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We have four lists for your consumption. The first is the list we got from the soldiers. The second list for you high rollers who want to drop some big coin. After that, we have a small list for Iraqi children. Finally, the list of no-no's. Please read the last list regardless.
* Coffee - beans and ground. Flavored and unflavored. For god's sake, no decaf!
* Creamer - flavored and otherwise
* Beef Jerky
* Cookies & Crackers - homemade cookies are good
* Nuts - sunflower seeds, macadamias, almonds, peanuts, cashews - we'll take them all
* Magazines - current is better. Your 1986 National Geographic, while appreciated, won't get too much attention. Car, computers, guns, current events, and history are all popular. See the list of no-no's at the bottom for guidance regarding magazines with pictures of women.
* Foot spray/powder - strong medicinal versions are good too
* Over the Counter Meds - Cold and cough medicine (Day and Night versions), allergy, decongestants, ointments, etc
* Chewing Gum
* Dried Fruit - apricots, apples, mangos, etc.
* Easy Mac, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
* Ramen Noodles - any brand, bowl or noodle brick style
* Hard Candy - Jolly Ranchers, Mints, Lemonheads, Cherry Chans, Life Savers, etc
* Chocolate - The temperatures are coming down, chocolate might make it.
* Toothbrushes, Shampoo, Bath Soap, Hand Soap, face cleansers - we gotta stay clean!
* Moisturizers, Lotion, etc. - and moist
* Wet/baby wipes - you just can't have enough of these
* Sun Block - we live in a desert
* Bug repellent spray or wipes, Citronella Candles, Bug Repellers, Mosquito Coils - It might be the cradle of civilization, but there is a reason people moved elsewhere. There are a lot of bugs here.
* Powdered Drink Mixes - Kool Aid is cool, but if you can send something like PowerAde or the real cool stuff they sell at GNC, that would be much better. We get free Gatorade drink mix in the DFAC
* Used (sterilized) dental tools - these are VERY HANDY for cleaning weapons. The more the merrier. Don't worry, they are not going in ANYONE's mouth. Your dentist should have them in spades. Get the kind that are designed for picking and scraping. Someone sent a bunch of these super-tweezer things. They were cool and we're using them for something else (interrogations, JUST KIDDING!!!!, THIS IS A JOKE), but the scrapers and pickers are what we are looking for.
* Tobacco Products - I am NOT CONDONING THE USE OF TOBACCO, but let's face it, soldiers smoke and chew tobacco. Most American brands of cigarettes are available here, but all the chewers seem to appreciate the kind in the paper tin. Also, cigars are always welcome in my book.
* Music CD's - Alternatively, you can send iTunes Gift Certificates. They have a good selection good prices, instant gratification and there is no bulky CD case that has to be packed when we leave.
* DVD's - check with your soldier before sending them or get something older or more obscure. There are a ton of CD shops here, but the quality of their product is often pretty dismal. Everyone likes getting a good movie in the mail.
Finally, the list of no-no's. Check my official post office list for the standard list of prohibited materials. Please don't send any of this stuff to me or your soldier. There is already enough paperwork here to do.
* Pornography - Prohibited in theater by General Order Number 1. Maxim, FHM, Stuff and similar "Lads' mags" are OK, but anything showing a nipple (or more than that) is a no-go.
* Booze - Also prohibited by General Order Number 1. If a soldier is caught drinking or in possession of alcohol, he's in a world of hurt. He'll lose rank (and pay) and, depending on the circumstances, could end up getting discharged dishonorably after a stay in the pokey.
* Drugs - The same as booze, just worse. Don't send it over here.
* Firearms / Ammunition - This seems obvious but it happens. Soldiers whine a lot about our issued weapons (especially the 9mm Beretta) and some well-meaning relative who's a member of the NRA ends up sending him a Desert Eagle. Bad idea. If he just has it, he's in trouble and if he uses it, it's even worse. We've got plenty of guns over here.
* Meltable Items - While these aren't prohibited, keep in mind that temperatures are still pretty warm over here and mail will sit in connexes or other minimally ventilated-containers for extended periods of time. Check storage temperatures for electronic goods.
Happy mailing
(from "My Days at Division")
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