Going to Iraq....

Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive December 2006: Going to Iraq....

A very good Friend of ours is a Cobra Piolet and he is leaving for Iraq on Friday. I want to give him some stuff for his trip since he is going to be at our house for Christmas dinner with his family. He is a single guy in his 30's and has no children.
What would be some good items to give him while he is there? I am assuming they need to be small so he can pack it all.
I have no clue where to start...TIA!!

By Mommyof5 on Friday, December 22, 2006 - 08:23 pm:

I don't have any ideas for you but wanted to bump this up to the top so anyone who does have ideas will be sure to see it.

By Jtsmom on Friday, December 22, 2006 - 10:15 pm:

I know the guys in my husbands unit loved any type of hand held games (PSP, or something like that) or mp3 player, IPOD. Stuff like that. I am assuming you are talking about a gift idea, rather than just the necessities. Good luck and tell him thank you for his service.

By Mrsheidi on Friday, December 22, 2006 - 10:22 pm:

I would give him a Rome PC game. Or Madden 2006 or 2007 PC game with a handset so he can plug it into his computer and play. Is he an officer? Usually they get their own computer.

Or, just a Best Buy gift certificate.

And, once he's over there, send homemade goodies...they love them!

By Andi on Saturday, December 23, 2006 - 01:07 am:

Yes, he is an officer. Video Games are a great idea. I would like some ideas for necessities if you have them.

By Crystal915 on Saturday, December 23, 2006 - 04:29 am:

As for necessities, the guys I know all packed a month's supply of shaving cream, toiletries, some snacks, cigarettes for those who smoke, etc in their foot lockers, and they don't leave until February. Most of them are taking laptops, and I'm sure at least a few are taking video game systems, so you can't go wrong games. If you want to do necessities, send them in care packages, they'll be more useful after he is on the ground for a bit. Cobra pilot, is that Air Force? I was going to suggest an AAFES gift card (post exchange) but you have to be authorized to shop the site, which is stupid (I thought you could buy gift cards off the main page, but apparently not). If you know anyone that can shop in the PX/BX, have them pick up a couple cards for you. I'd go with DVDs, games, books if he is a reader, an Itunes gift card if he likes to download music. Twin sheets in a high thread count (pretty much everyone has twin beds now, my friend got her boyf twin Gators sheets for Iraq), some really nice shaving lotion, anything to bring a little bit of luxury to the daily routine. Carmex, sunscreen, powdered drink mix, razors, the typical necessities, although they have pretty easy access to those things now. Tell him thanks, and good luck, he'll be in my thoughts.

By Mrsheidi on Saturday, December 23, 2006 - 08:06 am:

Electrical razor and replacement razors.
Twin sheets and pillowcase with a high thread count.
Flavored almonds and snacks.

By Conni on Saturday, December 23, 2006 - 08:39 am:

This is very nice of you Andi! You have already been given great ideas...I wonder if he reads or enjoys mag's? Could you send some magazines (my dh is into all the PC World, Outdoor World, Boating, Business mag's) and / books. We all love to get new books to read here. I think the Itunes gift cards are a great idea. That's something he wouldnt have to carry with him when he travels there- but could use after he gets there.

Seems like I saw that they use hand wipes alot??

God bless your friend!

By Andi on Saturday, December 23, 2006 - 10:01 am:

He is a Marine not Air Force...not sure if that makes a differance. He dosen't smoke or drink. He plays video Games on his computer...I think.

Those are great ideas. I will buy him alot of that stuff then I will give him the option of taking it with him Monday night or I will mail it to Iraq for him so he dosen't have to worry about it.
Thank you Ladies!!!