Sailors in Afghanistan with boots on the ground

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

My son reenlisted on the 4th of July while serving in Afghanistan.

Let me tell you who these sailors are in the words of one of them: I am a United States Sailor deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduing Freedom. I have been “Boots on the Ground," spending long days in the effort toward accomplishing our mission. I am part of a small and proud group of “Sand Sailors” forward deployed in support of Embedded Training Teams, working closely with the Afghan people to improve their circumstances.

Many have asked what to send to our "sand sailors." Here are some ideas with where I've found the best deals, but first ask how much room they have for storage. My son sometimes tells me to stop the care packages for awhile.

Beef jerky (Sam's Club), small cans of fruit with pop top lids (Sam's Club), packets of lemonade for bottled water (K-Mart), beef stew and chicken 'n' dumplings (Aldis), microwave brownies, tuna and cracker snacks, Fiddle Faddle (Dollar Stores), cocoa packets. Toll House has recipes for brownies that ship well in the heat and contain no pork products. I send zip lock baggies of various sizes, soft toilet paper, paper towels, plastic forks, and fun stuff like yo-yo's, water balloons, squirt guns, misting fans. Batteries, pens.

As it gets colder, start looking for sales on kids' mittens and gloves. My son arrived in February and immediately requested those for the kids he sees. I also sent kids' fleece jackets I picked up for next to nothing in the spring sales. Coloring books and kids' books (animals, cartoons not offensive to the Afghanis, nothing religious). A group sent my son a new pillow and a quilt that he appreciates very much, but it depends on your sailor's situation.

The troops themselves can use wool knitted scarves. Go to www.geocities.com/helmetliner/ for dimensions and instructions. There are other patterns there, too, but the scarves are most requested.

Contact a school and see if the school or a classroom will adopt your sailor. My son has a classroom that writes to him. He emails the teacher when he can and will visit when he's on leave.

My son emails and calls frequently, more than when he was in basic (of course) and stationed on a ship. Once your sailor is in country, he'll get the information he needs about calls. Don't worry about phone cards--they need to buy them there. My son has a phone that works from there that he got there. He also talks to us through the internet.

At the "big camp" they have access to Starbucks, Green Beans, and other things from home, so hopefully your sailor will be able to visit once in awhile. They even have access to massages! Depending on their jobs, being in Afghanistan may not be so bad at times even though they are far away.

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

Andy just called through his yahoo connection. He heard something, so had to go--I said please let me know what's going on. He text messaged me! He's done that before. When he is home on leave, I'll get all the info about what phone he has. About the noise--they mine copper there, so it was a mining operation. He says nothing happens where he's at, so being at the big camp is a good thing.

He called because he's buying a motorcycle and investigating the best helmets. I'll worry about him more regarding a motorcycle than being in Afghanistan, I think! The motorcycle is here, not there, by the way. Amazing all he accomplishes on the internet even to finding an apartment when he gets back for his next duty.

[Janice]

Hi Ruth, I am glad you heard from Andy. Motorcycle? I know what you mean about them. Do not like them myself. It is amazing now with the internet and all. Mikey said the last time he called they were suppose to be getting the internet where they are at soon. Have not heard from Mikey since the 15th of this month. Hoping he will call soon. I know he must be very busy. I just came back from mailing him his package of his requests. It takes a month for him to get his mail to wherever he is at. You have a good day. Janice

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

What were his requests? Please add them to this discussion. I added a lot of ideas at the top, but it's always good to share ideas. I forgot to mention baby wipes which are very popular--from cleaning themselves to cleaning weapons. I've sent two cases since February mostly for weapons as Andy usually has a shower available. When he was on deployment on the ship, I used to send dvd's and cd's, but with the internet they get all the movies and music they want.

[Janice]

Mikey requested: mid-calf length socks
magazines
chips
jerky
powdered drinks-(I bought the individual
servings, for water bottles)
Macaroni and cheese (because he is out
in an undisclosed area they have no microwaves
or butter or milk for the ingredients, so I got
velveeta macaroni and cheese because all they
have to do is boil water.
Ramens noodles
Canned soup
Wipes
Canned fruit
Plastic utensils- knifes, forks, and spoons

If anyone has any other suggestions please tell. He is not at a camp with alot of facilities. I do know they have showers.

[Robin]

My son is in AF as well. Does anyone have information about the return process? He is not IA but on a PRT team. He will return to Norfolk and stay there for a few weeks. I want to go but don't think I can. I was told I would hear from the Navy while he was deployed and I haven't heard one thing via phone or email. Anyway, if any of you have information on how the process works, please let me know.

[TexasDocMom]

Robin, please post on the main page. This discussion hasn't been active for over two years. We have moms moving through here at a regular rate, probably these moms are not active on this board if their kids are no longer deployed.

Probably a mom will be able to answer your question, just post on the main page where we all get notifications, thanks!