What is a good care package for my marine deployed in iraq?

Question

my boyfriend is deployed in iraq. and what are some things he might actually really need? i already thought of candy, a power strip, magazines, those individual packets of sugar and creamer, hot sauce, sock, underwear, cotton t-shirts, copenhagen long cut a log of it, phone cards, batteries and what else? Thanks.

Also, should he be even dipping while in Iraq, won't that make him dehydrated?

Answer 1

The key is asking him! Many things people send us we already have in abundance, things we don't need or are available at the PX ...so why pay the extra charge for shipping out of the family budget...that's just pointless. Here are some of the things I have asked for in my care packages, but that does not mean that you BF/ Husband/ Brother/ Friend wants the same things. I like Mach 4/5 Razors and Blades and good shaving creams, Shaving brushes...for brushing the dust off you rifle, Cotton swabs...the packs of like 800 at Wal-Mart for cheap, we use to clean the small spots on our rifles. Double stuff Oreo Cookies, Only AT&T phone cards...find out first if he has access to the VIOP phones before you buy, because the phone cards are expensive and pointless if he has access to something cheaper and better than the AT&T phone centers which are a total rip off, but sometimes the only this that is available. Don't get the drink mixes they are already in abundance here for free. Nudie Mags...although technically not allowed it is loosely enforced, and they will make it through the mail on the way here, but he won't be able to take them home. I love those things you put around you neck and soak with water in the summertime to keep you cool. Snacks that are easy to eat and not messy while out on missions, if your going to send chocolate send M&Ms its starting to get warm again and everything else will melt. Here are some ideas for extra equipment that I love that the army may or may not have issued him. I love my Wiley X gloves; get the new ones that are fireproof. Ask him if he got a set of tan flame retardant coveralls like the pilots get, if not get some off Ebay and send them to him. Make sure his command will let him wear them first before you spend 100 bucks on them. It will help keep him from burning alive if his vehicle is blown up of catches fire (Sorry don't mean to scare you but reality is reality, and safe is better than sorry) I have just purchased a Suunto X9mi watch from Ebay...it is a special military designed watch that has GPS capability, Very cool...they are about 400$ or less on Ebay, 600 retail. Portable DVD players, the portable video game players the younger guys love. IPODS or ZUNES are good gifts too. Some guys have Playstations or Xboxes in their rooms and you can buy many games cheep from the Haji vendors. Slippers are good, I got a pair of 8$ tan ones the same color as my army boots form Wal-mart. Nice shower shoes or sandals with the straps over the toes and over the bridge of the foot are nice too. If you buy socks, underwear or T-shirts make sure they are authorized for wear with his command. Tan Cool-max T-shirts are great and available at the Clothing and Sales, or at stores in Military towns. Under Armor Underwear and Socks in the Foliage Green are great performers, tough, and keep your feet from sweating in the brutal heat. I have a lunch cooler I always take out and fill with water sodas and Ice, Make sure it's black or some tactical color not bright pink. Lens cleaner and defogger for his goggles or glasses is hard to find here. I have good toilet paper sent to me as well. We call the army's toliet paper "John Wayne" toilet paper...cuz it's rough and it's tough...and it don't take no **** off nobody! Anyways...just ask him that's most important he will tell you what he needs. About the dipping/ chew;snuff...yes it dehydrates you, but we have ater to offset that. An most importantl it keeps you awake on long missions, and destressed. Yes, it's a bad habit and he should quit, deployments not the time to quit though ( just my opinion) Also, if he is your BF/Husband send him lots letters and cards letting him know you are faithful and waiting for him, even if they are short… and hose them down with perfume! We like that! Just about everything over here smells bad!Hang in there…it's only seven months!

Answer 2

A power strip is not a bad idea, but he'll need a transformer first, as most countries over there run a different voltage. Phone cards are difficult to pick up, because depending on where he is stationed, he may only be able to use AT&T, or in some places they have to use some Iraq company, which we aren't able to buy. Pick up his favorite snack foods and drinks, I know Red Bull is popular over there, so if you can get it cheap in the states, its worth mailing to him (my hubby liked this while in Iraq, it was quite expensive, so we got a deal from the local bar for $32 a case). Send him lots of pictures and letters. If you know what color t-shirts and socks to buy these are definitely needed, as they sweat quite a bit with all their gear.

I would agree he shouldn't be dipping, but several guys do, and make it just fine. He is probably using a Camelback, and I guarantee he'll be staying hydrated. God Bless him, I hope he stays safe!

Answer 3

get the individual packets of drink powder, i.e. gatorade or crystal lite.

that's all I can see that i did differently for my husband who is in iraq now too. the power strip will need a converter but if your marine requested it I am sure he knows that already.

my husband found a good deal by the way on-line with IDT for $25 he got a 10 hour phone card. it will probably last all year but hey...at least he has something that works and is REALLY 10hours compared to ATT phone cards.

Answer 4

Trail Mix
Vandemecum Toothpaste
Vandemecum Mouthwash
Dental Floss

Answer 5

Just ask!

Here's a good list though:

http://www.tobiasly.com/2005/02/22/sending-care-packages-to-soldiers-in-iraq-or-afghanistan/

In addition to that... Headblade (for shaving heads, some people are into that) and various types of safety razors, blades, disposables, whatever). Local media. CD,s Gameboy / PSP / DS games (yes, some people bring them), lots of magazines (if he doesn't like them he can trade with others, or they go into community pool), coffee and tea bags. If they don't have coffee maker, send instant. A VARIETY of hot sauce (Tabasco is getting a bit boring!) and more...

Good luck, hope he comes back soon!

Answer 6

*A few towels/wash clothes.
*Wet clothes (baby wipes)
*Non-rinse shampoo
*Lotion
*soap whether hand soap or body soap for the body and clothes. clothes soap takes a long time to fully rinse it out and some locations, usage of water is strictly used.
*Toothpaste and toothbrushes/floss/rinse
*Non perashable foods that he likes.
*Hot sauce is one of the main things I have found they desire as my husband is on his second tour there right now. It helps mask the MRE's and other food bad tastes.
*Candy : last year I made him some chocolate everything, but once he got it, it was obvious it was melded, cold, melded cold once he got it. so, recommend to send him something that won't melt due to the extrem tempt.
*extra white cotton socks allows the skin to beathe and not constantly hold the sweat/dirt as much as whool.
*pens/penciles/art supplies (careful due to heat) paper.
*Good, fun and happy letters from home
*Pictures of family, friends, animals/pets, favorite places like the ocean sunset or something he likes.
*Music if have Cd player or it be loaded to Ipod later.
*entertainment. My husband is a big kid lol. I send him some toys once in awhile......can send like card or board games or whatever he likes.
*magazines or books of personal interest

I also have my husband come up with a list of things he would like to have or need as his location, the PX only comes once a week as he is placed out in no where.

It is recommended to not chew, but they will do as their free will on it.

Answer 7

Make him chocolate chip cookies. My husband is there right now and I just sent a bunch because soon it will be too hot to!

Answer 8

How about sanitary wipes or gel. Lotion as it is so try there.Magazines and a can of powder. Thank him for me for serving his country.I love him for it and will keep him in my prayers.

Answer 9

Lotion maybe?

Here is a site where the soldiers actually get online and tell people who want to send care packages to them what they need. Maybe you'll find some ideas there.
http://www.anysoldier.com/WhereToSend/

Tell him many of us say, "Thanks for serving and be safe." ;-)

Answer 10

Body armor.