While all of the above are great, sometimes we just need an extra boost of confidence from home. And please don't send food in the same package as you do shampoo or other toiletries - there's nothing worse than getting some treats from home covered in soap. Sending homemade cookies or soft candies halfway around the world just won't cut it. Water flavoring packets (many places we are deployed are very hot, and we need to constantly remain hydrated)Īs with anything you send, it needs to be non-perishable.Hot sauce (a great commodity to have around, and the convenience of Taco Bell sauce packets are great to have in the field).

While there's enough food to go around on base, much of it can be a little bland, and the variety is lacking. The best way to most anyone's heart is through their stomach, and deployed service members are no different. Really anything that could help decompress from a stressful day and focus on something else. iPod or thumb drives with movies, music and pictures.Reading material (magazines, books or an e-reader like a Kindle).Overseas, we don't always have that luxury, so we have to have our own fun. If you're twiddling your thumbs and waiting while in the US, you have the luxury of pulling out your smartphone and killing a little bit of time. Instead of relying on a t-shirt to clean them, lens cleaning cloths and small bottles of glass cleaner come in handy.Īlso, baby wipes and sunscreen were plentiful for us on our base, but your service member might need these.įor as many moments of action service members face, there's plenty of downtime as well. I was stationed in the Middle East and our goggles often were clouded by dirt and sand in the air. Pain-relieving topical cream (not a necessity, but can be a real luxury).Soap (shampoo, body wash, face wash, etc.).High-quality socks (I have to put this first, because some high-quality socks will make the toughest soldier smile with delight).We're on our feet a lot when we're deployed, so some of the best items were those that helped keep us dry, clean and comfortable. This protects your care package from the elements and the soldier from receiving snacks that taste like soap. We don't have a whole lot of room for clutter, so sometimes the things that are most important to us are the most useful things that help us do our job.ĭon't forget to seal everything in plastic zip-lock bags. Some of the best care packages I received were the ones that had practical items in it.

Star stable seal forgotten fields