What are some good things to put into a care package for a male soldier overseas?

Question

I adopted a soldier from www.soldiersangels.org and all i know about him is his name. im going to send a letter with the package asking what he would prefer but the site says sometimes it's months before they can get back in touch with you and i want to make sure i have someting to send to him. any suggestions is greatly appreciated. thanks in advance!!!

Answer 1

You may also want to include some paper and an envelope, or a postcard, with your name and address on it.  (no need for a stamp, they can send mail for free)  It will make it easier for him to write you back.  

Answer 2

I heard they like to receive new socks and little things like pens and paper. Maybe current event things like sports magazines or newspapers.

Answer 3

http://www.anysoldier.com/WhatToSend.cfm

The link above give you ideas on what to send. There is also a link on that site on what NOT to send, like aerosol cans, anything with alcohol in it such as hand sanitizer and a lot of mouth washes. DO NOT package any food products with chemical things. The taste is entirely ruined. Don't send chocolate, because it will melt. I included another list of things to send and not to send below.

http://www.troopcarepackage.com/wish.htm...

Answer 4

Any item you could think of that would remind him of home.

Answer 5

Make sure that you don't send anything that could perish or melt, ie chocolate (I made that mistake).  I used to send things like toothpaste, socks, letters, magazines, beef jerky, dip(coppenhaigen long cut, lol), baby wipes(unscented), and breath mints.  The thing is depending on where your soldier is stationed, you don't want to send things that can attract attention like cologne.  A lot of them have to dig holes to use the bathroom and then cover it up, so that the scent doesn't attract the enemy.  Also, you don't want to send things that could slow them down like heavy things or awkward things.  They may end up having to leave things behind, but the gifts will be much appreciated as they are able to use them.  You should be so proud of yourself for doing such a wonderful thing for someone.  These guys (and gals) need to know that they are appreciated, and people like you are making it happen.

Answer 6

A nice thing to send is a good luck charm. I had a gal send me a St. Michael medallion, he is the Good Angel of Death and the Field Commander in the Army of God. If you do send one, attach a letter explaining who he is. You can even bring it to a church and have someone bless it.

Also, magazines are good, Maxim, mags that are loaded with cool stuff and babes, but are still tasteful (enough).

I used to get brownies from my gal and they were incredible, everyone in my squad would hang around at mail call staring at me and drooling.

If you send food, make sure it is well packaged and sealed for freshness. It'll blow him away to receive a bag of delicious brownies. Also make enough for him to share with a few close buds, or he'll get razzed about it.

Use your imagination and send some cool trinkets, like an interesting coin, and bless it, tell him it's a protective good luck charm.

Trust me, he will be very appreciative of anything you send.

Best wishes to the both of you!

By the way, that is a very cool thing you did by adopting him from that site!!! From all of us in the military - OUTSTANDING!!

Sorry, I forgot to mention a couple things:

First, don't send stuffed animals, he'll get smoked by his CO and buddies. And, any food items that are packaged well can be sent and will be appreciated. One of your respondents mentioned Beef Jerky, an excellent choice along with gum and some candy bars, but don't send chocolate bars that can melt. I've received them before in Iraq and they were syrup when I poured them from the wrappers. Peanut butter cups arrive as mushy peanut butter in chocolate sauce. Also, newspapers, especially from his home town.

Good luck!!

Answer 7

Think of things that a mother or a girlfriend would send. Then send him stuff like that.. You know like chapstick, beef jerky, sunblock... I am sure you can figure this out!  

Answer 8

Junk food!  I know it sounds strange but they don't get as much variety there.  My husband loves to get oatmeal cream pies, I also send tea packs, and hot chocolate packs, and hard candies.  You could also send some funny dvd's.  Even if he does not like the one you send, someone there will.  

Answer 9

Boot socks, toiletries, those indiviudal drink packets like crystal light, books, magazines. Trail mixes , etc...  Here is a site where they list what they might need.

Answer 10

Easy one... go to www.anysoldier.com    click on what to send...

I suggest Beef Jerky...

At the Dollar Store they have those snacks in Hard Round Containers

so they don't get crushed in-transit...($1.00 each)

Here is what you cannot send...

No p**n

No Naked Pictures of any kind (No Playboy etc)

No Pork or anything with Pork in it

No Liquids

No Glass containers

Nothing Homemade (It is 140 degrees over there, Rot before the get it)

Chocolate Bars will be soup...

Ship soaps etc separate from Food...

If you are sending him a Phone Card go to www.afees.com cheapest around...There are special Free Boxes at the PO...Special Rate Shipping...

Don't forget to fill out a US Customs Form also at the Post Office..Free

Remember you are only paying postage to either APO(NY City or

FPO (San Francisco Ca)

Thanks for Caring...

Semper FI !!!!

Answer 11

Local newspapers, small flashlights, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, Tuna in Pouches, Candy that won't melt. A pre-paid phone card. Unscented Wet Wipes. 1-Gallon Freezer Bags.

Answer 12

When I was overseas, some of the things that I looked forward to were: magazines (Maxims, cars, motorcyles, etc...), books, cds, dvds, baby wipes, and unique foods like sardines or caviar.

Answer 13

p**n and liquor. anything else aafes will sell him in theater. those are the 2 things that are really needed over there that there is limited access to. anything else you send will be a waste, and collect dust.