idea of sending Crystal Light single packs is OK? I was wondering if a soldier would get ragged on or in trouble... But I was thinking, drinking that water for months must suck. 131966[/snapback] Yeah, powder beverages are ok. Things may have changed a bit but this is what I remember won't get past customs. 1) Porked based products. 2) any religious material other than Islam 3) porn, although you can sneak a centerfold in a regular letter. The guys who are still on active duty can give you a better answer than I can. The military tends to change its rules every 5 minutes.
stuckincincy Posted November 24, 2004 Posted November 24, 2004 I'd add "Quick" cake and brownie mixes that only need water added to bake them. Hard candies. Moisturizing lotions - the so-called "travel pack" size Toothpicks and floss. Non-aerosol bug repellent.
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