If You're Debating Sending a CARE Package to a Soldier...

[TwinMom7]

I just read a post on the DEBATE board where people were discussing whether or not it's really necessary for civilians to get involved with sending CARE packages to our military. I guess I was surprised to see how some people thought that a soldier's "hazard" pay should make up for the additional items that they need to purchase while there.

Just thought I'd "enlighten" those who are unsure of what to do...

My son is a Marine who is currently living in the "sand pit" - 22 miles from the Iraqi border. He spent the first three weeks in the same clothes - no electricity and no running water.

Daytime temperatures can drop 50 degrees once the sun sets, which will cause hypothermia even in the dead of summer.

His active duty - hazard pay - is approximately 1/2 of his normal civilian pay. Luckily he is single, and doesn't have to worry about supporting a family, but he still has a house payment and a car payment that has to be made while he's gone.

As for his personal care items - the military sunscreen is like "glue" and the sand sticks to it. They have no mobile PX at their camp, so the only personal hygiene items he receives is what I send him. Yes...he took supplies with him, but he's been there a month and the supplies are running out.

They do have water now, but last week he was still "dry" shaving. They are also requesting flea collars to wear around their ankles to keep off the sand fleas.

His meals consist of MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) that have to be spiced up with government issued tabasco sauce. The afternoon winds blow sand into everything - their eyes, their nose and their food.

My son has three younger Marines "under" him and his last letter stated that he's so happy to see them get mail or a package because their morale is pretty low and at least the mail puts a smile on their faces. I had to laugh, because at the age of 25, I still consider my son young - but these Marines are 18 and 19 years old.

I quickly realized this past weekend that my spoiled rotten cocker spaniel has a better life right now than my 25-year old son.

So, if you are wondering what to do - I'll tell you - PLEASE GET AN ADDRESS OF A SOLDIER AND SEND A PACKAGE!!!!!

Thanks and GOD BLESS all of you caring DIS folks who have been organizing this campaign.

 

[debster812]

Thanks Patty!

I will have about 8 packages to send to Bobby by Friday the 21st. Tell him to get ready--he's about to be DIS-ified!!!!!

Debbie

 

[TwinMom7]

I wrote him yesterday and told him to BE PREPARED to be DIS'd.

 

[Meriweather]

Yep.....they'e coming.
Mine will be in the mail to Debster tomorrow.

Bless them all!

 

[4greatboys]

We would love to help out our guys and girls over there. I cannot put into words my gratitude for wonderful soldiers serving our country. I have 4 ds none are old enough to serve but if they were over there I would appreciate anything like that done for them.
God bless them and hope they can return home soon!

 

[Cthia]

If someone could possibly give a link of where to find these addresses I would more than gladly send a Care package.

Or Patty you could PM with an address and I could get a package together.

Are there specific things they need or just basic necessaties? I have never sent a package out so I am not sure what to send but I do know that our Service Men and Women need our support and help more than ever now.


God Bless our Service People.


Thanks,
Cindy

 

[bsnyder]

Here's a suggestion I just posted on the Debate Board thread, if you want to show your support for the troops in harm's way:

The USO's Care Package Program:

Thousands of U.S. troops have been deployed around the world in the fight against terrorism and in readiness for a possible war with Iraq. The United Service Organizations (USO) is offering a unique way for individuals and corporations to let our nation's defenders know we haven't forgotten them. “Operation USO Care Package,” initiated by the USO of Metropolitan Washington (USO-Metro), enables individuals to financially support care packages that will be delivered to service members en route to overseas destinations. A contribution of $25 will purchase one Care Package.

Because of heightened security, individuals can no longer send letters and packages to “Any Service Member.” Operation USO Care Package is approved by the Department of Defense, and provides a safe, easy way for individuals and corporations to show their prayers and thoughts are with our service members.

“These Care Packages help the USO bring a touch of home to our men and women in uniform,” said Edward A. Powell, President and CEO of USO World Headquarters. The Care Packages contain an assortment of items specifically requested by the military, such as prepaid international calling cards, disposable cameras, toiletries, and sunscreen.

"Operation USO Care Package will continue for as long as our country is at war," according to Elaine Rogers, USO-Metro President. "This program is possible because of the support from individuals, corporations and organizations that donate funds to sponsor these Care Packages."

Donations can be sent to:

USO World Headquarters
P.O. Box 70264
Washington, DC 20024

You can also donate directly online, at their website:

http://www.uso.org/pubs/8_13_18.cfm?CFID=1105865&CFTOKEN=871020

 

[airhead]

And just think how such little things like visine,chapstick
a package of baby wipes or Pringles will make their day!
I say SHAME on those people who think we shouldn't send packages! Anyway,who cares what they think!!!! We're sendin'
care packages!!!


airhead

 

[tkyes]

*sigh*

Another great reminder why I don't go over to the debate board. I do believe that thread would make me scream.

Fishbone and I were talking about this yesterday.

When I was in College it was so incredibly exciting to get a package in the mail and I wasn't stuck in the middle of the dessert (farm fields, but that's another story ) If you can put a smile on the face of a soldier and make them feel loved - why wouldn't you?


You can count on us. We just set up a bin here at work for collections. I'll disperse the stuff between Bobby, Titus and 2 other friends.

Thank you for sharing that information with us.


Tamie

 

[CourtasanSatine]

I'm up for joining forces with someone on a care package

 

[cinlee3]

Our local news station had a story last night about the conditions the soldiers are living under. The sand was blowing so hard you couldn't see. They showed them eating their MRE trying to keep the sand out. I wanted to cry - some of them are so young - only a year older than my son.

The station is putting together a care package drive. They are contacting merchants to donate supplies and said they will give info in a few days. I think its great that they are putting this together.

I just can't believe anyone would say their hazard pay should allow them to pay for their supplies. Most of those soldiers don't make that much to begin with.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

If someone could help us with a site so we could "ADOPT A SOLDIER" my daisy troop would love it.

Thanks

 

[Girls Scout Leader]

Please PLEASE let me know how to , and where to, and who to send a package to! My Girl Scouts would LOVE to be able to do something like this! Can someone give us a hand?

 

[doxdogy]

This website as information regarding care packages. I sent them an e-mail requesting the name of a soldier.

http://operationmilitarypride.org/index.html

 

[WillyJ]

So a care package is a "pay subsidy"??


Interesting point of view. . .


To each their own. . personally I see it as a show of gratitude and support for our troops and one that should be made no matter how you feel about the necessity or morality of the war. . .


People talk a lot about the lessons the government should have learned from Vietnam and I agree; but there are some lessons the average citizen should have learned from it too- namely that treating our millitary personal like crap because you disagree with the politicians is wrong and un-American. . .


I'll be sending mine and it wouldn't matter if the soldiers were making a million dollars a year. .

 

[Jeafl]

I already bought all my stuff, but I still need to find a box big enough. As soon as I do, it's heading out!

 

[TwinMom7]

Don't use toooooo big of a box Jill!! They tell us to use about the size of a large shoebox or a little bigger. It has to be able to fit into a mail bag - just remember. If you have to....split the items between two smaller boxes and send one now and one in a couple of weeks. I've been using the larger Priority Mail box at the post office and those seem to be about as big as they want.

These posts have been wonderful - just shows how great you DIS folks are!!!!

 

[scarlett873]

i was just talking to my DISn friend, Disney845, and i have to say that the thought of sending a care package to our soldiers had never crossed my mind. i'm actually embarrassed about that...thank you for the links and for enlightening me! i should have known better, but when i think back, my dad was in the army, but was never in wartime combat during my life...

thank you so much...i'll be sure to "adopt" a soldier or two...

you guys find ways to amaze me everyday with your hearts and your generosity...

May God bless them as they defend our freedom...

 

[Boo'sMom]

Originally posted by WillyJ

I'll be sending mine and it wouldn't matter if the soldiers were making a million dollars a year. .

Willy my friend.....when I got to your post, I stopped reading...
Thank you!!!!!


Patty....you can let you DS know that there are packages leaving NH Saturday from the scouts!!!!

 

[TwinMom7]

For those of you newbies to this effort...here's the link to a great website that lists lots of ideas for CARE packages along with mailing tips, packaging, etc. Hope this will help answer some of your questions...

Marine Moms Website