[LARRYLEGEND]

As you are probably aware, PREDATOR (John) is stationed overseas and fighting for our country while giving us a sense of freedom so we can enjoy everyday life. It truly upsets me that he cannot be home with his loved ones, riding his Fury like us and just having fun. John has so much pride and discipline that he never posted anything related to his situation, nor did he ever ask for a handout.
I will be taking a large box and filling it to send him a care package. My wife googled "care packages for soldiers" and some things came up that I would have never thought of like ....... dental floss, socks, baby wipes, and odor eaters. I'm sure for that moment when he sees that package, he will smile and give him some brief relief from the nightmare he is in.
John is an original Super Moderator on this forum and has always helped others as well as myself. He even beat me out for FOM contest in its 3rd month (but that's kool) LOL. If you are touched by this and interested in sending John a care package, his information is as follows:

EDIT: Please PM for address

If you read this John - you are in our prayers and we want you to return safe! Thank you for your day in and day out dedication and focus. You are the real deal. I am sending you my care package in a few days!

BE SAFE BROTHER!

Larry Minetti

 

[Richard1]

I will be happy to send something also. John, if there is something specific you need, let me know. Otherwise, I will send out some Sponge Bob sox’s and underwear. Do you need any bedding?

 

[mental]

Richard put me in for $10. Great Idea Larry.

[SIZE=+3]Care Package and Equipment[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+3]Suggestions for Deployed Military[/SIZE]

What To Send In A Care Package

I have solicited input from service members I know and what follows is a consolidated and annotated list from those who have "been there and done that." (Thanks to all who contributed to this list.) This is hardly an all encompassing list and at the end is a link to larger lists, but this list is field tested and will "win huge" for anyone who sends from it. (Some needs change over time and this list will be updated as we receive updated suggestions from our sources.)


Family members will probably have some other items that they know their loved one will like. One of my contributors explained that, "being in the field is kind of like being in prison in that bargaining items are extremely important. If you have what others want, you will be able to get what you need. The list provided will ensure that even if the military member doesn't like all the items, they will want for nothing. If this stuff was sent to a "new guy" in the unit who had few friends...he or she would suddenly discover more friends than he ever knew he had."

• Baby Wipes - packets are better than tubs. Much better than baby wipes, per se, are the "Hoo Ahhs" brand of pre-moistened, alcohol-free, unscented Field Towels
• Beef Jerky/Slim Jims
• Energy Bars (Power Bar, etc. - Unless a specific brand is requested, much better than standard civilian energy bars are the "HOOAH!" brand energy bar based on the U.S. military's own specially formulated bar that better meets the soliers' needs)
• Hot Sauce (Tabasco, Red Devil, etc.) - wrap glass bottle in duct tape and place in doubled zip-lock bags
• Sunflower seeds
• Peanuts
• Seasoning Salt (Lawry's, etc.)
• Atomic Fireballs / Jolly Rancher hard candy (for service member use)
• Smarties or SweetTart candies (for local children who prefer sour style candy to build relationships with community)
• Powdered Energy/Electrolyte Replacement Drink Mix (Gatorade, etc.)
• Chewing Gum
• Avon Skin So Soft - great for removing face paint and also reputed to be an effective bug repellant (the latter seems variable based on personal experience and reports)
• AA-cell Alkaline Batteries
• Personal Hygiene Gear: Disposable Razors, Toothbrush and Tooth Paste
• Eye Wash / Drops (Visine, etc.) for flushing dust and sand out of the eyes
• Zip-Lock style Plastic Storage Bags - assorted sizes, heavier freezer style are better
• Copenhagen Snuff in a tin ("Even if the service member doesn't dip snuff, they will be a hero and have more power than the Commanding Officer if they have a 'log' (10 cans) of 'Hagen.' A large percentage of infantry use this stuff and it is hard to get. The stuff they do get comes in a plastic can and tastes terrible. The 'Stateside Hagen' is the most powerful bargaining tool in a field environment!")
• Pre-paid Phone Card so service member can call home
• 
  [SIZE=”2”]Laundry Soap[/size]
  (Small Single-Load Packs, Trial Sizes, or 'Tablets')
  [SIZE=”2”]Liquid, Bar, or Waterless Soap[/size]
  [SIZE=”2”]Shampoo, Conditioner[/size]
  [SIZE=”2”]Lotion[/size]
  (Tube Only)
  (For rough, dry skin)
  [SIZE=”2”]Sunblock, Aloe Vera[/size]
  [SIZE=”2”]Hand Sanitizer[/size]
  [SIZE=”2”]Liquid Body Wash[/size]
  (Used also for shaving)
  [SIZE=”2”]Deodorant[/size]
  (Roll-On or Gel Only)
  [SIZE=”2”]Shaving Cream[/size]
  (Non-Aerosol Only)
  [SIZE=”2”]Eye Drops[/size]
  (Relieves irritation from sand)
  [SIZE=”2”]Saline Spray/Drops[/size]
  (Sensitive nasal passages) [SIZE=”2”]Kleenex[/size]
• 
  [SIZE=”2”]Q-Tips[/size]
  (Travel Packs)
  (Used to clean ears and guns)
  [SIZE=”2”]Feminine Hygiene Products, Tampax[/size]
  [SIZE=”2”]Disposable Razors[/size]
  (2-5 Pack)
  [SIZE=”2”]Baby Powder, Foot Powder[/size]
  (Used on body and in boots to keep dry)
  [SIZE=”2”]Dr. Scholls Moleskin[/size]
  (Pads for sore feet)
  [SIZE=”2”]Blistex, Vaseline, Carmex[/size]
  (Squeeze Tube)
  [SIZE=”2”]Toothpaste, Toothbrush[/size]
  [SIZE=”2”]Mouthwash[/size]
  [SIZE=”2”]Dental Floss/Picks[/size]
  [SIZE=”4”]MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS [/size]
  [SIZE=”4”][SIZE=”2”][/size]
  [SIZE=”2”]Insect Repellent (Deet)[/size]
  [SIZE=”2”](Pump Action or Towelettes)</B> [/size]
  [SIZE=”2”][SIZE=”2”]Hand Warmers[/size]
  [SIZE=”2”]Writing Paper, Envelopes, Pens[/size]
  [SIZE=”2”]Games and Puzzles (Hand Held)[/size] [SIZE=”2”]DVD’s and CD’s[/size]
  (Movies and Music)</B>
  [/size][/size]
• 
  [SIZE=”2”]Pudding, Jell-O[/size]
  (Squeeze Tube or Snack Packs)</B>
  [SIZE=”2”]Soups[/size]
  (15 oz. Plastic Containers)
  (Campbell’s Soup at Hand)
  [SIZE=”2”]Lasagna, Ravioli, Spaghetti, Mac & Cheese, Chili,[/size]
  [SIZE=”2”]Beef Stew, Chicken n’ Dumplins, Noodles & Chicken[/size]
  (7-15 oz. Plastic Containers)
  (Chef Boyardee/Nalleys)
  [SIZE=”2”]Chicken, Turkey, Salmon, Tuna[/size]
  (7 oz. Easy Open Packs)
  (Chicken of the Sea/Bumble Bee)
  [SIZE=”2”][SIZE=”2”]Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate,[/size]
  [SIZE=”2”]Apple Cider, Powdered Drinks[/size]
  (Individual Servings)
  (Chrystal Light, Kool Aid, Country Time, Smuckers, Capri Sun)
  [SIZE=”2”]Spices[/size]
  (Sweet, Sour, Spicy, etc. - Tabasco, Season Salt)
  Sugar (Packs) and Creamers)
  (MRE’s – (Meals Ready to Eat)
  become bland (boring) over time and need flavoring) [SIZE=”2”]Gum, Lifesavers, Hard Candy[/size]
• 
  [SIZE=”2”]Chips - Doritos, Pringles, Corn and Potato Snacks[/size]
  (2-3 oz. Plastic Containers or Individual Snack Packs)
  [SIZE=”2”]Dips[/size]
  (9 oz. Plastic Containers or Cans)
  [SIZE=”2”]Trail Mix, Poppycock, Butter Toffee (Popcorn)[/size]
  (7-8 oz. Snack Packs)
  [SIZE=”2”]Crackers, Cookies, Power Bars[/size]
  (12 oz. or Individual Snack Packs)
  (Cheese and Crackers, Peanut Butter and Crackers)
  [SIZE=”2”]Cereal[/size]
  (Individual Boxes or Plastic Cups)
  [SIZE=”2”]Cheese[/size]
  (Plastic Squeeze Container)
  [SIZE=”2”]Fruit and Nuts[/size]
  (6-8 oz. Dried or Canned Snack Packs)
  Apricots, Bananas, Cherries, Mixed Fruit,
  Peaches, Pineapple, Rasins) [SIZE=”2”]Pudding, Jell-O[/size]
  (Squeeze Tube or Snack Packs)</B>
  Veterans of Foreign Wars operates Operation Uplink which sends free prepaid phone cards to service members. On the Operation Uplink site you can request a card for a specific service member or make a donation to help support this service.

What Not To Send in a Care Package

Finally, DO NOT SEND:

• Anything that melts (if you just must send chocolate, send M&Ms)
• Waterless Hand Cleaner/Sanitizer - generally makes mud, wipes are preferred
• Flashlights - Everybody has one and never gets to use it due to visible light discipline restrictions.
• Compass - Everybody SHOULD already have one attached to their Load Bearing Vest/Harness
• Sun Screen - already issued in mass quantities, drowning in the stuff
• Liquor of any sort
• Pornography of any sort. This includes "soft porn" such as Playboy magazines.

 

[RedspawnSilver]

Can you ask what does he need more of, you can PM if necessary... snacks, toiletries or a mixture...? every troops need is different based on their service rate... just curious as I have something else planned...

 

[jumper]

Give me your mailing address.I'll send you a check.Great idea.
Jumper

 

[J.A.T.O.]

We always appreciate magazines but since we (the forum members) dont know which country he's in, nothing with any skin is allowed. One time about 30 of us landed at one location and as soon as we got our gear off the plane, there was an amnesty box (garbage can) for our contraband. After we threw away our stuff they chose 5 of us to open our bags for a search. I had a few racy pics of my wife in my wallet that got stashed in my boot!

We couldnt even have a sears catalog due to the lingerie section.

The weirdest thngs can really help when you're over there. There's a good chance that he's staying in a 30 man tent. That means when it's lights out and the end of you're 12 shift, your sleeping the same time 15 other guys are. The bunks are usually right up against another and only separated by a hanging sheet, if your llucky. A few of my most prized posessions in that environment is earplugs and a sleeping mask. If you work the night shift then your sleeping through the day and those tents sometimes let a lot of sun in. As for the earplugs, there is always some dude that snores like a nitrous powered chainsaw!! Going weeks with hardly any sleep in that kinda environment really wears you down.

Just thought I'd add a few f things that always make life better when deployed.

Good luck pred and keep your head down

 

[LARRYLEGEND]

Give me your mailing address.I'll send you a check.Great idea.
Jumper

PM was sent to mental

 

[mental]

Mental Forwarded:
Mental Recieved Reply:
Check is in the Mail:
Forwarded to Larry:
Done:

 

[CB Fury]

Well having done three tours myself, the biggest things where homemade treats that can keep for up to three weeks travel time, based on where he is at. Also, if he is working out, then powder muscle milk is a big one... but is costly. If he chews or smokes, stateside tobacco is always great... and if he does not then it is great for trading. Just some food for thought... I always liked jerkey for the road or between galley time. Also thinks that just need water added... bottle water is in a abundance.

 

[Lathrop Bob]

My son just got home from a year in Afghanistan. He was stationed at a combat outpost near the Pakistan border. The only drinking water they had was bottled with expired dates. We sent him a bunch of the koolaid type individual drink powders. That made it easier for him and his soldiers to drink that crap.

He also liked any kind of candy, beef jerky, hand sanitizer, and dip tobacco. The guys also liked the instant mac and cheese or tuna meals. Any thing like that would do. We also burned some CD's of audio books and music for them.

We also sent him some gear the Army wouldn't issue the guys. He is an Airborne scout/sniper and they wouldn't even issue him a flashlight during his time in Iraq. It is better, supply wise in Afganistan, but it is like the wild west there.

 

[LARRYLEGEND]

Getting plenty of PM's about helping out John. This is an individual project if you are interested - that's why the address was posted. If you would like to contribute, please use the information provided. A few members will be contributing through me, however, it is an individualized project for the most part -- again for anyone interested in sending a care package.
Thanks!


Larry

 

[Wicked Ways]

Care Package

Having Left Afghan-Land One Month Ago I Can Tell You The The Guys Will Apperciate Just About Anything You Send As It Is Not Really So Much What You Sent As Hey I Got Mail!!!... The Guys Will Share With The Buddies Or Trade Something For Something. These Guys Need Our Support And Even Something As Small As Sending A Box Of Cookies Has A Huge Impact On "Our Guys And Gals".

 

[Clintster442]

Well having done three tours myself, the biggest things where homemade treats that can keep for up to three weeks travel time, based on where he is at. Also, if he is working out, then powder muscle milk is a big one... but is costly. If he chews or smokes, stateside tobacco is always great... and if he does not then it is great for trading. Just some food for thought... I always liked jerkey for the road or between galley time. Also thinks that just need water added... bottle water is in a abundance.

I have a good friend over in the sand box now on his 12th tour (yeah 12th) and he said one of the most prized items are the little individual packets of the crystal light stuff to add to the water bottles. Little creature comforts like iced tea mix can give that slight feeling of home and really go along way for moral.

 

[mental]

As you are probably aware, PREDATOR (John) is stationed overseas and fighting for our country while giving us a sense of freedom so we can enjoy everyday life. It truly upsets me that he cannot be home with his loved ones, riding his Fury like us and just having fun. John has so much pride and discipline that he never posted anything related to his situation, nor did he ever ask for a handout.
I will be taking a large box and filling it to send him a care package. My wife googled "care packages for soldiers" and some things came up that I would have never thought of like ....... dental floss, socks, baby wipes, and odor eaters. I'm sure for that moment when he sees that package, he will smile and give him some brief relief from the nightmare he is in.
John is an original Super Moderator on this forum and has always helped others as well as myself. He even beat me out for FOM contest in its 3rd month (but that's kool) LOL. If you are touched by this and interested in sending John a care package, his information is as follows:

Please PM for Address

If you read this John - you are in our prayers and we want you to return safe! Thank you for your day in and day out dedication and focus. You are the real deal. I am sending you my care package in a few days!

BE SAFE BROTHER!

Larry Minetti

Info on what to send on page one and other post.
Send packages to

Please PM for address

He will probably have enough now for this month, but it would be nice if we could send him somethings every month, so if you post your name, I or Larry can send out a reminder next month.

 

[canoesmasher]

I'm all over this like a fat kid at specialty chocolate shop

 

[X_KIOWA_X]

I think what you guys are doing is great, but I'm going to post my suggestion since I am in the process of leaving Iraq. He's at Victory Base, it's a big post where the Headquarters is, if I remember right they have two Post Exchange so I think that anything you can send him that's not in there would be great, but for the most part with all the extensive traveling I have done in Iraq, he'll be able to get what he needs from that store, but like I said the stuff that you make homemade like cookies and stuff are great as it shows that people cares and better than anything you can buy in the store. I would suggest before you spend money on a lot of stuff that him or anyone else is not going to use I would pm him and ask him for requests. I think it's cool that you're doing this for him, really shows that people cares so from the bottom of my heart I Thank You! Alright I'm stuck in S.C. damn C-17 broke down last night so I have to get back and see if they got it fixed so I can get home, piece out.

 

[CBSIMONSEZ]

Alright I'm stuck in S.C. damn C-17 broke down last night so I have to get back and see if they got it fixed so I can get home, piece out.

safe trip home.

 

[PREDATOR]

I don't know how I missed this thread. I just wanted to say Thank You! From the bottom of my heart ... I am part of the Top IV out here and plan on funneling some of these care packages to our lower ranking service members.

As for me personally, I'm a pretty simple guy. All of my basic nessecities are being met

Thank You!

 

[LARRYLEGEND]

I don't know how I missed this thread. I just wanted to say Thank You! From the bottom of my heart ... I am part of the Top IV out here and plan on funneling some of these care packages to our lower ranking service members.

As for me personally, I'm a pretty simple guy. All of my basic nessecities are being met

Thank You!

Hey John ....
I don't know how long it takes for you actually to receive the packages, but a few were sent out already. You da man! Keep it real out there and we pray for your safety!
There's a few biker mags in one of the boxes - take care!

Larry

 

[PREDATOR]

You guys are awesome! I'll make sure to provide pictures