How to send CARE package to troops

Equipped.org ^ | 03/28/03 | Eugene Lodrini

[smalltowns]

Learn everything you need to know to send your selected items to deployed military.

[Ann Archy]

bttt

[Redcloak]

I recall hearing that the military didn't want unsolicited "Care" packages arriving. The simple reason is that one cannot be sure that the foot powder in that one from Flint, MI is really foot powder.

[jwalsh07]

AS long as you're sending it to a troop whose address is known to you, there is no problem.

[Stopislamnow]

Toilet paper and baby wipes.

Send em.

[neutrino]

Thank you and bump!

[jwalsh07]

Sent! A hell of a lot of them too.

[Gamecock]

I hate to say it, but you can't send "to any soldier" packages. Please see the below message:

WASHINGTON--NEWS RELEASE from the United States Department of Defense

No. 139-03
(703)697-5131(media)
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2003
(703)428-0711(public/industry)

TROOP SUPPORT MAIL POLICY STRESSED

To bolster force protection, the general public is urged not to
send unsolicited mail, care packages or donations to service
members forward deployed unless you are a family member, loved
one or personal friend.

On Oct. 30, 2002, the Department of Defense (DoD) suspended the
"Operation Dear Abby" and "Any Servicemember" mail programs due
to force protection concerns. Although these programs provide
an excellent means of support to friends and loved ones
stationed overseas, they also provide an avenue to introduce
hazardous substances or materials into the mail system from
unknown sources. Unsolicited mail, packages and donations from
organizations and individuals also compete for limited airlift
space used to transport supplies, war-fighting materiel and mail
from family and loved ones.

Recently, DoD has become aware of organizations and individuals
who continue to support some form of the "Any Servicemember"
program by using the names and addresses of individual
servicemembers and unit addresses. These programs are usually
supported by well-intentioned, thoughtful and patriotic groups
who are simply unaware of the new risks facing deployed military
forces. Some individuals and groups publicize the names and
addresses of service members, ships or units on Web sites, with
good intentions. The result, however, is a potential danger to
the troops they wish to support.

DoD cannot support creative and well-intentioned efforts that
defeat force protection measures, but can instead recommend
alternatives to mail and donation programs. To show support to
troops overseas, the following are recommended:

* Log on to the following Web sites to show support, to include
greeting cards, virtual Thank You cards and calling card
donations to help troops stay in contact with loved ones:

http://www.defendamerica.mil/support_troops.html

http://www.usocares.org/home.htm

http://www.army.mil/operations/iraq/faq.html

* Visit Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and nursing
homes. Volunteer your services to honor veterans who served in
past conflicts.

Mail from family members and loved ones has always been
encouraged and the military mail system will continue to work
hard to get that mail to servicemembers overseas.

[Web version: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2003/b03222003_bt139-03.html]

-- News Releases: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/releases.html
-- DoD News: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/dodnews.html
-- Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/dodnews.html#e-mail
-- Today in DoD: http://www.defenselink.mil/today

-30-

[Howlin]

Thank you for posting that. Quite simply, the DOD has said NO PACKAGES.

[cgk]

You can send care packages so long as you have the EXACT NAME of the troop, and exact address. I received 2 soldiers' names in a couple hours from operationmilitarypride.org, and since those are "solicited" names, I'm clear to send them. The soldiers sign up there so they are "asking" for the mail. :) Thank heavens, because I was pretty bummed when I saw the DOD press release.

[Churchillspirit]

Got the message 'NO PACKAGES' the day after I had purchased several of the goodies the troops have requested. I bought five of every thing - as there are five of us in my company.

If any Freeper who has a loved one serving overseas would like these, I would be happy to send my contribution to be fowarded to specific servicemen (women).

My e-mail address is on my home page.

[cgk]

I forgot to mention those mail addresses I received were never posted online, but emailed to me, so they aren't included in the notation about "potential" danger. :)

[giotto]

Maybe someone could post a list of names of the spouses of deployed servicepersons, and those who wish to help could send checks to them. The families could then use the money either to buy new shoes for the toddler or send their own care packages to their spouses.

[Redcloak]

Bad idea! If you were the spouse of a soldier, would you want every Muzzie in the Western Hemisphere knowing your name and address?

[Redcloak]

Bad idea! If you were the spouse of a soldier, would you want every Muzzie in the Western Hemisphere knowing your name and address?

[Lokibob]

Please, Please considering volunteering at your V.A. hospital.

It doesn't take much, a dozen donuts or a few paperback books. If you have time , contact the V.A. volunteer office to see if you can give them a day. Remember, every deployed trooper is going to be eligible for the V.A. system, and with the budget cutbacks, every hour you give contributes to the war effort.

Beside, it simply makes you feel better.

[BOBWADE]

I also hear that you should limit the size to that of a shoe box. I have a friend whos son, Jason is in Iraq (USMC) with a Light Armored Recon unit. I got together with about 6 of my coworkers and sent him and another soldier two packages each. They were filled with baby wipes, qtips, candy, foot powder, sunscreen, snacks, magazines, paper/pens, AA bateries, pocket packs of kleenexs and zip lock baggies. They said it would take about 17 days for it to get to them but they should be happy when it does. (I used hard candy as packing material) each box was about 10 pounds and it cost $57.00 just to ship it but its well worth it. Adopt a soldier at work and do the same.

[giotto]

Bad idea! If you were the spouse of a soldier, would you want every Muzzie in the Western Hemisphere knowing your name and address?

I didn't say that the addresses should be posted. In fact, maybe not even the names. What I had in mind was that someone on the base could distibute the contributions equally to the various families. I agree that posting personal information is out of the question.

[SuziQ]

Check around to see if any friends have loved ones overseas. Or check your church, or any local church. They might have members of their congregations serving. Maybe one of them could be 'adopted' by your company.

[mikewats]

This is the first I've heard of Operation USO Care Package. I've happily sent them a $25 donation. Thanks for posting this.