SwiftVets.com

truthseeker · Seaman Recruit Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Posts: 34

I thought maybe this would be a good site for suggestions.

Either organizations to support in that regard, or items likely to be needed or appreciated.

What to send? What NOT to send (i.e., won't make it through the system, won't get there in the first place, or just plain not needed). For those who aren't up to shipping themselves, what organizations to support/send money to so THEY can ship. Any organizations to AVOID?

Along those lines, reputable organizations that ship to the Iraqis+Afghans themselves, to support children, schools, healthcare, etc.

AMOS · Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 12:23 am Post subject: Brown sugar

I asked that brown sugar be sent to me in Vietnam. Prior to patrols, I would use two or three coffee packs, some cream, a pack of cocoa and some brown sugar for "a cup of coffee" to keep me alert. Alert? Golly, I was wound up, all that sugar and caffeine. Sure coulda used a shot of Jack Daniels in there.

truthseeker · Seaman Recruit Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Posts: 34

Much as I'd love to send the Jack Daniels, isn't that one of those things that would get intercepted before entry into those countries, Islamic law and all that?

If I sent the JD, I think the person enjoying it would be a shipping clerk in Kansas City.

a.t.beagle · Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 2:26 am Post subject:

I just saw this site to "Support our Troops" advertised on Fox. It was put together by the Department of Defense. A Wealth of information! Great site for all to support in anyway possible!

http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/
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The eyes are the window of the soul!

GiveMeFreedom · PO3 Joined: 23 Aug 2004 Posts: 279 Location: Wisconsin

I have adopted 4 units from this site: http://www.anysoldier.com/

I send travel size shampoo & conditioner, magazines, disposable razors, chips in the can (so they won't get crushed), canned fruit, slim jims, peanut butter & ritz crackers, shaving cream, small soap bars, magazines, DVD's on sale @ Walmart (for $5.50), granola bars, powdered drinks, white socks & t-shirts, baby-wipes, gum, chapstick, travel size toothpaste, peanuts - think of everything you use, and send them the travel sizes (easier for them to pack & carry).

Lot of suggestions at the anysoldier.com website, and on the 'where to send' link with their names, a lot of them let you know if they have electricity or microwaves, etc. and what they could use.

I've been sending for a couple of months, and have received some letters back -- it's a great feeling to be helping them!
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GiveMeFreedom
http://www.anysoldier.com
http://www.operationac.com
Support our Soldiers!!

I B Squidly · Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 5:56 am Post subject:

Agreeing with Amos cocoa is an excellant and highly valued coffee additive.

Agreeing with givemefreedom travel sizes are the key.

I did receive 80 proof samplers through the FPO but standing 12 and 6 in Condition 3 did not allow full enjoyment.

msindependent · Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 11:11 am Post subject:

I've sent a lot of stuff over there to someone in the Army. Here's what received the most valuable award. In the very beginning it was batteries and duct tape. A month later it was a twin size egg crate foam mattress pad. Next, a set of twin sheets (they are issued one set). If cost is a factor, consider sending a package of pillow cases (you know, at least something clean to lay their head on). A small soft pillow (accent pillow or infant size) for extra cushion on sore back or neck. Tons of tobacco products. A rabbits foot. Scoreboard page of Sunday newspaper. A pair of comic boxers (go figure). They would like to have booze and girlie mags but thats a big no no, with the Army anyway. Oh yes, almost forgot, a pair of flip flops for the shower or to step outside the trailor/tent for a smoke. Homemade tape/cd of a local rock or country radio broadcast. However, the number one prize always goes to a plain old letter from someone back home.