Suggestions for items to be mailed to our troops

*Baby Wipes - packets are better than tubs. Much better than baby wipes, per se, are the "Hoo Ahhs" brand of pre-moistened, *Alcohol-free, unscented Field Towels
*Beef Jerky/Slim Jims
*Energy Bars (Power Bar, etc.)
**Hot Sauce (Tabasco, Red Devil, etc.)
*Sunflower seeds
*Peanuts
*Seasoning Salt (Lawry's, etc.)
*Atomic Fireballs / Jolly Rancher hard candy (for service member use)
*Smarties or SweetTart candies (for local children who prefer sour style candy to build relationships with community)
*Powdered Energy/Electrolyte Replacement Drink Mix (Gatorade, etc.) The powder, not the liquid please
*Chewing Gum
*Avon Skin So Soft - great for removing face paint and also reputed to be an effective bug repellant (the latter seems variable based on personal experience and reports)
*AA-cell Alkaline Batteries
*Personal Hygiene Gear: Disposable Razors, Toothbrush and Tooth Paste, deodorant, foot powder
*Eye Wash / Drops (Visine, etc.) for flushing dust and sand out of the eyes
*Zip-Lock style Plastic Storage Bags - assorted sizes, heavier freezer style are better
*Copenhagen Snuff in a tin ("Even if the service member doesn't dip snuff, they will be a hero and have more power than the Commanding Officer if they have a 'log' (10 cans) of 'Hagen.' A large percentage of infantry use this stuff and it is hard to get. The stuff they do get comes in a plastic can and tastes terrible. The 'Stateside Hagen' is the most powerful bargaining tool in a field environment!")
*Puzzle books (i.e. crosswords or word searches)
*Games including hand-held video type games
*Water pistols, baseballs, frisbees, other small items that can be used during "down time".

Items we cannot send

* Anything that melts (if you just must send chocolate, send M&Ms)
* Waterless Hand Cleaner/Sanitizer - generally makes mud, wipes are preferred
* Flashlights - Everybody has one and never gets to use it due to visible light discipline restrictions.
* Compass - Everybody SHOULD already have one attached to their Load Bearing Vest/Harness
* Sun Screen - already issued in mass quantities, drowning in the stuff
* Liquor of any sort
* Pornography of any sort. This includes "soft porn" such as Playboy magazines.

Remember when you are deciding what to purchase, many of these soldiers are young and will appreciate games and junk food that your teenager would like. If you would send it to your college student, the soldiers will likely enjoy it!