Given the time constraints placed on many of the warriors we are supporting, I am in favor of a more generic approach to the checklist rather than an item specific approach.  The support process is one in constant evolution.   The contact's needs change from day to day as they are moved from tent to hardened building, FOB to COP.  If you ask 10 different soldiers what medicine they would like for a cold you will likely get 10 different answers but the reality in most cases is that they just want the cold to be gone, they don't really care what brand the medication is (and if they do, they can add that information under a special requests section on the checklist.   I think incorporating a more generic approach in conjunction with elaborating more on the two bulletted areas on the  contact application form that deal with being specific in their requests could accomplish what we are trying to accomplish without them becoming discouraged with the process.  

The following is just a quick sampling to give you an idea of what I had in mind.

Respectfully,

Rosemary

COOKING CAPABILITIES (check all that apply)

 _____ microwave

_____ stove/hotplate

_____ refrigerator

_____ freezer 

_____ none

FOOD (check all that apply)

_____  microwavable

_____  nonperishable 

_____  homecooking-type staples (example:  flour, sugar, pancake mix)

_____  snacks:     _____ healthy (example:  protein bars, trail mix)  _____  fun (example:  chips, candy)  _____ both

CANINE NEEDS (check all that apply)    

The animal(s) I need support for is/are:   _____ Working Dog     _____ Pet

_____     dry food

_____     canned food

_____     grooming needs/leashes

_____     pet health 

OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS  (check all that apply)

_____  cough/cold/flu

_____  pain relief

_____ muscle ache and pain creams/patches

_____ first aid

HUMANITARIAN NEEDS--support for the locals (check all that apply)

_____ school supplies

_____ small toys for the children

_____ individually wrapped candies

_____ clothes for adults

_____ clothes for children

CLOTHING  (check all that apply)

_____  military issue

• items    __________
• colors   __________
• sizes    __________

_____  civilian

• items    __________
• colors   __________
• sizes    __________

ENTERTAINMENT (check all that apply)

_____ DVDs

_____ CDs

_____ books

_____ magazines

_____ puzzle books/word find books

_____computer games

_____  gaming systems  (specify system)   ____________________

          system needed     _____      games needed    ______

SPECIAL REQUESTS:   Please enter here any preferences you may have for brand names or items/special needs  that would be helpful to those for whom you are serving as contact that were not covered above.  Bear in mind that any information provided on the checklist or in this special requests section is to help us better help you.    ________________________________________________________________________

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