Questions for soldiers that have been to Iraq/ Afghanistan...?

Question

What type of stuff did you like to see in your care packages from your family? Was there anything missing? Do you really want pictures (photographs, or drawn by children)? Websites have said that fast food condiment packets are good too?

I would like to send my little brother stuff he will really wants or needs, but I don't want to overload him either. Also, I would like to send a package to someone that maybe doesn't have as much family as well, so is it different type of stuff that should go to a family member versus someone I don't know?

Thank you for your help!!

Answer 1

I'll answer for my son who spent three years and 6 combat tours in Iraq...each package should be tailored to each individual and what their MOS is....those that are POG's wouldn't need things that infantry does on the frontline. I sent Top Ramen, as my son was in the field at the beginning and didn't see a base or a shower for 2 months at a time, Magazines, board games, deck of cards, chewing gum, mints, baby wipes, socks, jerky, things like that.

Answer 2

Just like the others above my post said, anything you send will be appreciated. How about sending him a few Under Armour shirts and some $10-$12 pair socks. These are things he can wear everyday and remind him of you.

Just my 2 cents ~ Jeff

Answer 3

yes i'm in afghanistan right now,and i can tell you what i've received in my care packages over the past few months ive been deployed..phone cards are great for family members,they're pretty expensive over here and you can probably get better deals back in the states,white socks,candy,magazines,i personally dont care for drawings but family photos are nice for your loved one,lotions,hygienic products such as those little packets of toothpaste and mouthwash...

Answer 4

just send what you can they will love it

Answer 5

Toilet Paper

Answer 6

I cannot give you an appropiate answer, when I was in Afghanistan, we were in Kandahar eradicating the Taliban in Nov 2001.  We had no setup bases there.  Just open territory full of terrorsist.  When I was in Iraq in 2003, Saddam was still in power.  We fought against his Iraqi Army and the Fedeyeen Forces.  We didn't have the privilidge of care packages.  But if I had an option, I would have requested more water and ammo!  Toilet paper wasn't an issue, we used desert shrubs if we ran out, but those MREs clogged you up anyhow, but we only ate about 2 MREs within 4 days so there wasn't much need for any wiping!  As for photos, I've already had those, kept them in my kevlar helmet at all times.

Answer 7

Pictures are great - my son put them on a memory stick for me so I could view on my lap top.  No fast food packets for me - I like coffee and was able to make my own so any good coffee was great as were the individual packets of gatorade and powerade. Beef jerky is always a hot as is dried fruit.  If you can slip in a copy of two of the latest newspaper from home that was appreciated as well.  For hygiene products the gold bond medicated body powder is awesome in the heat and is their foot powder.

Don't send anything that will melt or break because it will.