What To Send In A Care Package to the Troops

I got this from a website. It is an US site but the basics are the same. Our "combat" mission ends in Afghanistan this summer, but there will still be plenty of our troops there afterwards, or in some other danger area.


What To Send In A Care Package to the Troops:


I have solicited input from service members I know and what follows is a consolidated and annotated list from those who have "been there and done that." (Thanks to all who contributed to this list.) This is hardly an all encompassing list and at the end is a link to larger lists, but this list is field tested and will "win huge" for anyone who sends from it. (Some needs change over time and this list will be updated as we receive updated suggestions from our sources.)

Family members will probably have some other items that they know their loved one will like. One of my contributors explained that, "being in the field is kind of like being in prison in that bargaining items are extremely important. If you have what others want, you will be able to get what you need. The list provided will ensure that even if the military member doesn't like all the items, they will want for nothing. If this stuff was sent to a "new guy" in the unit who had few friends...he or she would suddenly discover more friends than he ever knew he had."

Baby Wipes - packets are better than tubs. Much better than baby wipes, per se, are the "Hoo Ahhs" brand of pre-moistened, alcohol-free, unscented Field Towels

Beef Jerky/Slim Jims

Energy Bars (Power Bar, etc. - Unless a specific brand is requested, much better than standard civilian energy bars are the "HOOAH!" brand energy bar based on the U.S. military's own specially formulated bar that better meets the soliers' needs)

Hot Sauce (Tabasco, Red Devil, etc.) - wrap glass bottle in duct tape and place in doubled zip-lock bags

Sunflower seeds

Peanuts

Seasoning Salt (Lawry's, etc.)

Atomic Fireballs / Jolly Rancher hard candy (for service member use)

Smarties or SweetTart candies (for local children who prefer sour style candy to build relationships with community)

Powdered Energy/Electrolyte Replacement Drink Mix (Gatorade, etc.)

Chewing Gum

Avon Skin So Soft - great for removing face paint and also reputed to be an effective bug repellant (the latter seems variable based on personal experience and reports)

AA-cell Alkaline Batteries

Personal Hygiene Gear: Disposable Razors, Toothbrush and Tooth Paste
Eye Wash / Drops (Visine, etc.) for flushing dust and sand out of the eyes

Zip-Lock style Plastic Storage Bags - assorted sizes, heavier freezer style are better

Copenhagen Snuff in a tin ("Even if the service member doesn't dip snuff, they will be a hero if they have a 'log' (10 cans) of 'Hagen.' A large percentage of infantry use this stuff and it is hard to get.