4 down, 10 to go and Care Packages

Since Mark has started his training, up until now- it has been 4 months. If everything goes as planned, he should only have 10 more months of his deployment. It sounds short, but seems long.

Mark said that they are in the middle of a sand storm right now. He said he can't sleep because the wind shakes the tent, and he can hear the sand hit the tent as well. I was looking up some information about Camp Leatherneck, and found this picture a while ago, which makes me think that this is what it looks like...


That is not a picture of Mark of his unit- just one I found of the base he is on. Apparently these sand storms happen often.

He said he normally works a 12 hour day, but yesterday was a 14 hour day. It stinks that they have to work for so long, but really, what else would they be doing. I'm glad they have enough work to keep them busy. Being bored is usually worse than being busy.

Mark got excited when I asked him what he and people in his unit would like in care packages. He said - with help from me- and guys in his unit...

• granola bars
  
• trail mix


• Pop-Tarts


• gum


• those individual drink powders that go into a water bottle (Crystal Lite makes them I know)


• magazines
  
• soduku books- or something similar


• deodorant


• toothpaste
  
• toothbrushes- inexpensive ones- and caps to keep the top from getting dirty


• baby wipes/ Wet Ones (there is sand in their tent as well)


• q-tips


• Sunflower seeds
• Tylenol/Advil
• Body wash/ shampoo
• Floss
• Mouthwash
• Mens disposable razors
• Chips (like Pringles)
• Playing Cards
• Ziplock bags
• Small board games
• Balls they can throw around
• Electronic hand games
• Nail clippers

I think that's a good enough list for now. Let me say too, by no means do you HAVE to send anything. This is just for people who are interested. Also, you can send things other than what is on this list, but it is just a start of things that Mark and his friends suggested.

The post office gives free boxes to package up and send to soldiers. I sent out a package earlier this week and it was $11 to send. There are two different sized boxes- so i'm not sure if the smaller one is cheaper. I know though for those boxes there is a flat rate, so you do not have to pay based on weight. There are a few postal places that do not ship to APO addresses (like Arden Pharmacy by our house), but all USPS places do.

It is advised not to send anything glass, have all liquids put in a ziplock bag incase they leak, do not send pressurized items, and make sure any food is put in an additional bag incase anything breaks during travel.

And again, the items that are not allowed into middle eastern countries are:

Pork, or pork products, pronography, or alcohol.

I am going to try to get something together for a care package party, so i'll let you know what I come up with. I have to think of where we could have it. I'll get back to you on that soon! It would help to know how many people would be interested as well. My e-mail is hj.pound@yahoo.com if you want to e-mail me with any ideas or if you would be interested in coming.

Also, all of these things we send out, do not necessarily have to be for Mark- although they will all be addressed to him (his address is two posts before this one). He will be sharing things with his unit (all 100-something of them). I know he really appreciates that we are doing this for them. Heck, even I get excited to get a package.

Lastly, Sarah Williams e-mailed me with some cool information. I'm just going to copy and paste it here...

"Also wanted to let you know of a great deal going on right now at CUB that you could get FREE items for Mark. (Crystal Lite, Teddy Grahams, Ritz, Easy Mac, Planatars, Nilla Wafers, Wheat Thins, Triscuts, Etc..) Basically, you buy $25 worth of items, you get $25 back! The list and details are below.." It does end 8/23/2009 though.

http://www.kraftfoods.com/SiteCollectionImages/ImageRepository/BTS/ShoppingList.pdf

Thanks for the info Sarah!

That's about it for now, Mark say "hi" too :)

Heather