Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
"The War Against Terror" throws a new dynamic into the works this Christmas.
As though Christmas shopping weren't difficult enough, getting creative is moving to a whole new level. What does one give a solder who's in Iraq?
Several Armed Forces wives offer suggestions they've learned from experience. Soldiers enjoy hearing that loved ones and fellow Americans think of them. They appreciate Christmas cards, small posters to dress up walls and even banners or notes from children.
Due to space limitations, soldiers prefer receiving consumable items. Normally, boxes arrive within 10 days to two weeks after sending, but the mail becomes busy around Christmas, so send those packages as soon as possible. The American Forces Information Service recommends that air letters, cards and parcels bound for the Middle East be sent by Dec. 11.
Sarah, the wife of an army chaplain, notes that small boxes (a shoebox works well) travel more quickly than bulky parcels. Keep in mind, the U.S. Postal Service asks everyone not to send flammable goods, pornography, anti-Islam material, pork products and liquids (waterless soap is acceptable).
Sealable plastic baggies protect items from the sand. When sending a package with small objects enclosed, put them in baggies; this reduces the likelihood of a soldier receiving packaged chaos and helps him or her to protect personal belongings.
Christmas stockings add a touch of seasonal cheer to soldiers' bleak surroundings. A 2nd lieutenant's wife, Carla, says that soldiers enjoy receiving books (including puzzle books and comics), magazines, toiletry items, rechargeable AA and AAA batteries, small flashlights, portable games and disposable cameras. Soldiers find wet wipes helpful. Lip balm, lotion and bug repellent provide skin protection. Certain lotions have the added perk of containing bug repellent.
Soldiers also like getting CDs and DVDs. Some have personal laptops, and MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) tents contain equipment for playing movies.
Soldiers are always happy to get their favorite foods, and they love baked goods. Make sure you double-bag them to ensure freshness. (Even if they're a little stale, they're still appreciated.) Protein and powdered pre-sweetened drinks offer soldiers change in the beverage department.
Receiving melted chocolate is a bummer, but temperatures remain cooler during this time of year. The U.S. Postal Service doesn't encourage sending chocolate when temperatures exceed 100 degrees. Again, double-bagging ensures the preservation of other items in the package, should the temperature rise. Small individually wrapped chocolates really bring holiday cheer since soldiers don't have access to the grocery store "impulse aisle." Soldiers also enjoy munching peanuts, trail mix and beef jerky. Breath mints and gum add a little variety to the mix.
During the holidays, our troops especially miss their families. They want to hear from them and keep in touch with them. Blank Christmas cards, small notebooks and writing utensils help them to accomplish this goal.
From food to entertainment, our troops truly appreciate the contributions of family and friends to their holiday cheer. Gifts and notes show them that the homefront hasn't forgotten them and their sacrifice this Christmas.
