What do Deployed Service Members really want in their Care Packages?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs - I don't know about now - but in my generation - hardcopy family photos, handwritten letters, letters / holiday greetings on cassette tapes - music, coffee, cookies, and chocolates to share with others - small feminine gifts (perfume, feminine stationary (writing paper and envelopes) - favorite personal hygiene items not routinely available on base or in local communities. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

Baby whipes, a short sci Fi novel, snacks like slim Jim's and jerky

I sent my son (Army Infantry, E-4 & 5, Afghanistan) numerous packages that contained socks, skivvies, various toiletries, bottles of Tabasco, cans of Beefaroni, Jerky of all types, gum, candy, Copenhagen, Kipper Snacks, tins of smoked octopus, various spices he would use for when he could cook, fishing/hunting mags, Nat. Geo's, etc., whatever he wanted and some stuff that I would have wanted as well. If he didn't use it, it became trade-bait. The point is, while the services do their best to keep the troops outfitted with what they need, you know what they want & like and when they are down range or underway, anything they get from home is welcome. Except for "Dear John" letters.

Wven though there are things that can be brought st deplyment sites there is nithibg like a care packet arriving from home or from an organization or someone that took the time to get it together

My sister has been giving for years, and some time ago when OIF was going hot and heavy, she was surprised when she found out that an item that in high request was SILLY STRING she thought it was odd until she found out that EOD and others could shoot out a string of it to check for trip wires, they could see when it hung up but not heavy enough to trigger device. It made good sense to me.

I don't know why it does this ? Sorry everyone

Bangs,rip its, madden, monitor screen, magnums, and ramen noodle cups. 9h and supplements

Cigars was my favorite item in a care package. I also appreciated jerky and things from children.

I “AdoptaPlatoon “! Posted information on RP. Simply send $ and Ms. Rebecca Cantu and getting ‘elves’ put the ‘care package’ together! She’s been doing this since 2014! Easy to become involved, contact me via RP or [login to see] for more information.
During the War in Iraq, while US protecting Oil fields in Kuiate, we sent care packages of personal hygiene items, bug spray, etc.
While working as DOD employee at USMC Camp LeJeune, my ‘play morning Pixies’ sent hand-crafted items and homemade ‘goodies’ to the AIR WING & 2nd MEU.
Also assisted my best friend, wife of CW4 attached to 2nd MEF, baking cookies by the dozens! Ask ‘Old School Marines’ about “Peanut Butter Organisms”! LOL
That’s what USMC named My peanut butter cookies!

Each war, each Military Branch, each SM appreciate anything and Everything you send!
P.S. Just Make Sure you Send Love and Prayers too!
Merry Christmas!

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I loved getting books (Books for Soldiers) by authors I liked or about a topic I liked. I loved beef sticks/jerky and of course any type of candy or homemade cookies anyone sent. Hero Boxes were great at Christmas!