Just curious does anyone have any good care package ideas for my hubby in Iraq?
923426
i can give you some examples of what i've sent to my hubby, first of all i sent him off with an xbox 360....games, ipod, he insisted on ramen noodles (have no clue), sports illustrated, twin sheet set, comforter, pictures in frames, made him a yearly calendar with our pictures on each month, bath supplies, dvd's, coffee, plastic bowls/utensils, hopefully you don't have to replace his wedding ring like i do....he lost it the 1st week there taking off his gloves....new DC boots, shirts, socks, foot powder....i think that's about it. i also had the kids in my sons class make him cards or write letters to him and his soldiers, they really get a kick out of reading 'em. i wish your hubby well, good luck to ya, stay strong and don't forget to smile ( even if its fake, lol )
432094
I am with Soldiers' Angels, a volunteer organization that works with the Defense Department to match caring Americans with our brave service people to help boost morale. You can submit your son's name for adoption, and then he will be matched with someone who would like to show their support by writing and sending small care packages, and as a matter of fact beef jerkey is one of the suggested items simply because Iraq and Afghanistan do not allow the importation of pork products such as Slim Jims, etc.\n\nIf you are going to do this, please let your son know so he is not surprised when someone adopts him (soldiers have a lot of pride and do not like to think they are receiving charity), and if someone does adopt please ask your son to make certain he does write back just to let the person know he or she is making a difference. I've been doing this for a little over a year, and no one has written back yet. I guess everyone needs a little morale boost every now and then!\n\nSome of the companies you allude to do make arrangements for discounts to people with organizations like SA, but most do not give outright donations as far as I have seen.
345741
The Postal Service usually posts an up-to-date list in the lobby of most Post Offices.\n\nOne of my sons is currently serving there.  His Commander has ordered that the rank of the soldier should not be listed on all letters and packages, just use the soldier’s name.\n\nOne good place to visit is the first site below for additional links on other packages and info.  The second site was set up for Troops in Iraq, but still has useful information.  While in Iraq during his last tour of Duty, my son said that sunscreen and “macho” lip balm were two items usually in request.  Beanie Babies (even “used ones,” to give to children) were other hot items.
500378
yeas sex is nice but what's on his mind when he comes home isn't sex probably as much as it is home itself. I haven't been deployed yet but boot camp lasted 3 months. When I came back I spent the day with my family and friends. My mom made me my favorite dinner and everyone brought me a card saying welcome back. Just surround him with the people and things he loves. Stick something out in the front yard if you own a house saying welcome home then Rank and Name. He deserves a lot of respect and love for going over there so make sure you give it to him when he gets back! Good luck hope August comes by quickly for you.
903353
Maybe some nice soap would be good, maybe socks?  Your idea sounds great, I'm just trying to add some other thoughts.  I think it so hard to know what they may need, but probably they could use many daily items.\n\nIt's wonderful that you are sending the presents. We, as the regular people of the US, need to reach out in friendship to Afghans and Iraqis.
734139
Many, many things would be nice.\n\n1) A good pair of sneakers.  Take him out to a good place like The Running Room and get him into a pair of good cross-trainers.  He'll love you for it in the end.\n\n2) A Gerber multitool.  He might get one issued at some point, but it's way too useful not to have one.\n\n3) An IPod loaded with his favourite music and small speakers.  Music always helps whiling away the long hours polishing boots in the shacks.  Trust me.  Also, if you get a big one, get a few movies in there too.  And some pictures.\n\n4) Anything to make his life easier, like a good electric razor.  Take my word for it, those few minutes shaved off, no pun intended, every morning come in handy just before inspection.
839010
now this I can help you with...I put 8 years in the Navy...5 of those on ships out to sea.\n\nBooks, find books...Not sure if he likes to read but he can trade them or give them away.\n\nCandy: Send hard candy like jolly ranchers\nmagazines are good. \n****Most Important a note from you and your friends family etc...Not just telling him but the whole SHIP great job.\nI recieved a package much like yours from a Man in California he got a bunch of people to sign a SuperBowl 2003 tee-shirt saying wish you were here and best of luck. I still have that tee-shirt.\n\nMusic cds are good too. but most have a collection out there lol\nThose little debbie oatmeal pies...I sold a box of those once for 40 bucks LOL...\n\ni will reply more in a few.
207666
Care packages are really the best! Try and get the name of a contact in her division, they can give you a list of things to send like calling cards, eye drops, lip balm, soap, a favorite candy (not one that will melt!), books, batteries, magazines, baby wipes, etc. They can also know if you need to package it in a certain way. Include as much as you can, there are lots of soldiers that have no one to send them things.\n\nYou could also start her class with letter writing. When my dad was in Iraq while I was in 2nd grade (in the early 90's), we wrote letters every other week I think. He said it really helped keep everyones spirits up to get mail, especially the guys who never had anyone write them.
441958
Operation USO Care Package\n \n\nOperation USO Care Package enables individuals to express their support for our troops by sponsoring a Care Package and including a personal message. USO Care Packages are distributed to boost morale among troops participating in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The care packages contain an assortment of items that our military have specifically requested, such as prepaid international calling cards, disposable cameras, toiletries and entertainment items. A USO Care Package can be purchased for a service member when a $25 donation is made.\n\n \nContribute to Operation USO Care Package at www.usocares.org \n\nYou can also just contact your local USO http://www.uso.org/whatwedo/specialprograms/default.htm\nand tell them that you want to be a Pen-Pal and they can give you more information.\nAll the best;
398061
Do you have an FRG Leader you can ask?  If not, I sent my son the following and he loved it.\nBaby wipes, poptarts, canned spaghetti(with poptop lid), Vienna sausages, crackers, sunflower seeds, puzzle books, sun screen (very high SPF), more baby wipes (can't have too many of those) and LOTS of love letters from you.  Your letters mean the world to him right now.  It is hard having him so far from home, but stay true and keep writing to him and letting him know you will be there for him.  My prayers are with you both and my hat is off to the both of you.  Being a soldier is hard, but so is being the woman behind the man.  You get the bad times too, but none of the recognition
526743
It is an interesting experience. My husband and I have been together for only 3 years and we are on our second deployment. He is currently serving in Iraq. Be proud because your husband is doing something truly great. Feel free to contact me if you want to talk.
951518
I've been there! My husband has been deployed 2 of the last 3 thanksgivings/Christmases. \n\nThere are several options. You could volunteer. You could treat yourself to a movie (thanksgiving is actually a big day for theaters). \n\nAnother option would be to contact your husband's unit commander and ask if they are doing anything for the wives/families of the deployed. I know it is tradition in my husband's unit for the commander's family to open their doors to all singles/deployed family members/people who can't go home. That may be your best bet for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. \n\nHang in there. I know how tough this is. Thank you and your husband for giving to our country.
862438
What about a nice pocket watch and have a personal engraving put on it, or possibly a bow and arrow set for hunting!  My hubby is a huge hunter and alot of times he uses his rifle but a few years ago I got him crossbows and he loves it!  A new rifle is an idea too!  Fishing rod and gear, video game system, Make him a nice basket filled with bubble bath-lotions-candles-sex coupons u make yourself-a bottle of champagne and 2 glasses-  he may look at u weird UNTIL u invite him into the bath with you!  Then he will be very very HAPPY with that gift!  Happy Holidays!  If he smokes a zippo lighter with an engraving.
934452
awe im sorry that hes going overseas =( i would suggest making him his favorite meal and making it a big thing. i mean like candles, music, all the works. and maybe let him pick a movie to watch and "snuggle" in bed. have fun.
638230
http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/AmericaSupportsYou/letters_messages.html\nthis place list all of them. There are just so many out there this page list them all and is a .mil so these are the ones the DOD knows about.\nI've got a few packages from the various groups and meets some great people.
829738
For the woman we all need some pampering. So I would suggest go to Dollar store get: back scrub brush, assorted bath salts, fizzy bath balls, tub pillow, bubble bath, candle, hot facial mask put in pretty basket with bow  I did this and it was a hit.\n\nGuys anything with food.  Perhaps a big bowl filled with assorted bags of chips salsa or assorted popcorn, goldfish crackers, or yummy cookies.
896822
My son has been in Iraq twice now and i know how tough it can be on the home front. God bless you and your family, and Thank You for all that you are sacrificing for us. \nBeings it is after the 13th of Nov. {the date we are supposed to get things mailed for Christmas } it might take longer than the expected week and a half. You might be better off sending packaged goodies, the commercial preservatives are better than what we can use at home. Here are some things i have mailed and had good results with...Oatmeal, or chocolate chip cookies do really well in the mail if you put them inside of a pringles can. Those "disposable" tupperware bowls are inexpensive and work to keep things airtight and fresh too. Divinity, and homemade fudge keep very well if airtight, so will rice krispie treats. Put layers of waxed paper in between, or individually wrap each piece. Carmel corn is always a winner too, and can be sent in a ziplock baggie. Make sure that the box you send everything is packed tight so things don't end up breaking to pieces in the mail, i use dry popcorn, or new socks to fill the spaces. Hope that this is helpful for you.