Oregon Sends the Holiday Spirit to Soldiers in Afghanistan

How to mail to the Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan

Happy soldiers with packages from home in hand Photo: Loveboxesforourtroops.com

(SALEM) - During his recent visit to Afghanistan, Governor Kulongoski received numerous requests for the men and women of the 41st Brigade Combat Team supporting Task Force Phoenix V.

There is a way for all Oregonians to help fulfill this simple wish from the Soldiers of the Oregon Army National Guard in Afghanistan.

They have requested postcards, Christmas Cards, Calendars etc, however, they would like these to contain scenic photos of Oregon. A reminder of Home.

Members of this Task Force come from every corner of the State, so this could be an effort supported by every citizen interested in bringing a touch of home to our citizen soldiers.

Below is information that the Governor asked the National Guard to produce to help spread this word throughout the great State of Oregon. It provides information on how to mail to the Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan.

For more information, contact Kay Fristad Public Affairs, Oregon National Guard 503-931-5179

HELPFUL WEBSITES: www.anysoldier.com www.loveboxesforourtroops.com www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/

HOW TO MAIL TO SOLDIERS: 1. Use the Flat Rate Boxes Available at the Post Office (no charge)

2. Get the customs declaration form and mailing label from them. You will need to list specific items in the box and give an approximate value.

3. Have the address you're sending it to.

Flat Rate boxes cost $8.10 to send regardless of weight and will reach the end location in 5-10 days. Do not drop items off at your local armory as they are prohibited from using government tax dollars to send this out.

SOLDIERS HAVE REQUESTED THESE CARE PACKAGE ITEMS:

DON’T SEND: Chocolate candy bars because they melt. Liquids that will leak. Pork is offensive to the Muslim culture.

DO SEND: Any kind of good old-fashioned American junk food that will ship well.

For example:

Cookies
Beef Jerky
Salted Peanuts
Cup of Noodles (The “’just add hot water” kind)
Trail Mix
Sunflower Seeds
Powder Drink Mixes (Kool-Aid, Hot Chocolate, Gatorade, Instant Coffee)
Sugar and Creamer Packets
Bean Dip and Chips
Crackers
Canned Chicken or Tuna (With Can Opener)

CARE ITEMS: DO: Place liquid items in plastic zipper bags in case they leak during shipping.

Baby Wipes
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Eye Drops
Cough Drops
Foot Powder
Travel size headache relievers
Multi-Vitamins (Centrum, One-A-Day)
Brown T-Shirts
Black Socks

RECREATION: DON’T SEND: It is against military regulations for soldiers to possess pornographic materials, and punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It is also advised that possessing such material in Iraq is disrespectful to the sensitivities of the Muslim culture.

DO SEND: Anything that the soldiers can do on their down time that will take their mind off stress and discomfort. They need things that will help them smile and laugh, they need a little comic relief.

DVD Movies
Music CDs
Games (Small travel size games are the best)
Books
Magazines
OREGON NEWSPAPERS!!!!

MISCELLANEOUS:

Travel size laundry detergent
Small flash lights
Batteries of different sizes
Phone Cards (AT&T and MCI work the best)
Post Cards
Stationary and Envelopes to write letters (No need to send postage, it is free for them)
Any Oregon specific items give them a reminder of home.
School supplies or toys (To be given to local children)

TOBACCO:

Sending these items is up to your personal preference. The military discourages the use of tobacco, but the reality is that soldiers are asking for it. Tobacco products can also be traded between soldiers for other supplies or it can be traded with the locals for information.

Cigarettes (Marlboro, Camel)
Chewing Tobacco (Skoal, Copenhagen)

SEND TO: AFGHANISTAN: (41st Brigade Combat Team, Approx. 950 Soldiers) Stephen Schmidt 205th CORP, 41st BCT Kandahar APO AE 09355 Danl Connelly 207th CORP, 41st BCT Herat APO AE 09354 Timothy Meiniger 203rd CORP, 41st BCT Gardez APO AE 09320 Scott Flannery 201st, 41st BCT Camp Phoenix APO AE 09320 Jon Singleton TAG, 41st BCT Camp Phoenix APO AE 09320 Guy Baines 141 LTF, HHC 41st BCT Camp Phoenix APO AE 09320 Alicia Fuller 41st BCT HHC Camp Phoenix APO AE 09320 Tommy Austin 1-180th IN, 41st BCT Camp Phoenix APO AE 09320