| Our deployed troop members lack many necessities | | | | Trappey's Red Devil Cayenne Pepper Sauce, beef |
| and can use hard-to-get items for 'bargaining chips' to | | | | jerky or the foot-long Slim Jims, energy bars, and |
| get what they do need. It's important to know what | | | | baby wipes in packets, not in tubs, for taking field |
| our troops need or don't need, whether to send | | | | baths. |
| troops gifts in a box or gift basket and how to | | | | Items NOT to send include: anything that melts, like |
| prepare and ship packages properly. | | | | chocolate, except M&M'S, waterless hand |
| Members of our troops get more than the usual | | | | cleaner or sanitizers (make mud - send only baby |
| number of gift packages during the holidays but need | | | | wipes in the packets instead), flashlights (can't use |
| to be remembered throughout the year. There are | | | | due to 'visible light' discipline restrictions), compass |
| many items they need for both personal use and | | | | (they already have), sunscreen (they have plenty), |
| 'bargaining chips," Most people aren't aware of the | | | | liquor or pornography. |
| fact that our deployed servicemen and women can | | | | Shipping of the items should be done carefully. As gift |
| use many items just to trade for what they need. | | | | basket experts we've come to know that a gift |
| The most powerful sought after 'bargaining chip' is | | | | basket is a great idea, but a basket may not always |
| Copenhagen Snuff & Chew in a tin. Sending ten | | | | be useful to our servicemen and women either. You |
| tins of this hard-to-get item is highly recommended. A | | | | have to carefully think about what they really need. |
| large percentage of the infantry 'dips' snuff and | | | | The items I listed above can be arranged and nested |
| particularly 'Hagen' is coveted. The snuff they receive | | | | in a box to mimic a gift basket arrangement. |
| comes in a plastic container and tastes terrible, report | | | | You need a sturdy box, pack the items carefully, seal |
| many troop members. Sending tins of snuff is not | | | | well with packing tape, consider the weight when |
| meant to encourage an unhealthy habit but to use | | | | choosing items and make sure you have the correct |
| for bargaining purposes. | | | | address. The U. S. Department of Defense urges |
| Other items of importance for both personal use and | | | | "......the general public not to send unsolicited mail, care |
| bargaining include: pre-paid phone cards, zipper-style | | | | packages or donations to service members 'forward |
| plastic freezer bags in assorted sizes, eye wash and | | | | deployed' unless you're a family member, loved one |
| eye drops for flushing sand, dust and other particles | | | | or personal friend." Donating money to an appropriate |
| out of the eyes, AA-cell batteries, disposable razors, | | | | charity that can best dispense the important items, is |
| toothbrushes, toothpaste, chewing gum, Avon Skin | | | | recommended instead. |
| So Soft Original Bath Oil Spray for removing face | | | | Our 'forward deployed' troop members can use gifts |
| paint and possible mosquito repellant, powdered | | | | of hard-to-get personal necessities and 'bargaining |
| energy electrolyte replacement drinks, Atomic FireBall | | | | chips' any time of the year. And knowing the ins and |
| or Jolly Rancher candy, seasoning salt, shelled | | | | outs will save you a lot of returned packages and |
| peanuts, shelled sunflower seeds, TABASCO or | | | | grief. |