Care Packages
for Troops in Desert Units

Units stationed at established bases may be fed well, but those who travel to forward camps are limited.
U.S. shipping is the only postal charge. Items sent by priority mail should arrive in 10-14 days.
No aerosol cans are allowed, and chocolate often melts. All food items must be in factory sealed packages.
Also, be sure to send unscented items which will not attract insects and sand fleas.
The United States Postal Service is offering free packing materials to spouses and families
of military members who are deployed overseas.
To take advantage of this service call 1-800-610-8734.
You will press 1 for English, then 3 for an operator. Ask for kit #4. 
They will send you a free kit that includes 10 boxes, packing materials,
priority mailing tape and mailing labels. These products are to only be used to mail
care packages to service members. You must use PRIORITY MAIL and pay normal postage.
Mike Dodds' Favorites:
Chef Boyardee individual microwave meals
Chef Boyardee products in cans with pop tops
Busch's Baked Beans, all flavors
Gatorade mix (berry flavored)
Campbell's Chunky Soups cans or microwave meals
Campbell's Select Soups
Hormel chili individual microwavable cups with or without beans
Starbucks Coffee Filter Packs (mild or medium)
Salsa and queso
Alfredo noodles, jars of alfredo sauce (Bertolli brand) if packed extremely well
Canned chicken breast
Beans and weenies cans
Macaroni and cheese
Little cans of Vienna sausages
LaChoy two-can meals
Starburst Jelly Beans or Jelly Bellies (those survive the heat)
(No other chips, candy or toiletries needed at the moment)
Items Appreciated by Desert Units Overseas:
Toiletries
  
Food Items
  
Entertainment
  
Miscellaneous
baby-wipes (folded travel size in soft plastic wrapper)
  
blocks of Velveeta cheese (a favorite!)
  
crossword puzzles
  
zip loc bags that seal (to protect items from sand)
triple antibiotic cream (sample size)
  
powdered Gatorade (a favorite!), bottled water from U.S.; tea bags and instant coffee (Mike loves Starbucks)
  
pads of paper, pencils, pens
  
bandanas (neutral color)
Moleskin (found in foot care section of drug store)
  
store-bought/wrapped and sealed cookies, chewing gum, lifesavers, hard candy, mints, lemon drops
  
airmail envelopes
  
black sunglasses (plain, no brand name)
sun screen (travel packet) and lip ointment (sun block tube-type)
  
small pop-top cans of ravioli,
Bush's baked beans, Campbell's soups (they heat these up by setting them in the sun during the summer!)
  
DVD's
  
Misty Mate Personal Cooler
toilet paper
  
beef jerky (small package)
  
magazines; paperback books
 
laundry tablets
saline nasal spray (sealed bottle)
  
nuts in pop-top cans, popcorn, caramel corn in sealed bags, dried fruit such as raisins or Craisins
  
Nerf toys (small footballs, etc.)
  
Saran wrap
Corn huskers lotion (smallest size)
  
pudding in tubes (unrefrigerated), fast food sauce packets
  
plastic bat and ball
  
large travel pillow/case
waterless hand sanitizers (2 oz.)
  
peanut butter, jelly, cheese and crackers, granola bars and power bars
  
beach balls
  
disposable camera
flea collars (for around boots to repel sand fleas)
  
dry cereal (individual serving boxes), oatmeal, powdered milk packets, disposable bowls
  
frisbee
  
non-aerosol insect repellent (unscented)
Odor Eaters or boot/shoe insert cushions (individually wrapped)
  
small pop-top cans chicken breast, tuna, fruit, chips, salsa, cheese dip, onion dip (nonrefrigerated)
  
playing cards, small travel games (dominoes, chess, etc.)
  
individually packaged instant heat thermal wraps for sore muscles