Please keep checking this page . We will continually  be adding  info to it. 

When a loved one goes overseas, it effects not only the one going but many of those around them. 

We will try to answer  as many questions as possible
about what to do and not to do.

Care packages..  
Care packages can be sent by flat rate box priority mail through the post office for $12.50.
The price of postage on these went up as of Jan 4th , 2010.The boxes are free through your local post office or through USPS on line.  You can also order other supplies such as , other size boxes, address labels and custom forms and envelopes free of charge through USPS.  Note: only the lg size flat rate boxes are discounted for APO  & FPO addresses.  Other sizes you will be charged nthe regular flat rate fee or  per lb and any over 12" on a side in size will add to postage rate.
The larger flat rates  (that costs $12.50 to mail) that became available  in Mar 2008   that are ordered through USPS  will have an ASY   ( America  Supports  You )   logo  printed on  them ! The ones that do not have this label on them are still only $12.50 as long as they are lg flat rates.

What are APO and FPO's
APO and FPO's are American addresses overseas.  When you mail something to an APO or FPO, you are actually mailing it to an American address.  The package goes from your local post office to an APO or FPO   post office here in the states and then on a military flight , space available , to its destination.

How long does it take to get there?
We send most care packages priority. It has taken an average of 6- 8 days. We have gotten emails from guys and gals that have recieved them in as little as 4 days.  DO NOT PLAN ON 6- 8 days. It can take as little as 4 days and as long as forever.  DO NOT TRY SENDING  A Rotisserie CHICKEN IN A ZIP LOCK!  IT WILL NOT WORK !

Homade canned food  will  ship if  sealed and packed properly.  Make sure you follow  all instructions in a canning manual and pack all jars  well to avoid  coming unsealed  or breaking!


What should I send in a care package?
Every person is different and  depending on the Branch of Service they are in and where they are stationed will depend a lot on their needs. Also remember the weather. It is not good to send Chocolate in the summer time to Iraq. It does get  over 140 degrees , and chocolate does not do well in heat. 
 However all of  them love something from HOME!   So to stay with general items we will suggest the following.
If your son or daughter loved your homemade pie, then can a jar of the pie filling and send  them.  Almost anything can be canned. Just make sure the jar seals properly and  after it cools   wrap it in bubble wrap, place it in a zip lock and box it up. Home is where the heart is !
Cards, letters, ( emails are great but letters can be carried in a pocket and read  over and over), Pictures,  Phone cards ( please read about phone cards below, not just any will work!!!),   Snacks,   Jerky, Lunch to go,  Hickory Farms  packs,  favorite cookies, favorite candies. Microwave  items, snacks, anything  that can be eaten without much preparation.  They do not have all the emnities  of  a home Kitchen.   However  you can can  items  such as  apple pie filling  and  favorite homeade foods  and  as long as you can them per  canning directions,  you can send  special  food items. Make sure they seal correctly, wrap in bubble wrap and pack well to avoid jars breaking. 
  ALWAYS Remember Holidays !   Just because they are 6000  miles away does not mean they are on a different calendar.  
Remember to send a little extra in care packages. They share with their commrades. 
USTS  sent more then 600  Christmas trees, lights, decorations and Christmas items between Oct 1 and Nov 18,  2007. More in 2008 and 2009 ! They  will not be able to celebrate with the family at home, but they will be able to have Christmas with their "family " in arms. Not all have the area for these items , so please check with them first !
They have  "down time"  and during that down time,  they enjoy relaxing and  trying to make it as much HOME  oriented as possible!  CD's, DVD's and  luxury items  are wonderful.   Food and snacks are always welcomed! Most  ( not all) have microwaves available now. 

Remember  snacks  do not last as long as hygiene!
 
We have provided a recipe for a homade item. 
( scroll to bottom of page for this) We hope to add more recipes later.  Ask them what they would like.  If they use tobacco,  don't tell them about healthy choices when they are in a combat zone.   They are dodging IED's and Bullets. I assure you tobacco may not be healthy, but neither is war!   If they ask for it and it is legal to send them, PLEASE SEND IT !

If you cannot afford to  purchase enough to fill a large flat rate, at least send a card or letter, or even a new magazine  in an envelope. Every piece of mail is a way to show they are not forgotten!

Calling cards / Phone cards

We suggest purchasing phone cards through  Aafes,  PX or BX.
The cards  are AT & T Global or AT&T ship to Shore cards.  ( we have alink to order these  on our how to help page. You do not need to have military ID  to order these for troops!)
The ones you find at other stores such as Walmart  or Sam's Club etc.. are not under government contract and the  card is charged 5 to 1 on minutes used and many have an additional charge to activate them. Most phone cards not purchased through aafes  do not work! EVEN IF THEY SAY INTERNATIONAL ON THEM, THEY NEED TO BE AT&T GLOBAL OR SHIP TO SHORE !
Cards purchased through  the PX, BX or aafes charge only 3 to 1 and have no activation fee.  You can also add minutes to the cards  by calling AT&T and charging it to your credit card.  Before mailing the card to the service member , scratch off the silver  strip on back , xerox the  front and back of the card and keep the info in a safe place. This prevents having to buy another card and the service member waiting for another card to arrive.   

What should I tell them and not tell them?
That is a hard question. They do not want to be left in the dark on things.  Tell them what you think they need to know but think it out first!  They probably need to know if Mom is in the hospital with a terminal  disease. They dont need to know a kid has the flu.   Dont burden them with worry if  you dont have to. 
They have enough on their plates! 
Think  things through. They cannot disipline  the kids from  6000 miles away. They cannot fix the garbage disposal  from 6000 miles away.  Somethings  you must learn to take care of your self  or ask another service member or foundation for help.   Each unit  has an FRG.  ( Family readiness group)  .  FRG's  are there for a reason.  They are there to help!
Foundations are set up for a reason.  They are there to help!  

If I need  help with an answer where  do I go ?
Call or email  us. If we can't answer it , we will direct you in the right direction, or we will find you the answer.

Remember  our Troops  are busy and  they are adapting and over coming many obstacles.   As Military families we must do the same.  Please help each other as  military families. Stick together.  We may not all be in the same Branch but we are all in this together!

Please  take in mind some folks are just mean  and some are just ignorant.  Ignore those that make stupid comments  and be Proud to be a Military family!

Remove from oven and immediatly  place  lids on jars.  As the jar seals you will hear a "ping " sound.    You will also notice the lids  have a caved  point in the center.   Let cool before packing them.  These will stay good for up to 6 months. 
 
Many of the troops ask for home baked cookies.  These can be sent.  They must  be paked well.   Small  zip locks of pop corn  hold  them in place and seem to be the best packing.  Seal each cookie in a container or a food seal bag to keep them fresh.

Chocolate and gummies   do not mail well in summer heat.   Check temps on a world weather  report  for the area they are in before mailing  items that may melt.   Send a variety.  No one  wants to snack on the same thing everyday.  

 


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