Deployment

A long time friend of mine is going to be deployed soon for a very long time (year plus) to a not so safe area. I would like to get him something that he can use or take with him to make his time easier, happier, etc. I used to babysit him as a child. There are no romantic feelings. He has had a hard life, so I would like to do something nice for him.

Re: Deployment

What's your budget? If it's not too much, I would recommend sending over a car package every other month. It'll probably be more useful than anything he can actually take at this point. If your budget is larger, maybe an ipad or something? So he can stay in contact with family via e-mail or skype?

Deployment

My friends husband is in the military. Care packages with even just day to day things like toiletries are so valuable! Non perishable treats! And she also sends him pictures of their sons and adult coloring books I would say anything that he enjoys and some toiletries would be more than appreciated!

Re: Deployment

Thanks. He has an ipad already. I appreciate the suggestions.

Deployment

care packages.. send them.. find out what his buddies need too. Nothing makes them happier than the folks AROUND them being happy too. I sent a box of nothing but Girl Scout Cookies once. During the holidays I sent well sealed gingerbread cookies. My sister was at sea so even tho they did go to port here and there it wasn't always to go off the boat and get stuff. Plus space is EXTREMELY limited in the bunk area. But deodorant, hair spray and razors were a hit on the ladies side. Oh and Vitamins! But again she was ship bound. They don't always get the best food so she had supplement to avoid getting sick.

But honestly constant monthly arrivals of even junk, is a constant reminder that there's someone out there who's thinking of them. For the holidays I had my girl scouts make them cards, valentines, st pattys with rainbows, etc. She would pass them on the Chaplin (or whatever they are called) to be passed out.

She is a deckhand. Part of her duty in their position is going out the grab the bodies of the jumpers. Those who just lose hope. So when she's out at long stretches I make sure to do what I can for her and everyone. Send DVDs, CDs, PHONE CARDS at holidays too. So folks can call home.

I know my coworkers hubby was army and they loved Tide Pods, tons of socks to toss out the old ones.

Good Luck!

Deployment

OH and we made a 'thing' about the USPS one size ships boxes..

I'd draw on them and put jokes on the outsides. Some barely clean. Innuendo heavy. And inside the box too. She got a great kick out of those too. Some were just inside jokes for her and I.

Re: Deployment

So I think care packages it is
Card game my husband went to a specialty game store and picked out a more adult style game
Toilet paper
Baby wipes
Hard candy
Socks
Small toys
A letter

Is that a good list of things?

Re: Deployment

Deployment

That's so nice of you and yes a care package is definitely the way to go.

Deployment

My son was in the Army and stationed in Iraq. Send care packages every month. We'd send things like toiletries, candy, cookies, socks. They appreciate everything!

Re: Deployment

On the toiletries, I don't know that I would go too crazy with those because they get a ton of those from organizations (eg schools) who send care packages. My bf has done two tours in Afghanistan, as well as been deployed a few other places, and he has drawers full of trial size toiletries. I don't think he'll have to buy toothpaste or deodorant of the rest of his life