Nephew Called Up - Need Ideas for Send-Off Gift

[BethR]

Our nephew, Dan, graduated HS this past June and joined the army reserves in order to have them help him pay for college.
Well, he started his first semester (was in training, so he could not start in the fall), 2 weeks ago. He was called up on Thursday.
Anyway, so the family is having a send off get together for him this evening, and I would like to get him a little something.
Any ideas of what he CAN take and that he would appreciate having while away? Right now he is going to Ft. Dix.
I was thinking of getting him a phone card, but I did not know if the soldiers have to pay for phone calls? (am I being naive? )
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. (and prayers too...)

Thanks!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Photos, maybe?
I keep him in my thoughts...so young to be getting called up.

 

[chelsea&austinsmom]

I have no ideas but I think the phone card is a good idea. Your nephew and all military will be in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[BethR]

Thanks for the well wishes.

Dan has a girl friend so I was thinking that the phone card would be the most appreciated thing - but I did not know for sure if the soldiers paid for calls. Dumb, I know...

 

[Mattsmom]

Phone card is a great idea! I would have loved one when I was in the Air Force. That was 20 yrs. ago and they didn't exist. Military didn't pay for phone calls. Those phone calls home from Germany were a killer!

BIL retired a few years ago. He never received free phone calls either. Unless it's changed recently, military members pay for phone calls home.

 

[BethR]

I think that the phone card will be it after I check with AT&T to see if it can be used overseas...
I can pick it up quickly at Sam's and will be easy to wrap.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Any ideas here, Beth?

http://care4troops.com


My very best wishes for young Dan. God speed.

 

[wdwnutze]

My nephew has been in the army about 1 1/2yrs and was just sent to Kuwait on Sunday. The only thing he asked for was some family photos and phone cards. They have to pay for their own calls. We are all sending him phone cards because we never want him to have to worry about calling whoever he wants to call. We will keep your nephew and all the military men and women in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[JC2]

Dan! That is an excellent site! Wow!