Three_Bags Care Packages

[The Big Ragu]

Hey, I lifted this post from the other thread about three_bags' deployment to Afghanistan. Three_Bags_Full is one of ours, and if you feel inclined to do something nice to make his mission as comfortable as possible, he posted some suggestions to include in a care package/box and where to send it. I'm stickying the info on a wonderful suggestion from someone else.

I asked a few guys in my building what they'd want in a box, and they said things like bags of trail mix, almonds, old magazines, stick-up air fresheners (living quarters are a little tight, if you know what I mean), instant oatmeal packs, ramen noodles (or pretty much anything we can eat in a hurry, given the nature of our mission). That kind of stuff, I guess, is what folks would appreciate the most.

Our address is:

1LT Russell E. Scott
C-6/101
TF Shadow
APO AE 09355

Oh, almost forgot. Coffee. The freaking chow hall is out of coffee, for some reason. We've got a couple of coffee pots around the office to use, though.

 

[The Big Ragu]

These posts from the other thread may prove useful, too:

Shipping guidelines and information from the USPS:

http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/welcome.htm

Priority Mail / Flat Rate may be the way to go:

https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?viewAll=N&catalogId=10001&categoryId=10000033&productId=10001233&sort=&WT.ac=10001233&currentPage=0&rn=CategoriesDisplay&langId=-1&top_category=10000002&top=&parent_category_rn=10000002&storeId=10052

Thanks for posting this. Already i have learned you cannot send:

--Obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc) and horror comics.
--Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or nonauthorized political materials.
--Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith. Items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.
--Pork or pork by-products.

 

[The Big Ragu]

Sorry, I know there is a whole other three_bags thread, but I wanted to just present this too if you want to send him some helpful stuff. Gingerbread has experience with the best way to go about it,and a brother who had some experience in what is appreciated, so I will share some of her tips from the other thread via cut and paste. See the above post about the flat rate from the post office.

Having sent dozens of care packages, the Flat Rate from the post office is definitely the safest, quickest and most efficient way. I've never had a problem with customs, but also only send food and newspapers and family pics.

I asked my brother the soldier what he and his guys appreciate receiving in Iraq, and this was his reply:
The best thing I received was beef jerky (easy going out on missions) and the wax wrapped cheese and sausage combos for back in the rear. And of course I love to get old newspapers, sports and the section A, from Phoenix or anywhere.

 

[Boom_70]

I just sent box off via Priority Mail

Key is having custom declarations form filled out before you get to window. Every individual item has to be listed and there is only 4 spaces on form - if sending more than 4 items you can create 2nd page . I just used an excel and attached to form.

 

[JakeandElwood]

So, if I were to put several different packets of Easy Mac, I would have to write each on individually or could I say 8 packets of Easy Mac?

 

[Boom_70]

So, if I were to put several different packets of Easy Mac, I would have to write each on individually or could I say 8 packets of Easy Mac?

If all the same you could use one line and put quantity of 8. Each different item requires different line. Suggest grabbing from at post office first.

with multiple pages they will provide clear pouch to hold.

 

[slappy4428]

I offered my recently former sister-in-law to TBF as the company puck bag, but he politely declined... Something about not accepting cattle for shipment... [/crossthreading]

 

[Rosie]

I've sadly gotten to be old hat at this, my brother-in-law just returned from his second deployment in January. (Third if you count the Gulf War)

Some additional things we sent:

Jerky (beef and venision)
Microwave popcorn (they had access to a microwave, don't know about TBF)
Newspapers
Music CDs
Skin So Soft Bug Guard, the stuff with sunscreen

I know there were other things we sent, but I can't think of what they were off the top of my head. We always took advantage of the priority mail flat-rate boxes and packed them as full as we could. It was fairly quick turnaround time from sending to arriving.

 

[User 1019]

Yeah, sunscreen and chapstick are pretty useful, here. That's for sure. We do have a microwave.

 

[slappy4428]

Yeah, sunscreen and chapstick are pretty useful, here. That's for sure. We do have a microwave.

So are you sure your unit didn't want the puck bag?

 

[OnTheRiver]

Yeah, sunscreen and chapstick are pretty useful, here. That's for sure. We do have a microwave.

So are you sure your unit didn't want the puck bag?

Oh hell, I'll take her.

 

[fishhack2009]

I just sent box off via Priority Mail

Key is having custom declarations form filled out before you get to window. Every individual item has to be listed and there is only 4 spaces on form - if sending more than 4 items you can create 2nd page . I just used an excel and attached to form.

Boom, how long did it take you to fill out the forms? I'm going to send a package this week and want to drop if off before work. Just would like to know how much time to allow for say, 5-10 items or so? Thanks. :)

 

[Boom_70]

I just sent box off via Priority Mail

Key is having custom declarations form filled out before you get to window. Every individual item has to be listed and there is only 4 spaces on form - if sending more than 4 items you can create 2nd page . I just used an excel and attached to form.

Boom, how long did it take you to fill out the forms? I'm going to send a package this week and want to drop if off before work. Just would like to know how much time to allow for say, 5-10 items or so? Thanks. :)

It's one customs form. You will need your address, TBF's and list of all items with weights. List should be full description-- IE "Costco Broccoli snacks" ( only kidding TBF)

In description area of form there is only 4 lines. If like item, you could fill in description and quanity otherwise each item will need its own line.
If more than 4 you could use additional forms or spread sheet. I used spread sheet and attached to first form. first 4 items on form and balance on spread sheet. Postal service will provide clear envelope to hold all paperwork.

 

[novelist_wannabe]

So Esquire is not acceptable? Couple months back Outside had a girl swimming in a bikini. Not acceptable?

Are they still enamored with silly string as a means of tripwire detection?