From my friend, Kelley:
“Just learned of a Lima Co. Marine that truly needs packages and encouragement. They will not be in Afghanistan for a couple more weeks, but ok to start mailing by September 9th.”
Josh Gerrard
3/25 L Co
Unit 44545
FPO AP 96427-4545
also in the unit are:
Dereck Van de Walle
Brian Van de Walle
Things to send (thanks to KS, who listed this last time in the comments):
Baby wipes, personal hygiene items such as 3-blade razors (Mach 3 are most requested), toothpaste, toothbrushes, liquid body wash (not soap bars), single pack drink mixes to add to water (electrolyte types are the best for hydration in the intense heat), stationary and cards they can use to write home, coffee (ground) with filters, and condiments; commercially produced JERKY (extremely popular); Magazines (sports, Maxim, news, cars, NASCAR); air fresheners (the kind you can attach to a wall or set on a table are best, or potpourri – just be sure to send a container).
Other examples from Kelley: pop tarts, breakfast bars, protein bars, twinkies, muffins, rice crispy treats, hard candy, gummi treats, gum, candy bars, slim jims, beef jerky, pudding cups, fruit cups, applesauce, easy mac, microwave popcorn, microwaved lunchables, coffee (generic) kool-aid, gatorade, tea, cookies, crackers, chips; if holiday time, holiday themed treats.
THINGS NOT TO SEND:
No pork products, alcohol, pornographic materials (Muslim countries and customs regulations prohibit these items); NO CHOCOLATE until October when the temperatures are lower; NO AEROSOL OR COMPRESSED GAS PRODUCTS; no home cured meat products like homemade jerky (illegal to ship outside the US, and dangerous for troops to eat home cured meats).
If you’ve got questions, feel free to email Kelley at: Columbussos@gmail.com