Sending stuff to Iraq?

Question

My husband is over there, and I got him a laptop to send to him. How do I go about doing that? Are there restrictions or anything on what can be on the laptop? Do they check it and stuff?

Answer 1

They won't check it if it's in a package. All you need to do is if you can, keep it in the box it came in, put that box in a box, wrap it up, and take it to the post office. you will have to fill out a custom's form, but my advice would be to get it insured at the post office before you send it. If it can fit, try a flat rate box. They don't charge you based on the weight of the contents, just pay for the box. I believe it's just over $8.00 which can save you a lot when you send stuff over to your husband. My husband needed the most rediculous things while he's been over there, but luckily, I don't have to send anymore because he'll be home soon! Good luck with the mail, and you shouldn't have a problem. How do you think computer companies ship things to people? the same way you will. and i hope your husband will be alright and he'll be home before you know it. i pray for all of them everyday, and also the families they left behind. good luck in everything!

Answer 2

I am glad to see that you are supporting your husband. Your job for the next year will be hard as well. But as fare as sending him a laptop, just send it to his APO and make sure that it is packaged well so that it doesn't get damaged in shipping. They do not check or look at anything on the laptop.(So send him some good PICTURES) he will love them. They dint take anything out of the package that you send it in. Once you close the box it wont be open till he gets it. This soldier is telling you thank you for your support for your husband and the soldiers serving. OIF 04-06

Answer 3

What are you trying to send on the computer and then we can tell you if that is a problem? Also you can just ask his base if he can have porn or whatever. I think they can. You can also see if you can send the laptop direct from the manufacturer or company if the millitary likes that better. If the box is still sealed they may like that better. Just check with your base person you must have a contact person at the base. They would know better than us as to what your husbands specific situation is and what he can have.

Answer 4

As several person(s) have asked I am answering you're question with this previous submitted answer. This way they can see what they can and cannot do about gifts. The United States armed forces cannot recieve cards to "any serviceman" this year due to fears of terrorism. Instead, the Pentagon has set up a secure email system that allows anyone to send a message to "any serviceman." Just pick the branch of the service, type your message and click send.

The story behind the "to any serviceman" cards:
Since 1967, when Sgt. Billy Thompson wrote Abigail Van Buren and mentioned that a wonderful Christmas present to our armed forces would be "just a letter from home," American citizens have been sending holiday wishes to servicemen and women stationed overseas every holiday season. Dubbed "Operation Dear Abby," the program has brought holiday joy to hundreds of thousands of U.S. military personnel deployed away from home.

To access the site, visit http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/
Military Exchange Prepaid Calling Cards
The Department of Defense Military Exchanges have been authorized to sell the following prepaid calling cards to individuals and organizations who wish to purchase these cards for our troops serving overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
https://thor.milexch.com/scs/default.aspx

12 Ways to Support Our Troops
By Lance Helgeson
http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/yourlife/Articles/a2004-12-07-12support.html

You can adopt a specific or random service person for a prayer circle.

http://www.presidentialprayerteam.net/troopsadopt.php

You can write to a service person.

http://anyservicemember.navy.mil
There are dozen of organizations, which allow you to purchase items and present it to a service person, but there are other options you might consider. Visit the closest VA Hospital or for something really unique try:
www.snipersonline.org (They ask for contributions to buy items that the Government refuses or that is out of stock.


Now to your specific question like undeveloped film most computers hard drives end up being wiped clean by the x-rays. They do look for pornography on computers so be careful. Tell him thanks and God Bless you both and the Southern People.

Answer 5

You will be sending it to an APO address by either Priority Mail or Express Mail. Although a Moslem country and they have many restrictions on media, I don't think they will inspect the laptop since technically it is going to a foreign country but it will be under US control.

Answer 6

I see now you have plenty of answers but theres a site called militaryfriends.com and lots of Military folks there that will help you in the future if you need questions answered.Thank you for a brave husband and for standing beside him and thank him for his service for us.God Bless the both of you.

Answer 7

contact the post office. they can answert this and give you the right forms in case you need the number i have it since my hubby is deployed also

they can answer your questions. this number is for the car package bundle. 1-800 610 8734. select option 1 then 1 again and ask for the military pack. they give you a customer number too. to order again.
good luck hope this helps.

Answer 8

My husband took his lap top over with him. His wireless Internet card we paid 300 dollars for from Sprint does not work though.

Answer 9

I'm sure they will check it out. I would talk to the folks on base here and see what they have to say.