Care packages for DaveOU812 and Bravo Company.

[DickHead]

Okay, lets start working on some packages to send over. Items to include:

Gum
Candy (avoid anything that might melt)
Food stuffs that will survive shipping (avoid heavy items) Granola bars and such are good
Powdered drink mixes
Batteries (AA, AAA)
DVD movies (burned ones are fine as long as they play in a player or computer)
Baby wipes in small packets
Magazines and paperback books
Waterproof matches
Hygene items (travel size)
Hot Sauce
Disposable cameras
Envelopes, pens and small notepads
Don't hesitate to write a greeting to Dave's unit, or a postcard.


If you have something that is liquid (like shampoo), seperate it in ziploc bags, and double bag it. Ziplocs double as nice little containers for separating items in the field, too.
Dave, if you think of anything to add to the list, please post it.

Does someone in Utah County and Davis county want to volunteer to be a collection point? I could then make arrangements to go pick up at those locations.
Lets go for Monday the 10th for our collection date. I'd appreciate a couple of bucks from each person with thier items to offset shipping, too.
My address is 5052 W 7000 S in WJC. I've got a rubbermaid bin on the porch, drop items into it with a note who they're from.

[rockgremlin]

When I was speaking with Dave earlier this year he mentioned that the only food they get is MREs. So I'm guessing some kind of food that won't perish or get damaged in shipping and is yummy, would be greatly appreciated.

I'm thinking....jerky - all kinds, trail mix (without chocolate), mixed nuts, granola bars, dehydrated fruit mix, etc.

Can I just say....Jamis, you're the man for organizing this! :2thumbs:

[DickHead]

When I was speaking with Dave earlier this year he mentioned that the only food they get is MREs. So I'm guessing some kind of food that won't perish or get damaged in shipping and is yummy, would be greatly appreciated.

I'm thinking....jerky - all kinds, trail mix (without chocolate), mixed nuts, granola bars, dehydrated fruit mix, etc.

Can I just say....Jamis, you're the man for organizing this! :2thumbs:

Thanks!
Yes, very good suggestions. Also, sunflower seeds. Whenever I was in the field we ate schloads of them.

[accadacca]

Yeah thanks Jamis. I am just up the road from you. I got a ticket on my motorcycle on that road the week I moved in. You are probably laughing at that since you live on 7000. :lol8: The "A" hole cop was hiding behind the fence (no offense wind). I understand the school and stuff. But I don't know how long the 25mph will last.

I will put the 10th on my calendar and put a reminder to get you some stuff by then. I will say hello if you are home when I stop by. :five:

[DickHead]

We need speedbumps! :frustrated:
Hopefully I'm out of this house before the speed limit ever goes up. Because whatever it is, add 10mph and thats what people mostly will do.

[accadacca]

We need speedbumps! :frustrated:
Hopefully I'm out of this house before the speed limit ever goes up. Because whatever it is, add 10mph and thats what people mostly will do.
I figured that might get you fired up. :lol8: I'm a 25mph guy where the kids play. I was new to the area and they got me. :frustrated:

[Windwalker]

The "A" hole cop was hiding behind the fence (no offense wind).

None taken, I've been on the recieving end several times myself. And I know there are several members of the "A Team" out there. Sorry to hear about your bad luck. Hope you remember that for every "A" there are a couple dozen good ones.

[accadacca]

Need more input of what you want exactly Dave and what the other guys want? Sunflower seeds are a must and probably jerky. Right?

[DaveOU812]

The jerky, always goes fast. Trail mix and sunflower seeds are also a big hit. I asked some of the guys, They said, cigarettes, dip, porn, and food. :haha: Anything is really fine. I couldn't ask for anymore than this and I really appreciate all who are donating and arranging.

[rockgremlin]

I asked some of the guys, They said, cigarettes, dip, porn, and food.

Yup, sounds like typical soldier's requests. :haha: :haha:

[Sombeech]

porn

New or used?

[DaveOU812]

:haha: I dont think they even care if it's used. Sad really. :lol8:

[Windwalker]

You can send porn and it'll probably get to them, but from the political stand point it shouldn't be sent. We've had three of our kids over there and one that should be there by now. They tell me that "MAXIM" is pushing the border. The Muslim belief is so strick! To bad because there're probably some beautiful women there that will never be seen, not even in a nice blouse and tight pair of jeans. :naughty:

[Wasatch Rebel]

Being from Utah, there may be some "good" Mormon men there--do they allow sending religious stuff--like Ensign magazine for example?

[Sombeech]

Being from Utah, there may be some "good" Mormon men there--do they allow sending religious stuff--like Ensign magazine for example?

Good question. There's a lot of LDS members over there I'd bet.

[DickHead]

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Mailing Guidlines for the Middle East

US Post Office - 10 February 2004


The Postal Service is reminding Americans that certain conditions and restrictions apply when mailing items to military and civilian personnel deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Middle East and Persian Gulf areas.

Programs that allowed the general public to send mail addressed to "Any Service Member" were cancelled more than a year ago by the Department of Defense's (DoD). While popular with the public during Desert Storm and other operations, DoD's concern with security and transportation constraints led to canceling this program. The DoD recommends that individuals and organizations wishing to mail letters and care packages to individual servicemembers overseas refocus their activities into supporting the servicemember's family members at home.

The DoD recommends visiting www.defendamerica.mil and clicking the "Support Our Troops" icon as a means for the public to find out ways to support servicemembers.

Addressing Tips

The DoD has requested that those who send mail use the servicemember's full name (with or without rank or rating), unit and APO/FPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address with the nine-digit ZIP Code (if one is assigned) and a return address. For packages, mailers are asked to print on one side only with the recipient's address in the lower right portion.

Prohibitions

While there are specific restrictions for each five-digit military post office ZIP Code (APO/FPO), generally speaking, it is prohibited to mail the following to this region:

obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc.); pork or pork by-products; any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or nonauthorized political materials. Although religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith are prohibited in bulk quantities, items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.

Restrictions are updated every other Thursday in the Postal Bulletin . Customers may also obtain this information by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS, or by visiting their local post office.

All military units are assigned an APO or FPO ZIP Code and in many cases that ZIP Code travels with the unit. The Postal Service places APO/FPO mail on special charter flights, commercial airlines, and military service aircraft at military and U.S. airports. When planes arrive overseas, the mail is tendered to the military and transported via local military transportation to delivery points.

According to the Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA), depending on where the servicemember is located, letters and Priority Mail parcels to Kuwait normally take 10 to 15 days. Parcel Post packages take longer since they don't travel by aircraft within the U.S. prior to overseas dispatch. There may be size restrictions and customs declaration form requirements to some locations as mail going through the MPSA can be subject to the host country customs requirements. The time to deliver varies depending on the category of mail and the country of destination. Delivery may also take longer when armed forces are on the move during periods of heightened activity.

Packaging Tips

It's a good idea to keep the following in mind to ensure that packages are delivered promptly.

Extreme Temperatures: Desert temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees.

The Box: Select a box strong enough to protect the contents and large enough to accommodate cushioning. If reusing a box, cover all previous labels and markings with a heavy black marker or adhesive labels.

Cushioning: Cushioning the contents with newspaper is a novel way to send news from home. Styrofoam and bubble wrap are also good choices. Close and shake the box. If it rattles, add additional cushioning to keep items from shifting.

Batteries: Occasionally a battery powered item such as a radio or electric razor will turn itself on during shipment. Be sure to remove and wrap the batteries separately.

Sealing: Tape the opening of the box and reinforce all seams with 2" wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string or twine as it causes the package to get caught and possibly damaged in sorting equipment.

Include a card describing the contents: Occasionally improperly wrapped packages fall apart during shipment. Including a card inside the package that lists the sender's and recipient's addresses along with a description of the contents helps in collecting items that have fallen open during processing.


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I would prefer that unless we recieve a specific request we refrain from sending religious materials. But, if someone shows up with a BOM or Bible, I'm not going to say no.
ON the same note, I'm not going to include porn in any packages I send. I just don't want a shipment to fall on its face for that reason. I love porn, but I don't want to create any problems.

I'm just wondering, how many are going to be bringing stuff by, or collecting and sending it on thier own?
I'm also willing to collect straight cash donations at my paypal account. Jamisjockey@yahoo.com please include in the notes that its for 'care packages'.

i work in the family assistance office for the utah army national guard, and would be happy to assist you in getting these items to these individuals. i would like to offer a bit of advice, however. Soldiers usually can get whatever they want from on post PX's in Iraq. Our office takes care of their families, and you would be suprised at how many families are in financial despair, etc... when their soldier leaves. You might want to think about helping their family here in utah, it would be better served, trust me. if you need any information, you can email me anytime at
kelly.barnes@ut.ngb.army.mil and i will give you any help i can. thanks for supporting our troops in their on going mission of "securing freedom".

[Sombeech]

Thanks for the info, drj. Welcome to the forum.

You should post an intro in the Newbies section. :2thumbs:

[DickHead]

Thanks, thats good info.
Whether the troops can get stuff or not in country isn't really the point. As an E4 Corporal I made $18,000 a year plus allowances IIRC. Not having to go spend $30 bucks on junk food means they can spend money on things like ACOG sights for thier rifles, underarmor undies, and other stuff. Not to mention the warm fuzzy of having someone care. Just getting something in the mail can put a guy in a good mood for awhile.
I feel for the families and have given monetarily to the Red Cross and "feed the children" charities during thier military family drives. If I personally knew any reservist families that were deployed I'd do whatever I could directly for them, as well.

[basilone0331]

Having been to Iraq 3 times I can tell you that everytime you get mail (save the dear john letters) you do feel better for awhile, and you might be surprised as to how many of my buddies got dear john letters 2-3 months into deployments.

[DickHead]

Having been to Iraq 3 times I can tell you that everytime you get mail (save the dear john letters) you do feel better for awhile, and you might be surprised as to how many of my buddies got dear john letters 2-3 months into deployments.

I'm not surprised. Not much that tests a relationship more than a long term deployment.
Military life and marriage just don't mix well.
We called 'em "west pac widows"....you knew when a squadron was on the boat because the E-club was full of fresh meat. Just as common as high-interest car dealerships and pawn shops in a military town....

[DaveOU812]

It's true. All of it. From that warm and fuzzy you get from coming back to the rear after 5 days and having a box on your rack to the west pac widows. You can buy pretty much anything you need at the px but it depends. The base I'm at isnt' a huge base so there isn't a whole lot of stuff but thats not really the important part. It really is just knowing that people care. Even when we get the envelopes from elementry school classes and they are all just cards. We still sit around and joke about them. Makes you feel better for a little while.

[DickHead]

It's true. All of it. From that warm and fuzzy you get from coming back to the rear after 5 days and having a box on your rack to the west pac widows. You can buy pretty much anything you need at the px but it depends. The base I'm at isnt' a huge base so there isn't a whole lot of stuff but thats not really the important part. It really is just knowing that people care. Even when we get the envelopes from elementry school classes and they are all just cards. We still sit around and joke about them. Makes you feel better for a little while.

When are you due back homey? I owe you a few beers.

[DaveOU812]

I should be home late April/early May. Depends on when our leave block starts. Mid April we will be back in the states. Everyone is getting kinda antsy. Starting to get ready for turnover.