Posted on 04/08/2010 4:33:44 PM PDT by frankenMonkey
My son is headed back to Iraq for Tour Number Two, and as I was getting stuff ready, I came across a cell phone that I got him for his first tour. It worked like a charm from Iraq, and still does. This one is going back with him. The only downside is that the calls come in at 2 AM!
So, if you're interested in getting a cell phone for your Soldier or Marine, I recommend "Telestial" (www.telestial.com). A variety of phones to choose from, they all work in Iraq, I don't know about Afghanistan. Rates are about $1 per minute, you can easily set up a pre-pay that recharges automatically in $25 increments, if I recall. I can completely recommend this service.
As an aside, sonny boy did his first tour as a PFC grunt, he's going back as a Sargent/Ranger/Sniper. Hooah!
Thanks for posting this. My son will be leaving soon for Afghanistan and we were just talking about this subject. Congratulations to your son!
sergeant, that is...
Another way is to donate old cell phones to cellphonesforsoldiers.com (I recently sent them two). They sell the phones to a recycler, and then use the proceeds to purchase calling cards that they send to armed forces personnel. Just a way to give a big “thank you” to our men and women in uniform.
Be sure to clear personal info from the phones before donating.
More info...
Buy the phone and ship it to your stateside address. Install the SIM and check it out. Then send it over in a USPS flat rate shipment, or have your Soldier/Marine take it with him/her.
Also, the phones come with universal power plugs.
Good suggestion. Those calling cards don’t work for troops “outside the wire” though.
;-)
If he has access to a DSN to a base near your home, he can also call home for free.
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