How to Send Packages to Troops in Iraq
If you have a family member serving in the armed forces, it can be difficult to overcome the sadness of not having him around. Moreover, you would also like to show your thanks and appreciation to friends, family members and others who are serving our country while on duty in Iraq. Show your respect and appreciation for their services by sending packages to offer a little encouragement and gratitude. While sending packages to a soldier in Iraq may seem intimidating, the process is a simple one that only takes a few minutes and a little generosity. Don't forget to include a letter of appreciation and encouragement.
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Instructions
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Choose your gifts. If you are sending a package to a friend or relative in the armed forces, make your gift personal and memorable with letters and favorite mementos, but stick to one type of gift. For example, if you want to send treats like chips, then everything in your package should be related to this type of gift.
If sending a package to a soldier you don't know or group of troops, send board games, journals, cards or ready-made care packages. There are several online companies like treatsfortroops.com or treatanysoldier.com that offer premade care packages for troops.
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Pack your items. Shipping items to Iraq can be extremely expensive and confusing, so opt for United States Postal Service priority flat rate shipping boxes. USPS priority shipping offers a flat rate for any item that can fit inside of a priority box, which vary from small- to large-sized boxes. USPS also has a military shipping kit available at local post offices or you can call 1-800-610-8734 to request a military care kit. Use packing material like bubble wrap or styrofoam to tightly pack your items. Be sure to tape all seams and edges around the box to ensure that the box is stable and functional.
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Address your package correctly. Include the full name of the soldier, the APO or FPO address and a return address. Print this information legibly on one side of the package. Include recipient information on the lower right corner of the package. Do not include the city and country inside of the address. USPS shipments over 1 lb. must include a Customs from, PS 2976-A. You can get this at a local office or in military care kits.
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Tips & Warnings
When sending food, send nonperishable items like dried fruit, powdered drinks, hard candy and chips.
If sending a package to a soldier that you do not know, send toiletry items instead of home-baked goods.
If shipping your items inside a non-USPS box, make sure that there are not any marking on the box including addresses or words that say fragile, perishable, flammable, liquid or glass. Boxes that contain these phrases or markings may be sent back to you as military mail has strict rules prohibiting the shipment of these items.
When filling out your customs form, be specific in listing the package's contents to avoid returns.
Items like alcohol, pornography, obscene items, aerosol cans, flammable materials, pork or pork by-products are strictly prohibited.
Other items like bulk amounts of Islamic articles are not allowed since Iraq is an Islamic country and has strict sanctions regarding items of this matter. However, Islamic items for personal use are acceptable.
Packages addressed to "Any Soldier" will not be sent.
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Resources
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