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Got this off of Flame Turns Blue Holiday Open Thread

Hi fellow Stryker families. I received a phone call from my Nephew last night and was thrilled to hear his voice. I asked him what he needed most. He said everyone needed black socks(they have to be black.) They all had holes in their socks. He also said that most of the DVD players were not working, everyone having problems with the sand. Baby wipes, Shick triple edge razors, magazines and self addressed envelopes for those back home. No need to add postage to the envelopes, the army will do that. Also, disposable cameras with postage on the return box. My newphew is in company A. They don't have laundry services but are using a scrub board so I am sending him a bar of Fels Naptha. He also said that laptops with DVD card would be terrific if anyone out there had a spare. I was afraid to ask too much about what and where he was (for security) because I don't know if the calls are monitored, but hearing his voice gave me great comfort. He sounded good, no complaints about anything. He said the care packages from home are appreciated by everyone. Some of the mail sent before Thanksgiving has not been received but they did get their first mail on Christmas Day. We at home mean everything to them and our letters are the best support possible. I am the Aunt, not the wife or mother. I can't imagine how hard it is for you wives, husbands and parents of our soldiers. My heart is with you as with my Nephew. Thank you for allowing me the comfort of sharing in this family.

Posted by: Auntie at December 28, 2003 10:40 AM

We also had both an e-mail and a call this morning from our son in the 1/23. He sounded in good spirits, said mail had finally arrived. In line with the earlier thread about what to send the guys, he mentioned that laundry was a problem and that more socks (warm, black or green) would be welcome. Also thin but warm gloves (we found him some cross-country skiing gloves), any kind of hot drink mixes (cider, instant coffee, etc.), and an adjustable-power headlamp for reading that uses AA or AAA batteries. He said those batteries are the easiest to find over there. He said everyone has been very busy and there wasn't much time for e-mail. He was using a satellite phone some Air Force guys had, and we had a great connection.

So anyway, everyone, keep up with the packages and letters, the guys really appreciate it.

Happy holidays to everyone.

Posted by: Carla at December 24, 2003 05:02 PM

I am sending him a bar of Fels Naptha.

You can still buy that stuff!? Holy Cow! I can remember the smell from when I helped my Grandma with the laundry. I LOVE the smell of Fels Naptha.

Thanks for the great post with some good tips and thanks for the Fels memory!