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.
If he has access to a DSN to a base near your home, he can also call home for free.