Thanks for the ideas.  When I walk into a store not sure what I should buy, I freeze-up and roll over like a possum.  This will help me get a package on the way - hoepfully to arrive by Thanksgiving

Sending blankets, sheets, and pillows is a good idea. While other items may get used up right away, they'll use bedding items every day for months on end.  I'll have to watch for some items on sale and stock up.

It's been 8 years since the terrorist attacks here in the US.  Does anyone care to share where you were at the time they ocurred?  Or how life has changed for you or your family since that day?  I was at work, like a lot of people. We rigged-up a TV antennae from a demo room TV and tuned in a TV station the best we could. We ...

I try to focus on just one service branch and look for smaller units that may have been overlooked.  Anymore I pick contacts who have posted within the last week or so. When I went back and picked some contacts that had posted a month or so ago I had some boxes returned because they had moved on by the time I sent the package.

[quote user="zippy"] For what's it's worth....when I send boxes (always flat rate/priority mail) I mark them 'return to sender'. That way I will get it back (not that I want it!) but at least I will then have an idea WHY it didn't make it to the contact (wrong address, customs form filled out wrong ...

Although your comment was not well-taken by the soldier it's likely that his girlfriend, the sales clerk, or others nearby were impressed by what you did. 

Perhaps I shoudl try that from now on.  A package I sent in February came back today. I actually sent this contact 2 packages so who knows where the other one is. His address changed sometime after I mailed the packages but now he's getting close to his end date.  BTW, the returned package really looks like it went through the war !

[quote user="peachycor"] Thanks for this info, BUT, I went to the site, got the APO/FPO version and tried it out with 5 items and one of my addresses.  It didn't work!  The reply was "unable to process your request--fill in all the blanks".  Well, I had and I don't know what's not kosher.  Has ...

[quote user="Sqdancr"] I am going to go with what my heart first picked out.  I keep going back to that group so I am going to stick with that group.  I wrote my first letter this morning and will have it in the mail on Tuesday.  Sqdancr [/quote] That's great. Sometimes a name or unit just jumps out at you. ...

 That's very thoughful.  Here's part of the Sentinel's Creed for those who guard the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.  I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands the respect I protect. His bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well meaning ...