Quesiton for service members who served in A-stan and Iraq

[duodecima]

Top three items in the package? A personal letter telling me about the person who sent it, and sharing a wonderful story about the gentleman and his father (both vets), canned black coffee and beef jerky. That's right, black coffee in a can.

I assume you mean liquid black coffee, not just the grounds to be brewed, right? I didn't know they made that...

[NamelessStain]

Once, I got a care package--addressed to me--with canned vegetables and, no kidding, cosmetics: sparkly lipstick, eyeliner and other types of makeup that a teenager would wear.

I don't know the situation or source of the items. But if it was a teenager, at least they took the time to put items in a box and send it to you. Most teenagers have the attention span of a ... oh shiny! The other half are more worried about what Becky said to Tammy and how Johnny is so cute. They center their world around Facebook and if they misplace their phone you'd think the world just imploded. I would hope this is a situation where the sender meant the best, but the items were just impractical. It's the thought that counted.


And you SHOULD eat your vegetables!

[NamelessStain]

Top three items in the package? A personal letter telling me about the person who sent it, and sharing a wonderful story about the gentleman and his father (both vets), canned black coffee and beef jerky. That's right, black coffee in a can.

I assume you mean liquid black coffee, not just the grounds to be brewed, right? I didn't know they made that...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canned_coffee

You can most likely get them in Asian stores if you have one in your area. I know the Chinese store near me carries them.

[theotherryan]

I got back from the Stan 6 weeks ago. Knowing how built up or primative his instalation is will tell you a lot. If he is at a built up place a $25 I tunes gift card would be great but if he is at a tiny COP baby wipes and paperbacks would be better. Everybody loves Jerky and drink mixes, like the little things you can pour into a water bottle. Also DVD's will be a hit, guys are eager for anything new to watch. My parents cleared out the cheapo Walmart bin and I enjoyed them. Ask what he likes and can't get there, surely there will be a few things. He probably told Momma. Also magazines like Maxim, FHM, etc all are always popular.

[NamelessStain]

I've been helping her with some items now and again, but recently I've had a "change of employment". I'll keep her informed and keep getting stuff to her sons.

For all those who have helped with ideas... THANK YOU.

Her sons send constant thank you emails and new ideas for items. Needless to say, she's a hit with the entire platoon since they always share the rather large care packages she's been sending.

[ROCK6]

I'm about ready to return home and this deployment has been much more comfortable than past ones. However, even on "larger" FOBs that have a PX, items are quite scarce and picked off immediately by the PX-Rats and most coalition forces. Toiletries are always nice and we even package up unused items for dropping off at smaller sites or local nationals (kids, widows, etc.).

My personal favorites:

Instant Coffee (Singles or Starbucks VIA)
Drink mixes (such as Emergen-C, hot cider, hot cocoa, etc.)
Baby wipes
Been Jerky
Nuts (Pistachios, almonds, mixed, etc.)
Dried fruit/trail mix
Little fruit candy snacks (just received a box...love those little things and most are loaded with vitamin-C)
Engery/Granola bars (Clif, Granola, etc.)
Gun magazines (my son picks them out for me)

Commercial internet access is pretty good in some locations and my best deployment gift this time around was a Kindle. I downloaded about 100+ books and received a few gift cards; lot's a of great zombie fiction to fill what little time I get.

Lastly, I'll add that a personal note/letter is nice and I've returned several.

ROCK6