Did you serve over seas (iraq or else where)?

Question

I am getting things together for a care package, and you know the typical things are on the list...socks, soap, tooth paste, etc.

What are some things that you really wish you had when you were over seas?

Answer 1

I served in Iraq. Magazines were always nice to have. But a lot of the time the PX at the base we were at would run out of soap and razes. But the biggest problem with sending care packages is the front line troops just about never get them. All of the good stuff gets hijacked by the guys that never leave the wire. But thank you for supporting us.

Answer 2

Scout's right... in any case, the items a soldier might want in a care package depend first on the individual soldier's wants/needs, and then it depends on where he's stationed and what amenities he has access to. Some guys have constant access to well-stocked PX's, while others maybe get to stop into one once a week or two or three for a few minutes, and find most of the stuff they need is sold out.

There are websites that list the most commonly-requested items for care packages, however; the fact that you're wanting to send one is commendable! I got all kinds of fantastic care packages from people I'd never met, and it always made my day. Even if there were things in there I didn't need, I usually found someone that did want those items--and don't worry, soldiers usually do that. If someone else wants something from a package that the receiver didn't need, sharing's usually the norm. Thank you for your thoughtfulness!!

Answer 3

I was in Iraq in 2003 and the things we valued the most on care packages were:

1) Baby Wipes (good as gold)
2) Powdered drinks (makes all the water we drink more pallatable, Gatorade, Tang or Iced tea)
3) Chewing tobacco
4) Magazines (Import Tuner, Mustangs & Fast Fords, Guns & Ammo, Sports Illustrated and the like)
5) Video games (you have at least one game system in each tent, so used video games were a big thing)
6) Hard Candy (we would get so much of it, we'd take some of it and give it to the local kids)
7) Toothpaste
8) Razors
9) foot powder (another "gold" item)
10) sunblock (SPF15+, preferably the stuff that's sweat-proof)
11) Soap
12) bug repellent (with 10% DEET - Sand flies are mean)
13) Crossword puzzles, Sodoku, etc...
14) Real DVD movies (we could get "Hadji DVDs" but those wouldn't last long and they always have that "Dude with the video camera inside the theater" kind of quality.
15) Heavy duty gloves (Mechanix gloves are tops, specially if you are a mechanic (Duh!) or a machine gunner).

Every little bit helps and always remember to put in letters from schools, church groups and Veteran groups telling our guys that we support them, that makes a world of difference.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS.

Answer 4

My information tells me that the DOD has suspended unsolicited mail programs because of space restrictions. You still may send packages to a family member, a loved one, and a personal friend

For more detail contact the Defend America web site for more specific information. Then take a look at answers you received if you have people who fall within the mailing requirements.

I spent three years over seas on a special assignment. I appreciated receiving our local newspapers and anything that was good to eat. Newspapers may be expensive though. I enjoyed receiving books because books in English were unavailable.

Answer 5

Really just depends on "where" in the world? When I was in Germany- current DVD Movies, South Korea or Ship Board- home made cookies, LOL, and Australia - more money!
Good luck, oh, and why not ask the Service Member?

Answer 6

When i was over in Iraq i really wished i had magazines and books that were in english. Anything to pass the time during my off time.

Answer 7

I really and truly wish I'd had people like you that cared about us while we were deployed overseas.

Thanks for supporting the troops.

Answer 8

I was deployed and I wanted beef jerky, razors, socks, and some more beef jerky. beef jerky is great caus you can take it anywhere while you are deployed for a snack and it tastes good and never goes bad.

Answer 9

Beef Jerky, baby wipes, hand sanitizer.

Answer 10

I did, but back then all we got was spit on by hippies when we got home.