Do you have loving friends or family members serving the military overseas? The United States continues to send its servicepersons around the world. After all, the country still controls around 750 bases across 80 countries.
With the average deployment lasting six to twelve months, missing friends and relatives can be harrowing. Meanwhile, those stationed abroad also feel the same. Sending a military care package can help them cope with the situation.
What items should you include in a military care package? Continue reading below for a quick guide.
The Personal Care Items
The first group of items to include in a military care package is personal items. These help your loved ones feel clean, fresh, and comfortable. Start with high-quality socks since they can withstand the demands of field action.
Throw in some soap, shampoo, face wash, body wash, and baby wipes. Never forget a travel-sized deodorant and a dental care kit.
Since they’ll be outdoors a lot, give a small bottle of sunscreen and a stick of lip balm. Send some hand warmers to keep them warm during winter. Relieve their body pain with a Bengay topical cream.
Food and Snacks
Food and snacks are another must-have for a military care package. They play a crucial role in maintaining proper nutrition while in the field.
Nutrition can be challenging, especially if the team is always on the go. Though the base provides food, most are often bland. A few packs of beef jerky will add some flavor.
Throw in some protein bars, slim jims, and sunflower seeds too. For something with a more personal touch, bake some mini cakes. Place the cakes inside a jar to survive the temperature changes during transit.
Be sure to pack the food items separately from the toiletries. You don’t want your loved one opening snacks drenched in shampoo.
Downtime and Recreational Items
We can also support our troops by sending items they can use during downtime. If your spouse or sibling is a gamer, handheld games will go a long way. Don’t forget to include some batteries.
Books, magazines, and other reading materials will also help them bide their time. Soldiers also love spending time with their fellow servicepersons. A deck of cards or board games can help them have fun together.
Last but not least, send pictures of their loving family. If you want to send many photos, use a USB flash drive. Dump pictures of milestones and important family events they missed.
Military Care Package Considerations
Maximizing limited space is crucial in a military care package. Soldiers don’t have a lot of space, so pick your items wisely. Avoid sending aerosols, alcohol, ammunition, or adult entertainment.
Use plastic zip-lock bags for spillable items. Number your packages and letters to help your loved one keep track of anything that’s still on the way.
Choose a trusted military shipping company catering to various types of care packages.
Send a Care Package Now
Now you know what to include in a military care package, you can send items your loved ones need and maximize space. You can also boost their morale and keep their spirits high until they return home.
Did this guide help? If so, check out our other blog posts for more helpful tips.