Hopefully the title grabbed some attention. I am listing 2 websites below that you can go to and register to "support a troop".

www.treatsfortroops.com

www.booksforsoldiers.com

Each of the sites are inherently the same, yet different. Both sites afford you the opportunity to show your support for U.S. Servicemembers. After you register you will be given a name of a troop, or more if you so choose, that you can send a care package to. The treatsfortroops website lists suggested items to be sent, mainly food items, snacks, but is not limited to that whereas bookforsoldiers you will get a name of a troop and what he/she is requesting.

I have been a reciepient of both programs and am extremely thankful for those who choose to support us and show it. Care packages don't have to be expensive elaborate endeavors, we appreciate anything you are willing to give. An unexpected package in the mail is a great morale booster for most too.

So next time you're in Wal-Mart, stop by the snacks and $5 movie rack and pick up a few items for a Soldier, Sailor, Marine, or Airman. You will earn the respect and gratitude of the lucky recipient. Also, include your name and address or email and I almost guarantee a heartfelt thankyou will find you in return.

Other suggested items: playing cards, wet wipes, dvd's(even used), beef jerky, lunch packages ready to eat(MRE's suck), peanut butter and jelly(single serve jelly packs) and a good loaf of bread, gum, candy, little debbie snacks, etc.. you get the idea. Think of yourself 8000 miles somewhere you aren't enjoying and what might put a smile on your face.

Thank You to all who participate and spread the word, there is 140,000+ servicemembers in Iraq alone...

 

Great suggestion....a little effort can mean a lot to those laying their life on the line for you and me....I know.

Although these guys weren't down range, I was eating lunch at Hooter's the other day and saw a table with about 6 airmen who had returned from Iraq not too long ago. I checked them out....they were mostly various rank Sergeants but there was one lowly Airman. I gave the waitress $20 and told her to ask who the lowest ranking man was and to then anonymously buy his lunch. I think Sergeants got a bigger kick out of this gesture than the Airman did.

 

Some of my former co-workers from Lockheed Martin contacted me out of the blue a couple of weeks ago wanting info about my son stationed in Afghanistan. The lady coordinating the collection of $$$ and buying of goodies just sent me an e-mail. They collected so much $$$ she just mailed 3 boxes totaling 85 pounds. She said she was "over whelmed by the response". My wife and I are too.

2 of the 3 boxes will be shared with other unit members deployed with him. I know my son and his buddies will appreciate the goodies and generosity of strangers back home. But equally important is how it made me and my wife feel. Knowing our son (and other's) are still being thought of and cared for while they serve far from home in harms way.

This is a great suggestion.

Tom

 

Good on ya Wayne O and AFVETTE, now how about everyone else driving around there $40K+ C6? Surely you can spare $20+ and a few minutes of your time to thank and show your appreciation for a servicemember...

 

I have sent out a couple dozen already. Being that I have been in Iraq 3 of the last 4 years, my Soldiers and I always looked forward to getting these packages. It could be the smallest thing and it means a lot.
Take it one step further and include a letter with a couple pictures and you could have a friend for life.

 

Grifster what's ur MOS? I just left K-town in '05 what color was your C-5? Wasn't but a couple around that I saw...

 

God bless all our folks in uniform, past, present and future!

 

I drive a C6 now and remember what it was like to be in combat back in the "old days". I will be proud to contribute to our brave troops who are on the front lines today.

Thanks so much for the information and links. I certainly hope that we get a lot of participation from this great forum. It is not just a Christmas thing, but as long as our folks are over there.

Unless you have been there, you can't imagine how much a post card, much less a package means to someone in the service of our country.

 

Mine was a white C-5 hardtop. I worked on Panzer Kaserne, 21st Theater Support Command. I worked up in the G-1 section. How long were you there? I left in May 2001.

 

Thanks for the link 01QSZ06!! Just sent a package to a young man, Shaun Vazquetelles USMC, fighting the 'War on Terror'. God Bless you all.