What small things would be nice to receive in a care package?

SPC David S. — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 19:56:29 -0400

One of the school clubs my daughter is in will be putting together and sending out care packages. For those that are or have deployed what small things would have made or would make your life a little bit more enjoyable.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Sep 26 at 2016 8:22 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 20:22:09 -0400

I know this is not really relevant to this post but I would like to thank the school group from some where in the Midwest back in 1967 who sent care packages to the troops in Vietnam,especially for the packs of Kool Aid that was the only thing that could mask the taste of the water purification tabs we had to put in the water in our canteens,if any of you remember doing this,thanks it was a small thing but meant a lot to us at the time,and for you guys doing it now God Bless.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 26 at 2016 8:56 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 20:56:23 -0400

Batteries. Ramen. Canned goods. Please don't mix smelly soapy things with anything that goes in your mouth. I swear hot soap items could penetrate even canned goods, never mind that poor pitiful ramen cellophane. Can't even be the same BOX for shipping. Pack them separate.

Do the Loggies a favor, Do not ship it all in huge boxes. You clog the Trans system. Think shoe boxes packed in a 4.5 cube box so they can be distributed as far forward as possible.

Also appreciated back issues of People Magazine. Mindless reading, lots of pictures, little thinking after a long day of working in command posts and making tough decisions.

Response by PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster made Sep 26 at 2016 9:11 PM

PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 21:11:02 -0400

Letters from home boosting morale, snack stuff, girl scout cookies, hard candies...will look up more ideas. I was company clerk and heard the guys talking about deployments and what they liked about the care packages.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2016 10:57 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 22:57:42 -0400

Bacon jerky, letters from kids (they crack me up), jello, pudding mix.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2016 11:16 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 23:16:42 -0400

Audiobooks, books, especially biographies and self-development, letters from kids asking me questions about my experiences. Canned goods are always welcome, especially rare ones, such as jackfruit, rombutan, tamarind, papaya, leech, etc.

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Sep 27 at 2016 12:06 AM

CPT Chris Loomis — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 00:06:53 -0400

A few cans of Copenhagen :)

Response by SSgt Stephanie Luck made Sep 27 at 2016 12:35 AM

SSgt Stephanie Luck — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 00:35:07 -0400

Chapstick

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 2:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 02:37:37 -0400

Too often packages have too many sweets. Cookies and candy are appreciated but they don't really enhance life downrange. Dry foods that can be boiled to be prepared are awesome, as well as spices and sauces. Coffee, teas, and drink powders are also a well received gift. For guys in isolated areas, simple toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, unscented soap, razors, shaving cream, and shampoo are always appreciated. If you are sending packages to a National Guard unit think local or regional treats. Dry or powdered goods will give you the most bang for your buck in terms of shipping costs. Popular books are also a great idea.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Sep 27 at 2016 9:13 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 09:13:20 -0400

10 dollar bills.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 11:40 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:40:58 -0400

Whoever took this picture really, really captured a spectacular moment. Thanks for the share.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 11:46 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:46:25 -0400

The things I loved in those packages were jerky, crossword puzzles, and the letters from those grade school kids (the best items, actually).

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 6:31 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 18:31:46 -0400

Readers digest, chips ahoy, popcorn is a big one but we have a microwave. Pringles go fast, pens are always nice to have because they get lost often. peppermints like the ones you get at a restaurant are constantly being eaten. Crystal light packets since we all drink bottled water. bottles or packets of hot sauce and bbq sauce are also good. What not to send - we get toiletries in every box but everyone already has their favorite brand so nobody really needs all the excess travel size shampoo and such. It just doesn't get used. On the other hand, baby wipes, q tips, and washcloths are useful. Also, letters and drawings are awesome too, especially from children.

Response by SGT David Baker made Sep 29 at 2016 2:05 AM

SGT David Baker — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 02:05:44 -0400

Long ages ago, when all water came in bottles, I very much liked getting Kool-Aid packets. When the CoC demands you drink 5 giant bottles a day (and truth be told an extra one or two was a pretty good idea) it got pretty dull without a flavoring. Some of my comrades were putting coffee, salt or sugar from the MREs in theirs just to change it up.

Also, shampoo. You can feel pretty clean just washing your head-n-junk once in a while even if you haven't seen a shower for a few weeks, and shampoo goes on easy and rinses easier.

Paperback books. Especially if you know what your guy likes. After a while, a recreational reader will read *anything*. I don't think I'd have read "Silence of the Lambs" (before the movie!) if I hadn't been in the desert for three months already.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Sep 30 at 2016 2:43 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 14:43:43 -0400

baby wipes (shower in a box), treats, both sweet and savory ( nothing that weighs a lot or is perishable. books, paperbacks! gatorade/koolaid, anything that comes in single serving packets for about a 20 oz water bottle. finally, letters from ppl who know me... let me know i'm not forgotten

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 15 at 2018 5:36 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 17:36:40 -0500

snacks, notes/letters, drawings from kids, chap stick, powdered drink mix, good socks, etc.

Response by SP5 Donald Wood made Feb 18 at 2018 4:11 AM

SP5 Donald Wood — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 04:11:30 -0500

A package of balloons to give one deflated balloon to the shy Korean kid. Not to a gang of kids because you will have a mob. The Korean kids knew what a balloon was.

Response by SMSgt Sheila Berg made Feb 18 at 2018 10:54 AM

SMSgt Sheila Berg — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 10:54:04 -0500

Our Post send nine packages to Operation Gratitude last Christmas. It sends a message of care and connection to home.