Marty,

One of my contacts is requesting toilet paper:

SPC Cloyd A. Rodkey

Contact for approx number of Males: 300, Females: 50 

Chaplain Rodkey says supplies are very limited at his post. He's asking for basic stuff, no morale items like DVDs and CDs and the like.

I'll have you know that I am sending 48 rolls of Charmin Ultra Soft out to him in my next P.O. run in your honor.

Lisa, The Boston Blonde

Marty,

One of my contacts is requesting toilet paper:

SPC Cloyd A. Rodkey

Contact for approx number of Males: 300, Females: 50 

Chaplain Rodkey says supplies are very limited at his post. He's asking for basic stuff, no morale items like DVDs and CDs and the like.

I'll have you know that I am sending 48 rolls of Charmin Ultra Soft out to him in my next P.O. run in your honor.

Lisa, The Boston Blonde

SPC Maria Morales (U.S. Army/Kuwait -- 4 females, no males) posted today -- 7/18/08. 

Anything would be appreciated but here woman really need feminine hygiene products (emphasis mine), books to read, and maybe some activities to kill time until we return home.

--Marilyn

Marilyn,

Family Dollar had a sale today on those "keychain" video games, the little ones that you carry with you that double as a keychain. I don't know how challenging they would be for an adult, they are pinball, racetrack, baseball, space invaders, and the like. I thought some might enjoy them but if you think they're too simple I will send them to the orphanage.

BB

Back in the 1970's my brother was stationed on a very small ship in Bahrain and our family was extremely supportive of sending packages to him to share with his fellow sailors. Yes, they received a large artificial Christmas tree and decorations, Valentines, and Easter baskets and lots and lots of homemade cookies. He had written home about the quality of the issued toilet paper so of course, we sent him the good stuff. He was requested by the CO to open the large package that was sent and then this young sailor had some explaining to do about the toilet paper!!!

 Anyway, unknown to my brother, and being a young teen who thought the world of him, I wrote a letter to the Commander in Chief,- President Nixon asking "if he had the time perhaps he could greet the ship upon return to Norfolk,where our family would be for the homecoming."  Well, once again my brother was called to the CAPT's office- (apparently the CAPT was contacted by the White House) to explain the invite. Of course, my brother was stunned at the invite I sent to the CIC and knew nothing about the invite. Upon the ships's return to Norfolk, then I had to meet with the CAPT. and do some explaining!

Our family received heartfelt thanks from the CAPT and crew!

Marty is so right, we are there to assist however we can.

 Back before AS was an actual website, I announced at a mother of multiples support group that I needed some ladies to help out with sending some things overseas to our troops.  Being in a city with an Army base(Fort Jackson), we had several Army wives in the club.  The one MOM was furious that I would suggest that the Army didn't supply the troops every need.  "They have everything that they need provided."  Things got really ugly for a few months worth of meetings.  By that time AnySoldier.US was up and MOMs were checking it out.  Each meeting there was a conflict between the two of us.  Well, the day finally came when her hubby was sent to Iraq.  Boy did her attitude change!  Amazing how things change when it applies to your own family member. Have also run into wives who are not told by their hubby the conditions that they are living in so that they don't worry even more about them. After their National Guard unit returned, they got very involved.

What follows is copied from an e-mail I received from a 20 year old soldier. Whether or not they need hygiene supplies (and I believe they do), they certainly appreciate them:

"Hey i got your box. Thanks so much for the hygiene stuff i really appreciate it ! yall have to be the coolest people i know"

Trust me when I say we are not the "coolest" people! LOL!

Telling my mother about this thread motivated her to send toilet paper to soldiers. Which meant using a box, which meant she could fit more things in, which meant I could pitch in some of the things I hadn't found a place to send to yet and drop hints about other needs.

We ended up sending a nice full-packed box with TP, sunblock, "Any Female Soldier"-style needs, instant tea stuff, candy, and a toothbrush to undo the damage from candy.  

 
Edit: Woah, ziplock why (I think I want to know?) We bought the big bag containing a lot of smaller packages, so we sent off a package of four that were in one factory-sealed container.

I should have done two things when I mentioned the toilet paper...buy stock and mention, PLEASE, be SURE you put the roll in a zip lock bag!!!

Really appreciate the response to this.

Thanks for everyone's interesting and thoughtful replies to my post.

As I mentioned, I chose not to argue with the internet group where this issue came up. I do want to discuss Anysoldier at a later time and I've decided how to introduce the topic. The group in question is focused on discussion of our dogs. "Cute" photos of dogs are very welcome.

So...what could be cuter than a bulldog wearing a pair of boxer shorts, posed next to a box ready for shipment to CSM Jerry?  And the box might contain --  oh, I don't know -- maybe some supplies for female soldiers?  Should be fun, it's totally positive, and a few words about the project will surely motivate someone to find out more.

Oh, and don't worry -- I will wash the boxers before sending them to Jerry. And  I will include a few bulldog photos in the package. There are probably some Marines who would enjoy them.

Pam 

Toilet Tissue - Here is what happen at my house.  My step son ( who has been back from Iraq for aprox.8 months ) came to visit.  He noticed my carts and ask me what it was.  I informed him that it was my soldier items.  He then proceeded over and picked up the charmin and started smiling.  Well I thought he was laughing at the idea, so I ask him if he thought that was a silly thing to send.  He said no I dont. Then his father (who was in the Army in 70's) and him began to discuss the texture of the Military toilet tissue.  I cannot remember all of the descriptive words they used, but I do remember something to the effect of it being one ply paper.  After hearing their discussion, I wonder why more of our guys and gals dont ask for it.