Brother going to Iraq - Sendoff Gift Suggestions?
- Thread starter antsi
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XavierBreath
Member
A good pair of socks. Then mail him a good pair of socks every week until he gets home.
firefighter4884
Member
Antsi...
My humble suggestion would be a good flashlight or two. (I recommend surefire, but that's just me...) I'd also recommend a decent folding and a nice fixed bladed knife.
Just a few thoughts.
--Jim
My humble suggestion would be a good flashlight or two. (I recommend surefire, but that's just me...) I'd also recommend a decent folding and a nice fixed bladed knife.
Just a few thoughts.
--Jim
Sinsaba
Member
I've been reading on a non-firearm site ( http://www.anysoldier.com/ ) the they are always asking for a) baby wipes, b) music &/or DVDs, c) snack food (protein bars, granola, etc.) including microwave snack food (popcorn etc.)
Not a "sexy" selection but they seem reasonable.
Not a "sexy" selection but they seem reasonable.
Headless Thompson Gunner
Member
My close friend in the service complains about their M9s not working. The problems he describes sound like magazine issues - they're worn out from over use.
He's a medic, and the only weapon they let him touch is the M9. It's bad enough that he's working in a war zone with nothing but a 9mm to defend himself. But the 9mm they give him DOESN'T WORK, for lack a few cheap magazines.
So if he's ever sent back, I'm going to buy him a stack of new Beretta 92 mags. And maybe some CorBon to fill 'em up with. Screw the Geneva convention, I want him to come home safely.
He's a medic, and the only weapon they let him touch is the M9. It's bad enough that he's working in a war zone with nothing but a 9mm to defend himself. But the 9mm they give him DOESN'T WORK, for lack a few cheap magazines.
So if he's ever sent back, I'm going to buy him a stack of new Beretta 92 mags. And maybe some CorBon to fill 'em up with. Screw the Geneva convention, I want him to come home safely.
Gifts
I realize this isn't tactical, but it is very practical! I have had two friends have the pleasure of going to Iraq. The one thing they both wanted after awhile was "Homemade BREAD". Was told bread, as we know it, is hard to come by in Iraq. So we packed up a bread machine, a case of bread mixes and an electric knife and sent one to each. Both of these soldiers have emailed and said when they make a loaf of bread troopers from all over are pulled in by the smell of fresh baked bread. One has returned home after his tour and said his company "raffled" off the bread machine to the replacement company. Other items that have been requested have been "salty" snacks. Pretzels, nuts and the like. Also, granola bars and other snatch and grab snacks. Lastly, baby powder. These are just a few of the things we have shipped over. By the way, our shipments have averaged less than 14 days, from mailing date to arrival in our friend’s hands. YMMV
I realize this isn't tactical, but it is very practical! I have had two friends have the pleasure of going to Iraq. The one thing they both wanted after awhile was "Homemade BREAD". Was told bread, as we know it, is hard to come by in Iraq. So we packed up a bread machine, a case of bread mixes and an electric knife and sent one to each. Both of these soldiers have emailed and said when they make a loaf of bread troopers from all over are pulled in by the smell of fresh baked bread. One has returned home after his tour and said his company "raffled" off the bread machine to the replacement company. Other items that have been requested have been "salty" snacks. Pretzels, nuts and the like. Also, granola bars and other snatch and grab snacks. Lastly, baby powder. These are just a few of the things we have shipped over. By the way, our shipments have averaged less than 14 days, from mailing date to arrival in our friend’s hands. YMMV
Mute
Member
What about body armor?
B
boofus
Guest
I've heard those pre-moistened baby wipes were a hot commodity. Magazines and other reading materials too. Playstation 2 and X-Box games. 
1911 guy
Member
My suggestions
Boresnake (9mm), good sunglasses, boot socks, high quality insoles, gold bond foot powder, Barbasol lemon-lime shaving cream (great for sunburns and for shaving in the dry heat), batteries, playing cards, C.D.'s, ramen noodle cups, and bite valves for his camel-back.
Boresnake (9mm), good sunglasses, boot socks, high quality insoles, gold bond foot powder, Barbasol lemon-lime shaving cream (great for sunburns and for shaving in the dry heat), batteries, playing cards, C.D.'s, ramen noodle cups, and bite valves for his camel-back.
If he is anywhere near an M-9 get him some new Pietro Beretta made magazines. Other than that, find out what entertainment he has and get him some more. Portable DVD player, DVDs, CDs, etc. My favorite aquisition right now for my deployment has been a Streamlight Stylus LED light in green, handy to keep around, bright enough to work or get around and compatible with preserving your night vision.
JamisJockey
member
antsi said:
A real good flashlight, plus maybe a backup (surefire and a minimag, for instance)
A real good Leatherman/Gerber
M9 magazines
Good, quality, wicking long underwear
A real good pair of sunglasses
A good pocket-folder
Magzine subscriptions if you have his unit address
IPOD or other MP3 player loaded with music, and with some little speakers
Compact digital camera
GPS
A good watch
Start thinking about care packages now. Many, many threads on care packages. Don't forget, anything he can't use he can surely distribute to others in his unit. Including but not limited to:
Baby wipes
Hygiene needs
Non perishable snacks that won't melt (sunflower seeds, jerky, hard candy, gum, etc. no pork products)
Ziploc baggies
disposable film cameras
AA and AAA batteries
Hot sauce
Good instant coffee
Paperback books
Magazines (non pornographic)
Sun-screen
Lip balm
antsi said:
I've never been to Iraq but I really like the Coolmax all terrain light hiker by Wigwam - relatively cheap and I wear them in hot and cold weather (I often work outside doing survey archaeology). They are comfortable, light, they wick moisture and they dry quickly.
I get mine from Campmor.
Wigwam All Terrain Coolmax® Crew Socks
Item Number: 19820
http://campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=1945
Joe
MD_Willington
Member
I sent 1 inch and 1/2 inch black latex hair bands to some troops in a few care package, they wrote back to me and said thanks...they were using them to hold plastic or saran wrap on the end of their rifles to keep the crap out...that was quite some time ago...
TrapperReady
Member
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- Jan 29, 2003
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- 2,732
When my BIL deployed last year, my wife and I gave him a Benchmade Griptilian, a Surefire E2E, and a Leatherman Wave. He reported that all of them were used daily. In fact, he said that the Wave was almost worn out by the time he came home.
As for socks, I've been using Smartwool hiking and trekking socks for about a year (for hunting, hiking and camping). They're pricy, but seem to work really well at keeping my feet dry, comfortable and mostly blister-free.
Also, it's been quite a while since I was in the Army, but Copenhagen was like gold (although that would be better in a follow-up package... not as a sendoff gift).
As for socks, I've been using Smartwool hiking and trekking socks for about a year (for hunting, hiking and camping). They're pricy, but seem to work really well at keeping my feet dry, comfortable and mostly blister-free.
Also, it's been quite a while since I was in the Army, but Copenhagen was like gold (although that would be better in a follow-up package... not as a sendoff gift).
GunnySkox
Member
A friend of mine's brother is in the Army, in Iraq, and he told me that the guy has, like, six pairs of various brands of Wiley HVP goggles/sunglasses. The SG-1 and XL-1 glasses are great (I have the latter, and I love them). The lenses and frames are made of polycarbonate to ANSI Z.87-1 (if I did that right...) impact specifications, and they're my Everyday Sunglasses and my Range Safety Glasses.
XL-1s that come with Green and Clear lenses (the lenses are interchangeable. How, I'm uncertain, because I can't figure out how to do it) are 77.50, including shipping, and that's eighty bucks that could keep your brother's eyes safe if something goes screwy.
Plus, c'mon, he's a freakin' helicopter pilot. You've _got_ to have some slick shades if you're zooming around in helicopters.
Tell your brother to come back safe.
~GnSx
XL-1s that come with Green and Clear lenses (the lenses are interchangeable. How, I'm uncertain, because I can't figure out how to do it) are 77.50, including shipping, and that's eighty bucks that could keep your brother's eyes safe if something goes screwy.
Plus, c'mon, he's a freakin' helicopter pilot. You've _got_ to have some slick shades if you're zooming around in helicopters.
Tell your brother to come back safe.
~GnSx
James T Thomas
Member
comforts of home
The VN unit I was with continuously loaded and unloaded from the helicopters, and the blade wash dust was a problem. An old fashioned bristle shaving brush made an excellent cleaning tool to get it out of the weapons, and supplamentary pipe cleaning wires; you know chenille, got the minute cavities.
I suppose your brother will be armed with a handgun, however, if he has a shoulder fired weapon, perhaps some plastic 20 guage shells cover the flash suppressor and help things. We had plastic covers obtained from supply, but I doubt if they are still available.
Washclothes are another usefull item, as well as a good tweezer for removal of splinters, etc.
Browning makes a little penlight that is LED, has three intensity settings, and an AF pilot friend told me it is compatable with instrumentation. I think it is called the "Lightning Bolt." Usefull in the cockpit.
First and foremost item: A small Bible; if that is his faith. Invaluable!
You said even small items. There are some.
The VN unit I was with continuously loaded and unloaded from the helicopters, and the blade wash dust was a problem. An old fashioned bristle shaving brush made an excellent cleaning tool to get it out of the weapons, and supplamentary pipe cleaning wires; you know chenille, got the minute cavities.
I suppose your brother will be armed with a handgun, however, if he has a shoulder fired weapon, perhaps some plastic 20 guage shells cover the flash suppressor and help things. We had plastic covers obtained from supply, but I doubt if they are still available.
Washclothes are another usefull item, as well as a good tweezer for removal of splinters, etc.
Browning makes a little penlight that is LED, has three intensity settings, and an AF pilot friend told me it is compatable with instrumentation. I think it is called the "Lightning Bolt." Usefull in the cockpit.
First and foremost item: A small Bible; if that is his faith. Invaluable!
You said even small items. There are some.
CoolMax underwear was one of the things that made Saudi tolerable.
Amazing how humid it was, and we were out of sight of the coast!
UnderArmor Heat Gear looks like it will perform even better, and not stink after being worn the third day straight.
If he is going where it gets cold a scarf or headover to keep his neck and lower face warm may be appreciated. A wool or orlon watch cap fits in a pocket and keeps the head warm too.
Amazing how humid it was, and we were out of sight of the coast!
UnderArmor Heat Gear looks like it will perform even better, and not stink after being worn the third day straight.
If he is going where it gets cold a scarf or headover to keep his neck and lower face warm may be appreciated. A wool or orlon watch cap fits in a pocket and keeps the head warm too.
antsi said:
My son is in the 82nd Airborne, and he swears by Thorlo socks. I gather that is what most of them wear.
http://www.sockco.com/milbootsoc.html
Just an example of them.
Regulator
saltydog452
Member
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2004
- Messages
- 1,707
Care packages..
Whatever you mail to the soldier, send it 'Insured'. Some pilferage occurs. My son's first package was seriously pilfered. After that, we sent packages 'Insured', and there was no theft of the contents.
salty.
Whatever you mail to the soldier, send it 'Insured'. Some pilferage occurs. My son's first package was seriously pilfered. After that, we sent packages 'Insured', and there was no theft of the contents.
salty.
english kanigit
Member
Heh, I've got an iPod (among other gadgets and widgets) and have been thinking about getting one o' these.
A solar iPod charger, it can be used on other devices as well. I believe it would be particularly well suited to the environment over there.
Since it comes in that nice, pearly white color I suppose you could get it DuraCoated tan. Oops, coyote (I forgot that's the new uber-tactical color.
).
Figure out how to strap it on the top of a K-pot and send that to him as well.
All he'll be missing is a nametag that says 'SunFlower'.
Best of luck to him.
A solar iPod charger, it can be used on other devices as well. I believe it would be particularly well suited to the environment over there.
Since it comes in that nice, pearly white color I suppose you could get it DuraCoated tan. Oops, coyote (I forgot that's the new uber-tactical color.
).Figure out how to strap it on the top of a K-pot and send that to him as well.
All he'll be missing is a nametag that says 'SunFlower'.
Best of luck to him.
rwc
Member
+1 for Smartwool and thorlo socks. Smartwool also makes long johns, gloves, hats, etc. No Virginia, these are not your grandad's scratchy wool longies.
+1 on care packages. Get a list of his favorite stuff. What does he not go a week without using? Favorite toothpaste, deoderant, floss, lip balm, sunscreen, soap, a couple magazines, a book or two, a DVD and CDs, maybe a fresh shirt. Repeat every couple months until he gets back.
A rabbit's foot or other piece o' luck.
+1 on care packages. Get a list of his favorite stuff. What does he not go a week without using? Favorite toothpaste, deoderant, floss, lip balm, sunscreen, soap, a couple magazines, a book or two, a DVD and CDs, maybe a fresh shirt. Repeat every couple months until he gets back.
A rabbit's foot or other piece o' luck.
Jadecristal
Member
More seconds on...
Food: Hooah bars (www.hooahbar.com)
Light: Surefire stuff - I like my E2d, and the Nitrolon G2 isn't bad either (www.surefire.com)
Pointy things: Spyderco Paramilitary or Military? (www.spyderco.com)
Jadecristal
Food: Hooah bars (www.hooahbar.com)
Light: Surefire stuff - I like my E2d, and the Nitrolon G2 isn't bad either (www.surefire.com)
Pointy things: Spyderco Paramilitary or Military? (www.spyderco.com)
Jadecristal
VietVet 67-68
Member
I have found that the MRE'S that they are issued in the field are pretty bland. Send a little celery salt onino powder and garlic powder, or other spices, they can make any meal taste a little better!!
Keith
Keith
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