What to send to a Soldier in Afghanistan?

[teflon6string]

Working on his COP (Combat Outpost) in Afghanistan, my boy was digging care packages full of new socks and boot laces, Popular Mechanics and gun magazines (the kind you read), peanut butter, canned sardines, crackers, honey, jars of salsa and various single-serving, non-perishable treats.

But what he asked for specifically was dried curly ramen noodles to augment MREs, and mousetraps to help mitigate the constant onslaught of vermin throughout the camp.

It was probably my 4th or 5th extravagant trip to USPS when a helpful postal clerk asked me why I wasn't using their discount single rate boxes for APOs, running just $12-14 or something like that. Ask!

 

[RicInOR]

USPS will send to your home a kit ~ 6 boxes & tape.
You have to print out the customs form - on the USPS website.
Approx cost to ship a large "If it Fits it Ships" box is $15 to an US address - which includes Military APO.

Before you can create a care package, you need shipping supplies. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a free "Military Care Kit" with the necessary supplies for sending packages overseas, including boxes, packing tape and customs forms. Just give them a call at 1-800-610-8734 and ask for the kit.

You can ask at your local PO, too.

 

[clearconscience]

Did you get a fund set up? I'll throw in some money for this cause. I never served and I love to give back in any way I can.
I'm not rich, but I know every little bit helps.

PM me if there's a place we can donate.

 

[RicInOR]

If you start something, please have a plan to finish it. The last 6 months of a deployment are just as important as the first 6 months. If you are sending a single package...let the soldier know it is a one time thing.

The 504th as been in country about 2 months.
I sent a package when he left the USA - some pressurized pens and Rite-in-Rain brain books.
I had given him a Fisher before - when he went to training.

The altitude and weather call for an all weather pen - so does EDC - and those I sent are much less expensive than Fisher's - but it allows for sharing, and or someone walking away with one. ( I lost more pens to my LT )

Amazon says the package was suppose to arrive between Last Tuesday and a this past one ... but I am still waiting to hear if he has gotten it yet - approx 8 weeks from purchase.

My brother has sent somethings too - well my SisterInLaw and brother
but they got to visit with him pre-deployment and thus loaded up his open space-- devices with music/movies etc.

I am trying to get my other brother to send some things too. He always has been single and is more the "how about i give you some cash and you do it" guy. But it is his nephew too. I have reminded him of time away at college and what he liked back then - D&D etc. And what he might have in his tech-y cubical - movie bobble heads / action figures. Hopefully he'll come thru.


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I do appreciate the suggestions
Socks keep being mentioned.
I personally like Tough Socks. But also Smart Wool. And heard these Kirkland (Costco) are pretty good. I have some Cabella's which are NOT merino, but still nice for kickin' it on a cold day. And cheap.

I know, the 21yr old specialist is thinking, "Gee, I hope my uncle sends me some socks."

But they won't let me send a bottle of Jack. (last years birthday gift)

 

[teflon6string]

I just have to share this about serving in Afghanistan...

The Army asked my son what he wanted to do on his birthday. So he ate lunch with a General and got a challenge coin. Then, missing his own 100+ pound black labrador, he put on a dog training suit and ran from his buddies' German Shepherds. He said the big ones drag you to the ground but the smaller ones come flying in from 10-12 feet away and really jerk you out of your socks.

And he caught a helo to Kandahar for a day where he slept and got a cheeseburger and fries.

 

[EPS]

Given the shipping time - a certain holiday season is coming up - and Any Marine / Any Soldier / Any Airman / Any Sailor boxes are a great way to pay it forward.

I have done that in years past. Get an "If it Fits/It Ships Box" and load it up.
Amazon does a great job shipping to APO/FPO - something that I like to take advantage of.

In looking on line, a number of the wives groups have lists. As does Military.com. Certain things cannot be shipped - out of respect for the host country. No pork for example.

Besides EPS idea of cash, we'd need volunteers to collect and package. Many hands would be helpful.

I got Pm from admit saying it could be a problem to collect money on here or something to that affect and all fund raising done on here has to go through Joe but other guy's have said there are plenty of ways to donate to mom and wife collect site's

 

[Bushman]

Playing cards, sudoku, Bibles, Maxim and gun magazines...

 

[RicInOR]

I'll take Corn Hole off the list



If you are a FB type, they have some photos added.
https://www.facebook.com/2504PIR/?h...uvldJ5zeXBM_EJWLPc3lXLZHegnZFAAIKzDq7AJLI5VVA

Looks like fun. Well, except for the daily chance for death, terror attacks, and being on away from home.

 

[RicInOR]