Please do NOT send packages addressed to any sailor/marine/or _____, these do not get delivered.
Actually, what typically happens to these packages is that they're dropped of with MWR where they're set out for anyone to rifle through. Whatever doesn't get snagged after a couple days gets tossed.
BTW... I have yet to see a box show up addressed to any contractor. I think that's discrimination!!
these kids won't ask for much, goodies, home made cookies etc, and christmas decorations
Remember these kids are living out of a foot locker, they don't have much space, so don't get carried away with big stuff.
Most of the bases now have some sort of BX where folks can get what they need, and sometimes what they want. What they can't get is the personal touch that a care package will provide.
From someone who has been overseas for 3 tours. Don't go crazy with the care packages. One from family are nice. But 30 boxes form every soldiers family is a HUGE burden on the mail handlers, aka people with other jobs that also have to do mail, and the entire postal system.
I flew many dangerous missions with a helicopter full of 20 year old paperback books and stale cookies. If its sent we will deliver it, but what a massive waste of air support and risk of helicopter being shot down for things that end up getting tossed.
Its just my 2 cents from someone who has been there. Don't take it personally. The thought is an honorable one.
I have an agragate total of roughly four years in Afghanistan (so far) and have delivered A LOT of mail in that time. I feel your pain. Folks, please don't send your unloved romance novels.
Something to keep in mind when you're sending packages is that it is entirely possible that your dainty little box will be stuck in the bottom of a kicker box with several hundred pounds of other dainty and not so dainty boxes on top ofI it. When your box gets in country, it will be tossed around as part of the sorting process. It will probably be dropped a few timesand have several hundred pounds of other boxes tossed unceremonially on top of it again.
If the mail gets backed up for some reason, it will be stored outside. That means it will be out in the snow and rain.
Keep all this in mind when packaging stuff. If you can push in the top or side of the box, it will probably be delivered damaged. Best bet is to place a box inside the box, and prove enough extra packing material to esure the box will stay firm.
Also, do not ship liquids. The bottles/cans break, and then leak on all the other packages. This ruins those other loveningly packaged boxes of cookies that are downhill of your package and they all end up stinking to high heaven when they arrive down range.
One other thing to keep in mind is that during Christmas season, it's possible that it could take weeks to get that box to its final destination. Last year was the first time since I first arrived in Afghanistan (2004) that there was no backlog of mail on Christmas day. This was due simply because the weather wasn't as bad as it normally was that time of year. Expect delays.
The folks down range love the care packages, so definitely send something if you feel the need. Just don't go overboard with it, and be smart when sending stuff.
