Courtesy of ARFP -
2009-09-30

US Postal Service

Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and other remote posts report that Mail Call is often the highlight of their day and a break in the routine. Here are some tips and thoughts that will brighten a Soldier's day and let them know that the folks back home are thinking of them. Holiday packages are popular and much anticipated and here are some tips for shipping packages to a deployed Soldier this holiday season.

The US Postal Service offers a Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Box for $11.95. It's 12 inches square and 5 ½ inches deep and it's only $11.95 when used to send to any APO/FPO address regardless of weight. The box features the "America Supports You" logo and is free from the post office.

Holiday packages going to Iraq and Afghanistan need to be shipped at least three weeks in advance to insure they will arrive on time and they'll need to be shipped via priority mail or first class. Packages larger than the Flat Rate Box will need to be sent 1-3 weeks earlier. If you can start sending packages even earlier, it will be better for the Soldier and ease some of the crunch. The Postal Service delivered 20 million pounds of mail to military installations last holiday season.

What to send? Phone cards are always popular, drink mixes, MP3 players, stamps, envelopes, freeze dried heat proof snacks like jerky, nuts or trail mix hold up well. Homemade cookies are appreciated but sometimes don't arrive intact. Paperback books, cards and hometown newspapers are also welcome ways to pass the time. Check for restrictions on items that you are sending to a particular destination. In the region of Operation Iraqi Freedom, liquor, pornographic items, and pork products are prohibited.

Here are some tips to insure that your package arrives in one piece. Remember that desert temperatures often exceed 100 degrees, so be careful about anything that might melt. Provide cushioning for fragile items. Seal with two inch wide tape - don't use cord, string or twine. Make sure the package is addressed to someone specific with a name, unit, and APO/FPO address with the nine digit zip code if assigned. For packages, print the recipient's name clearly only on one side in the lower right hand portion. Include a card or paper inside with an inventory of contents in the event the package is damaged. Customs forms are required for all parcels. Make sure that you check the "Gift" option versus merchandise to avoid potential duty or import taxes.

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