support-our-troops: items troops REALLY want

owner-support-our-troops@west-point.org ^ | Recvd. 11-11-03 | PRESUTTI Fran

[BenLurkin]

I have a few suggestions to make re: package contents to our troops. This info comes straight from a soldier who was in Iraq during the war. I realize that some things may not apply now because I don't think that our troops are eating MRE's at the moment. (or maybe they eat one per day)

1. The soldiers want chocolate rather than hard candy. They don't care if the chocolate is goopy and/or melted when they receive it. They just miss it a lot. Don't wait for cooler temperatures, just get that chocolate in the mail.
2. Tootsie rolls and Combos are packed in the MRE's so something other than these 2 items would be desirable. I know that a while back, tootsie rol ls were mentioned as a packing filler. I even did that myself but I will use another filler in the future.
3. The BEST thing this soldier received while in Iraq was socks!! (Thank you Louene for sending those.)
4. The need for sunscreen is not as dire as we think. Remember, that our soldiers are pretty much covered from head to toe.
5. Purell and other hand sanitizers are very much wanted and needed and used constantly by our troops.
6. Since his return to the States, this soldier has been sending packages to his buddies who are now in Iraq. He always includes something silly.
For instance, in his Halloween packages,he included a wig and a couple of other things which he knew would give the troops a chuckle. When I expressed my surprise, this soldier said, "Believe me Mom, I know what the soldiers want".

These 6 thoughts are intended to be helpful. Of course, any package sent to a troop will be eagerly received and very much appreciated. Thank you to all for supporting all our soldiers, Fran

(support-our-troops) Posted By: PRESUTTI Fran 2002

[BenLurkin]

Another e-mail that came to me recently. Hopefully a "goodie" if even an "oldie".

[Lijahsbubbe]

Ping

[concerned about politics]

What kind of socks? Regular tube socks?

[diamond6]

Can you provide an address of where to send them?

[ASOC]

Black socks with padded soles

If you are near an Army Navy store, they should have 'em. White socks are against uniform regulation (I wore them all the time, but hey, I like risk)

As the WX cools (and it is cold at night now) a knit hat, glove liners or those SAS head cover things would be pretty neat.

The friend we support in the sandbox wants ICE CREAM - but, can't make that happen. FWIW, some units are still on 3 X MRE diet. And no, I won't.

[getgoing]

Individual addresses have to come from a friend (church/work/school/base). My family sends support through Operation Interdependence (www.oidelivers.org). Great suggestions on the site w/safety of the troops being the most important focus. Just rec'd an e-mail today to not include batteries in care packs.

They open the letters 1st-love to hear from kids. Every letter/e-mail we've rec'd includes a mention of socks (THANK YOU TO THE VETS AT FR - WE LEARNED FROM YOU...it's great to know "our socks are on their feet"!).

We don't hear about all our deployed on the news, many have VERY limited (or no)contact via e-mail/telephone. Saddly, some have no family support & depend on support from strangers who care.

[america-rules]

If you really want to send the correct socks this is how to do it.

Get a dozen white socks sized 8-12 that are athletic. You know, the cotton ones kids like to wear playing basketball with no colors.

Take these socks and die the top from the ankle up jet black keeping the white bottoms.

The white keeps them from sweating too much and the black tops keeps them in regs and keeps them from being seen below the knee at night.

[america-rules]

Also, I used to like the ones that had a thicker bottom like they sell at Costco because they fit better !

[Madame de Winter]

Read that the new ceramic flak jackets can be bought privately. Anyone know where? Also what are the resticions for sending food, ie better MREs?

Remeber the story during Dessert Storm our soldiers were bartering for French MREs. An Army marches on their stomach. Chuckle....No seriously...Any Ideas???

[EternalVigilance]

...our soldiers were bartering for French MREs.

Course our guys didn't use the linen table napkins as surrender flags like the Frogs, but otherwise...

[EternalVigilance]

Just kidding! :-)

[Cultural Jihad]

You mean our troops don't want to hear a bunch of loud-mouthed bigoted knuckle-draggers claim that President Bush is a subversive for not nuking the very people which Americans are dying to help bring freedom and liberty to?!

[Madame de Winter]

Kidding aside, I hear the french actually have better food. What can we send the troops this Christmas to make their life better, and maybe longer.

And where can we buy it???

[Madame de Winter]

Kidding aside, I hear the french actually have better food. What can we send the troops this Christmas to make their life better, and maybe longer.

And where can we buy it???

[Madame de Winter]

Sorry, hate the double posting...

Sorry, hate the double posting...

Sorry, hate being repetitive...

oops...

[B-Cause]

Another e-mail that came to me recently. Hopefully a "goodie" if even an "oldie".

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These small tough smart lights are great! Click here or on the above picture.
I bought one and liked it so much I ordered several as stocking stuffers for Christmas and to send to several deployed Oregon Reservists in Iraq.

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