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What Can I Put Into a Care Package Going to Iraq?
by Charlie Jay
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Overview
Whether you have a friend or loved one serving in the military in Iraq or just want to make a supportive gesture to the men and women in uniform stationed there, a care package is a great way to go. Not only does it provide your soldier (and his comrades) with basic necessities and entertainment, but, perhaps most importantly, it reminds the recipient that he is still remembered back home, as far away as it may seem.
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Classics and Essentials
American soldiers in Iraq generally aren't in danger of starving, but MREs, "meals ready-to-eat," get old quickly. Therefore, any food that is an alternative to their typical fare is usually appreciated. This could be something you baked yourself that reminds him of home or something prepackaged that is a favorite he can't get where he's stationed. Prepackaged foods could range from something to satisfy a sweet tooth (like candy or snack cakes) to a salty snack (like beef jerky or sunflower seeds) all the way up to something closer to a meal (like cans of premade pasta or tuna salad lunch kits). Powdered drink mixes and coffee with some form of creamer and sugar are also great ideas. With any packaged goods, consider getting a bulk or variety pack so your soldier can easily share with companions. Be sure that anything not prepackaged is securely contained in a Ziploc bag and has any additional packaging it needs to avoid being crushed during shipping.
Toiletries, especially deodorant and products that can be used without water, like hand sanitizer, are also good to send. If you are sending to a specific person, get his brand preferences, as those special requests are unlikely to be filled in the field. Be sure that, unless you have excellent packaging of both items, you send toiletries and food in separate packages. It would be a shame to open up a box of cookies, only to find out that they taste like shampoo!
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Entertainment
The life of a soldier in Iraq is filled with many dangerous missions and long hours, but it also has its share of downtime. Give your soldier something to fill these potentially mind-numbing gaps between maneuvers. For soldiers who like to keep up with events at home, send some current articles from your local newspaper or reviews of games played by their favorite sports teams. Current magazines also are a good idea. If you don't know the person you're sending to, you can always send a variety to be shared among other servicemen and women. Maybe one person likes the music scene, while another wants to see pictures of the American natural landscape. Providing several options will keep more people satisfied.
As the majority of base camps now have electricity, CDs or DVDs are great care package inclusions that will definitely help your soldier enjoy the downtime. Good books are certain to be passed around the camp, and puzzle books, though they are not for everyone, are a popular item among some soldiers.
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Reminders of Home
One of the best things you can include in a care package is something that specifically reminds your soldier of how much she is cared for back home. Whether you know your soldier or not, it's never a bad idea to send a few photos or a letter describing the activity where you are. Particularly if you are sending your care package to a loved one, the details of your life that you consider to be mundane are sure to be refreshing and exciting to someone who is homesick. Whatever else you send in your package, include a note to remind your soldier that behind the tangible donations is a person back in the United States who is thinking of her every day.
