I had a name and asked what he wanted. My soldier was very specific. He asked for a spare pair of boots because it was rainy and his never dried out. He told me what kind and what size. I sent them, along with a bunch of other stuff, including spare socks. I got a few emails from him later.
I would have loved to have some idea of what my soldier wanted or needed. I even sent a form after a few months that asked his clothing size, music tastes, food likes and dislikes,etc., so I could have some way of knowing what he would like. I think around that time Fox News ran a story saying soldiers didn't need personal items such as soap, toothpaste, etc., because those things were readily available so I didn't know if I should send those types of items.
As I said, it was a good experience for me, but I could have made it a better experience for him if I could have had a little feedback. He did make sergeant while in Iraq so I imagine he was a little busy.