Fresh off the press NEWBEE here. Yes Im on Ohio (gee how'd ya guess) Very attached to a very wonderful, soon to be retired SGM with 24 ys of service. My oldest son has just started Basic training at Ft Benning. So we are a 2 soldier family.

I'm looking forward to sending my first packages off here soon...but I have a few questions?

1) is it ok to contact your possible future AnySoldier contact BEFORE you send anything out....send a letter, with an email address to respond to should they need anything quickly (well quicker the snail mail at least) If they have access to email.

2)is it ok to ask about special needs for each soldier? I ask this because I ahve a client who is a gift shop owner and they are willing to work someting out on gift cards for our troops to send back to their loved ones for special occassions.

 3) Can you give me some ideas of items that are SPECIAL that most find a pleasant suprise when they get your packages?

LUVEMBUCKEYES Welcome!

1. Yes,  a good letter with a few jokes in it is just as important as anything you send, but depending on location, it may take a while for your letter to get to them. They may not have much time to respond and limited computer time. At some locations they have problems sending emails home. At other locations they do not have access to the computers until they return.

2. It is okay to ask, your reply will depend on the contact.

3. One thing for me has been gag joke items such as funny teeth, whoppee cushions, big nose with glasses, rubber chickens etc. Last year I had a big response to foot powder because they desperately needed it.

Thank your husband for his dedication to the service and tell your son that there is support for him any time he needs it.

 Blessings, door

Welcome luvembuckeyes! 

1) Letters are always welcome but as door pointed out, you may not get a quick, or for that matter any, response.  This is true of packages as well of course.  But it doesn't hurt to write first and see what happens.

2) You can ask all kinds of questions, and your contact will answer as much as they feel comfortable telling you.  Some of them are much more inclined to be communicative and will tell you about each person, so you can customize things.  For me this happens most often with contacts who have smaller groups of soldiers in them.  I find that it helps if you tell them why you want the information.  For security reasons or just for privacy, some will tell you very little.  So it all depends on the group.

3) I really try to read their postings and customize based on what they are requesting.  Often they respond with some comment about how I hit all the things they really wanted (like it was rocket science or something, when I simply read their post and sent what they asked for...  LOL).  I also try to read between the lines to throw in a few extras.  Like one guy had a minor back injury.  So in his package I send a massager, a back cushion, and some heat patches.  He was very enthusiastic in his reply.  If someone has a special interest, I try to find a magazine or book or toy to go with their things.  One soldier loved jaguar cars.  So I went to that car dealership and sent out some flashy brochures of their latest cars, a keyring, and a toy car.  If they mention a collection, you can't go wrong adding to it.  If you know where they are from, anything special to that region works well, even a map or postcards or a newspaper.  By the way, any newspaper is usually a good gift.  Most of them love the comics and the sports pages.  I got a dirt cheap Calvin and Hobbes book and cut out pages of the strips to enclose in letters or packages.  Photos of you, your family, your pets, etc. are usually fun for them to get.  Most of them like good luck charms (I sent the little rubber camo ducks and told one truck convoy team they were lucky ducks...they had a riot wiring them to the vehicles and running over them "accidentally" etc.).  Lastly, I try to think of things that will make them laugh.  My latest is a large fake snake that is motion activated and will "strike" and hiss and rattle his tail.  I plan to get the DVD of Snakes on a Plane to go with it.  There are lots of fun things coming out for Halloween.  I recently sent over marshmallow shooters and they have been a huge hit with everyone who has gotten one.  So be creative and have a little fun.  Hope this helps. 

Kathy

WELCOME  LUVEMBUCKEYES!!!

We are so happy to have you join us. Feel free and ask us anything because someone here will give you the right answer. That you can depend on. Thanks for joining us and let us know how we can help you. 

Yes you can contact the soldier or military person by mail and see what they need or check what they have posted for then and their unit.

Yes you can also ask if they have any special needs , they will let you know. They love letters and fund out when their birthday is so you can make it Special for them, Like party favors, cards , goodies etc.

Good luck and have fun!!You will be addicted to this forum like the rest of us!!

Candygirl

Hi Everyone!!!!

 My name is Betty, and as you can see I am a proud sister, My little brother Nick,He is a Sgt in the US Army, he is in Iraq on his 3rd tour.  I came here for support and help as well.  My brother and his family are stationed in Texas, but his HOR is Mass.  I was able to see him before he left for his last tour for a few days.  I hadn't seen him in over 3yrs!!! Because of him being stationed so far away and being at war so much.  He is in a real HOT zone right now.  I got my 1st call from him last night.  And he sound's so down :( .... He has said that he is in need of Care Packages as his unit doesn't have anything!! As a Squad leader he want's what's best for his soldiers.

I am not sure if I can help all of his unit out, but thought I would send a shout out to anyone else who could help.  He has never run into this problem before, infact his last tour he asked us to stop sending baby wipes..LOL  My brother is a character!!!! Loves to joke around and have fun.  I miss him Everyday!!! Every Hour,and Second!!! He is my best friend!!! I could go on about him all day.

More about me.. I have 3 children.. 2 in HighSchool and a 3yr old,  Whom by the way my brother was able to meet when he came home. I live in a small town, but we grew up in the City.. Yes I am a Army Brat.. I have a great Dad that was in the Army for 36yrs.  He is retired now and he and my Mom live in Texas as well. So they are able to help my Sister in-law and Nephews.  My brother has 3 boys, whom I also miss very much.  But growing up military and also My 1st husband was Military, I know how it works.

I look forward to hearing from anyone!!! And getting to know you all

Take Care

ProudSister

Hello Luvembuckeyes!

It is always so good to hear from a newbee and then to see all the great suggestions that are posted.

I actually started on Anysoldier/sailor/marine/airman over a year ago and I'm still learning all the ins and outs of this effort!

Most of my contacts are units with female troops and a couple of friends co-host a talk radio show, "WomanTalk Live" and their website honors "Women Who Serve," by listing me and the donations I collect... some sites that collect for me and that I mail the packages to the troops.  GREAT SUPPORT!

I also connected with a local National Guard last year when a 9/11 Remembrance event threatened to swamp me with donations.  Unfortunately we got rained out, but the Guard contact remained, fortunately.  In October, our state's Senior Expo collected goodies to create 100 packages to send over... we ended with 306 boxes!  CALL THE GUARD!  They sent trucks to the fairgrounds and carted the boxes to the Armory from where they could be dispatched to the troops in Iraq. YEAH!

Another nice benefit of connecting with the Guard was also connecting with their Family Resource Group (FRG).  Their leader sent an email that gave hints for fun packages...

"Hang in there package" -- find some moneys that hang! Or the kids game, Barrel of Monkeys... they guys loved those! 

Send a party in a box -- I sent a 21 yr old a birthday party... cake? Fruitcake (what else would last that long in transit! LOL), chips, pretzels, hats, plates, cups, and banner! The pictures received were super!

Movie Night box.... bags of popcorn (or microwavable if they have microwaves), "movie house candy" and a dvd!
Have a unit with little electric availabe... send the snacks and a joke book!

I've also gotten support from a local Conservation group, a VFW, a ladies group from a local church, and from MANY MANY individuals.  The flea market owner and many of the other vendors donate items routinely!  Books, beanie babies, snacks, wipes, OFF bug stuff, etc, etc.  People, I think, in general want to help but aren't sure how.  Giving them the opportunity to simply write a letter, donate a few pens, cards, or even a few tubes of toothpaste, has gotten me some very committed donators!

Michael & Devon are a couple of scouts who have helped sort donations, pack & tape boxes, etc, etc.  They got community service hours for their scout badge and their school community service requirements, etc.  And I got four extra hands (actually six since mom often accompanied them!).

From my contacts, I now have a three ring binder with plastic pages that display the responses I get.  I've been bad about printing off the emails I receive, but all the notes, cards, and handwritten letters are all on display for folks here at the flea market and Monday night auctions to see what their support means to the troops!

This school year, I plan to contact several of the local elementary schools to ask for notes and art pictures from the kids to send to the Combat Support Hospital contacts as well as the Aftghanistan Orphanages at Herat.  I'm sure the kids here will learn a lot from this effort and those receiving the goods will LOVE it!

My mom's support started with giving me her Sunday Sun Sports section. She now collects about a dozen sports sections from other seniors in her high rise building. GO MOM!  I have two others who give me sports sections from their USA Today papers.

A local Red Hat ladies group has gone on a scavenger hunt for every hotel soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion they've ever brought home! LOL.  They and the WomanTalk Live folks have also been great about donating the feminine needs items that are in high demand by all units with Female Troops.

And how great are the individual supporters, especially some of our older Veterans?  Sam was here the day I got an email requesting the dvd of Grease.  He found one for me... and it is so CUTE!  The DVD case is actually covered with a leather vest that says Grease on the front and Thunderbirds on the back!  ADORABLE>  When I packaged it to my contact, I wrapped it separately with a note for someone to take a picture when it was unwrapped.  I want to see the facial expression on this one! FUN!  I also enclosed a couple of small plastic motorcycles. I tried to find something that would pass as The Pink Ladies, but no luck.

 So, Bukeye... HAVE FUN!  Do what you can.  And the rewards of a satisfied soul will soon be yours!  It is awesome.

AND, if you EVER get the chance to attend a homecoming, DO IT!  I thought my heart would burst when that garage door opened at the back of the armory and 120 Guardsmen marched in and were welcomed home by family & friends. I even met some of the guys I had supported over the last 10 months of their deployment...  started as total strangers and will now be lifelong friends!

Take care, y'all.

Anna

Hi, ProudSister,

It's good to see you in here. I am sure with you asking your brother will get plenty. We are all here to help with anything we can especially the ones who need it most. Can't have an unhappy soldier out there now could we? I am home schooling my kids and we have a few soldiers already but would love to help one more if you would just send me the info I need. I know they will get lots of letters at least. My daughter wrote 4 letters yesterday for writing practice. She needs it though. The kids are having a vlast using coupons to get some of our things. It amazes them what they get for free. We have so much candy right now I am sure all our soldiers would come back toothless if we sent it all..lol.. Feel free to let us know what you need and we'll do all we can to help out.

Sheila

Hi Sheila,

ThankYou, since I am just learning how to navigate AS I am still unsure of rules and regulations.  I posted under the emergency forum and was told since my brother has little to no access to internet and it would probably take a while for him to get what is so needed that I could do it myself through Support.  I just sent them an e-mail and hope to hear from them soon!!!  I am also unaware of personal info regarding my brother being put out through the internet.  UGH!!!! My first contact with him in 5mo and he sounds so depressed.  I wish he were home, and I hope this is his last tour!!!

As soon as I figure out how to get him the help and confidentiality, I will let you know!!!

Thank You and Thank You to your children

Take Care

Betty

Any time and I completely understand. I am new as well and unsure of all the rules and things. I am learning more and more everyday. I always worry about doing something wrong..lol.. The other day we saw the cutest little bottles of axe but then my son had to go and remind me that we couldn't send aerosol cans..They were so cute and tiny!

Our prayers will be with you and your brother!

 Hello Proud sister (Betty)

My name is Candy and I want you to know you came to the  right place. This  AS forum is great and me as well as many others will offer to help your brother and his unit in any way we can. Just let us know. what he may need. For the first thing is many many letters if support especially being his 3rd tour. God Bless him.

I can see you are a proud sister and he is very lucky to have you as a sister and a friend. 

I look forward to getting to know you. My name is Candy and I am here in ST. Louis with 4 kids and keep very very busy!! But never too busy to write and support my troops!!I am a soldier junkie like you will see like any heree!!

Take care and let me know how I can help okay? I would love to. I will wait to hear back from you.

God Bless America and all our troops!!!

Candy

Vinnie - thanks for all you do!!!  I've invited you to be my friend on myspace - please keep us posted on how you are doing, and how we can help keep your spirits up. 

Hey Betty,

It is great to meet another "sister!"  My brother, however, is now retired -- having spent 20 years in the Navy! GO NAVY!

His active duty included six months under the water off shore of Iran during that mess with Pres Reagan... ugh! So glad it didn't turn into a war at that time.

As for your brother's unit needing assistance, you've come to THE right place.  We will certainly assist in anyway we can.  YOU can count on that!

In the meantime, we can all surely pray that all goes well for him and his unit. For the Lord is surely powerful and responds to prayer!!!

Take care of yourself as we await for this to be resolved.

Have a blessed day!

BTW, y'all, Hurricane Hanna has started to batter my area... our lights have blinked a couple of times... so I'll be going off line. Weathermen say she will move out of our area in a couple hours... Hopefully we won't have a ton of downed lines that will keep me off line! LOL.

Later!
Anna

Hey Betty,

I am glad you found the AnySoldier Website to support your brother.  Once you get him signed up, you just have to give us his name on the forum, we will look him up on the "Where to Send" page and request his address.  You are a great sister to watch out for your younger brother.

We junkies will watch out for him too.  My friend Candy just loves sending out cards and letters.  In fact, check out Card Swap #5 (under Special Projects) and sign up for the Christmas Card Swap.  Lisa will tell you all you have to do is have your kids decorate any size piece of paper, let the soldiers know you love them, and it's a done deal.  She is even taking care of the cost of mailing 50 cards back to you.

Love,

Mimi Z

Hi. I'm Bailey. I'm 16 and I'm a triplet. I just joined the site. I hope to support a soldier once I get a job so I don't have to bum off my mom to mail packages. Hopefully I'll get a job, I've applied to a lot of places in town. I really want to help the troops. 

 One of the numerous reasons I want to support a soldier is because my papaw was in the Army. Papaw died on my 14th birthday and I know he would be proud of me for helping the troops. Also, my friend is in the Navy and I know how lonely he gets sometimes so I want to help all the lonely people like him.