Send Mail    

Anything from a simple postcard saying “Hi” to a box full of goodies is sure to bring a smile to soldiers who are far from the comforts of home.

* Note: Neither the US Army or the 215th FRG is authorized to give out personal information about soldiers or their families. If you don’t know any soldiers personally, chances are you know somebody who does. Ask around at work, at school, at church, or among your friends. They’ll appreciate your support too!

If you want to send a package, here’d s list of items that are always in demand:

Hotpot (to boil water, cook soup and other canned foods) Ramen noodles & cup o’ soups (just add water) Easy mac & cheese Ragu Express Instant cereals Beef jerky / Slim Jims (these are a particular favorite) Sunflower & pumpkin seeds Canned chicken / Underwood deviled ham etc. Individual packages of cookies & chips Peanuts Tea bags / coffee / hot chocolate mix Granola bars/power bars/breakfast bars/Rice Krispee treats Wrapped gum & hard candy (chocolate is not recommended because it can melt due to the heat) Artificial sweetener packets (sweet n low,nutri sweet etc.) Fruit roll ups Canned ravioli/soup etc Microwave popcorn Fruit cups/pudding Flea collars (to put around the legs of their cots )

Bug spray Deodorant Hygiene products for female soldiers Razors Shaving cream Foot powder Hand & body lotion Soap Shower gel Hand sanitizer Q tips Paper & envelopes Socks Underwear T-shirts Bandanas Magazines /copy of newspaper or articles of interest cut out (no pornography) Pictures Cameras Paperback books Board & card games DVD's CD's

This is just a few things to get you started. Make a photo album of pictures to send ... tons of cards & letters. Even if they only say hi, I love & miss you.

Check with your post office about the package you can send for a flat rate no matter what the weight. You can order free shipping boxes from the US Postal service via their web site (go to USPS.com and click on the “Shipping Supplies” link under “Browse Store”) or by calling 1-800-610-8734.

When sending packages, you can save yourself some hassle at the post office if you have the customs forms filled out in advance. You can pick up extras at the post office for your next trip. Or, there’s an automated system on the post office web site post office web site where you can generate them electronically. Careful, there are a few things to watch out for:

• The online form is going to demand a country, which doesn't apply to APO address. You can get around this by picking a nearby country, then cross it out on the printed form.
  
• Don't try using completed copies of one completed form for multiple packages. Each form has a unique customs tracking number that gets scanned in when you mail the package.
  
• Normally the postal form uses carbon copies to generate various layers of the form. When you’re done filling out the form, these “layers” come out as separate linked documents. Make sure to print all five and take them to the post office with you.

Don’t forget, there are restrictions on what you can send in terms of contents and package size. For details on these restrictions, check the postal bulletins on the USPS web site. (you’ll need the unit’s zip code for the exact details).

If you’re really stuck at home, the US Postal service web site also has an option where you can choose the design and enter a message, then they'll create and mail note or postcard for you.

Above all just keep the letters & packages coming. They look forward to the mail everyday. It is their only connection with home and what they love.