Hi All!

I've noticed in recent threads that quite a few of our S2KI members have been or are preparing to be shipped out for military service. With that being said, I am sure that many of us friends and loved ones wish to send out care packages to dear ones once they get to their destinations.

So I wanted to be sure that those of us that wish to, know the United States Postal Service has a free packing materials "kit" for those wishing to mail out packages to friends and family abroad serving our country. All you have to do is call this number : 1-800-610-8734 and ask for the kit. Simple.

Once you call, you will be assigned an account number to use to order more supplies as needed and the U.S.P.S. will ship out your supplies to you quickly, and free of charge. I believe I received my supplies in less than a week.

Also, PLEASE NOTE. If you are sending any food items, PLEASE ship it separately. Packages can sometimes take weeks, even months (though not as common) to get to your loved ones and I'm sure those Twinkies tasted great until they traveled amongst the wet wipes to get to 'lil Tommy.

So please ship out food items separately. Also, any packages weighing more than 16 oz. or may contain dutiable items must have custom forms filled out properly with them. You can obtain those from any post office (and they will help you with any questions) or fill them out online here:

http://webapps.usps.com/customsforms/cp72s...cipient_APO.jsp

Please be sure to fill out specifically what the packages contain otherwise you run the risk of your package being confiscated, returned, or even blown up! (Yep! You read that right!) I have heard of instances where customs blew up packages containing soap and a discman b/c it looked suspicious with soap and an electrical device being together. So no home made bombs please!

And for those of us who don't have loved ones serving overseas and still wish to send mail and packages, please check out this site:

http://anysoldier.com/

It's a nonprofit organization started by a soldier for soldiers who don't get mail. Simply follow the directions, address the letter or package to the individual listed with that APO address and then: "ATTN: Any Soldier" beneath and that individual will be sure to hand that heavenly sent item to someone who doesn't get mail.

You'd be amazed at how many soldiers out there are fighting the good fight and believe it or not, do not receive letters or packages from anyone.

I can't imagine being in an unfamilar hostile territory hoping for the best but being prepared for the worst and not having one letter of care, encouragement, and deep gratitude to help carry you through.

There are also many soldiers in need of certain items, even boots and gear to keep them warm and protected that are unobtainable where they are. These men and women are listed with their address and the items they require to survive or just to remind them a bit of home. You can also send care packages or even just a letter of support to any serviceman or woman in any branch including the Coast Guard!

Simply check out the above sight and please, be sure to read all directions and watch the short video to ensure letters and packages are sent and not returned. *Remember all packages and letters must be addressed and delivered to an individual so if you're just sending something to any serviceman/woman fighting then please write: "ATTN: Any Soldier" beneath the addressed individual and the individual will give it to someone who doesn't get mail.

And if you don't have time to put a care package together, Anysoldier.com also has premade care packages that are all ready to be shipped out! Simply click on that option and add a letter of encouragement and appreciation and they'll ship it on! Voila!

So just a few tips and reminders for those of us wanting to remind our favorite soldier/airman/pilot/sailor/jarhead/fighter/medic/and everyother title for service members how much we love and appreciate them.

And no, I'm not a spokesperson for any military organization, the post office or any charity. lol I just wanted to share some helpful information and with that mission completed, I'll get off my soap box now.

 

can you format that a little more, so we can read it

 

Okay. Sorry!! I added some spacing in between paragraphs. It was a properly paragraphed sentence with proper indentaions and all. However, I don't think the posts are set up for proper paragraphs and indentations. lol However, it could be the user not understanding how to use the post options too.

If I'm missing something better that I can do, let me know.

 

its all good. I just went in and added some more breaks. Even medium sized paragraphs get hard to read when there is a lot of info in a post.

I just made it easier to dig through and to find key points when coming back to it.

good stuff

thanks for the info

 

Thanks Sinsin. Although I do not deploy over seas, I applaud you for your sincere concern for our military men and women. Thank you.

 

Well the packaging supplies kit is Priority Mail so it can be used both domestically and international so your friends and family can still call up and receive it for free and use it.