How to Send Stuff to US Troops in Iraq
Deployment to Iraq is difficult for US troops. Soldiers are away from their families for months at a time and they don't have regular access to things such as Internet or restaurants. US troops look forward to receiving care packages. If you want to support the troops, sending items overseas is a great way to make a soldier feel appreciated. Regardless of whether or not you personally know a service member, you can send stuff to Iraq.
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Instructions
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Sending Items to Acquaintances
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Ask the military member for his overseas address. If the service member is a friend or family member, ask him for his address. Never share the address on social networking Web sites or with people that the soldier is not comfortable giving it to as this could compromise operations security (OPSEC).
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Go shopping for items. The Equipped to Survive Web site recommends purchasing items like baby wipes and drink mix for soldiers deployed to Iraq. In addition, look for individual laundry detergent packets and miniature bug spray bottles. Avoid aerosols and never send alcoholic beverages as this can get you and the troops in trouble.
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Visit the post office. As of 2010, packages to troops in Iraq can be sent via Flat Rate Priority Mail. Delivery times to Iraq range from a week to two weeks. Pack the items in one of the Flat Rate boxes and fill out a mail sticker and customs form. Pay for the shipping.
Sending Items to Any Soldier
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Join a Web site dedicated to helping civilians find soldiers to send packages to. Web sites such as Any Soldier and U.S. Troop Care Package give you the chance to buy stuff to be sent to any soldiers currently deployed to Iraq. If you live near a military base, contact the family readiness group (FRG) of deployed troops and ask if they're taking donations for care packages.
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Purchase items from the lists found on the organization's Web site. Some Web sites ask for general items, while others match you with a soldier. Buy as little or as much as you can for the troops. Remember that soldiers stationed in Iraq rarely get mail, so your contribution will be appreciated.
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Send the items to the organization. Always call to verify that the address listed on the organization's Web site is correct before you send your items in. If the organization headquarters are near your home, drop the items off for the troops.
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References
Resources
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