Iraq - Advice Needed

**AprilP** · 04-17-2008, 04:06 PM

Ladies, I need some help. One of our guys here at work just found out his oldest son (who has already been to Afghanistan and Iraq and came home wounded once) has just been called back to active service and is being sent back to Iraq.

A number of us girls would like to do something nice for him to let him know we are thinking of him and his son, but we're kind of at a loss, not having any experience with relatives going to war.

What could we do???

**suki** · 04-17-2008, 04:14 PM

Does the son live in the same town or nearby? When was the last time they saw each other? If feasible, could a collection be taken to purchase a plane ticket to facilitate a visit if they haven't seen each other.

If they are in the same town or nearby one another, why not give them a gift certificate for stuff around a guy's night out or weekend?

**Cricket1** · 04-17-2008, 04:17 PM

I have no idea as I have no experience with this, either. I love Suki's idea. If that's not possible, could you just have a bbq in his honor?

**leezza** · 04-17-2008, 04:30 PM

I love Suki's idea........

I can give idea's on stuff for after deployment if you need them PM me.

Please give your co-worker our regards and tell him we thank his family for all they have done for us.

Sincerely,
leezza

**guest002** · 04-17-2008, 04:59 PM

The best thing in all honesty is to ask the service member to email someone who can pass the info down the line of what'd they'd like to have in a care package.

I wouldn't send too much stuff without a "wish list" of items. A lot they can get over there but some things they can't. It all depends on his base/situation.

A lot of stuff that just got randomly sent ended up either traded or thrown away because they didn't have the space to pack it up with them.

My dh couldn't find beef jerky. So everyone in the family was mailing him jerky. He got so much of it that he started trading with the other guys for other things.

Just let them both know that you'll be thinking and praying for them. Just having someone tell you that is a lot.

**POOTERSMOMMY** · 04-17-2008, 06:35 PM

Definately care packages. My nephew was in Iraq in '91, and is going back in June. He absolutely loved the care packages. We sent stuff like toiletry's, holiday stuff, cards, games, books, sport sections of newspapers, etc. He may be over there for the holidays. Send homemade cookies and candies (they loooove that stuff).
Ed told me the care packages kept him going. We intend to do the same this time. They also have E-mail access, so send plenty of great supportive messages.
Dad might like a guys weekend out, before his son leaves (for both of them).
Keep in communication with the son while he's there!!!!

**dianne9106** · 04-17-2008, 07:26 PM

A lot of them have internet and phone access - it's really awesome that they have been able to improve the moral and welfare situation the way they have! So anyway, perhaps send some gift cards to Amazon, AT&T phone cards, iTunes gift cards, AAFES gift cards (if you know someone that can get them for you - otherwise google it to see if you can order them).
Other ideas: homemade goods always ROCK for the guys over there - my husband said none of that ever went to waste! Batteries - AA and AAA are always needed. Magazines - Mens Fitness, Mens Health, Time, Life, etc... (no Maxim or mags along those lines though). ChapStick, nice sun block (they can get the cheap stuff for free in most areas), paper back books - they can be used, small notebooks, pens, highlighters, small packs of tissues.
I hope these ideas help and best wishes to you friends son! Just make sure that you have a name and good address - to the best of my knowledge general packages without an a receiver can no longer be sent.

**sunshine** · 04-17-2008, 10:31 PM

My son is in Iraq currently. I always appreciate it when someone asks how he's doing, and gives me a chance to talk about him. So many are afraid of saying the wrong thing, so they say nothing.

If the son is married, or has a SO -- offer to help her with household things -- repairs, maintainance, etc.

As for care packages - -I'd agree about getting a wish list. Everyone has their own wants/needs. My son loves the magazines, eye drops (dry air and sand storms are hard on his eyes), lotion and sun block. He asked us to stop sending food, and playing cards -- he more than enough

**mcphlips** · 04-18-2008, 09:12 AM

I agree with the above. My sis and bil are both there. THey can get a lot of things on base, but the gift cards are great because they have internet access. The post office now has special military boxes which can be sent priority for a certain price..sorry can't remember how much.
Good Luck!!