I figured somebody on here might have a better feel for this stuff than I do. A petty officer in the Navy JAG office I worked in my last semester of law school was recently deployed to Iraq. She's on the ground running legal documents through on convoys between cities. I believe she drew the choice duty of manning the gunner's seat on her HUMVEE.
Anyway, my fiance and I want to send her a care package, but I don;t have a good feel for what somebody serving over there would want. Any suggestions would be great (and Davipu, we already decided against a six pack of beer, porno, and plane tickets home).
so far, I thought about:
- sunscreen
- AA batteries
- flavored drink mix packets
- her favorite magazines
- cookies
- other food that won't melt[/list:u]
then what are the batteries for?
I was going to suggest
chewing gum
oreos
jerkey
a gijoe (so she has someone to talk to on guard duty)
kodak advantix cam with film for 40 bones they take good pics.
powdered gatorade
vid poker handheld games.
oh yeah, the one thing you can't live without in the field, babywipes.
batteries are for her discman. I can't believe I didn't thin about baby wipes. Some Gold Bond would probably be money, too.
i thoguht batteries were for those lonely nights alone.
i would suggest: flak jacket.
i didn't say it.
Quote from: davipui didn't say it.
don't worry Dave, I was pickin' up what you were putting down...
buzzzzzzzzz...
Quote from: raylarrabeeQuote from: davipui didn't say it.
don't worry Dave, I was pickin' up what you were putting down...buzzzzzzzzz...
I don't know what is more disturbing, the fact that you picked up a vibrator that dave used or that you went from MD to CA to do it.
*leaves computer to wash mind out with bleach*
Sorry, I seem to be getting this more OT
just a thought, write her and ask, not to sound sexist, what is her prefered Fem Hygene products? IE specific pad/tampon size and make? toothpaste,underwear,socks,sunscreen,eyedrops,phone cards,stamps,envelopes? ok running out of idea.
trying to think logicly, small things make a big diff.
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! :cheers:
pre-paid phone cards
pretzels, chips, nuts, seeds
packets of tuna (if she likes tuna?)
lip balm
single serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate
cereal & granola bars
eye drops
I sent my fiance on a "what would you want if you were stuck in the desert" run to the local drug store. I am good at picking out snacks, but not too money when it comes to picking comfort items for females.
Thanks for all the suggestions. Getting the package off today.
Don't know if I caught you in time, but I wanted to give you some ideas.
1) Pack everything as though an AD/HD 4 year old will use it as a trampoline. While deployed, my mom and a few friends decided to send cookies every week. Mostly, I got crumbs. Bubble wrap is your friend. As an added bonus, everyone loves popping bubble wrap.
2) Be careful about sending perishables. Mail delivery time isn't quite up to FedEx standards.
3) Hand sanitizer. Personal hygene is VERY important.
4) If you can swing it, Under Armor t-shirts come in brown (so she can wear it under her uniform). That stuff was a lifesaver over there.
5) One of the best packages I got was a US Cavalry catalog and gift card.
www.uscav.com
Lots of stuff in there is priceless.
6) For the future, if you know an elementary school teacher, have his/her class write letters. Those are the best. Always good for a laugh.
Thanks for doing this. You wouldn't believe the morale boost those care packages generate.
something we always sent to female troops who had been deployed that i don't think has been mentioned is lotion as well and waterless sanatizer as stated above, tissues and non perishable snacks.
SP Dave suggested:
3) Hand sanitizer. Personal hygene is VERY important.
GOOD ONE!!!!!!!!! :cheers:
pandy :mrgreen:
Quote from: daviputhen what are the batteries for?
box of dildos?
My best friend is over there right now, and all he wanted was porn, but if that is out of the question you could just send magazines and crap like that.
Oh, and it doesn't have to be mags she likes, in fact if she gets some stuff she can "share" with the guys it is a good thing. Aparently it is a bit like prison over there, and I mean there is a lot of bartering. I sent some old mags (that weren't porn) and they were a big hit.
Food is probably a bad idea, even non-parishables. Food is heavy (high postage cost), and it takes 2-3 weeks for most soldiers to get their mail. Also big heavy packages often take longer to get there. Maybe try sending several small packages.
I've also been told that all the packages get seached pretty thoroughly, so be mindful of that. Good luck with the packages, and God bless the USA.
in that area, anything with a digital display, will get funky, display on cd?, it did in phoenix, and phoenix usually is not as hot as iraq :dunno:
when i was deployed the one thing that there was NEVER enough of is good toilet paper! sounds silly, but very true. along iwth that, baby wipes are invaluable!
things from home to let the person know you are thinking of them and really care means the world to that person! every little thing i got from home was like getting the best present in the world, just because i knew that someone had to put a little thought, time, and love into getting it there.
soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen - stay safe!
Unfortunately, I think the Navy would frown on a male officer sending a female enlisted woman any porn.
Thanks so much for all the suggestions. I would never have thought that having a clean butt was one of the primary challenges of being deployed.
We settled on:
powdered gatorade
granola bars
gum
magazines
baby wipes
hand sanitizer
hot sauce
baby powder
well send me her address I'll send the porn.
i bet you would :mrgreen: :thumb:
Quote from: SuZuki10I 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! :cheers:
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.
the DoD has actually cancelled the "anysoldier" program; they considered it a force protection risk.
:bs: :bs: :bs: :bs: :bs:
Quote from: raylarrabeethe 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. :roll:
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." :nono:
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.comhttp://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.
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.
All righty, then!
*getting the popcorn*
pandy :P
Quote from: davipuI 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! :roll: 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. :thumb:
pandy:
What is the popcorn for? Do I detect a rabblerouser? :lol:
What? Moi? :?
*looking desperately for that halo emoticon*
I was simply looking for a snack to share with everyone. *innocent look*
pandy :mrgreen:
Quote from: Hugh Jardon
pandy:
What is the popcorn for? Do I detect a rabblerouser? :lol: