Simple ways to help support Our Troops

Start by asking your Sailor or Marine what he or she needs.  Sample sizes are best since many items have to be carried wherever the troops go.  Use vacuum-sealed packages or ziplocked bags to prevent spillage.  Some of the most useful food items are: hard candy, tea bags, beef jerky, canned goods, ramen noodles, and packets of nuts.  Recreational items include: magazines, playing cards, and small hand held video games with extra batteries.  
What NOT to send:  matches or anything in an aerosol can.  The U.S. Postal Service has a complete list of what is restricted for certain areas.  For Iraq DO NOT SEND pork or liquor due to Islamic Law.  Beef jerky and summer sausage should be labeled "Grade A USDA BEEF ONLY."

A non-profit website, campdoha.org, has more information about what to send and how to pack items with maximum efficiency for those deployed in the Middle East.


From sending letters to donating phone cards and frequent-flier miles, these online resources will tell you very simple ways to make a difference in the morale of a deployed Sailor or Marine.

www.americasupportsyou.mil

www.uso.org

www.anyservicemember.navy.mil

www.nmcrs.org

www.semperfifund.org

www.fallenheroesfund.org

All information obtained and paraphrased from "HOMEPORT" Vol 46 No 2 Summer 2005 published by Navy Federal