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Lance Corporal Nick Jones, USMC was a varsity swimmer and water polo player all four years at Parkrose High School. His senior year he also served as the water polo team captain. Along with these extracurricular activities, Nick was a stand out student taking honors classes all through high school. The son of Karen and Terry Jones, Nick chose a military specialty that sent him to Washington DC for a year of training.
While his mom describes him as a map maker, she goes on to say that he retrieves information from satellites and ground sources, compiles the data and creates three dimensional maps that are then used by planners to develop battle strategies. Nick has volunteered to stay on assignment until August to better learn his job and to give married personnel the opportunity to return home. Write to Nick at: Lcpl. Jones, Nicholas D., USMC; 1 MEF FWD (Intel Bn); UIC 43603 Box 0011; FPO AP 96613-0011.
With this issue we offer tips and suggestions when sending packages to military personnel deployed overseas. It is recommended that small boxes weighing less than 5 pounds be shipped. Also be aware that you may be required to complete a customs form (PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note) for any products shipped. Check with your local post office.
Troops on the move travel light so, keep in mind that small items are best. If it will fit in a pocket, you’re on the right track. The current most frequently requested items are letters from home, cigarettes, coffee and baby wipes. Because water is sometimes in short supply and showers rare, baby wipes have become important for personal hygiene. Whatever you send, consider packing each item in a quart size plastic zip-style bag. They keep out sand and rain and soldiers can re-use them to protect wallets, photos and other personal items. Another packing tip suggests using small, sealed packages of facial tissues as packing material. They will cushion other items and upon arrival, the packets can be carried in pockets, remain dry and clean and can be used as toilet paper if needed.
With those pointers in mind, here are some suggested items: Toiletries - baby wipes, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, soaps, lotions, shaving cream in squeeze bottles (do not send aerosol cans), disposable razors, toilet paper, facial tissue. Personal Care Items - sun block, aloe vera, throat lozenges, gum, lifesavers, mints, eye drops, lip balms, q-tips, feminine hygiene products, cures for athletes foot (tubes or creams only, not sprays), foot powder, baby powder, moleskin pads for sore feet, laundry soap. Select travel or trial sizes of most of the above. Other items - books, magazines, Frisbees, a deck of cards, hand-held games.
Other popular treats are, of course, food items. Do not ship pork, pork by products or alcohol to Middle East locations. Ship non-perishable foods only. No fresh fruit. Good choices are coffee, hot cocoa mix, coffee mixes, tea, lemonade mix, nuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts, raisins or other dried fruit, trail mix, power or protein bars, turkey or beef jerky (labeled USDA Beef), pop tarts, cereal and granola bars, cookies, hard candies, canned cheese dips, peanut butter in plastic jars or squeeze tubes.
All items must be sent in their original manufacturers wrap and packaging.
This information was found at www.marinemoms.us. Visit the site for lots more helpful information and interesting tidbits.
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