Deployed in Iraq?

Question

I have a very good friend deployed in Iraq and I'm about to send a care package with movies, music, and reading material to pass the time for him and the five in his group. (Oh and baby wipes, all the soldiers are very keen on having those)

I would like to know if there is anything else i can send them thats comforting and feels like home. I am having so much trouble with this for some reason. Anyone who is or was deployed, what did you receive or want to receive the most?

Answer 1

Here are some sites to help with what to send them. Once you get really know him, start to send things that are special to him.
-Like certain sports teams pictures or newspaper clippings or magazines
-particular things they like to eat
-individaul drink mixes (like Crystal lite or Propel, it is easier to carry and they can just open it up and add it to their water bottles)
-Individual chip bags and cookies. They stay fresher this way then opening up a whole bag of something.

Here are some general things:
And once you get started with one here are some ideas on what to send:
http://www.sarahsmiley.com/military_care_packages.htm
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=care+packages+for+deployed+military+
http://thefuntimesguide.com/2005/09/soldierpackages.php
http://www.adoptaplatoon.org/new/pdf/care.pdf
http://www.militarycarepackages.net/
http://www.geocities.com/militarycarepackage/
http://www.militarywives.com/index.php/component/option,com_content/task,section/id,8/Itemid,55/
http://www.operationmilitarypride.org/packages.html


The U.S. Postal Service introduced a Military Care Kit, or "Mili-kit" to make it easier for military families and friends to send care packages to their loved ones stationed overseas. Each kit contains two Priority Mail boxes, six Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes, eight Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and eight customs forms with envelopes.

This kit may be ordered by calling the USPS Expedited Package Supply Center at 1-800-610-8734. There is no charge for the kit. The Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes included in the kit can be shipped to any APO/FPO in the world, regardless of weight, for $8.10.
And this is the MPS (military postal service) info.
http://hqdainet.army.mil/mpsa/

I always write my hubby a letter or even a card. Check the dollar stores they have cards for 2 for $1. My girls are always drawing pictures and writing him letters also.

My husband is a huge sweet eater so I also send him cake in a jar (or breads or brownies in a jar). He loves these so much. I also send him homemade cookies.
http://www.mindspring.com/~mgrosz/jar-cake.htm
http://marymae.tripod.com/jar/9.htm
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cake-in-a-Jar/Detail.aspx
http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/Vineyard/2429/jarcakes.html
http://homepages.rootsweb.com/%7Ehomespun/cakesjars.html
http://members.tripod.com/%7EMaryMae/jarlinks.htm
http://www.razzledazzlerecipes.com/christmas/gifts/jarcake.htm
http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/getrecipe.zsp?id=48510
Once the cakes have cooled enough. You can then decorate the jars with stickers and other things. My girls love decorating these. I also have an attachment if you would like it for shipping the jars.

With the holidays coming up, you can send him some holiday treat bags with goodies or with Christmas, send him Xmas in a box (xmas tree, stocking with lots of goodies, ornaments, etc.,). For new years send him a party in a box (blowers, noise makers, etc.,.)

I hope this helps somewhat. Just think of what he likes and keep that going. Sometimes depending on where he will be deployed to will depend on what he will be able to get. Some camps are very limited to what they have.

Good luck and thanks for thinking of our men and women who are fighting in the war

I also have an 11 page attachment that has tons and tons and tons of themed care packages., if you want it email me.

Answer 2

Any thing that you know he likes or needs. it is a good idea to ask him if there is any thing he can not get in the PX where he is and if you can send that. Chocolate is good to send but wait until around the end of October to the middle of November. it is actually cold during that time and it will be ok during shipment. You could ask him to get with his buddies and ask them to make a list of things they would like to receive not that it would be for that person alone but at least if you send Items off the list you cant go wrong and don’t be afraid to ask every few month for different items. I always love getting packages but a lot of times some of the things get thrown away because no one wanted them. I personally hate to waste things so I always think it is better to give a list of a couple of people and go with that

Answer 3

My son is in Iraq right now, he told me they can use chap stick and they really need phone cards. You can send chips like pringles or baked lay's that are in the can's.
Magazines are a plus, Oreo cookies, skittles, writing paper, stamps and envelopes. Foot powder.
Thats all i can think about right now, hope that helps you out, But really chap stick and phone cards they really can use.

Answer 4

1. Pictures of people they know.
2. Letters from people they know..even if short and sweet.
3. deck of cards
4. fruit roll-ups
5. favorite candy
6. good coffee
7. a small camera is always good. digital is a plus.
8. scotch tape so they can hang pictures/letters on lockers
9. suckers are always good.
10. ziplock bags
11. beef jerky
12. I liked pudding packs also..the kind that didnt need to be refrigerated.

Answer 5

I sent water guns just the cheap little kind and they loved it. Also chap stick and the Gatorade powder stuff that they can mix with water.

Answer 6

sounds good
jerky cookies not chocolate
candy not chocolate