[Trust but Verify]

Off topic, I need a little help from some former/current military folks. We are not a military family, due to the fact that I am one of seven girls in our family. My sister was in the Marines for 3 years in the 80's, and our father was in the Air Force in the late 40's, but until now, that's been it.

My nephew is leaving on Jan 14th for Ft Benning and basic training. My sister is having a farewell party for him and I have no idea what kind of a gift to bring for him. First of all, I don't know what kind of personal items recruits are allowed to have with them, secondly, what might he have use for during those weeks?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Cannoneer No. 4]

Give him a gift certificate from Ranger Joe's for use when he graduates.

[mystery-ak]

Do not get him anything now other than phone cards...all he will be able to take with him is a shaving kit, change of underwear and a few personal items......wait til he graduates from boot camp.

[Tailback]

He probably can't have anything personal during basic training. A nice leatherman or SOG multi-tool or a gift certificate to Ranger-Joe's (like the other freeper mentioned) is a great idea.

[archy]

My nephew is leaving on Jan 14th for Ft Benning and basic training. My sister is having a farewell party for him and I have no idea what kind of a gift to bring for him. First of all, I don't know what kind of personal items recruits are allowed to have with them, secondly, what might he have use for during those weeks?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

First off: Never mind what he might take with him. Send him a reoccuring package every week, to include a couple of prestamped envelopes so that he can write who he chooses- but include at least one preaddressed to you so that HE can tell you what to continue sending, what to discontinue, and any useful additions and/or changes.

The US Postal Priority cardboard mailers, about a foot wide and a bit longer by about an inch and a half thick offer a good starting place, and the mailer and stamp will cost $3.80 no matter how much the contents you include weigh. I'd include hard candy such as lemon drops and grape, lemon, orange or lemon-lime kool aid, which helps kill the taste of field purified water, and if you can find whatever magazines he favors, that can be a worthwhile addition after about the first half of his training cycle, when things have settled down a bit. One strong suggestion: if you can be there for his unit's OSUT graduation do so. It's an experience he'll not forget.

-archy-/-