A request from a long time AT member Grunt03

[Heller]

Originally posted by: cubeless
being a hot deals kind of guy, would on sale at target hello kitty pj's... be too goofy? it just seems a pretty good deal for what are probably disposable clothes... they have them in white, too... and i can afford a bunch more at this price... and what distribution of sizes? it always seems that a larger size can be worn by a smaller person but not the reverse...

and i'm checking on sending astringent... the site that i found (hocks.com) with the best price on neutrogena astringent seems to say they can't ship flamables to apo's...

I'd imagine. for the chicks it would be just fine.

 

[BoomerD]

Everyone who has AT&T wireless should spam the hell out of them and request that we be able to donate "roll-over" minutes to the troops. I've been after them for years to do this and keep hitting a brick wall. I lose 300-400 minutes per month because I just don't use the cell phone that much. I'd donate them in a heartbeat if they'd set up a plan for it.

 

[eplebnista]

Any tips for packages with perishable items(like chocolate)?

 

[Train]

Originally posted by: eplebnista
Any tips for packages with perishable items(like chocolate)?

Dont bother, it will melt.

 

[eplebnista]

Originally posted by: Train

Originally posted by: eplebnista
Any tips for packages with perishable items(like chocolate)?

Dont bother, it will melt.

That's what I was wondering if there was a way to prevent that during transport. Didn't really think it was possible, but wanted to double-check to see if anyone else had thought of a way to accomplish it.

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: eplebnista
Any tips for packages with perishable items(like chocolate)?

We only tried sending chocolate once...It ended up as a nasty melted disgusting mess when it got to Iraq. Our son asked us not to do that again, as it melted all over non-food items in the same box...

"Hey, chocolate underwear!"

 

[Train]

Originally posted by: eplebnista

Originally posted by: Train

Originally posted by: eplebnista
Any tips for packages with perishable items(like chocolate)?

Dont bother, it will melt.

That's what I was wondering if there was a way to prevent that during transport. Didn't really think it was possible, but wanted to double-check to see if anyone else had thought of a way to accomplish it.

Nope, they will be in metal shipping type containers on thier last leg to whatever base he is on. These things are ovens in the sun, even in the "cooler" parts of the year over there.

Also remember that on the way over, packages will be well below freezing while in the belly of the cargo plane. Glass bottles WILL break (and some plastic ones too), if not from rough handling, from the extreme cold.

As for snacks, I see above they mentioned a lot of junk food. Blech no way. Maybe some guys like the occasional candy, but what they really want is stuff like ramen noodles and shelf stable, microwaveable or just add hot water type snacks/meals. They want a replacement for an MRE, or a late night meal because they are hungry or because the chow hall is closed and they missed dinner for post/mission.

 

[DainBrammage]

Added some addtional info to the OP

 

[cubeless]

i think u mean TAPE all openings in your expanded op...

 

[DainBrammage]

yeah its tape, change noted and made

 

[MyThirdEye]

:thumbsup:

 

[Turin39789]

If I try to get a large gathering of stuff from a local group, is there a good way to ship a larger package or will it be best to just grab a handful of the large flat rate boxes

 

[DainBrammage]

USPS Parcel Post . Rates vary depending on your point of origin.

Here are some guidelines for Parcel Post options:

Up to 70 pounds
- No more than 108 inches in combined length and girth.
- A surcharge applies heavier items and certain shapes.
- Balloon Rate applies for packages over 84 inches in combined length and girth

 

[UpGrD]

I'll list the things I needed/wanted.
-Quality disposable razors
-Baby whipes (cant have to many)
-Baby powder
-Books (history or Sci-Fi/fantasy are good bets)
-Mini Mag flashlights
-Music (put together a mix CD)
-jerky
-Dry soup's (anything)
-Favored coffee (cheap is fine)
-Spices
-Coolade packets all flavor's (tea bags also)
-Playing cards (Bicycle brand is popular for playing Spades)
-Zip lock Bag's

Grab a box, take a walk around the house and fill it up.

 

[Ns1]

For any family members that they might have nearby?

Complimentary admission for active duty military representing all five service branches, active members of a reserve or National Guard unit, and/or up to three direct dependants.
Valid for one complimentary single-day admission per person, per year, to one of the following Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks:
o SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio
o Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Williamsburg
o Sesame Place
o Adventure Island
o Water Country USA
Offer valid between 1/1/2008 and 12/31/2008. Operating days and hours vary by park. Please check with specific park for current operating schedule.


Fill out the on-line form below entirely and then submit.
Print a copy of the form.
Sign the bottom of the printed form on the line provided.
Along with completed registration form, applicant must present valid, active-duty Military/Service ID; dependents ages 10 and over must present valid Dependent ID.
If you are unable to print your registration form, you can pick one up at Guest relations and fill it out upon arrival.

http://www.herosalute.com/cavatx/index.html

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

I've got a shit ton (One year) of PVW, Performance VW I could send. They're just sitting underneath the bathroom sink. I'll see what else I can come up with. I feel so bad sitting here in my PJ's in front of a laptop waiting for my chicken wings to finish in the oven while sipping on a margarita while our troops are stuck in the desert.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

I'll talk with my manager about seeing if we can get something setup here in my department, if not the whole campus here at work.

I am assuming there is no deadline or anything.

 

[KeithP]

Any ideas on what kind of sporting equipment would be good? Horseshoes, Frisbees, Badminton sets, footballs, etc?

-KeithP

 

[shortylickens]

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo

Originally posted by: killster1
basic necessities = tobacco and junk food!////////////////////// bump great idea but few odd necessities.. (nail polish and pajamas) like a onezee pajama? ill try and dig out my old dvds and music cds

You'd be surprised. On ship underway for a while (different situation but same concept), you start missing all kinds of things that are at any given convenience store in the states. I'll definitely keep this thread in mind and see what I can do.

Thats exactly what I was thinking.
Now these guys know what its like the Navy. :laugh:

But I suppose I could douse my hostility for a day and ship them some stuff. I'd much rather mail an angry letter to my congressman, but I've been doing that a couple of times a year since 2002, and it hasnt done shit. Finally gave it up this year.

I think books would be better than movies. They might not always have access to a TV and DVD player, but they are required to have flashlights and thats all you need for a book.

Am still pissed that most of the DoD budget goes to fat defense contractors, but even if the government isnt going to help these guys out theres no reason we cant.

Kinda sad when they have to beg for basic supplies. Every grunt I ever met was way too proud for that.

Also, for those questioning the "girly" items, women in the service often feel very defeminized, and when they go off duty they like to wear Hello Kitty pajamas and such. When I visited an oiler with I noticed the ships store had all kinds of crazy shit. That took numerous requests from the females.
I can imagine its even worse for women out in the field in tents and such.

 

[eplebnista]

Got my 3 boxes of assorted(no chocolate) items mailed off today. :thumbsup:

 

[DainBrammage]

Guys an upate from Grunt03...

Dain I saw the post and thanks once more for updating the info. I thought that I would reply to a couple of the latest post if you didn't mind
Posting the comments for me.

"Cdubneeddeal" - don?t feel bad dude, we all wish we could join you, sitting in PJ's having a drink. Thank you!

"DisgruntledVirus" - WOW! I think that?s great, hopefully it will not require to much of you time. There is no dead line, I am stuck here for a year and intend to continue to help out any of the troops. They are the leaders of tomorrow and hopefully through this they will learn to lead with compassion and care for their fellow service member. Thank you!

"KeithP" - keeping the service members active is very difficult here, if it isn't the operational tempo, then it's the heat. As we all know playing a sport is a great way to release frustration, stress, build bonds with team mates and start new friendships. Best of all the opportunity to beat another team and rub their face in it. I think horse shoes are great and can challenge almost everyone, but I am worried about the weight and if it would be worth sending them. Baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball or even a hacky sack. Thank you!

"shortylickens" - I guess I saved the best for last. Come on man, ship life isn't that bad, I have made 9 different deployments aboard Navy ships. The most recent, last Nov I just returned from a seven month deployment with the 13 MEU, our ship was the BHR. I will admit that it is far from being a pleasure cruse. I will agree with you about the DOD and the budget, but will save that argument for another day. I will focus all of my efforts on the things I know I can make a difference. I am a Grunt, and I am very proud of that fact. I am not to proud to ask for assistance when the situations warrants. I have served for 24 years, all in infantry units and seeing all of the service members work day in and day out in these conditions, no one person could be prouder. Army, Navy, Air force and the Marines, reservist from every service and yes even civilians. In my little section I have them all. If I understand you correctly you were in the Navy?Then we are Brothers and I thank you. Simper Fi..............

MSgt Covey, Bedford M
OPS Chief / G9 Science & Technology
Camp Fallujah, Iraq

" It is impossible to make anything foolproof because fools are so
ingenious."

"He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn
is in great danger."

 

[amicold]

As a fellow dipper, I'll be sending a few logs over there.

 

[DainBrammage]

Grunt03 sends...

Dave - I think that the idea is great. Many of the service members do have PS2's, PSP's , Nintendo DS, and the Wii's and pretty much every other game device.
I only know of a very few service members that do not have laptop computers. As with everything else, the PX system does not carry much of a selection on hand so in most cases they order things from the states or have family members send items. I have two boys and they have every game device sold, I know how expensive things are so I never bothered adding them to the list. I have become the defacto :thumbsup:center for everything, I receive packages and sort everything out and give the items to the units. I try to make sure that everything is split evenly between the units.

If you would like to send any of the items I know the service members would be very excited. Any type of games for any of the game consoles or PC. Most of the laptop computers are running Windows Vista. I only wish I had the time to build PC's here and offer them out to the service members that do not have one but what spare time I do have is already taken up trying to accomplish this. I thank you on behalf of all the troops and anything you would like to send would greatly help out in our effort to improve the moral of the troops.


MSgt Covey, Bedford M
OPS Chief / G9 Science & Technology
Camp Fallujah, Iraq

" It is impossible to make anything foolproof because fools are so
ingenious."

"He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn
is in great danger."

 

[Grunt03]

AnAndTech Members;

I have finally been able to log on to the forums from Iraq. I do not know how long I will be able to do so. I wanted to take a minute or to and thank those of you that have considered helping the service members. Receiving support from home goes a long way towards building up moral. I wish you all the best and will do my best to stay in touch..

Simper Fi....

Thank's "Dain" for helping me out with this...

 

[cubeless]

just put 10+ years worth of star wars series paperback books in the mail (29lbs!!!).. it was like closing the door on part of my life...

i'd like to know how long it takes for grunt to get them, if possible...