suggestions for care package to female serving in Iraq

[davipu]

well send me her address I'll send the porn.

[yamahonkawazuki]

i bet you would :mrgreen:  

[Hugh Jardon]

I have to agree with Blueknyt, that was my first thought.  I mean what if that stuff isn't really available there? Have your fiance think of what she uses on an everyday basis that she would not be able to live without...and I don't mean her favorite nail polish, but things that she might take for granted and really need.  The other things are excellent ideas as well, just think about making her comfortable.  

This is a really nice thing you are doing.  Is there a way that the rest of us could help out other people?  I would have no problem sending needed things to someone who is without, but I wouldn't know where to send it. :dunno:   Let us know how we can help!

Well, since you asked...

I have a brother over there (again), along with a few friends (I'm a former Army SSG). If you really want to help our troops, check this link:

http://www.anysoldier.com/

Hope that answers your questions on how to contribute, and what to send.

Even a small package means a lot, because it brings reminders of home. Small soft toys (such as Beanie Babies) are VERY popular, because the soldiers give them to Iraqi children. My little niece (now nine years old) collected a LOT of plush toys over the last several years, and kept most of them in their original packaging. Now, she sends a box every few weeks (which also includes Power Bars / granola bars and other sundries), and you wouldn't believe how much the Iraqi kids love the toys! I always felt like Santa Claus when I had toys for the kids, and I HATED going out on patrol with nothing to give them.

Lastly, thanks to all for your efforts and contributions on behalf of our troops. Take it from me, your generosity goes much further than you will ever know.

[raylarrabee]

the DoD has actually cancelled the "anysoldier" program;  they considered it a force protection risk.

[Hugh Jardon]

the DoD has actually cancelled the "anysoldier" program;  they considered it a force protection risk.

:guns: :x: :guns: :x: :guns:

Gee, raylarrabee, I realize you're actually trying to be helpful, BUT...

...the "information" you posted has NOTHING to do with the http://www.anysoldier.com project.

More than two years ago, the DoD prohibited sending mail INDIRECTLY addressed to any member of the military, which is an entirely different matter. Over the years, I got a LOT of mail that way, especially Christmas cards while I was in both Central America and the Middle East, but the "Any Soldier" project is designed so that those who are in-country can provide a "wish-list" and mailing address for someone designated as a "contact point". The contact point is the person you send your letter or package to; they are responsible for distributing the items you send to the appropriate recipient. As an example, men typically request razors; women typically request baby wipes, among other basic items.

Furthermore, when you participate in the Any Soldier program, you can send anything not specifically prohibited, and you are under no obligation to send any item requested, though that seems contrary to the entire idea of the Any Soldier program. I recently sent my brother four ten-packs of razor blades, some paperbacks, a couple of boxes of wipes, four boxes of snack crackers, a movie ("The Magnificent Seven" on DVD, which some of his buddies specifically requested), candy, gum, and plush toys for the Iraqi children he encounters. He in turn distributed those items to the Marines he is deployed with, some of whom don't get much support from home, for whatever reason.

Just to clarify things, according to the DOD Postal Manual (DOD 4525.6-M), Issue #22093, which is dated 09 Jan 2003:

  "Mail addressed to "Any Service Member," or similar wording such as "Any Soldier," "Sailor," "Airman," or "Marine"; "Military Mail", etc., is prohibited. Mail must be addressed to an individual or job title such as "Commander," "Commanding Officer," etc."

IOW, you can't send simply send mail addressed to no one in particular; the www.anysoldier.com project provides you with the address and requests of SPECIFIC individuals you can send a package (or even a simple letter) to; Any Soldier posts e-mail from HUNDREDS of our service members with a simple list of requests, and provides the mailing address for any package to be shipped DIRECTLY to the individuals who've made the request.

For example, in an e-mail posted today (11 AUG 05), one young woman, an Army SPC (Specialist / E-4) requested "snacks and books, puzzles, games, movies, underwear (size 7 female), socks (footie), koolaid". She is currently scheduled to leave Iraq in January of 2006. She is the contact point for five males and two females (herself and another woman), so ANYTHING that would be appropriate for men or women would be appreciated.

I hope this ends any confusion about the Any Soldier project; if you need more information, simply click on the links:


http://www.anysoldier.com


http://www.anysoldier.com/WhereToSend/


The fact is, you would have saved me a LOT of typing here if you'd simply taken the time to click the link I provided in my previous post, instead of misinforming everyone so carelessly. Again, the DoD has NOTHING to do with the Any Soldier project, which relies on the care and generosity of the folks at home to try to make the mission of the troops overseas just a little easier.

No one is obligated to help; I only ask that you click on the links I've provided and decide for yourself if you want to participate. My original post was simply in answer to a request from SuZuki10, who wanted to know how to help out. :kiss: :kiss: :kiss:

If anyone has any further questions / misconceptions they'd like addressed, post them here, and I'll do my best to clarify things for you. Again, your kindness and generosity can make life just a little easier for our troops while they are so far from home; thanks to all for taking the time to read this.

[davipu]

I think I understand the misunderstanding here. back when I was on active duty overseas, the anysoldier program was run by MWR so basicly a bunch of SNCO's with nothing better to do.  but that was back before most of the crap was contracted out.  that and Ray is a O. (read head stuck in ass)  nothing personal, Ray. that's just the way O's are schooled.

[pandy]

All righty, then!

*getting the popcorn*

pandy  

[Hugh Jardon]

I think I understand the misunderstanding here. back when I was on active duty overseas, the anysoldier program was run by MWR so basicly a bunch of SNCO's with nothing better to do.  but that was back before most of the crap was contracted out.  that and Ray is a O. (read head stuck in ass)  nothing personal, Ray. that's just the way O's are schooled.

Truth be told, my best friend is a West Point grad; we met while he was a cadet, and I was attached to the faculty as an instructor. He's now waiting on promotion to light colonel, so I don't have any problems with "O"s in general, but raylarrabee SHOULD have clicked the friggin' link BEFORE he posted! If he had done that, he would have understood the difference between the two programs, and I wouldn't have had to spend MORE time explaining things people can discover for themselves :x, but I do appreciate your input.

pandy:

What is the popcorn for? Do I detect a rabblerouser? :lol:

[pandy]

What? Moi?  

*looking desperately for that halo emoticon*

I was simply looking for a snack to share with everyone. *innocent look*

pandy  :mrgreen:

pandy:
What is the popcorn for? Do I detect a rabblerouser? :lol: