Fabulous Army Life

Wearing birthday hats, we sang "Happy Birthday" to Nate while he opens his gift care package from us. Nate even lit the "4" and the "0" candles, made a wish, and blew out his candles! 

Any deployed Soldier can testify to the amount of dust and dirt that accumulates during their time away. Here are some ways to help your Soldier keep clean while he is away. A hanging toiletry bag is a convenient way to organize personal items when sharing showers. This "Sea to Summit Dry Lite Towel" is extra-large and extra-absorbent yet packs easily. This is the SM102BK New Balance SM102 Shower/After Sport Sandal, important for keeping your Soldier's feet off of the shared shower floor.  A Fogless Shower Mirror could prove useful for getting that Soldier-close shave. Bar soap is another way to make sure your Soldier gets nice and clean. Don't forget a travel soap dish! Shower soap and "shower tool" will help scrub away caked-on desert dust. Any 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner combination is great for guys on the go. Be sure to include your Soldier's favorite anti-perspirant/deodorant in your care package kit...

When deployed far away, Soldiers can really miss all of the comforts of home. Sending a few items to make your Soldier more comfortable in his 'home away from home' is one way to show your support. Here are some ideas for enhancing their living space. This is a "Dorm" Bedding in a Bag set, complete with Twin XL comforter, sheet set, mattress pad, pillow, and towel set.  Most Soldiers can utilize bedding provide for them, but finding a neutral bedding set to send is an easy way to boost morale and make sleeping a little more comfortable. This "Sleep Better Iso-Cool Memory Foam Pillow" adjusts to body temperature and will help keep your Soldier cool at night.  A good pillow can go a long way to ensuring your Soldier gets the quality sleep he needs. This Cool Mist Humidifier by Crane provides moisture for dry cough, sinus irritation, and dry skin.  It can also relieve congestion from allergy and asthmatic type symptoms. An area rug can catch (s...

For Soldiers serving in the oft-oppressive heat of Iraq or Afghanistan, one fun idea for a care package is a "Beat the Heat" collection.  Start with tucking tissue paper or cellophane in various colors of blue, silver, or white into your care package box.  Feel free to decorate with 'cold' themed stickers, too (snow flakes, ice cubes, water drops, etc.).  If you have children, they can add paper snowflakes to the box. Next, look for some of these items to complete your "Beat the Heat" box.  Unscented, non-greasy Sport sunscreen Sport lip balm with SPF     Water flavors like Propel or MIO   Dentyne ICE or Ice Breakers Ice Cubes gum USB or battery-operated personal fan Personal mister like this one from MISTYMATE Disposable "Cool Off" towlettes Rubik's Ice Cube game Hockey Ice Dice game Supersoaker Arctic Blast Water Blaster  Movies like: 2012 Ice Age, Cool Runnings, Cool Hand Luke, Ice Castles, The Ice St...

We've been around this deployment block a time or two, and my honey has done a great job of answering my endless pestering questions letting me know what he really likes to receive in care packages.  He is not a center-of-attention kind of guy and doesn't enjoy listing his preferences for others, but I insist ... and he obliges.  Here are the top 10 basics that are always stocked for care packages we send: Cobalt 5 sugar-free gum is an all-time favorite. Senseo coffee pods are always a hit with his beloved Senseo coffee maker! Liquid creamers are a must with round-the-clock coffee. Shelled and salted, pistachios are a favorite. Soft dried fruit ... not the crunchy kind ... and never, ever dried bananas (well, that's just for my hubby!). Deluxe and salted mixed nuts provide a quick protein-filled snack. Unscented with SPF helps counter the hot sun. Carmex in a tube is needed to fight wind-chapped lips. Mini hand sanitizers fit gre...