Holiday packages

[XLR8]

I've been corresponding with a member here that is stationed in Iraq and he kindly offered to distribute to a deserving soldier, or Service Member if you prefer, any Holiday packages/items I sent to him.

So give me some suggestions all you military types! What are some good items for shipping overseas??? I'm unfamiliar with the time constraints too so chime in if you have some knowledge as to the urgency with which I should proceed.

I can ask Don but as his participation is somewhat erratic under the circumstances, I don't want to have to wait for a response from him.

TIA
Jane Ann

[XLR8]

15 views and no responses?

I was hoping for some suggestions from current or former military CAC members that are familiar with practical slash useful slash much needed items I could send to members of our troops in Iraq that are facing a Christmas away from home.... just something to let them know that SOMEONE here is thinking of them.

[Mac]

Good question, Jane Ann. It's hard to know what would be helpful. I'm tempted to suggest something practical like pencils and notebooks but it's so commonplace, it might already be easily available to them.

-Mac

[Pseudomind]

Check out this link, or just do a Google search on "Military care package items."

Military care package items


Hope this helps!

[XLR8]

Howard,

This looks like a great shopping list! Thanks for posting it!

Jane Ann

Family members will probably have some other items that they know their loved one will like. One of my contributors explained that, "being in the field is kind of like being in prison in that bargaining items are extremely important. If you have what others want, you will be able to get what you need. The list provided will ensure that even if the military member doesn't like all the items, they will want for nothing. If this stuff was sent to a "new guy" in the unit who had few friends...he or she would suddenly discover more friends than he ever knew he had."

• Baby Wipes - packets are better than tubs. Much better than baby wipes, per se, are the "Hoo Ahhs" brand of pre-moistened, alcohol-free, unscented Field Towels
• Beef Jerky/Slim Jims
• Energy Bars (Power Bar, etc. - Unless a specific brand is requested, much better than standard civilian energy bars are the "HOOAH!" brand energy bar based on the U.S. military's own specially formulated bar that better meets the soliers' needs)
• Hot Sauce (Tabasco, Red Devil, etc.) - wrap glass bottle in duct tape and place in doubled zip-lock bags
• Sunflower seeds
• Peanuts
• Seasoning Salt (Lawry's, etc.)
• Atomic Fireballs / Jolly Rancher hard candy
• Powdered Energy/Electrolyte Replacement Drink Mix (Gatorade, etc.)
• Chewing Gum
• Avon Skin So Soft - great for removing face paint and also reputed to be an effective bug repellant (the latter seems variable based on personal experience and reports)
• AA-cell Alkaline Batteries
• Personal Hygiene Gear: Disposable Razors, Toothbrush and Tooth Paste
• Eye Wash / Drops (Visine, etc.) for flushing dust and sand out of the eyes
• Zip-Lock style Plastic Storage Bags - assorted sizes, heavier freezer style are better
• Copenhagen Snuff in a tin ("Even if the service member doesn't dip snuff, they will be a hero and have more power than the Commanding Officer if they have a 'log' (10 cans) of 'Hagen.' A large percentage of infantry use this stuff and it is hard to get. The stuff they do get comes in a plastic can and tastes terrible. The 'Stateside Hagen' is the most powerful bargaining tool in a field environment!")
• Pre-paid Phone Card so service member can call home