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"one stop shopping" for getting packages to servicefolk overseas.

This list is courtesy of Mistress Regina Romsey of AnTir, who mundanely
works in the Family Liaison office of one of the services.

Here is a list of the things that my commander, a veteran of Desert Storm
came up off the top of his head.
NUMBER ONE MOST WANTED STUFF!Wet Ones and or Baby Wipes  THIS WAS THE NUMBER
ONE THING!!!Sanitizing hand lotion (the stuff that you wipe on and it
disinfects and dries)chapstickVisine or any eye dropsLiquid hand soap (bar
soap sits around and gets sand all over it)disposable razorsGold Bond or
other foot powder (sometimes the soldiers don't take their boots off for
days!)Vaseline petroleum jellyIntensive Care lotionNasal spray (particularly
the saline type that re-hydrates, but allergic stuff is good too!) having a
clear nose can save a soldier's life.  Not only can they wear their chemical
gear, but they can literally "smell" the enemy some times - a reason to make
the stuff you send un-sented, since the enemy has a sense of smell
too!)toothpaste in the small tubes, lots of them.  (see if your dentist has
samples)  That way the soldier can slip it into a pocket, and if it gets
squished or sand in it he can throw it away.Sun Screen (Duh!)Gum!playing
cardsnuts of all kindsDry shampooThink of things that will help a soldier
keep his mouth moist (like the candy)Disposable camerasMagazines (any kind
EXCEPT Pornographic - this includes the swimsuit issues)Send 'em old TI's
:-)Paperbacks (they go through dozens in a week)Game Boy games (yes, WAR is
a favorite)CD'sCopenhagen/Skoal or other shredded tobacco (your mileage may
vary on this one)From the cooks specifically:Hard candies (if it is sticky
the chances are that it  will become infested very quickly not to mention
the mess).  Individually wrapped fudge and soft candy is best since they can
hold the candy by the wrapper if they can't jam it all into their mouth at
once :-)(the Candied nuts are a good idea!)Individually wrapped stuff is
goodRemember they are in a place with little water available so any sanitary
products will be valuedFor women, and there will be women there.  Think
sanitary items.  Don't want to gross anyone out, but yeast infections were a
problem because bathing was severely curtailed.Things that evoke home will
be big. Rum Balls are right out.  Nothing with alcohol that is not cooked
out.  The suggestion that nothing you wouldn't serve to a recovering
alcoholic is good.  The people around our soldiers are going to be feeling a
bit edgy anyway, no reason to let them think that their ways are being
treated with contempt any more than necessary.  Politeness will be
necessary.  The Ugly American syndrome could get our people killed.Lady
Roana de LaciBright Hills