Feb 18, 2008 at 10:02 AM : God bless your son and...

God bless your son and son-in-law for their service to our country. In case someone was interested in sending things to them, what kind of items do they need or want (besides cookies! lol) I know you said "anything from home" is appreciated but please mention some specifics that you know they can use, enjoy and share with their buddies. Thank you.

Feb 19, 2008 at 01:02 PM : HELLO to all I am...

HELLO to all I am going to list one link that provides information on what a soldier in the field could use. If you do go online looking for a company to send a care package just be careful using discretion. As with any need there are those who attempt to exploit a good cause, so discretion is best. Manytimes just a letter will lift that soldier more then you know, thanking them and the others for stepping up to the plate when a country called for volunteers.

BIG SAVINGS IF YOU WANT TO SEND ANY ONE ANYWHERE A PACKAGE USE THE US POSTAL FLAT RATE BOXES. The boxes are FREE at the post office with labels. The cost anywhere is only in a FLAT RATE INTERNATIONAL DOMESTIC MARKED BOX is only around 9 dollars. I stuffed on once and the couldnt believe how much weight I got inside this box. FLAT RATE 9 BUCKS to send.

This link below has basic information on the needs a soldier can utilize.

http://www.equipped.com/deployed_military_suggestions.htm

http://www.marriedtothearmy.com/army_deployments_carepackages.htm

What To Send In A Care Package

http://www.equipped.com/deployed_military_suggestions.htm

I have solicited input from service members I know and what follows is a consolidated and annotated list from those who have "been there and done that." (Thanks to all who contributed to this list.) This is hardly an all encompassing list and at the end is a link to larger lists, but this list is field tested and will "win huge" for anyone who sends from it. (Some needs change over time and this list will be updated as we receive updated suggestions from our sources.)

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 (for service member use)
Smarties or SweetTart candies (for local children who prefer sour style candy to build relationships with community)
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
Veterans of Foreign Wars operates Operation Uplink which sends free prepaid phone cards to service members. On the Operation Uplink site you can request a card for a specific service member or make a donation to help support this service.

This site below is good for informational or if you just want to support any soldier anywhere.

http://www.anysoldier.com/index.cfm

Serving Those Who Serve Us Part II - TO LOSE TO GAIN - brianitos's Blog - Tehachapi News

Feb 18, 2008 at 10:02 AM : God bless your son and...

Feb 19, 2008 at 01:02 PM : HELLO to all I am...

What To Send In A Care Package