Need help from military personnel... or families too

[Mskanga]

My doctor is being sent again to Iraq, he's leaving in two weeks. I am going to see him in a couple of days and I would like to do something for him before he leaves , but I am not sure if they can actually take something with them. What are the allowances for that? I plan on sending him care packages once he's stationed , I did that before and he got a kick out of it. He's been wonderful to my family, always had time to explain things in detail and never shipping us off to see other specialists unless completely necessary, he's one of those doctors who basically will do everything himself if possible.
What can I do for him if anything before he leaves for him to take? Any suggestions?

 

[DawnCt]

Insect repellent, Purell waterless hand cleanser, sun screen, chap stick, chewing gum, hard candies that don't melt and most of all your good wishes.

 

[Mskanga]

But are they allowed to take all this with them when they get deployed?

 

[katerkat]

They can take anything that fits, as far as I know. However, you may want to give him something small and then send care packages - I know our friend didn't have much room in his bags when he left. Our friend wants the following in his care package: baby wipes (great for cleaning), cookies, granola bars, some trail mix, magazines and books. (Ahem, I assume I don't have to say this, but no porn or booze allowed.)

 

[LindaR]

PHONE CARDS!!!!!!!! They are easy to pack and carry and would be a VERY welcome gift!

 

[DawnCt]

Originally posted by LindaR
PHONE CARDS!!!!!!!! They are easy to pack and carry and would be a VERY welcome gift!

Most times they can call home for free, particularly the docs. My DH never had to use a phone card.

 

[Mskanga]

That is exactly what I want to do , something small but useful and then later on more stuff with the care packages. I think I may start with bug repellent , sunscreen and chapstick for him to take and then other stuff when he is stationed.
But keep the ideas coming, I will make a small good luck bag for him and you may have some other ideas.

 

[Otto's Doll]

Baby wipes, magazines (nothing with pictures of women in swimsuits either), batteries if he will be taking a hand held game system, playing cards (if allowed, I am not sure).
here is a list I found online, although not everything is something you want to consider.
Koozies to keep water bottles and cans cool.
Chips Ahoy cookies, individual packages. (Big bags often fill with dust if not eaten right away.)
Other kinds of cookies!!
Pasta and sauce
Spices
Smoked oysters and sardines
Squeeze butter
Pringles chips
Individually-wrapped licorice
DVD's
AA batteries
Newspapers
Magazines
Air freshener, stick-ups, Fabreeze
Microwave popcorn
Ramen noodles
Macaroni & cheese
M&M's
Olives, pickles, peppers (lots of bubble wrap around these items)
Holiday decorations
Holiday cards and an address book with names & addresses
Canned air to blow dust out of electronics
Stress relief squeeze balls
Shoe laces for gym shoes and boots
Brown t-shirts
Boot socks
Underwear
Sewing kit s
Vitamins
Cereal bars
Lysol wipes /wet wipes
Microwave pasta that doesn't need refrigeration
Poker chips
Board games
Paperback books
Microwaveable plates and bowls, paper plates
Foot powder
Inflatable seat cushions
Razors
Ink pens
Word Puzzle books
Icy/hot patches
Air activated heat wraps for sore muscles
Hand warmers
Hot cocoa mix
Soup mix
Magazines
Newspapers
Foot spa
D batteries

 

[Mskanga]

bump in case someone has any other suggestions.

 

[doxdogy]

There is a weight limit to the their luggage. I can't remember the actually amount. So, it should be small light items.

 

[HappyMommy2]

You've already gotten great ideas but I just wanted to say you're very thoughtful to do this for your friend; it will mean a lot to him.
I agree that it would be nice to give him a small something right now and then send a box with more later.

A church group we'd never heard of sent my DH and his buddies some small care packages recently, and as much as the guys LOVED the treats, the thought that people they didn't even know were thinking of them and wishing them well was even more meaningful.

Best wishes to your doctor/friend.

 

[Mskanga]

My intention now would be a stationary set with stamps and some sunscreen and bug repellent, and then the rest in a care package that I will send in the mail. Does that sound right? That is why I am asking because I don't know what the limitations are for them to take things.