Is anyone who is sending packages to SFC Quinn willing to talk about what types of things(food) you are sending? And do you have opinions about just what cooking capabilities they have? Living off the economy means buying food locally?  I'd like to be sure I'm not sending the same things- ie. how many packages of tuna are too many?? I asked him on Myspace about food preferences - he said they had no preference.

Thanks for any ideas from anybody-  Jean

Hi Jean:

I sent SFC Quinn two boxes a couple weeks ago. I looked at my customs form...this is what I sent:

1 box hygiene:  Cool Ties, foot powder, shampoos, anti-fungal cream, moleskin, corn cushions, razors, shave gel, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, hydrocortisone cream, nail clippers.

1 box food:  Beef jerky, Clif bars, tub chocolate chip cookies, trail mix, Rice Krispy treats, Red Vines, lollipops for kids, drink mixes, tuna and chicken salad kits, pretzels.

I'm not sure about his cooking abilities and the bit about living off the economy threw me for a loop too. Packaged tuna and chicken is a great thing to send cause it's shelf stable. I plan on sending some canned pasta and more chicken, tuna, and some spices and condiments. They probably have the ability to heat up water so I guess Cup Noodles would be a good thing to send too. Also, canned fruit, dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, flour tortillas and refried beans. I know that a great AS supporter who sent him a two of her "forty pound" specials last month...all food items.

Nice to hear that you're supporting him!

Jen

Hi Jen,

Thanks for getting back to me. When he posted in Myspace, SFC Quinn said that he was getting ready to go back out on his mission and might not be checking in for several weeks. He said that while at the base( or wherever) they had a microwave. On his first post he said they had a frig and "stoves" - now I'm wondering what stoves means as I thought it meant burners and an oven since they had to "live off the economy" and cook their own food. So I guess we assume that everything we send them to eat on missions should be packaged ready to eat??? I guess I sound obsessed but I'm one of those plan it all out, be prepared for anything, take too much in your suitcase kind of people and I always want really clear, descriptive info.

It's a good thing I'm not a Soldier cause I think I would be horrible at it - and that's just one reason I'm so thankful there are people who are willing to go places where they have to adjust to all kinds of unplanned situations!

Jean

Jean:

They might have some kind of camp stove that uses propane or gel fuel like sterno or fuel tabs. The first time I read his comment about "living off the economy" I wondered if they were buying beef or goat meat from a local market and bush meat came to mind as well!  One of my contacts told me, "You'd be surprised at the kind of meal you can make using the heated engine block of a Humvee!" After hearing that, I started sending rolls of aluminum foil and the disposable aluminum pans to his group. Paper plates, plastic cutlery and Rubbermaid type bowls are something to consider too.

I am assuming they eat MREs or T-rations when they're out on mission so I guess ready to eat items that are small and easy to pack are probably best for them. I buy a lot of the tuna and chicken salad kits at the Dollar Tree and send those out all the time. Good luck!

Jen

What is his myspace url, would love to add him. 

I've sent Tom and guys six or so packages over the last few months - plus two larger ones with school supplies.  However, just today I joined Tom's Myspace page.  Before this I got all my info from his anysoldier spot.  To me this is high tech so I may stumble a little.  I still haven't figured out how to get to "his" messages, but there is always another day. 

 One of Tom's early messages said that they had to live off the economy, but due to drought and famine there was little of that, and he and his guys were only resupplied every 2-3 weeks.  It sounded like they needed real food rather than just snacks.  Like you, I know they have a "stove," but do not know if that includes some type of oven.  Some of the things I send: Campbell's chunky soup (or equivalent), Knorr Cajun Sides (or different brands of envelopes of dry products that only require water to reconstitute).  I send three of the same variety at a time along with can(s) of tuna or chicken to make it closer to a healthy meal containing protein.  Folger's coffee singles, Swiss Miss hot chocolate, variety pack cereal (4 varieties and a total of ten packets per box).  Plus many of the things already mentioned.

I save the the daily comic and 'Dear Abbey' pages.  They are not only something to read, but also good for cushioning items. AA and AAA batteries.  You might try establishing a good relation with a local used book store - not necessarily a big chain though they might work.  Once I explained that I wanted to send them to military they let me go through their "discard" box of paperback books that people bring in to trade but the store can't use but will discard for people.  I typically pick up 6-8 books at a time that way, plus any that I buy that are westerns, mysteries, or something I think they might enjoy.

Crossword and sudoku puzzle books, tooth paste and occasional new tooth brushes (w/case to keep out sand/dirt).  Body wash (Dollar Tree carries 12 oz White Rain for Men for $1).  Guys seem to prefer body wash (over bars of soap that get "slimy" and are more difficult to manage in ruck sacks).  White athletic socks (after finally getting a shower and some down time).  Gold Bond body powder (I don't know if the large bottle packaged the very same except w/o the words "Gold Bond" available to Dollar Tree is just as good).  Plenty of lip balm and skin lotion to counteract dry skin.

For the kids: gums and rolls of lifesavers.  I recently bought a sack of old fashioned pink bubble gum to send.  Wish I could see the sight of the guys teaching African kids how to blow bubbles!  I recently sent two good sized packages of school supplies since Tom said school was starting and the kids did not have supplies.  Almost everything I purchased was from Dollar Tree.  However, from WalMart I was able to get an inexpensive sharpener that is bolted to the wall so the teacher can control that and the kids don't sharpen their pencils down to a knub just because they are fascinated.  I also included some flash cards, colored constructiion paper and items to help the teacher.

I've had trouble finding solid 'bars' of laundry soap.  "All" brand offers 2 oz bottles that is supposed to be enough for two loads.  Any suggestions?

Things to send are limited only by our imagination.  I find I can hardly go by a 'trial/travel' isle or discount store w/o checking for possibilities.

Jackie 

J. R. Liggett is a brand of general purpose soap used for both bathing, shampooing and laundry.  One place that carries it is The Vermont Country Store.

Gran

 Hi Jackie,

Fels Naptha soap has been around almost as long as dirt! I have seen it in grocery stores.  It is near the laundry detergent and usually is on the top shelf. 

 http://www.soapsgonebuy.com/Fels_Naptha_Soap_p/d1001.htm

You can also use ivory soap bars, although is hard to rinse and if they don't have plenty of water, may not be a good solution.

Vicki