The posts below reminded me, I've been wanting to send a few packages of "stuff" to some troop in Iraq/'Stan. Would prefer to send direct to someone. If anyone has a name/address they'd share with me, it'd be appreciated. And, if any of you who have "been there, done that" would make suggestions of what might be needed....

Please. No more hard candies. Last year we just kept getting it, and getting it. In fact, the unit that replaced us was "gifted" our stockage, and I imagine they are going to be used as landfill.

Now, if you could send some durable forms of chocolate, you may be cooking with gas.

A PM is waiting for you - a proud one at that! Thanks

Here's the list we are working from right now:

Insect Repellent
Fly Strips
Pre-sweetened drink mixes
AA Batteries (everything runs on these now)
AAA Batteries (if needed)
Nuts
Sunflower seeds
Beef Jerky (prepackaged)
Hard candies
Toilet Paper
Anti-bacterial wipes
Baked Goods*
Venison Sausage/Sticks*
Magazines or Newspapers of interest (no Pornography)

*= Vacuum seal this first or it won't make it before it spoils.

Of course a loved one to keep one in toiletries and basic stuff is great but for a friend/brother(sister) this list is pretty good.

Hope this helps,
Bob

Thanks for the list. I've got a name/address, and will be sending a box off soon.

no nude mags? what? my buddys always want more.

dont forget, cup of noodles, mac and cheese (the quick mix packs), socks, underwear, non lubed condoms.

Paladin,
You should know better than to send girlie mags over there. Most commanders dont care but there are soldiers and officers out there who would use that as an excuse to slam a soldier. Unless it has changed since I was over there "FM's" are a major taboo. And unless you are a tanker using a condom as a wizz bottle inside the tank or as a muzzle cover on your weapon you are screwing up by the numbers. Messing around with the locals over there is nothing but trouble on so many levels. I am not trying to sound like a preachy bugger but your post sets off some red flags that could be serious for the soldier on the receiving end of the package.

There in lies the issue, durable chocolate, it simply doesn't exist. The same with Gummi Bears, Caramels, m&m's (or Recess Pieces for that matter), Riesens (my personal favorite), etc. Pretty much the only sweet that wil survive are hard candies. Of course if we start looking at winter months the options open up somewhat, from May to October I would stop sending anything that might melt. What you need is somebody who's imagination extends beyond the industrial size bag of Jolly Ranchers , I'm partial to chocolate Werther's.

Bob

yea, the condoms were for muzzle covers, don't know any mech boys, mostly grunts, cav scouts, and flyboys. I don't know about the mags, they said they were good to go, so I sent em.

I'm curious: Why socks? I've seen them on several lists. Is it a matter of limited GI issue?

GI issue socks are a black wool blend that I personally cant stand. They really irritate my feet. The main reason though is that in oprations you change your socks a couple times a day to prevent blisters and the other nasties that happen to feet. Plus they wear out very quickly in that environment. Socks are one thing a soldier is always in need of in the field.

Just another note of "please, no chocolate." In the summer months, it never makes it. All you get, after weeks in super-heated mail containers, is a mess. Also, if you manage to reharden it... it never tastes right. No hard candies. People get burned out REAL QUICK on hard candies. What IS appreciated is jerky, chips (in containers like Pringles), and things that won't spoil after WEEKS IN SUPER-HEATED MAIL CONTAINERS!!!

Disposable razor blades are nice, but the "flexible head" versions are really appreciated!!!

Please, if you don't want your "loved troop" to get burned by his commander or anyone else in authority, DO NOT send porn or anything even remotely CLOSE to porn. Also, don't send booze AT ALL, even in mouthwash containers or anything else. Besides UCMJ action, it can get someone ELSE killed when Johnny's drunk at his post on the booze YOU sent.

Don't send booze.

Bandaids are really appreciated, too, for when the socks give out and you have blisters and calluses being rubbed raw constantly. I know.

And powder. Lots of foot powder.

Russ

Oh, OK. Back when I was in, they were OD, and were actually quite good socks, if a bit "itchy" when new. A few trips through the laundry cured a lot of that, thou... That was a long time ago!

One thing I've found that works very well for me is Desitin (yes the white stuff you put on your babie's butt). I use it as an odor control on my feet (can't seem to use foot powder) and under my arms. The best part is it lasts for a few days even with showering. If you look in the US Cav catalog they have a similar product with some perfumes for about $15, the main ingredient though is zinc oxide, same as diaper cream.

I've had trouble with military socks ever since they started using nylon in them (see the odor control thing above). As such I've found a good source of black, cotton gym socks and this is what I use. Yes, my wife plans on sending a 6-pack (of socks ) each month.

Bob

Paladin - I didnt want to come across as a hard case about girlie mags, but as Russ pointed out it will get a soldier slammed hard and fast. Ever since the first Gulf War any mag that is remotely questionable to include swimsuit mags and such have been banned in that part of the world. This is especially important where the troops are concerned because the mags will get them slammed with a article 15 or worse. I have seen it happen twice while doing normal task force rotations. But definately keep sending your buds packages. It helps them out a lot. Just be careful what you put in them, no matter what they might tell you is OK. Mail and packages are subject to search and they do check.

On one of my early deployments my wife sent me a care package with Gold Bond powder in it. After I tried that stuff I never used anything else. One plus is that it has a cooling effect on the feet. Plus it really wipes out the nasty foot you can get over there.

I always liked chewing gum in my packages. Of course jerky and the normal hygeine stuff is always good. I always throw in a couple cans of various chew and packages of cigarettes that can be passed on to those who use the stuff. It is worth serious points for your buddies when they share stuff like that with the guys.

No worries M1, the boys who got those were boat bound, that may have had somthing to do with it, at any rate, they are home, so its old news. Untill my unit goes over I'll continue to send packages to friends and friends of friends, I know and have seen first hand how those mean.

Chewing tobacco is like gold over there. I don't chew, but I know it can be used to barter for nearly anything else.