Quote:
Originally Posted by BigRedChief
How does this list look? Whats not on there there the troops appreciated?
FOOD and SNACKS
(Ground or whole; instant or drip), Hot Chocolate packets, Herbal teas
Instant Drink Mixes
(Gatorade, Kool‐Aid, Crystal Light)
Pumpkin Seeds
/ Sunflower Seeds (salted)
Tuna in foil pouches
(no cans)
Protein Powders
/ Protein Bars / Cliff Bars
*NO CHOCOLATE PRODUCTS accepted from MARCH to OCTOBER (it will melt in high temperatures!)
Hard Pretzels / Cheetos / Fritos / Chex Mix / Wheat Thins
Gum and Hard Candy (must be individually wrapped)
Granola Bars / Power Bars / Cereal Bars
Small Packs of Fig Newtons, Oreos, Cheese
‐Its
Trail Mix, Dried Fruit, Granola, Fruit Roll
‐Ups / Fruit By The Foot / Fruit Gummies
DRY SOUP: (Ramen Noodles / Cup
‐O‐Soup: just add water)
NUTS: Peanuts, Mixed Nuts (salted)
MICROWAVE FOOD (Popcorn, Chef
‐Boy‐R‐Dee, Mac'n'Cheese...)
COOKIES / Girl Scout Cookies (with chocolate: Oct.
‐ Feb. only!)
Cheese & Cracker packs
Condiments, Spices; Sugar; Salad Dressing (no glass jars)
Oatmeal Packs (Instant: just add water)
Cereal (Small, individual boxes)
Rice Krispie Treats (Store
‐bought only)
Caffeinated gum or candy (to stay alert)
TOILETRIES:
NO HOTEL SAMPLES!
(travel size)
Liquid Hand Sanitizer
, Liquid Soap, Facial Cleanser
Shampoo /Conditioner (travel size)
Hair Gel (for female troops to pull hair back)
Combs / Brushes, Bobby Pins
Eye Drops (i.e. Visine) Nasal Spray
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Another one:
Baby Wipes - packets are better than tubs.
Much better than baby wipes, per se, are the "Hoo Ahhs" brand of pre-moistened, alcohol-free, unscented Field Towels
Beef Jerky/Slim Jims
Energy Bars (Power Bar, etc. -
Unless a specific brand is requested, much better than standard civilian energy bars are the "HOOAH!" brand energy bar based on the U.S. military's own specially formulated bar that better meets the soliers' needs)
Hot Sauce (Tabasco, Red Devil, etc.) - wrap glass bottle in duct tape and place in doubled zip-lock bags
Sunflower seeds
Peanuts
Seasoning Salt (Lawry's, etc.)
Atomic Fireballs / Jolly Rancher hard candy (for service member use)
Smarties or SweetTart candies (for local children who prefer sour style candy to build relationships with community)
Powdered Energy/Electrolyte Replacement Drink Mix (Gatorade, etc.)
Chewing Gum
Avon Skin So Soft - great for removing face paint and also reputed to be an effective bug repellant (the latter seems variable based on personal experience and reports)
AA-cell Alkaline Batteries
Personal Hygiene Gear: Disposable Razors, Toothbrush and Tooth Paste
Eye Wash / Drops (Visine, etc.) for flushing dust and sand out of the eyes
Zip-Lock style Plastic Storage Bags - assorted sizes, heavier freezer style are better
Copenhagen Snuff in a tin ("Even if the service member doesn't dip snuff, they will be a hero and have more power than the Commanding Officer if they have a 'log' (10 cans) of 'Hagen.' A large percentage of infantry use this stuff and it is hard to get. The stuff they do get comes in a plastic can and tastes terrible. The 'Stateside Hagen' is the most powerful bargaining tool in a field environment!")
Pre-paid Phone Card so service member can call home