Brother to be deployed to Iraq

Aquajock

Aquajock

Cathlete
Just got the sobering news that my 24-year-old brother is going to be deployed to Iraq in February 2005.

For all those Cathe-ites who have family members in Iraq or Afghanistan: what kinds of things (i.e. care packages) are you allowed to send your loved ones, and how do you do it?

TIA -

A-Jock
 
A-Jock, cant help you with the care packages, but I just wanted to say, my thaughts and prayers will be with your brother and the rest of your family.

My prayers also go to EVERYONE already there, and their loved ones back home

Marion

:)
 
Aquajock,

I don't have anyone over there so I don't know what the rules are. But some ideas: Chapstick, Lotion, Pictures of people/things he's leaving that are important to him (and are awaiting his return.) Letters--Not just the weekly "here's what's happening" letters, but the initial letters of "what you mean to me" to be read in times of Homesickness. Gum and Candy that won't melt. Those are just a few ideas that might be helpful. But you've probably thought of those already!

You might go to Christi Taylors forum and ask her--her son was over in Iraq for a year.

http://www.taylordfitness.com/ubbcgi/Ultimate.cgi

I want you to know that My family truly appreciates what you and your brother are doing for our country! Thank you!

Nadine

~~Happiness is an Attitude~~
 
Hi A-Jock,

I am coming out of lurk mode for you on this one.

DH has been deployed to Iraq for 11 months now and in that time, I have sent tons of emails to him as well as several boxes. The boxes go through the regular post office, he should have an address specific to his unit in Iraq. Items that have been sent are calling cards with lots of minutes, cookies/snacks when the weather isn't too hot to melt sugar, and CDs, made from originals because sand is terrible on them, save the originals for his return. Oh, and a really good thing to send is digital pictures if he can get them on his email. If not, print them and send them. He will be able to tell you exactly what the area is lacking once he gets there.
I think the big thing is constant correspondence from the loved ones.

I hope I have helped you. My prayers are with you and your family as you prepare for the time ahead.

Jamie
 
Thanks to all who have responded already. I'm going to be away from the computer, and will catch up with all of you again on Monday.

Thanks again for your concerned wishes and information.

A-Jock
 
A-Jock

My husband got home from Iraq in Oct. I sent snacks, DVDs, CDs, chap stick, beef jerky and poptarts were a big snack asked for. Pictures of family. He will really enjoy anything you send. You can send his boxes through the U.S. post office. They will make you fill out a form and list the things in your box.

Beverly
 
Hi Annette,

I don't have anyone there either, but I wanted to wish you and your family all of the best. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as well!!

Aila:)
 
A-Jock,

Have no info on what you're asking but I did want to say, as others have, that I salute your brother. It is so brave that these guys go in 'harms way' to protect us all.

When you find out exactly how to send stuff, put up a post with the information. I would be happy to send a gift box....as many others probably would as well.

I wish you and your family the best.
 
One of my co-workers got the call and is deployed.

We've been sending him phone cards so he can call his family. If you do this make sure they can be used internationally.

Will he be going straight over or will he be training up for it state side first?

Dave
 
One of my BF's has a husband in the Navy & a son who just signed up. We're always worried about one or both of them. I'll ask her what's good to send as she's had tons of practice.

My heart goes out to you Annette, & your family. It's so frightening to send a loved one off to war. I truly appreciate the service he is ready & willing to do for his country and all of us.

Do let us know when you have an address as I would love to send him a box.

Take care,
Ruth
 
Oh, A-Jock, my heart goes out to you! I don't know what you're allowed to send, but I'm sure he'd love a bunch of e-mails/letters from his witty sister. I wish him all the best during his deployment.
 
Hi, A-Jock,

My 2 nephews (brothers, ages 21 and 24) went to Iraq in September. The oldest is in Ramadi, the youngest in Fallujah. The things they have really loved:

Letters from home, including the minute-by-minute details of ''ordinary'' life.

Things to spice up the VERY bland food there - they're southern Louisiana boys, so Tabasco sauce, spicy crackers, etc. were a big hit.

It's hard, no doubt about it; I've found that news on TV can be a bit much to handle, so I turn the channel when it's on a lot.

Sending you prayers and a big hug . . .
 
Hello, I have a friend who is a front line Marine in Falujah. His group was all over Fox news because they were the ones who found the slaughter houses and rescued prisoners. They also lost some good men.

I know things they need are things to keep warm. It is cold there now. Layers for under clothing like Hot Chilis, that sort of thing. Hand and foot warmers can be nice. Any kind of fleece beenie hat. Nothing homemade in terms of cookies and the like. Besides not surviving the mail well, they are instructed not to eat things that aren't pre packaged in case of terrorism tactics. A BIG hit were these finger toothbrush things called Brush Ups. When they are out on an operation and only have what they can carry, these were a hot commodity. Burned cd's and dvd's as said earlier. The sand is brutal. Anyone who might be upgrading their game systems can send old Playstations or X-boxes. Chapstick, eye drops and baby wipes are all good. The girls appreciate anything that makes them still feel girly. Nice soap, lotion, even simple jewlry.

A great site for tons of ideas on this topic, and anyone who would like to send something is www.anysoldier.com You will find that more than anything they want support through letters. Many of them don't have anyone writing to them at all. It is heartbreaking! They want mail and it is such a simple thing.

For those here who have friends and family serving, A Jock and all, I personally appreciate every sacrifice made. My brother and sister in law are both in the military, and while they are not in danger currently my brother has been and still could be. I do everything I can with my family to show support, and hope and pray your loved ones are safe;-)
 
Hi AJ - I send my cousin his favorite chocolate chip cookies (home made). As others have said, pictures and calling cards really make him feel connected. I also send newspaper and magazine articles about things I know he's interested in, particularly local news. I've also sent toothpaste, hair products, sun screen, books.

My prayers are with you and your family. Stay Strong.

Also: I would also be happy to send him a package.

Mar:(
 
Just wanted to tell you, AJ, that your brother and all our men and women in the armed forces (and their families) are in my prayers! I am so thankful for what they are doing.

BTW, I had seen on TV that Baby Wipes are always something that can be used, especially in dry desert locations!
 
I've been thinking about this thread a lot, and don't have anything helpful to tell you about what to send, so I wasn't going to post, but I do want to say I feel for you, worrying about a loved one going into that mess. I feel so bad for all those people. Good people out there in that violent craziness. You have my support and respect in so many ways, and I'm sorry about your brother, but I sincerely hope the best for him, and for all the troops.
 
Annette, What can I do for you & your brother. I have heartfelt respect for our military. I want to do something, I am just very uncreative and a little bit lazy so that makes for a bad combo. But please, I could do a little something for you & and your brother. Surely, there is something. I typed in didn't I?

Marla
 
Hi Annette,

I spoke to my friend & she said many of the things already mentioned here...letters, first & foremost. Emails. Newspaper articles from the hometown paper. Lots & lots of "chit-chat"...the minutiae of everyday life at home.

Snacks...Pop Tarts were mentioned because they don't melt! Right now it probably wouldn't matter. Cookies, that kind of thing. (Not homemade.) Pringles.

Long underwear, extra socks...in general, things he can layer. It's cold.

CD's, DVD's, games. Books.

Sunscreen. Those little one-use toothbrush things were mentioned before & also by my friend. VERY popular. Also the Baby Wipes.

Again, please let us know what's happening. We care, very much.

Ruth
 
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