Posted on Mar 4, 2014
What does every deployed Soldier need/want someone to send them?
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<p>Need some help here - I have a good friend of mine's son deployed and I want to send him something. What does an Infantry Soldier need or want someone to send him that isn't available in country? </p><p><br></p><p>Already thought about sending his girlfriend but she won't fit in the box - need ideas of what a Ranger would need or want.</p>
Deployment
Ranger
Airborne School
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 24
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It is always good to get a package from home, but the best for me where the little things that we dont think about. My Aunt once sent me a box of socks and underwear from the PX, though I could get them there, they did not want me wasting money, and enough tootsie rolls for everyone in my platoon. sounds silly but those little things meant more to me than anything. Find out what they like and send it. Even if they can get it there it is the thought that counts, also send a dvd of people saying hi to them.. I use to get tapes, and loved listening to loved ones voices..
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MAJ Craig Clark
I like the tootsie roll idea (enough for the platoon) and the DVD. Maybe a wav file doing the same thing via email. Skype he can hear everyone but can't replay it when he wants to.
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Depends. You indicated he's a Ranger... so I don't know what those guys already have ready access to that we did/did not thirteen years ago in the advisory teams. I do know that when I was there, ANYTHING that helped one get clean when afforded the chance was a big "hit". The first thing I'd snag out o' the care package bin was soap. Good socks (that don't stretch out over time) are awesome. Microfiber cloths for cleaning goggles, optics, etc. Those lightweight hiking towels were popular as well. One hometown girl made me mix tapes... didn't end up going anywhere as she took up with the guy with the expensive sports car... but it was cool getting new tunes now and then.
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Q tips, anything chocolate jolly ranchers to toss out to crowds of kids. Jerky. Slim jims. Or just ask him. Always felt bad about getting a lot of misc. things I had no use for. But always thankful
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One of these, literally minutes worth of fun every day:<br><br><br>http://www.tmart.com/2.5-CH-Rechargeable-Micro-Helicopter-Brown-Golden_p133831.html?fixed_price=us_us&utm_source=base&utm_medium=organic&utm_term=14001755&utm_campaign=product&gclid=CPmM8cLQ-rwCFQ1o7AodLVoADw<br><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://cdn.image-tmart.com/prodimgs_v2/1/1400/1755/14001755/JFH-20102-25-Channel-Infrared-Remote-Control-RC-Helicopter-Orange_150x150.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.tmart.com/2.5-CH-Rechargeable-Micro-Helicopter-Brown-Golden_p133831.html?fixed_price=us_us">JFH 2010-2 2.5 Channel Infrared Remote Control RC Helicopter RTF Orange</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description"> </div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>
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MAJ Craig Clark
I ordered one of the helicopters today - hope the thing last for a while. I think it would be a good diversion and can see the men in his platoon wanting to borrow it. A great morale builders - Thank you for the idea.
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MSG (Join to see)
No problem sir! Me, my XO, and Commander used to fly them around curb some deployment boredom. They come with spare parts, so they will last awhile.
The Commander must have practiced while we were sleeping, because he was the undisputed king of any obstacle course we created.
The Commander must have practiced while we were sleeping, because he was the undisputed king of any obstacle course we created.
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When our son was assigned to a ship out of Japan we used to send him and his shipmates long underwear, cookies, candy (I lived a few miles from Hershey Park) books of stamps, phone cards and the occasional holiday ornament. Looking back it was an expensive tour for us. Lol
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Depends on if they are on a fob,pb,cop, jss. As each of them have different amenities and things available. I had my mom send me homemade jerky, Jones sodas, cookies, and freezies. Also magazines to read.
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if they're from Rhode Island, a couple of bottles of coffee syrup to offset the taste of that nasty shelf stable milk would be welcomed!!
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Wicking socks, baby wipes, powder (foot & body), protein powder/drinks, electrolyte drinks, knee & elbow pads, boot laces (good ones from Sportsman's Warehouse), soup, and anything else that is sustainable in theater ( iPod with iTunes subscription may be accessible depending on the FOB).
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MAJ Craig Clark
Forgot about foot powder, thanks. knee and elbow pads? Aren't they issued these days or are you thinking replacements from Clothing Sales?
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<P>I agree with SFC C. Coffee. I have used Lock and Load Java to send coffee to my buddies down range. You can go on their website and put in the FPO/APO and send packages directly to your friend's son. The company is owned by vets and employs vets exclusively. Its based out of Salt Lake City.</P>
<P>My wife sent me a steel mixing bowl. Smaller one. That thing came in handy. I could cook in it, wash up in it, dig with it...but I'm not sure if things are as rudimentary now as they were then.</P>
<P>Hard candy. I also liked Wrigleys Winterfresh gum. I would chew a piece when I was drinking from my canteen and it would slightly fake my brain out, letting me think that the water was cold. If even for a second.</P>
<P>My wife sent me a steel mixing bowl. Smaller one. That thing came in handy. I could cook in it, wash up in it, dig with it...but I'm not sure if things are as rudimentary now as they were then.</P>
<P>Hard candy. I also liked Wrigleys Winterfresh gum. I would chew a piece when I was drinking from my canteen and it would slightly fake my brain out, letting me think that the water was cold. If even for a second.</P>
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MAJ Craig Clark
Lock and Load Java - I'm on it. Like the small mixing bowl too. I was in the 82nd during Shield/Storm and we didn't have anything to cook or wash up in. 45 days without a shower or washing - goat level 5 to say the least so I do like the mixing bowl.
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I dont know if he has an iPod, but you can also do pod casts. wav files are good also if he has a iPod, he can download them and send his own. The best way to share those are on youtube or dropbox.
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