Constitutional Freedom Alliance Supports Our Troops!

Do's and Don'ts of Sending Military Care Packages

By Georgia Craig

Ronald Reagan reminded us that “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.  We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream.  It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”  Constitutional Freedom Alliance agrees and recognizes that within the narrowly defined duties of our US Government is the primary obligation to provide for the defense.  We also recognize that this is only possible through a strong military and encourage our members to actively support our US Armed Forces either by giving to any of the legitimate military charitable organizations or by sending Care Packages directly to our deployed men and women serving in harm’s way.

Supporting our Troops through Care Packages is easier than most people realize, and more rewarding than most can scarcely imagine.  Here are a few facts and Care Package Do’s & Don’ts to help you get started.

Is there really a Need?  Most Americans may think that the Department of Defense and the Soldier’s families are providing everything that our soldiers require.  While basically this is true, the word “basic” cannot be overstated in this sentence.  Hygiene items, snacks, clean socks, bed sheets, and other “luxuries” can do wonders for Military moral but are oftentimes extremely hard to come by.  A Military Company can be stationed far away from the FOB (Forward Operating Base) and in a war zone PX (Post Exchange) deliveries can be intermittent if at all.  Even for soldiers living on the FOB, the PX runs out of items quickly and although the Military does provide “basic” necessities, a soldier may not have what you and I would consider the most fundamental comfort items.

The most important thing to remember is the US Military is fundamentally incapable of providing the most essential component requested by our soldiers, the need of which can neither be measured nor fully satisfied (even though it can cost as little as 42 cents).  And that is a simple card or letter telling a soldier that they are supported and appreciated by their country. 

Where to Send?  The US Military will not deliver “unsolicited” mail.  In other words you cannot send a letter or package simply addressed “To Any Soldier”.  You can only send mail to a named Military individual at an active address.  There are several websites that will match you up to a willing soldier – we suggest using www.anysoldier.com

What is the Postage Cost?  A common misunderstanding is that shipping a package as far away as Afghanistan would be too costly.  However, Military addresses contain either an APO (Army Post Office) or FPO (Fleet Post Office) zip code.  Your postage only needs to pay for delivery to a Military Base located in the United States.  From there your package is placed on Military Transport to Afghanistan, Iraq, etc.  A large flat rate box will ship to any APO or FPO for $12.95 regardless of the weight (if it fits it ships.)

If you are not using a USPS flat rate box, postage will depend upon weight and location.  (Hint: Addresses ending with APO AE or FPO AE are located in New York.  Addresses ending with APO AP or FPO FP are located in San Francisco.)  Federal Express or other “overnight” services are not effective.  Your package will simply get to the APO in the expedited fashion and there it will sit waiting for the next Army transport.  USPS is the most economical method.

Do I need a special box? No, just a sturdy one!  It is going a long distance and is not being handled by the most delicate of personnel. Don’t skimp on the packing tape either.

Also it is advised not to send overly large boxes or over 5 packages a day to any one address.  Soldiers in the field do not have the facilities for large boxes or the ability to accommodate large quantities of packages at one time.

The USPS Flat Rate boxes are a perfect size, but only economical if you are sending heavy items (like a box of magazines).  If you are sending a similar sized box of Beanie Babies you will save on postage costs by using a regular box.

What is a Customs Form? – It is just a small form that you will get at the Post Office.  Fill it out with your return address, the recipient’s address, contents of the box (be specific) and your signature.  The Mail Clerk will assist if you have questions.  It is also advisable to place a “redirect” in the last section of the form in the event that your soldier is on leave or has been relocated.  You can “redirect” the package by writing “Commander or Chaplain” to help prevent your package from being returned to sender.

What do I send?  The most requested item from soldiers is simply a letter of support. You would be surprised to learn how many of our US soldiers receive no mail at all.  If however, you want to send a package just go to http://anysoldier.com/ to see a list of email posts from soldiers who are very specific about items they need.  The site also helps you determine how many soldiers that address is supporting, and a male to female ratio.  You will be informed whether they have access to a microwave, laundry and other details to help you determine appropriate Care Package items. 

Equally important in knowing what to send is knowing what NOT to send.  It is against the law to send obscene or unauthorized political materials, firearms, pork / pork by-products, or bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith (though items for personal religious use for the addressee are permissible and often requested). 

What about Humanitarian Aid? 

 The most under reported story in the media is the abundance of support our US Soldiers provide to the local populations.  There are countless requests from soldiers who have adopted schools, hospitals, families, villages, orphanages, etc.  The stories are heartwarming and endless.  These soldiers welcome items like used clothing, shoes, toys, and school supplies and will often provide endearing photos of their endeavors.  You can type any of these items in the Search Tool on http://anysoldier.com/wheretosend/ or the even the word “Humanitarian” to view a list of soldiers requesting these types of items.             

Any other tips?  We suggest that you go to http://anysoldier.com/HowToSend.cfm to learn in further detail how to effectively send Military Care Packages in addition to these useful suggestions -

·         Unless you are sending expensive items, do not insure or register your mail because doing so often causes the soldier to have to go to their base camp to pick up the package.   However, if your package contains an expensive item it is advised to insure.

·         Please tighten the caps on any liquid products (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc.) and place these items within an airtight ziplock bag.

·         NEVER SEND HYGIENE ITEMS AND FOOD ITEMS TOGETHER.  No matter how much you isolate hygiene items in zip lock bags, or how securely food items are wrapped – the cookies will taste just like the dryer sheets (soap, deodorant, etc.) once they have spent almost a month in the same box in 120 degree heat.

·         Always include a letter in your package and provide your email address.  In most cases soldiers are very quick to send their appreciation and email is their preferred method.

·         Please note there IS such a thing as “chocolate season”.  Pay attention to the temperature in the soldier’s location to determine when it is “safe” to send chocolate again.  (Hint – Oreos can give your soldier their “chocolate fix” during “off season”.

·         Both Iraq and Afghanistan become brutally cold in the winter.  Gloves, Mittens, Ear Muffs, and Neck Scarves as well as coffee, hot chocolate etc. are excellent moral boosters during winter months.

·         Mail any holiday items at least one month in advance.

Thank you for supporting our Troops.