Care Package Ideas!

The August "All Hands Update" includes tips from the USPS Mail Recovery Center for preventing and recovering lost mail:  provide accurate, full addresses; secure mailing labels with tape; and include your phone number and email address inside the package.  Video:  All Hands Update August 2014

Interesting, hmm suppose we could have put the phone number inside.  3 packages were lost for my son between assignments.  We learn something new everyday :)

I write the 'to' and 'from' addresses in Sharpie and cover them with clear tape; and in the "if non-deliverable" section, write "deliver to chaplain," hoping for some divine help when all else fails I guess!  :)  Never occurred to me either to put that info and more inside the box.  

*the "if non-deliverable" section on the customs form, that is.

One was an order thru Amazon early Dec and his Uncle sent his Christmas gift in Dec to FPO as he was in Japan. Then he surprises us returning to the states 3rd week of Jan. Leave for a month, then 3mo schooling before next duty station.  Those 2 pkgs never showed up. Then I sent to the new Squadron and it was returned not valid address, but in the mean time a direct ship purchase had made and that never arrived.  To say the least we are learning alot.  Lol! :-)

We had a great meet & greet luncheon of Arizona Navy moms last Sunday, and of course talk turned to care packages.  Everyone was sharing tips with new and bootcamp moms, who are pretty overwhelmed anyway at this point LOL … Just one of the ways you realize how much we learn (and share) along the way!  

Hello, this isn't a care package, but it is a package problem.  I recently sent my sailor a package to his squadron Hanger#, Pt Mugu, CA.   The USPS last tracked it 9/26 at 1AM.  Stating it would be delivered to its destination that day.  I'm presuming once it enters the military postal service, it is no longer tracked.   Well he has not received it yet.  Has anyone had trouble or long delay in delivers to stateside bases.  Wondering if there is anything one can do.  It is a very important package.

Imnadelady, I live near Point Mugu.  I wish I could help or deliver it to his home for you!  I'm in Port Hueneme between both bases.

Thanks angelalovesD, sure wish you could.  I spent 4 months making him a quilt, he has his first home off base.  

Imnadelady, in the future if you need help, I am here for you.  :)

Imnadelady...youu are correct..once it reaches the base/military PO...it is considered "delivered" by the PO and the base takes over....it can take a while to get it delivered  even  stateside.... To eliminate this problem many sailors get a P.O. box off base to receive mail and packages for better timeliness and less of a chance of thing of "disappearing".

thanks AngiePNMx2 and AngelalovesD.  It got there yesterday, lesson learned,  military even stateside has delay.    The PO Box idea I will mention.

So I have read different things about the whole cake in a jar thing and I am trying to decide whether I want to do this or not for my son for his birthday.  Out of all the posts I've read about sending cakes in a jar to military members, I've never heard of one instance where someone got sick from it. However, the article regarding botulism concerns me.  If this is such a problem...how come I haven't heard any instances of it happening to anyone?

Imnadelady, I am so happy!!!!  Again, if you ever need help, I'm here!  You never know, he could live in my neighborhood!

Sierrascrapper, here's my two cents worth :)  The cake in a jar thing is appealing as a clever idea, but in practice it's kind of a sad little single serving.  Why not send a batch or two of brownies instead, since they can be enjoyed and shared (they ALL love chocolate brownies!!) and that makes it more of a celebration?  Add some candles and a box of matches, maybe decorate them with a little drizzled frosting and star sprinkles?  

angelasloveD, he lives in Oxnard.

Do they still have the boxes for sending a package to military at the Post office?  My husband went to get one and they gave him a really small box that not much will fit into.

You can order a free case of large-size (12"x12"x5.5") flat-rate FPO/APO boxes at this link, choose 10 or 25 boxes under "Format."  No tape or customs forms included. https://store.usps.com/store/browse/uspsProductDetailMultiSkuDropDo...

Marcy can we use those boxes to send care pkgs to our sailor at A school?

daycare217, the military box (and discount) are for Fleet Post Office (FPO) addresses only.  It's still a good idea to use USPS priority mail to send to domestic addresses like A school - gets there usually in two days and the price is reasonable, especially compared to FedEx.

Any suggestions for a care package to A school for thanksgiving?

This page has a ton of creative care package ideas, and Thanksgiving is the second one down :)  http://navyformoms.com/group/carepackageideas/forum/topics/care-pac...

WELCOME new members!!  

thank you Marcy !

The Navy is changing mailing addresses for ships, afloat units, and ashore FPOs to improve service, reduce costs and get mail to service members more efficiently. Here's what you need to know -

1. No more nine digit zip codes

The new Navy Standardized Addressing format only requires the use of a five-digit zip code, more like standard mail. The USPS process will automatically generate a barcode with any additional digits that are required for delivery. This change will eliminate undeliverable as addressed (UAA) mail currently being returned to sender.

2. New virtual boxes

A new four digit virtual box number will be added to the standard addressing format. This number will be unique to each service member and will aid in getting your mail to you and not someone else.

3. Faster delivery!

With the new format, the Postal Service is anticipating reducing transit time by 7 to 21 days for letter mail and publications. That makes it more likely that you'll receive the August issue of Sports Illustrated in the mail before Thanksgiving!

4. Less Expensive

The new Navy Standardized Addressing format is expected to save Navy postal operators $1.2 million annually in labor and transportation costs. 

5. Any Questions?

Visit your base/command post office or talk to a postal clerk or read the NAVADMIN on the Navy Personnel Command website.

From Fleet and Family Support

Here's to a wonderful New Year of creative, fun and useful care packages that entertain and support our loved ones!!  To our new members - remember no question is silly so ask away.  ALL members - please share the stuff you send, cool stuff you come across, and the specific things your sailor asks for.  This is how we help each other.  Putting together care packages is a wonderful way to stay sane during deployments and just plain get used to separation from our loved ones!

Valentine's Day is coming up!  Anyone with some great ideas to share?  This link has "eight great care package ideas" including one for V'Day.  I love her story about how her first care package arrived ahead of husband in Afghanistan, and his CO greeted him with, "So, we hear you're getting married." Funny!  These are pics of her care package :)  

I have a son at NAF Atsugi, Japan and I would love to be able to send him a birthday cake this year.  Anyone here know there is a way to do that?  It's the end of February.  Thanks

Hi Seesmom!  I'm kind of partial to making and sending a big box of brownies to share, and you can add in candles and a card.  Everyone loves chocolate LOL  Otherwise, have you asked in the Japan Moms group for a birthday-cake resource on or near the base?

US Navy Recruit Training Command FAQ for Families/Friends:  http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/faq_family.asp

Ever wonder just how that care package actually gets to the ship?  This is a great video of an underway replenishment (UNREP) that includes connected replenishment (CONREP) and vertical replenishment via helo (VERTREP).  Here's a link to photos of what happens "behind the scenes" too - http://www.wearethemighty.com/watch-sailors-get-supplies-one-danger...  

The ships in the video are USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) and USNS Wally Schirra, filmed in April 2014.  The whole process is amazing and fraught with all sorts of danger - Bravo Zulu to all the sailors who pull it off, all over the world, every day!  

You're right Angie -I should have said "six weeks or more" :)  Needs of the Navy all the way!   

Thanks for the welcome Marcy!  I've been sending care packages to my son for the last 2 years while he's been in nuke school, but now looking forward to the new challenge of when he deploys!  I'm gathering ideas ;-)

Welcome Mommamac MM(CVN77)!

Thank you so much for the welcome Marcy. I didn't know they had a group like this. I love sending our son care packages and now that he has finally gotten to his ship, I'm sure the thing s I send him will change. I'm looking forward to what our future holds for us. 

Welcome Catt443!

Welcome to the group MT's Mom!  

Can you send them care packages once they get into A School or do you have to wait til later on?

Yes you can send them care packages in A-school

Regarding A school care packages, you may want to check with your sailor first.  Those who have gone through the Hospital Corps A school say that the hassle of going to the post office outweighs the benefits and most are adamant about NOT wanting care packages while there.  Also, keep in mind that after A school, sailors have to carry everything to their next duty station in their sea bags or ship extras home.  A good gift during A school can be a Visa gift card that can be delivered via email and used at the NEX or wherever.  

Welcome new members!!

If deployment is coming up for your sailor, here are two great checklists - Single Sailor Deployment Checklist  and  Pre-Deployment Checklist for Family Members, prepared by JAG.

It's time to start planning!   Suggested 2015 holiday overseas military mail deadlines from USPS via Military Times.

If you plan to mail holiday packages to troops deployed overseas, now is the time to prepare.

The U.S. Postal Service’s first suggested deadline for mailing packages — by way of Standard Post — is Nov. 7.

The deadlines are the same for all methods of mailing, for all overseas APO, FPO and DPO ZIP codes, with notable exceptions for some mail going to and from the AE ZIP 093, which covers overseas contingency areas.

The following are suggested deadlines to mail your items so they arrive in time for Christmas. To get them there in time for Hanukkah, which starts Dec. 6, subtract 19 days from each deadline.

Standard Post: Nov. 7

Space Available Mail (SAM): Nov. 25

Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL): Dec. 3

Priority Mail: Dec. 10, except for AE ZIP 093, which is Dec. 3

First-class letters and cards: Dec. 10, except for AE ZIP 093, which is Dec. 3

Priority Mail Express Military Service: Dec. 17. This service is not available to AE ZIP 093; check with your local post office to find out if it’s available to another specific APO/FPO/DPO address.

Standard Post generally takes longer than other mailings. Compare the costs; the USPS notes that in some cases, the costs of Priority Mail and Standard Post are similar, while Priority Mail travels faster.

Also, remember that the USPS offers a postage discount of $2 per box on its largest priority mail flat rate box, at $15.90, for mail being sent to APO/FPO/DPO addresses worldwide. There is no cost for the boxes themselves; the cost is for the postage to send the boxes. You can get them at local post offices or online at shop.usps.com.

If my son still has not given me his box # and I send a package with just his name and the section he's in, do you think he will get it?  I really can't just not send it.  It's his birthday and Christmas!  Anybody have any experience with this? 

I have yet to get a call or email from him either or I would be pestering him about it.  

Any help or ideas will be Greatly appreciated.