Hey Three Bags, (and anyone who can help) I need a minute.

One of my daughters classes is putting together care packages for overseas soldiers. The teacher had some suggestions and we are taking them (coffee, Jolly Ranchers, playing cards). We are also putting in an AT&T phone card. But since you would know. What else should go in there. These guys deserve all of it and the kids want to do it up right, as well they should.

So what should we send.

Thanks

 

As an ex military man, I can also suggest paper and pens, books, CDs and magazines.

 

Thanks Alley, I had hoped to hear from you as well.

We picked up some puzzle books. What about stamps?

I don't know what the military takes care of.

 

Stamps are a fabulous idea, as are envelopes of various sizes. Disposable cameras would be good, although a bit pricey. And I know of at least one moderator on this board would love you for sending them so Soduku books.

 

Any type of convenience item is normally good. Magazines, candy, disposable cameras, music CDs (burn a couple of variety CDs), etc., are normally good bets.

When is the care package being sent? I can call a couple of my Iraqi vet buddies and ask them their opinions on stuff like dental floss and toothbrushes.

For me, the cool thing has always been a rug of some sort (think bathroom mat) for my floor. Boots track in a bunch of crap (sand, in Iraq), and a rug is a good, clean place to put your feet on the floor.

I always took one with me to the crapper. Nothing's better than curling your toes in the carpet while on the John. Anything to make me feel a little closer to home.

And the letter. The letter tops everything off. Even include one from you and your wife. It helps. It really helps.

 

As far as the phone cards are concerned, they may have free access. On my last deployment, Uncle Sugar took care of that bill.

And if they use AT&T cards, they won't last long. Those types of phone calls chew 'em up pretty good.

 

Do soldiers still like the pin-up girls?

 

Oh, yeah. On my last trip 'cross the pond(s), I walked into a room with a wall absolutely covered with FHM, Maxim, etc., pages. Wifey sent me a few nudie mags, and I quickly redecorated.

 

Well, we were specificall warned about "Pornography".

TBF...the box has to be in tomorrow...but if you can find anything out...that would be great for next time.

And there will be a next time.

Thanks very much for the help everyone.

It's almost all in there.

 

By God, if someone in harm's way serving the country wants to flog the dolphin to some girl-on-girl action aren't we obligated as Americans to be his hook up?

I'm just sayin.

 

Alright, here's whats' going in (at my house only...other houses are putting together other boxes)

Juicy fruit...ten pack

Stamps...Envelopes and paper...Thanks Alley.
Puzzle books, word find, Sudoku, Crossword puzzles

I threw in some CD's, one country, one top 40, one rap.

Couple of DVD's although I am not sure that they can watch them.

Foot powder, razors, toothbrushes, shaving cream.

Handy wipes, playing cards, jolly ranchers, granola bars

couple of car magazines...nothing real date specific, I assume someone will like them.

Peanut butter.

Couple of Frisbees.

Pound of Starbucks coffee.

There are a few other things I can't remember off the top of my head. As it turns out, my daughter will get extra credit in her physics class (40 point for the coffee) so her motives were not quite as altrusitic as I first thought. But whatever gets it done.

Thanks again for all the help and like I said, there will be another box. My kid needs all the physics help she can get.

 

If you're sending cards, throw in a couple cheap boxes of poker chips.