I like to tuck a couple of paperbacks (escapist thrillers/mysteries) into the snack or hygiene boxes I send. I can get gently used books at my library for 3/$1 (donated books I think).

I sent to Jesse Chapman and in just 7 days (!!) I got the nicest email reply.

FYI I sent Jesse Chapmen one box with 8 tshirts and canned hearty soups. Zippy

I had a contact write me that once he let his men have at a package I sent, and "it was like a group of seagulls fighting over one french fry". That note made my day! lol.

I almost always try to send to the most remote guys I can find. This means my contacts have a high rate of going 'inactive' after a couple of months. It concerns me, but I'll usually send another box or two (but only if I have heard from them, knowing the address is good), gently reminding them they've gone inactive ...

AOMOM, Gran's advice (below) is excellent. But an address can change anytime too. I have had it happen too where I sent off a couple of boxes and found out the same or next day that the address changed (grr!). When it last happened in June I figured 'those boxes are a lost cause'...then just yesterday I got the nicest email from the ...

I've gotten a few boxes back, never been charged.

Each to his/her own way on this topic. Personally, I send at least one or more boxes to every contact I pick up. I have alot go inactive so that means I have to pick up new contacts which is OK too. If someone writes me back, that guarantees a stream of support boxes from me. If they never write back (and there's no explanation on ...

Last night I had the chance to meet GySgt Joe Aguilar when he and his family came to my house for dinner. What a treat it was to meet his 4 boys (!) and GF and see his slideshow of Iraq pictures. It was fascinating to learn a bit about what it was like training the Iraqi police. I especially enjoyed his stories of how, when the USMC ...

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 etc). Out of many dozens of boxes I have sent, ...