Updated at: 11/09/2009 5:52 PM
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Soldier Care Packages
When home is thousands of miles away, the holidays can seem even farther. That's why a care package can make the difference.
"We didn't have any store nearby or any kind of commisary or any drugstore really so everything we really got was sent to us by our family members and care pkg organizations," said Sgt. Tim Fluechtling, of the National Guard.
MAking your own care package is easy and inexpensive to ship.
"For the large flat rate box, there is a two dollar discount," said Mark Reynolds, of the US Postal Service.
Start with a mix of things. Practical items like sanitizer, foot powder and even food. Don't forget fun, personal things.
"I liked getting like sports magazines, anything that was talking about the White Sox," said Sgt. Fluechtling. There are certain items that are prohibited or frowned upon in certain cultures. "They ask that we not send any obscene videos or magazines," said Reynolds. "With Muslim countries, they don't want to have alcohol because they view alcohol as being anti religious, and really bad in their culture," said Sgt. Tim Fluechtling.
You don't have to have a loved one in the military to show you care. There are plenty of organizations, such as the USO, dedicated to supporting our service members. You can also try operation gratitude or carepackages.com. They feature wish lists of needed items. Parcel post packages must be postmarked by November 13th, to ensure they make it in time.
