Know the timeline. 

Priority mail packages typically take about 10 to 14 days to reach their country of destination.

Write out the complete address. 

The address should include your service member's full name (with or without rank or rating), unit and APO/FPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address

Number your packages and letters. 

Some may take longer to arrive. Numbering them will alert your service member to letters and packages that are still on their way.

Keep the weather in mind. 

Don’t send perishables to warm climates during spring or summer. Avoid sending anything that may spoil to a desert environment such as Iraq during warm months.

What Food or Drinks Can You Send?

Powdered drink mix. Your service member will appreciate anything that can be mixed with water. In cold months, send hot beverage mixes such as cocoa, instant coffee, tea bags and creamer. During warmer months, sweetened drink mixes such as lemonade and iced tea will be welcome.

Meal enhancers. 

Anything that can be mixed with MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), such as ramen noodles, seasoned salt, individual packets of hot sauce, mustard, relish and ketchup.

Quick protein. Energy bars, tuna fish, sardines, non-perishable beef jerky or beef summer sausage. Make sure the meat is labeled USDA Beef.

Snacks. 

Look for small, hard containers of chips, pretzels and nuts. These are easier to carry than large containers. Avoid bags, which may burst under high pressure. If you do send large bags or containers, include small zipper-lock bags so your service member can pack smaller amounts of snacks to carry. Snack cakes, cheese crackers and cookies are in high demand. Salty snacks are good for those deployed in the desert, especially in the summer months, because they will encourage your service member to drink more water.

Candy and gum. 

Avoid chocolate if your service member is in a warm climate. It will melt in the heat. Gum and other types of candy may soften and become gooey, so send these in plastic zipper-lock bags. Send plenty of extras for your service member to share, especially if he or she comes into contact with children.

What do they Actually Need?

Choose small, travel-size containers of personal care products, and avoid aerosol cans. To keep liquids from spilling, cover the opening of the container with plastic wrap, then recap before shipping.

Toiletries. 

Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, cotton swabs, shaving lotion, disposable razors, shampoo, individually packaged tissues.

Personal care. 

Individually packaged baby wipes, eye drops, lip balm, lotion, aspirin or another pain reliever, feminine hygiene products for women.

Foot care. 

Moleskin, medicated foot powder and athletes foot ointment.

Disposable hand warmers. 

Send these during the winter. Also, fingerless gloves, stocking caps and long underwear are good ideas.

Goggle-style sunglasses. 

Your service member will appreciate these if he or she is deployed in the desert.

Cotton socks and underwear. 

Make sure the garments are made of 100 percent cotton rather than a cotton blend.

CLOSE