Iraq & Kuwait
Deployed Soldiers!
Items that soldiers in Iraq & Kuwait have been requesting & suggesting
*Gatorade, water flavoring, Tang, Kool-Aid (already sweetened), etc.
*Rechargeable batteries--and a charger if they don't already have one, duh.
*Stationary Supplies--pens, paper, envelopes...they DO NOT need stamps. One of the little perks.
*Soap...bar, liquid or powder...ask what your soldier likes. Powdered soap has been requested often in one-time use packets.
*Snacks, like Chips, Candy, Beef Jerky, Nuts, Seeds (sunflower, soy, etc.), trail mix...whatever they like,
except for pork products and fruit---**See "THINGS TO CONSIDER..."**
*SUNSCREEN
*BIG ZIPLOCK BAGS! The dust is everywhere and gets into everything, so the vast majority of people are using
them to put whatever they can into them for protection. You can send them all kinds of sizes, obviously.
The big ones (gallon-sized and larger) are the most popular for obvious reasons. ***See "MAKE IT PERSONAL"***
*Oatmeal, Grits, Instant Coffee, Espresso....whatever your person likes that comes in small packages that he
can mix with water. Oatmeal/Grits, etc. give them a break from chow halls and MRE's and remind them of home.
*Throat Lozenges and Eye Drops (again, the dust...)
*Pain Relievers like Tylenol, Advil, etc...while most people now have a PX or Shoppette available and there
are always medics, who wants to deal with that for a little headache, muscle pain,
or heartburn? ***See "MAKE IT PERSONAL"***
*Goggle-style sunglasses and cases for them. Many people are getting these standard
issue or from outsied sources (the Salvation Army has been donating things like this to the troops),
but maybe your guy didn't get them or wants more stylish ones???? Ask him.
*Moleskin for sore feet (a lot of people are saying that the Dr. Scholl's are better than other brands) and sole inserts.
*Laundry soap (travel size, maybe...ask first)
*Flashlight With Red Lens. Most people already have one, so check, because if your soldier doesn't have one,
they'll be wishing they did. You can get them in the PX or Military Surplus Stores.
*BUG REPELLENT. Several people are particularly requesting the Cutter brand.
*Mouse Traps (ewwwww!!!). I don't even know and I'm afraid to ask, but I was told to send them.
*PORTABLE FAN! Desktop and handheld ones, of course. This is another one that I see all the time.
*Basic Toiletries like shampoo, razors, deodorant, toothbrush/paste, Kleenex etc.,....and ...SOFT TOILET PAPER!
*Mosquito Net. These are standard issue for most people, but check to make sure. I hear they've been a lifesaver in some places.
*12 Volt Power Inverter (turns 12V DC into 110V AC) with minimum rating of 750W (1500 Peak)
and spare fuses. These can be connected to many military vehicles.
*Cordless Drill and Bits, and Misc. "Everyday" Tools. I've come across requests for these very sparingly.
I guess it depends on your soldier's particular needs. I'm sure this is one of those things they'll you know.
*Straps (again, these are requested only here and there).
*Photography Supplies. If he/she has a digital camera, you can always send extra memory cards.
If not, send film and/or disposable, one-time use cameras.
*PHONE CARDS! I don't have to tell you that these are invaluable. Some people are sending these along with the times
that they will be home to answer the phone. I would strongly advise against that. Your soldier generally won't have any
say-so in when they get to call you so the last thing they need is to think that you are expecting a certain thing. That could lead
to them feeling pressured (like if he/she only gets an hour break and hasn't slept in 24....) or feeling guilty about not being able
to call you when you'd like. Of course, this is a decision that only you can make, but I wouldn't put that kind of expectation
on my husband. Hell, I'll take a phone call anytime, day or night, you know? Oh, and keep your cell phone charged up,
with you, and at all times if you can.
*Books, Magazines, and any other reading material that he/she likes. Some people are requesting newspapers/magazines
from their hometowns. You might want to ask before sending these, though. For many people, reading the local news
is a way for them to feel more connected and involved with their hometown while they're away. For others, unfortunately,
local papers are seen as just one more thing that they're missing out on and reading them is very difficult.
*MOISTURIZERS....lip balm, lotion, etc.
*Clothes Pins. Again, I've seen only sporadic requests for these.
*Ramen Noodles and Small Canned Foods like stew, chili, Chef Boyardee....whatever he likes,
but no fruit (against customs) and no pork. Tuna in foil pouches, chips and salsa (pack them VERY
carefully and salsa should be the kind in PLASTIC containers), etc., Pringles ship well if you want to send chips.
*Handheld games and gadgets. If they have a laptop, PC games are always good. Some people have consoles over
there like X-Box, PlayStation, etc. ...ask your soldier. Even if he/she doesn't have one, someone in his/her unit may be sharing.
*Hot and/or Cold Packs. You can buy ones that are activated by snapping/shaking.
Or...make them yourself. ***See "MAKE IT PERSONAL"***
SOCKS, Lightweight Bandanas, and T-Shirts (undershirts, not civilian ones). The heat is intense and the guys
sweat profusely. Undershirts are getting ruined by all the sweat turning them white and they have to be replaced.
When your soldier's been out there a couple of months ask if there's anything you can send in that regard.
A GREAT alternative to the standard issue undershirts are the ones made by Under Armour. You can go the the
Under Armour website find out just how they work and what products they offer.I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW
GREAT THESE SHIRTS ARE. Literally every time I talk to my husband he is saying how great they have been (he's in Iraq)
at keeping him dry and all he has to do to clean them is rinse and hang to dry (they try in 10 MINUTES!). They are sold in
almost every PX and many Military Clothing Stores (like surplus stores) and T-shirts go for about $25, but are well
worth it. Don't send civilian clothes unless your soldier specifically requests them. There are not "weekends" or
conventional "days off", and you don't want to send things they can't use.. ***See "THINGS TO CONSIDER***
*TOILET PAPER...lots of nice, soft toilet paper. Depending on what you want to spend, camping stores
and outdoors sections of stores like Wal-Mart sell t.p. that is biodegradable, but I just send Charmin.
*ENTERTAINMENTS like CD's and DVD's. CD's you make yourself are priceless!
*FLEA COLLARS. That's right, flea collars.I'm sure you have heard about the sand fleas. Many soldiers are
using flea collars to put around their ankles to protect their legs and feet from bites. Ask if he/she needs them first
and if he/she does, remind him/her that these should NOT be put directly in contact with the skin.
*Misc. Unsigned Occasion Greeting Cards that he can use to surprise family members (Mom's birthday, Christmas, etc.)
*Collapsable Buckets. These can be found most places where camping supplies are sold. Here's a picture.
