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There are men and women on duty right now, all over the world, committed to the notion that freedom is better than oppression -- and they're putting their lives on the line to make it possible. Memorial Day each year is one of several holidays when we pause to remember the sacrifice of people who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Rather than talking about drycleaning, we wanted to give you specific information this week about how you can show your support of the troops in the field through Care Packages and letters. Read on and find out how to participate in this simple but effective Memorial Day tribute.

See you soon!
Jim

Long May It Wave!

Just a reminder that one simple way to show your support of troops in the field and to salute those in the past who worked to keep us free is to fly your flag -- not just on holidays like Memorial Day, but any time. To keep your flag in good condition, have it cleaned at least annually. We clean American flags at no charge. Bring us your flag, and fly it proudly. (NO COUPON REQUIRED)

Showing You Care Is Easy!

How excited do you get when a package arrives unexpectedly from someone you love? You rip into the box and savor the sentiment as much as the gift. Men and women in the armed forces are equally thrilled to receive mail from home. Often, it is the only link they have to a life that seems almost like a dream to them while they are in the field.

Something tangible in a soldier's hands speaks volumes about the support they have behind them. You don't even need to know a soldier's name in order to make a difference in their lives. There are programs that distribute packages addressed to "any soldier" (the soldiers sign up for the program) and thousands of packages have been delivered in this way.

What to Send, How to Send It

As you plan your family Memorial Day weekend activities, why not include a soldier in your thoughts and put together a Care Package in tribute to his or her efforts -- and those of soldiers past. There are excellent resources on the internet to help you do this, and a list of links at the end of this article will take you right to them.

What to Send:

Send items that are not readily available to soldiers, but that they'd enjoy, such as food items, entertainment, and things to make communicating with the people back home easier.

Items to consider:

• Powdered drink mixes (like Kool-aid and Gatorade) that can be added to water.
• Cookies or salty snacks like chips.
• Reading material such as books (paperback), magazines and newspapers.
• Toiletry and personal items like baby wipes, sanitizing liquid (double bag in plastic zip bags),sunscreen, foot powder, razors and shoe laces (for gym shoes and boots.)
• Fun foods like beef jerky (very popular with the troops for its nutritional value, as well as the taste), candy that doesn't melt (M&Ms are good, as is licorice), soup mixes, canned meats, microwave popcorn, hot cocoa mix, cookies in small packages, vitamins and spices/flavorings.
• Entertainment items like CDs, DVDs (and players for both), word puzzle books, hand-held games, batteries (especially AA and D sizes.)
• Disposable cameras, as well as 35mm film.
• AT&T prepaid phone cards for making international calls.
• An envelope that is pre-addressed back to you (or post card) and a pen if the soldier wants to reply to your gift. Make it easy for them. No postage required on the envelope or post card.

You should include your return address on the package, so the box is not considered "suspicious". Send via the US Postal Service, which will deliver to the APO locations -- which are based in the US, so your postal cost will be the same as for any domestic package. (Fed Ex and UPS do not deliver to Iraq, so go with the USPS.)

What NOT to Send:

• Home-baked ANYTHING. Unless you are mailing to someone you know, and who knows the package is coming, do NOT send home-baked goodies. Soldiers have been instructed to throw away anything that is not pre-packaged, for their own safety.
• Flea collars (some misguided people have sent them to help with the insect problems soldiers face, but they are not safe for humans to wear -- our skin is different than that of a cat or dog, and we don't have fur to protect us.)
• Pork products -- these can be offensive to the people of the country where soldiers are based.
• Sexually explicit materials (also offensive to host countries.)
• Alcohol products.
• Sharp objects.

There are other guidelines and suggestions for what to send, as well as pre-assembled Care Packages that can be purchased and shipped for you. One of the best sites giving information about Care Packages and troop needs is AnySoldier.com. The site includes an informative FAQ section, addresses to send packages to, what to send, how to send it, and has heartwarming responses from troops who have received packages. A number of companies have agreed to give discounts on items purchased for an AnySoldier package, and they are listed on the site with items ranging from food to personal hygiene to equipment to fun items.

Remember that there are many women serving in the armed forces overseas. If you are sending a package that is meant for a female soldier through the AnySoldier program, address it to "Any Female Soldier". Include personal hygiene products and other items that would appeal to a woman to personalize the package.

Other Resources on the Internet:

• Treats for Troops -- pre-assembled packages of treats.
• Books for Soldiers -- Soldiers can sign up and request particular books or types of books, and you can fill their order.
• Giddy Gift Boxes -- available for more than just soldiers, but with boxes tailor-made for overseas troops.
• Advice about Care Packages -- from About.com. Good advice and includes lists of items to consider.
• Another list of items -- assembled for Iowa National Guard units going overseas, with specific items that troops had requested.
  

Happy and Safe Memorial Day!

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