With today’s society thrust into a war that has seemed to wear on and not end, families have to deal with things like deployment. Deployments are tours of duty where a person can be sent to hostile territory and be gone anywhere from 4 months to 18 months. A person can see this everyday as they stand in line at the post office and see a woman come in with two or three small children lugging a big box with a very unusual address on it. She fills out a white custom form and hands it to the attendant. She usually sends it priority mail because that means it will get there in about 6 to 7 days compared to two weeks or so. She has learned to have everything written right and to come at the time when there is hardly a line and the post office is not very busy, she is a military wife.
For family members who are not as knowledgeable about how to send packages they have to look on the web or even try to call to see what not to pack or even what could last the long journey that might be extremely hot or cold. Well enclosed is a “how to list” of things to send your soldier so that he/she feels loved and missed.
Things you can send:
Calling cards, batteries, envelopes/notepads, puzzle books, travel sewing kits, hand held games, books, cameras (disposable), NERF toys, playing cards, postage stamps, small battery operated fan, toy squirt guns, cordless electric razor, sun block, handheld stress balls, lotion, tooth brushes/paste, soap, wipes, hand cleaners, chap stick, razors, foot powder, towels, tissue paper, dental floss, odor eaters, playing cards, t-shirts, extra underwear & socks, glade stickups or plug-ins, blanket from home, eye drops, eyeglass cleaner/wipes, mouth wash
These are a few items that will make your soldier feel loved and also will help him not miss home so much. Also remember that they might not have everything they may need to prepare some items so be mindful that some things like kool-aid may need sugar so send drink mixes like tang or lemonade with sugar already combined. Remember when sending candy that even some solid candy such as gummy bears have even been known to melt. If your soldier needs these items or really wants them make sure to send them in a separate baggy so they won’t destroy anything more precious that you are sending. Photos of family and the kids doing everyday activities are a great way for them to keep up with how things are changing and how the kids are growing.
Things you cannot send:
Obscene articles, prints, paintings, cards, film, horror comics, nude or seminude persons, pornographic material, religious materials, pork or pork by-products, alcoholic beverages, fruits, living plants, firearms, explosives, including fireworks, illegal substances
These items are not a good idea to send because they could get open in public and could cause your service member to get into some serious trouble, which no one would want. With everything use wisdom and make sure that what you are sending is going to be something of use and not trash which they will throw away or even give away. Remember to always keep an eye out for free boxes or even order them online from the USPS, for priority shipping boxes only. Have fun with surprising them and sending them things that you know they will love and cherish because this is the only piece of home they have until they return.
by Sherita Smedley
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Things you cannot send: These items are not a good idea to send because they could get open in public and could cause your service member to get into some serious trouble, which no one would want. With everything use wisdom and make sure that what you are sending is going to be something of use and not trash which they will throw away or even give away. Remember to always keep an eye out for free boxes or even order them online from the USPS, for priority shipping boxes only. Have fun with surprising them and sending them things that you know they will love and cherish because this is the only piece of home they have until they return. |
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| by Sherita Smedley |