Last time I spoke to Chris was via facebook chat on Thursday. They were getting ready to leave for Afghanistan. This deployment and not surprisingly, is already not like the last. I go into this not really knowing what the communication is going to be like so, to not have heard from Chris in a few days is not really all that surprising.
I will be the first to say, the communication that we had on the last deployment spoiled
us, in a good way of course. In our conversations before Chris left, we both sort of started mentally preparing (the best we could anyway) ourselves for sporadic and limited communication – doesn’t mean I like it though =).
From what I have heard from the wives of Marines who deployed with the early party (a group went a few weeks before the rest of 3/7), they got e-mails about a week after they made it/ got sort of settled in country. I am sure there is a lot of settling in once they arrived so until then, letters, e-mails and care packages are how I will pass my time!
We were so blessed and appreciative to have great support on his last deployment, I wanted to make sure that anyone that wanted to, could send letters, e-mails, care packages, etc. Anything you send is appreciated more than you could know! MANY THANKS IN ADVANCE!
CHRIS' ADDRESS IN THE STAN
1st Lieutenant Patrick Christian Parks
3/7 H&S CO
UNIT 41575
FPO AP 96427-1575
SENDING A LETTER OR A CARD
All you need is the a regular 44 cent stamp and you can drop it in any mailbox.
WHEN PUTTING TOGETHER A PACKAGE IT HELPS TO THINK,
“What would I want if I was in the middle of the desert, potentially sleeping in the sand and 1000s of miles away from
the comforts of home?”
the comforts of home?”
SENDING A CARE PACKAGE
I suggest using a priority flat rate box. They even make priority flat rate boxes for the military (I think there is a small discount if you use these). They are great because it does not matter how heavy the box is, it’s one flat rate! Don’t forget to include the customs form (I highly recommend filling out prior to going to the post office)!
WHERE CAN I GET THE
MAILING SUPPLIES
MAILING SUPPLIES
All of these items can be picked up (for free) at your
local post office or you can order them online (links below).
local post office or you can order them online (links below).
A FEW SUGGESTED ITEMS TO SEND
Beef jerky, sunflower seeds (all flavors especially BBQ), gum, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, reading materials, cards/games, chap stick, peanut butter, Gatorade powered, baby wipes….
The list is truly endless.
The list is truly endless.
If you send cookies or chocolate, keep it mind it may be melted or curshed by the time it gets there, but I am not going to lie a box of melty Girl Scout cookies may not be such a bad thing…
Tobacco products (cigs and dip) are a HOT commodity – your care package will be a guaranteed favorite if you send. Apparently the tobacco products they “buy” over there are usually stale if American brands or really just disgusting and strong if from the locals…
Items suggested you do not send can be found on the USPS link below.
I STRESS
All of the above tips are suggestions and by NO MEANS all you can send. Just remember think,
“What would I want if I was in the middle of the desert, potentially sleeping in the sand and 1000s of miles away from the comforts of home?”
“What would I want if I was in the middle of the desert, potentially sleeping in the sand and 1000s of miles away from the comforts of home?”
LINK FOR USPS
SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS
SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS
More to come, but if you have any questions about mailing packages, customs forms, etc please do not hesitate to e-mail me!
Great idea with the blog, Courtman...err... Mrs. Parks. Our thoughts and prayers are with y'all.
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