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I was recently notified by savethesoldiers.com that I have been selected for the “soldier spotlight†on their website at http://savethesoldiers.com/. They appear to have a unique and relevant site that supports our military. Check it out.
Soldier Spotlight at Save the Soldiers.com - link
Congrats on the spotlight.
I love the pics of Camp Victory, I spent a year in Bldg. 51A on the south side while the Camp was still like an old west town. Keep the faith!
CPL “E”
Mar 04-05 OIF II
Congratulations! Very good interview and a rather good picture, too Midnight!
Congrats Midnight! Very well deserved!
Hi,
Sorry to horn in but my husband and I have been gathering up things for the soldiers and I have a few questions that you may be able to answer.
First, my brother-in-law works for the company that makes Skoal and other snuffs. So we asked him to send us some for the packages for the soldiers. Are there any rules against sending tobacco products?
Second, we have bought several travel size liquid soaps, shampoos, medicated powders, magazines, games, etc., etc. Can we use the flat rate priority boxes to send these items over to them?
I want to get them off to the troops next week and need to know before I pack them up.
Thank You
Also, in reading some of these post from http://www.anysoldier.com/WhereToSend/ We have noticed that some of the items requested are very basic in need such as toothbrushes. We were wondering why in the world the military does not supply these things to the soldiers?? It’s not that I am unwilling to contribute but man, a toothbrush, sheets…shouldn’t that be a need met by the military?
Great interview! We’re looking forward to your returning to Huntsville, too.
Great interview! You have a very good outlook on life and a good plan after your time is up with the Marine Corps. Alabama will gladly welcome you home–nice going hero!
Jeff - can’t access the link for some reason but I’ll try later. Congratulations !!!
Lisa - the answers to all your q’s re: skoal, priority boxes etc are answered on the AnySoldier site. Short answer - troops LOVE tobacco products. Make sure any liquid items are heavily packed in plastic bags. Not to sound -uh - condescending, but get a clue on the toothbrushes, etc………. most of these guys are in the middle of HELL with little/no access to anything other than survival items. Dust and sand creep into every crack and cranny; a toothbrush might last a day before it’s so covered in grit that they need a new one. Who’s gonna wash the sheets even if they have ‘em? Everyone will appreciate whatever you send ‘em. Just DO IT :-)
And PS - one of the most coveted items by the troops is brushes of all shapes and sizes from tiny bristles to heavy duty scrubbers. they use ‘em for weapon cleaning, etc.
Nice writeup in the Soldier Spotlight, Midnight.
Oh, and Lisa, our Soldier is working on his 4th set of sheets already and he’s only been in country for 6 months. The Army doesn’t provide any of that stuff for them. His wife recently made a run on toothbrushes, shampoo, toilet paper, mouthwash, deodorant, etc. and will be sending it in the next goodie box. And flat-rate priority boxes are the only way to go when it comes to sending stuff over there. We’ve saved as much as $10 per box that way, especially when I send a quadruple batch of brownies in one box…those things are as heavy as bricks…… :)
Sheets??? LOL…My boyfriend sleeps on his poncho liner…LOL OOH RAH Marine Corps!…LOL
I have found that the best way to contribute was to send out a mass email to my boyfriends friends and family as well as my own and have a little deployment party. The women and myself have collected so much stuff that the guys begged us to stop sending things. The only things they ask for are magazines, bug traps, and Deet. Be careful if you send cans make sure that the bottom has a black nipple (bad word but couldn’t think of any other one to fit.) If it doesn’t have that then it can explode in flight. (so I’ve heard)
Let’s face it…our soldiers and Marines deployments are exspensive.
Hope everyones deployed loved one is well. Jeff hope you are doing well too along with your fellow Marines.
Semper Fi
I just found your blog today and read through all the archives! Great stuff. I’m from Wisconsin and really liked your answers to the UW-Madison journalism questions. I agree with you completely on all of them. I think it is awesome that you are an avid x-box gamer. The site might be blocked for you but I highly recommend www.shacknews.com for gaming news. The latest chat threads there are great too. If you or the Marines there want some laughs I recommend it. Anyway, thanks for the great blog, keep it up.
Thank You for the info. I got my answers about the sheets and toothbrushes already and understand now.
Take Care!
Lisa,
My husband is Army and some local (back home) companies are doing the same for our troops. They got the local Wal-Mart to help. Not sure how they did it. Also alot of larger companies will pay the shipping on packages. Something to look into. If you have and shipping questions the U.S. Postal Service web site has alot of info. I have found alot of them also like the little meals that you can get to go in the microwave, even if they dont have one. Because it’s so hot that they want to eat but dont want the heat from the meal it’s self. Also I have found that they enjoy gum, helps pass the time I guess. personal all over wipes come in handy. I guess it all depends on were u plan on sending the stuff. Some area’s have PX some dont. OH and calling cards, they have to be AT&T.
Thanks for all you do as a military wife. I understand, first hand, that sometimes it’s over taking. But we do what we need to and we move on. I have found a great song that some might like. Here is site info: http://www.erichorner.com/Soldier/Soldier2.html http://www.erichorner.com/index2.html They have a couple of videos that i find nice when I have those sad moments.
Good job Jeff on the site. Loved the kids.
God bless us all,
Beth
Here is a better link to the song’s and video. http://www.erichorner.com/videos/index.htm
srbxplfcbk…
jamapas pmxwhvaflk fxuiddoxr…
Ohhh Rahhhhhhhhh BABY
I would encourage you to take time to look at a guy that is doing a great work with the military. He is going on bases and doing concerts tailored to encourage and build them up. It is unique and affective. His web site is www.erichorner,com
Wow! Congrats, Jeff!