Do's and Don'ts of Military Care Packages
for Soldiers
by:
Sarah Smiley
Sending a care package to your loved one deployed overseas seems so
easy, doesn't it? You just box up some cookies, attach a sweet card,
and it's ready to go, right?
If only it were that easy.
Sending mail to ships/units overseas is tricky for many reasons (slow
processing, mail limitations, etc.) but one of the most confounding is
this: unless you've been deployed yourself, it's hard to know exactly
what a Soldier or Sailor might want.
After two deployments (and a picky husband), here's what I've learned
about military care packages.
Try Not to Embarrass:
You might think sending a life-size portrait of your toy poodle dressed
in a ballet skirt is hilarious, but chances are your husband won't be
laughing when he has to carry the cumbersome "pooch" back to his room
and past all his friends. You never know where your spouse will open
his package, or whom he'll be with. If you think he'll be humiliated
for anyone to know you sent him pink boxer shorts, either don't send
them or give him a heads up about the contents of the box. Similarly,
if you're sending something that might embarrass YOU
(uhmmm....pictures), make sure you don't surprise your beloved, or he
might unknowingly cast your photos to a group of nosey friends peering
over his shoulder as he opens the box.
Don't Douse the Box/Envelope with Perfume:
Women think this is wonderful, to spray perfume all over a man's gift
or letter. And honestly, our men probably like to receive the smelly
treasures too. But when your husband has to carry that letter through
three hallways and up four ladders back to his room, he may not be
thrilled dragging a cloud of feminine perfume behind him. Remember, the
military is notorious for issuing its members "call signs" or
"nicknames" at their weakest, most embarrassing moment. If you don't
want your husband to be called "Christian Dior" for the rest of his
career, go easy on the scents.
Steer Clear of Chocolate:
When you send something via an FPO address, you never know where it
will wait in transit before it gets to its destination. Your carefully
prepared box of chocolates may wait onboard a ship in the Persian Gulf
before being delivered to your spouse -- if you don't want that package
to be a big, melted, gooey mess, don't send chocolate (or anything else
that can melt).
Keep it Small:
Keep in mind your loved one may not have much personal space in his
overseas accommodations. Chances are good he has no place to store the
giant smiley face pinata the kids made for him, and it will end up
being a burden rather than a pleasure. Things that can be stored easily
(small drawings and pictures, travel game sets) and things that can be
consumed (food, toiletry items) rate high on most Soldier's and
Sailor's lists.
Keep it Personal:
Remember your loved one has not been home for a really long time --
what might seem silly or boring to you (an audio tape of the children
fighting over the Nintendo) will be like a little piece of home for
your spouse. Send things to remind your Soldier/Sailor of the things he
loves (his children, family, favorite foods, taped reruns of his
favorite TV shows).
Make it Fun:
Deployed Soldiers and Sailors are working almost non-stop and with
little new scenery or change of pace. They don't have the option to go
to Barnes and Noble for awhile to "get out" and see something new. So
bring the fun and the new to them. My husband always likes getting
DVDs, CDs, books, and sports magazines. He's also pointed out that it
is hard to get a "real" American newspaper when he is deployed, so the
local paper from home is always appreciated (especially the Sports
section). Remember these Soldiers and Sailors are living without many
of the comforts and conveniences of home. Therefore, mail call is a
welcomed opportunity to receive something new and different to look
at....things they can't get on the ship.
Make it Frequent:
Mail Call can be the highlight of the day for any deployed man or
woman. Even something as small as a crayon drawing from a two-year old
can bring joy to your loved one! Make it a point to send
something....even if it's just a letter....as frequently as you can!
