Marine Care Package

[JHZR2]

Hi, What's the best stuff to send in a Christmas care package to a Marine who is either on a large deck Amphib or on the ground in the mid-east? Im more inclined to send functional stuff, versus cookies and toothbrushes. I was thinking like tools, stuff to help clean weapons and equipment, etc. The person is not family. Ive heard that compressed air, fine/small brushes and similar are desirable for keeping things clean. Thoughts/recommendations? Thanks!

 

[tom slick]

Good boot socks (probably black) and the correct color tee shirts are a good start. It sounds odd but with the draw down the supply troops are the first ones being pulled out so the boots on the ground are having a tough time getting basic stuff.

 

[cbear]

I would think any pressurized can would be a no no for air shipments. bug repellent and quality toilet paper are always welcomed.

 

[sierrascout]

socks, for sure. Anti-chafing powder and lotion would be good. i found our son a brand called Anti-Monkey Butt that is supposed to be good.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

We have a close friend who recently returned from his third tour in Afghanistan. While he was gone he specifically requested that we not send "functional" items; they had everything they need supplied by the military. Instead he wanted reading material, food items like beef jerky and cereal, ground coffee and dried soups. He requested we do not send anything chocolate (or anything that might melt) in the high heat. We sent items knowing that he'd share with his fellow soldiers, and the quantities we sent were enough so we knew they'd go around. We, along with others, sent monthly care packages and it was greatly appreciated by him and his fellow soldiers. The list of items that were contraband was fairly long and I highly suggest you do a bit of research before sending anything to find out what is and is not acceptable.

 

[kb01]

I've been out of the service for a long time but when I was deployed, I always liked... - Good hiking socks - Leatherman or Gerber multi-tool - Beef jerky - Adult magazines - Gold Bond - Candy that wont melt - Batteries - Paperbacks In terms of practical stuff, the Army provided things like foot powder, toilet paper, bug spray, and sunblock but the civilian stuff was always way better and highly appreciated. Letters, pictures, and artwork from kids were always a highlight too, especially when out in the field or a remote FOB. Pretty much anything that makes someone feel human.

 

[RW1]

Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit

We have a close friend who recently returned from his third tour in Afghanistan. While he was gone he specifically requested that we not send "functional" items; they had everything they need supplied by the military. Instead he wanted reading material, food items like beef jerky and cereal, ground coffee and dried soups. He requested we do not send anything chocolate (or anything that might melt) in the high heat.

I agree with this. I always found that the guys who really cared about their weapons brought their own kit along. I had everything I needed in a small soft case. What I valued most were meat byproducts (jerky, sticks, etc), chewing gum, hand sanitizer, field wipes (heavy duty baby wipes - unscented), dried soup packets, Frank's Hot sauce, instant coffee, and batteries (AA, AAA, and CR123). The dining facility was okay but with the pending drawdown and supply train issues, supplies and luxuries will be getting scarce. Anything to break the monotony and spice up the food was appreciated. Undoubtably any PX nearby will also be reducing to the minimums too. As previous posters mentioned, anything that can melt will. I also suggest you take a look at the size of the object. Don't send a large container of something; better multiple small. I had to carry a lot of stuff in my pack and anything that didn't fit got discarded. The Marines always had it more spartan than the Army. Just about anything you send to provide comfort would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Merkava_4]

Thorlo Marine Combat Socks: http://www.thorlo.com/socks/marine-socks/over-calf/478.php