Graduation gift for someone going into the military...

[megan4777]

DH's oldest niece is being sent to Ca, in Sept, for her AirForce training. What should we get her for graduation?

I know I loved my little fridge when I graduated h.s. but she's going into the AirForce and I don't know what to get her.

I believe she has a cell phone, so I would think a phone card would be pointless.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

[Nancyg56]

I know that I am probably in the minority, but when my nephew graduated and was going into the Marine Corps i gave him money. I really did not know what he needed and felt that he would rather buy what he needed there once he was settled in. He's been in six years and I have continued to send money for special occasions. I sent care packages every week when he was stationed in Iraq, but other than that the money was appreciated.

 

[doxdogy]

I am assuming that she is going to enlisted basic training. Below is a link that will state what to bring and what not to bring. I honestly do not think she will be allowed to take her cell phone. It will be a couple of weeks before she is allowed to call home.

http://airforce.com/training/enlisted/index.php

 

[megan4777]

I am assuming that she is going to enlisted basic training. Below is a link that will state what to bring and what not to bring. I honestly do not think she will be allowed to take her cell phone. It will be a couple of weeks before she is allowed to call home.

http://airforce.com/training/enlisted/index.php

She's been signed up for the AirForce for over a year. I know that she's been training with them, but will have to do basic training, at some point.

Thanks for all the help so far!

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Cash or gift cards! Those would be the most handy in my opinion.

If you want to get her something "physical" then I would get her a nice piece of jewelry like a necklace or bracelet. I got 2 beautiful rings from family members and a gold necklace from a friend when I graduated and still have them and cherish them. Jewelry never goes out of style! She may not be able to wear jewelry during her training but she can have it for special events.

 

[doxdogy]

She is probably in the delayed entry program. So she is either headed to Basic or Advanced training. If she is headed to advanced training, she may have a little more leeway in what she can take with her.

She's been signed up for the AirForce for over a year. I know that she's been training with them, but will have to do basic training, at some point.

Thanks for all the help so far!

 

[*JoGo*]

My brother left for Boot (USMC) 3wks after he graduated. He received about 4 Bibles with the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on it, lol. He appreciated them all. One was from his class and they each wrote messages in it and highlighted verses, along w/ several teachers. That is more of a keepsake.

Mostly, people gave him money... which, 2yrs later, is still in his savings account! He's really frugal, lol. But it's nice, because if he was ever in a pinch, like needing money for plane tix or money when he's home on leave, it's right there at a local bank. I'd go that route.

 

[kctwinmommy]

I agree with the others, there isn't much she needs, or can have, at basic training. I didn't bring much of anything with me, mostly cuz you can't. I think money in their bank account is the best thing. Or if you wanted to get her something special, I would wait until she's done with her training and gets assigned somewhere.

 

[powellrj]

I know people don't like to give money, but thats really the best thing. I know when DS went to basic, they needed to buy certain things to take with him like brown towels and plain tennis shoes, neither of which he had. Also its nice to have a little money in the bank because sometimes your pay gets held up when you first join, so its nice to have a little to fall back on.

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

I don't know what your price range is but, how about a Digital Camera!

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

I agree with the gift card idea.

Air Force personnel have a delayed payment for their first paycheck. At the same time, they are trying to setup home away from home. A gift card will certainly come in handy.