Question about sending things to troops in Afganistan

Is there a list of perferred items, banned items, etc? Just found out that another family member has deployed, and want to be able to send things to him, since he's probably there for a year or more.

Oh, and how? We know his branch, unit number, all that - any central place all this goes to, or do we send it through Fort Carson, or?

Preferred items: ask what amenities are available. Is he living in tent city or a compound where there is no or a very small BX/PX? What is his job? Military out on patrol will want/need different items than a desk-jockey. What are his living conditions...does he get to shower every day? Is the shower located in the same building he bunks in? Is there a dining facility nearby or do they eat rations? Does he have to wear his uniform all the time or is there down time? Ask what he wants or needs.

Banned items: no alcohol, period. Since most packages will be sent by airplane, avoid aerosols (hairspray, deoderant, paint, etc.). Again, he or she should have an idea of what is banned or what is questionable. Obviously, pornography is not a good idea; however, this also could mean Vanity Fair magazine or Self or a fitness magazine.

You should be able to get an address to send care packages to. If your deployed member can't answer, contact his home unit here in the states and they should be able to tell you the address.

Send things they can't get over there...candy, popcorn (already popped), fun things (squirt guns and water balloons), wrap things in a local newspaper so they can keep up with news. There are always things that there aren't enough of (foot powder for one, but again, ask). I had my mom send me Vanquish when I was in Turkey...it was the only thing that alleviated my cramps. She also sent me Skin So Soft from Avon...the water over there dried my skin out something horrible and that was something I couldn't get at base facilities. Snack food is welcome (chips, jerkey, pop-tarts, baked goods).

Ask if they move around a lot and have to carry all of their personal gear with them. Most of the time there will be little personal space for storing anything (photos, books, music, etc.) and it probably isn't locked.

Chapstick, wet-wipes, hand lotions (non-scented) and sunscreen are much appreciated. Our nephew asked for, and recieved a few cases (300+ units) of those pre-packaged handwarmers. They were great for the folks who had to have "hands-on" the Humvee guns all day and night. We have also sent a lot of hard candy and jerky.

When I was out in the bush with the CAP my mom would always send Slim Jims...LH is this a relative of yours? Whats the connection?

When I sent items to my soldier through Soldier's angels and my brother back in the gulf war. My guy told me things he needed. And I sent crosswords, movies, books, old magazines, gator aid, hacky sack, football, microwave food. My brother said he wanted Pringles because they could not get those at the store. He also asked me for trail mix, razors. Chocolate is never a good idea and if you send cookies (they do love baked items) put them in a ziplock for each item then all the ziplocks in a larger ziplock. Fudge travels well. They gave me a ton of info on how to do it. Just getting something in the mail is what they love and makes all the difference and they will share too.

It was very sad, my adopted soldier died. It was very hard on me but I felt so bad for his family. I am really glad I sent him the boxes and letters. He was a really nice kid.

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CinnamonGirl wrote: When I sent items to my soldier through Soldier's angels and my brother back in the gulf war. My guy told me things he needed. And I sent crosswords, movies, books, old magazines, gator aid, hacky sack, football, microwave food. My brother said he wanted Pringles because they could not get those at the store. He also asked me for trail mix, razors. Chocolate is never a good idea and if you send cookies (they do love baked items) put them in a ziplock for each item then all the ziplocks in a larger ziplock. Fudge travels well. They gave me a ton of info on how to do it. Just getting something in the mail is what they love and makes all the difference and they will share too.

It was very sad, my adopted soldier died. It was very hard on me but I felt so bad for his family. I am really glad I sent him the boxes and letters. He was a really nice kid.

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OH my. I have sponsored quite a few soldiers over in IRAQ and thank God they have all made it back home. I am sorry!

A few items not mentioned was cigars, humidors, playing cards, etc.....Weird request but they loved getting these types of things for off duty parties!

Thanks - lots of things unknown currently. He's artillery, sitting in overseas, awaiting movement into Afganistan. When? Any tme.

Good list.

i heard magazines were a no no because of the "suggestive" ads -anything else banned?

Suggestive ads? We let em blow people up but we are afraid of suggestive ads harming them?


LH, talk to the boys mother- she'll know where to send the brownies

you will need his APO address. His mom will most likely have it. When you send items, one way to think is Nothing in glass, nothing that will melt. I always sent books and car mags. Cup o soup, Raman noodles are a big hit. Jolly ranchers also. For tobacco products you need to read the PACT act. It describes what and how much and how often you can send them. Cards, video cd's, music cd's etc. I wish him the best and if the his folks need any help with anything dealing with their son, questions etc. Please have them contact us. Conifer VFW. We are there for them and thier son. A good friend of mine is returning in 56 days after her year of duty over there. We want them all back safe.

Ken Cressler
Post Commander
Conifer VFW Post 12009
303-960-9226

Kirk Rosa
District 8 Commander
Colorado VFW
720-226-1902