I'm sending a garb order overseas to a soldier in the Army who is currently in the Sandbox. I asked him what else he and his fellow troops could need so I figured I'd ask here and see if anyone would like to contribute. I figure books, artwork, etc. in addition to more important things like toilet paper and parachute cord. Something interesting, but not controversial. They're in enough shit over there doing their job and we don't need them getting in trouble with any higher ups for things like stickers or posters.
I know none of us like the war, but as long as we got soldiers over there, we need to take care of them. I believe that this will be going to a transportation company as well, which means that they deal with ambushes, carbombs, etc. So they could use all the smiles they can get.
So...tickets home and the name of a good defense attorney probably not the best things to send, then?
That depends, can you afford it?
Half of that list, yes.
Well, the next stop for these guys is Germany where they have to stay until their next deployment. Yeah, they aren't coming home anytime soon. :|
But you know...you take that oath...I almost had to go to Afghanistan but I got out in the nick of time since my last PT test proved my knees were done.
Kickass socks.
Bibles.
Quote from: dimo on April 06, 2010, 06:16:12 PM
Bibles.
I'm trying to enlighten them, not depress them further.
I would also suggest not sending them things which might lead them to believe they are in some sort of Holy War.
Quote from: Suu on April 06, 2010, 06:27:19 PM
Quote from: dimo on April 06, 2010, 06:16:12 PM
Bibles.
I'm trying to enlighten them, not depress them further.
:lulz: :lulz:
Send them DIY copies of the PD.
When is this getting sent out?
Quote from: Cain on April 06, 2010, 06:28:50 PM
I would also suggest not sending them things which might lead them to believe they are in some sort of Holy War.
Exactly. The guy I made this garb for is fucking sick of being over there. That shit will just make them roll their eyes and they'll probably waste ammunition on them.
Quote from: Richter on April 06, 2010, 06:31:24 PM
When is this getting sent out?
Within the week.
You guys know I was kidding about the bibles, right?
Quote from: dimo on April 06, 2010, 06:33:19 PM
You guys know I was kidding about the bibles, right?
I know, but maybe a PD wouldn't be so bad. I did email him asking what they really DO need though.
Quote from: Suu on April 06, 2010, 06:37:03 PM
Quote from: dimo on April 06, 2010, 06:33:19 PM
You guys know I was kidding about the bibles, right?
I know, but maybe a PD wouldn't be so bad. I did email him asking what they really DO need though.
It could give 'em a good chuckle, and that could be worth a lot in that type of situation.
I hear they like gum, fancy deoderants, comics, stuff that's sort of "fluffy" but can divert them and make them feel more at-home (as if that's possible). Wipes might be good--it's a dirty business, soldiering in the desert, and having pre-moistened wipes to wipe yourself down with are always a luxury.
A Bible? Maybe.
If it's a Lolcat Bible. (http://www.lolcatbible.com/index.php?title=Main_Page)
my uncle always has us send baby wipes cause they cant always shower
Quote from: Jenne on April 06, 2010, 07:40:59 PM
I hear they like gum, fancy deoderants, comics, stuff that's sort of "fluffy" but can divert them and make them feel more at-home (as if that's possible). Wipes might be good--it's a dirty business, soldiering in the desert, and having pre-moistened wipes to wipe yourself down with are always a luxury.
This strikes me as practical.
Yeah, I'm thinking some gum, wipes, and a couple of books should do it.
Quote from: Jerry_Frankster on April 06, 2010, 08:05:07 PM
A Bible? Maybe.
If it's a Lolcat Bible. (http://www.lolcatbible.com/index.php?title=Main_Page)
I like your avatar.
PRINTED MATERIAL
may not be best for overseas shipping cost, but how about a bunch of those rags one sees at the checkout, so they can oggle pics of lady gaga and read about who tiger woods is fucking, find out michael jackson died n stuff. light reading, entertaining. pics of lady gaga.
Sending them stuff that makes them feel a little more at home would probably go a long way. E.O.T. and Jenne have the right idea.
Send hookers and blow.
Quote from: Cain on April 06, 2010, 10:54:08 PM
Send hookers and blow.
I don't think they can fit in flat rate box.
Hookers no, blow yes.
He got back to me and said that they are actually all set. People send them stuff all the time and not to worry, but they appreciate the thought. He's also almost done.
Usally there are plenty of care packages that get sent over with the basics. They are likely thankful you gave a fuck enough to try to send them anything, even if they are leaving soon. If they are stationed in Germany they should be able to take leave once they get back, but many people love being there. Of greater concern would be if they are in Afghanistan and are heading to Kyrgyzstan to fly out.
If you decide to send stuff to anyone else then Fred and Jenne are correct with the baby wipes. Even if you usually have access to a shower the baby wipes can be used for many things (wiping of the rear, "bath", cleaning weapon/windows/hands/face/whatever). Also, hand sanitizer is a plus. Some snacks, especially sweets, are good, but do not put soap or laundry detergent in a box with any food that might pick up the flavour (soap oatmeal is not that tasty). Powdered drink mixes to add to the bottles of water (mostly .5l, though some places get the1.5l bottles)
E.O.T. has good ides with morale material. For the guys FHM, Stuff, and other such magazines are popular (don't send Bizarre...I didn't receive a single issue of my subscription). Some guys will read the types of magazines E.O.T. mentioned, but the women seem to enjoy those more. If you know the individual(s) whatever they enjoy should still be widely shared (I usually go for science stuff and Smithsonian, many people enjoy gun mags, car mags, Men's Health and other related stuff).
Socks aren't that hard to get (I get 6 pairs a month through ADO). The unit should provide them with plenty of 550 cord and 100mph tape.
These are suggestions for Iraq and Afghanistan. In Qatar they have everything they need, as they send us there for R&R, and they have access to pretty much anything they want. The same is true of larger FOBs, they usually have access to a PX/BX and some also have Burger King, Pizza Hut, Subway and others (at least for now, but they will be leaving soon).
Not sure how popular an outdated hippie book like PD would go over, as everyone who is currently in the US military has joined or resigned a contract since this all started, so they knew they were likely to deploy, many hoping to go over. Some would enjoy it, while those I have shared it with don't seem to give a fuck. I know some like FSM stuff (or will steal a copy of Zen Without Zen Masters if you leave them alone with it...fucking bastards). Generally speaking books are only good for people who request them, as there are many libraries of donated books all over Afghanistan, and I rarely see anyone else looking for stuff. I have seen more books thrown away than read. I try to rescue some, but paper takes up so much space...
Eventually I hope to order some stuff, Suu, probably after I get home.
When are you due to come home? And do you need a spaggy care package? :mrgreen:
I have to commend you all, this is a wonderful endeavor. And perhaps the opportunity should be taken again. We could really ground these people.
Lollipops. Small, portable, suck on them for an hour. Adds some sweetness in life. But not too many, you don't want to give these guys dental problems. Look what happened when troops in Vietnam got ciggies.
Body wipes, we find them useful, imagine how they'd feel with them.
I'd physically add something to a future shipment, but it'd take a week for a package to travel from Ireland to America.
Quote from: Suu on April 06, 2010, 06:27:19 PM
Quote from: dimo on April 06, 2010, 06:16:12 PM
Bibles.
I'm trying to enlighten them, not depress them further.
so copies of the evangelical discordia is probally a bad idea