Hello blog readers! Sorry I have been MIA - it's been a busy two weeks for me with travels and weddings, but I am back in the District for a while and looking forward to some down time. Sadly, no phone calls as of lately and communication with Chris via e-mail has been sporadic at best. Hopefully I will hear from him soon.
Guess who - the one in the middle wearing the solid green kevlar?!
How long do packages take to get to 3/7?!
Apparently, there has been a back log in delivery of packages. According to 3/7s Facebook Page:
"Family and friends of 3/7 we've read some comments and questions concerning mail. Your Marines are receiving their mail, It's a long process of mail being moved from the U.S. to theater and than from FOB (Forward Opearting Base) to FOB, then being sorted by company section/platoon and then being moved to their respective COPs/PB (Combat Operating Post/Patrol Base). This process can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks mission dependent. Also keep in mind that your Marine can be out on mission from days to weeks. Be assured that the Battalion does all it can to get Marines mail as soon as it can."
If you would like to join the 3/7s official facebook group - search, "3rd Battalion 7th Marines, The Cutting Edge.
How do I fill out the customs form?!
Ahh the lovely USPS form 2976-A aka customs form - you can't ship to our troops without it. All of the information that I am about to share and more can be found on the first page of all USPS customs forms. When in doubt of course feel free to ask me aecourt@gmail.com or of course, the Post Office.
WHERE CAN I GET THE CUSTOMS FORM? You can find the form at your local post office or by ordering them online here. Note: USPS will ship any of their products directly to your house for free. This includes: flat rate boxes, customs forms and pouches.
If you pick up the forms from your local post office grab a few extra to take home with you. Filling out the forms prior to going to the post office makes the process go smoothly and you will score points with that USPS worker when you walk up to the counter prepared =).
I HAVE THE FORM... HOW DO I FILL IT OUT?
Addressee's Last Name: PARKS, 1ST LT
First: PATRICK
MI: C
Business: 3/7 H&S CO
Address: (Number, street, suite, apt., P.O. Box, etc): UNIT 41575
Postcode: 96427-1575
City: FPO
State/Province: AP
WHAT ABOUT THIS DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CONTENTS BUSINESS? You must fill out one item per line. If you have more items than lines (I always do): 1. Write next to the barcode on the first customs form, "***Additional Forms***" 2. On the additional forms, scratch out the barcode, write Chris' name in the appropriate boxes and continue listing items.
You guessed it! Chris was the Birthday Boy (above)!
PalmFex 2007 - Not quite chocolate cake and plastic military figures, but it works =)
As always, if you have any questions don't hesitate to e-mail me!
Have a great week!
Yikes - I've sent two packages - just mailed one of them today - and the postal worker instructed me differently on customs forms...said the unit number just needed to be on box(not the form), and if there was more than one items of a 'kind" i.e. candy - that could go on one line...sure hope they get there :(
ReplyDeleteLaurie
Ahhh got to love conflicting instructions. I am SURE as long as the entire address is on the box - you are fine! Good to know about the items of the the "same kind." I am sure the packages will get there - not to worry! I will let you know when Chris says they do =)
ReplyDeletegot an e mail from Chris - saying that he had just recieved the first package I sent - which was roughly a month - 5 weeks ago...so at least we know they are getting there. Also said they were very busy - but all doing well, and noted that He'd be home in 5 months...so we're not the only ones counting the days.
ReplyDeleteKeep praying for safety.