Thanks to The US Postal Service, sending packages to military personnel serving overseas has become a lot easier and cheaper. They are now offering priority mail flat rate boxes measuring 12” x 12” x 5-1/2” that can be sent to any APO/FPO for one low rate of $11.95. Since they are flat rate boxes, you can pack ‘em chock full of goodies and no matter how much it weighs its still just $11.95. The boxes are free as well, so if you have a friend serving our country overseas, now is your chance to send them a little something to make their lives over there a little easier.

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Last week I sent a package to my good friend 1st Lt. Edward J. Hubbard USMC, who is on his second tour, this time over in Afghanistan. This was his list of things that his men needed over there as an example of what to send:

Hygiene Gear: toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, foot powder, gold bond, chapstick, baby wipes, q-tips, disposable razors, shaving cream, sunscreen.
Food/Drink: Powerbars (anything that won’t melt too much), small packets of drink mixes (gatorade, propel etc.), dried fruit and nut mixes.

Entertainment: Magazines (think 18-25 year old military men and you can figure out what will work), books (same category), playing cards – He also mentioned tobacco products so I threw in some Marlboro Reds and some Dip….

If you don’t know anyone serving, but still want to send a package to some troops over there, check out AnySoldier.com. Here is a description of how their service works:

“We have volunteer Soldier “contacts” on the “Where To Send” page. Click through the names and select the one(s) you wish to support. They list what the folks they represent want and need. We even have a search capability so you can easily identify what the troops need most. All the Soldiers involved in this effort are military volunteers stationed in areas that are in harm’s way. You send your support(letters and/or packages) addressed to them and when they see the “Attn: Any Soldier” line in their address they put you letters and packages into the hands of Soldiers who don’t get much or any mail first. Everything is shared.”
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