Rethinking Care Packages
Any one search query, for a set of very popular keywords like "Military Care Package" or "Troop Support" or "GI Care Packages", on a search engine like Google, or Yahoo, will, no-doubt, retrieve thousands upon thousands of quality results.
After years of compiling the best care package resources, the content of this Squidoo Lens will introduce you to an entirely unique way of thinking about, and addressing, the needs of your loved one(s) serving overseas.
While this lens is quite lengthy, and plentiful in rich, original, content, we sincerely hope that you will stick with us, and enjoy the unique perspective we are about to shed on assembling care packages for your loved one(s), in the Military.
Single out just ONE.....
.....or make your own!
Any of the above Care Packages (in the ABOVE Pictures) can be sent directly to your loved one(s) serving, in the U.S. Military, at home, or abroad.
OR
You can try your hand at making one of your own, while using the guidance, as well as the individual, recommended products, we give you throughout this Squidoo lens, and it's many complementary lenses!
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NOTE:
While this Squidoo lens, and all its many fellow complementary lenses, will carry a Military-related theme, the beauty of this topic, and the concepts we present, is that they can be applied to any of your care-packaging needs!
Enjoy!
this Squidoo Lens: a Massive Project.......
.....but, Well Worth It!
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In an attempt to counter what appears to be a national sentiment towards lessening Troop Support, in lieu of the War Efforts seemingly becoming "old news" in the eyes of our national media, this Squidoo Lens will be developed as an offshoot project of the Facebook Group, "10,000,000 Strong for Our Troops" located HERE:10,000,000 Strong for Our Troops' Facebook Group!
- If you have a Facebook Account, feel free to Join this group, and INVITE all your friends. As a Nation, Let's not forget our Troops!
With a commanding presence of over 148,000 members, and growing significantly with each day, this group is now proud to be the largest 'Troop Support' Group on Facebook!
1,000 Members at 10:57 PM (EST) 11/06/2007
2,000 Members at 5:24 AM (EST) 11/08/2007
3,000 Members at 7:37 PM (EST) 11/08/2007
4,000 Members at 9:36 AM (EST) 11/09/2007
5,000 Members at 5:28 PM (EST) 11/09/2007
6,000 Members at 11:43 AM (EST) 11/10/2007
7,000 Members at 7:37 AM (EST) 11/11/2007
8,000 Members at 6:39 PM (EST) 11/11/2007
10,000 Members at 1:53 PM (EST) 11/12/2007
11,000 Members at 6:30 PM (EST) 11/12/2007
12,000 Members at 11:00 PM (EST) 11/12/2007
13,000 Members at 11:00 AM (EST) 11/13/2007
19,000 Members at 11:00 PM (EST) 11/13/2007
20,000 Members at 9:30 AM (EST) 11/14/2007
28,000 Members at 11:15 PM (EST) 11/16/2007
40,000 Members at 11:00 PM (EST) 11/19/2007
50,000 Members at 11:00 PM (EST) 11/21/2007
80,000 Members at 9:30 PM (EST) 11/29/2007
90,000 Members at 6:00 PM (EST) 12/2/2007
101,000 Members at 7:00 PM (EST) 12/5/2007
117,000 Members at 6:00 PM (EST) 12/10/2007
120,000 Members at 8:00 PM (EST) 12/11/2007
134,000 Members at 10:00 PM (EST) 12/25/2007
148,000 Members at 10:30 AM (EST) 02/20/2008
As this Squidoo Lens, most certainly, branches off into MANY other informative, yet complementary lenses, many members of our Facebook Group will be contributing, frequently, to its content.
Who will be contributing to this lens?
Authoritative source(s)? You be the Judge!
- U.S. Military Veterans, of ALL Service Branches
- Wives/Husbands, of U.S. Servicemen, and Women
- Girlfriends/Boyfriends, of U.S. Servicemen, and Women
- General American Supporters, of our U.S. Military
- Dedicated, and Supportive, Family Members of U.S. Military Personnel
Three Basic Approaches!
1) Send a Pre-made care package directly, to any APO/FPO address, through a service like Amazon.com.
2) Send individual products directly.
~APO/FPO~
3) Assemble your own!
*While we will address all of these approaches within this Squidoo lens, a majority of this lens' content will be focusing on the THIRD approach.
TWO Care Packages for the Price of ONE!
Yes!....that's right......you heard us correctly!
Courtesy of the innovative folks at Squidoo.com, through which this Squidoo lens is being hosted, now we will be directing a large percentage of any, and all, proceeds generated by this lens to a Military Non-profit Organization called 'the Soldiers' Angels'!
Conveniently enough, this is a dedicated group of individuals who, amongst many other things, assemble care packages for our Troops.
So.....no matter which of the three approaches (ABOVE) that you choose, a large percentage of any proceeds received from this Squidoo lens will be directed wholly, and entirely, to their efforts, without any interference from any middle man.
Through this Lens, not only can you assemble individual products for inclusion into your care package, but, as you do that, you will be contributing to an Organization that is doing the exact same thing as you are.
Testing the Waters
a Quick POLL for your Enjoyment!
Have no fear, whether you are a Care-package-sending-Veteran, or this is your first time, we assure you, this lens will present an entirely different way for you to think about assembling a care package!
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an Incredible Expression of Yourself
"Unwrapping" the 'Care Package': Step-by-Step!
Contrary to popular belief, the infamous 'care package' didn't just emerge as a sidenote to the unfortunate events of 9/11, and our pursuant U.S. Occupation of both Iraq and Afghanistan.
As long as there has been war, it has been around: the underlying principles linking loved ones, despite the vast distance of separation, still exists, and flourishes, today.
This lens will give you all the tools you need to display an ultimate expression of yourself.
In fact, what you put into your care package should be well thought out: beyond the simple, generic, items that many have become accustomed to. This Squidoo lens will diverge greatly from that norm.
As veterans ourselves, we will show you EXACTLY what items got us through our lengthy deployments, and, we hope you use this knowledge towards assembling the best expression of yourself possible.
As long as there has been war, it has been around: the underlying principles linking loved ones, despite the vast distance of separation, still exists, and flourishes, today.
This lens will give you all the tools you need to display an ultimate expression of yourself.
In fact, what you put into your care package should be well thought out: beyond the simple, generic, items that many have become accustomed to. This Squidoo lens will diverge greatly from that norm.
As veterans ourselves, we will show you EXACTLY what items got us through our lengthy deployments, and, we hope you use this knowledge towards assembling the best expression of yourself possible.
Online Ways to send a Pre-made Care Package Directly!
....flexing your creative muscle.....
No matter which approach you ultimately choose, it is truly the thought that counts.
Fortunately, with the following options, the companies who have assembled them know just what it takes for these care packages to be received with outstretched arms and a welcoming heart.
Fortunately, with the following options, the companies who have assembled them know just what it takes for these care packages to be received with outstretched arms and a welcoming heart.
- Hickory Farms: Hickory Basket of Treats Gift Basket
"Delivery to APO/FPO addresses is available and in support of our troops, we're waiving the additional $6.00 fee required for APO/FPO shipments."- Overstock: Junk Food Junkie Gift Basket
APO/FPO Shipping: "We can ship most items to APO/FPO destinations. We usually deliver such items to the US military post office within 5-10 business days of the day you order."- Military Clothing and Equipment Squidoo Lens
- Military Clothing and Equipment
Here's my favorite link:
SKIP the assembly: I want to Send a Pre-made Care Package NOW!
a NEW way to assemble a Care Package!
Applying Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs: Giving this Squidoo Lens an Organizational Structure!
Because of the massive quantity of information available in this Squidoo Lens, we have decided to apply a simple scientific approach to Troop Support, in order to help facilitate the organizational scheme of our Squidoo Lens.Our good friend (Actually, wev'e never REALLY met, beyond the confines of his theory), American Psychologist, Abraham Maslow, will provide the structural framework for expansion of the content in THIS Squidoo Lens.
Although, it has been many decades since he has passed away, his proposal of the 'hierarchy of human needs' will help us guide you through this Squidoo lens' content. As you continue what may be a seemingly endless task of "scrolling down" this page, we will engage in a process of learning, and understanding..........
Together!
We will have fun together, as we explore the basic needs of our loved ones, who are currently serving their country, bravely, overseas. The material we present, the content we discuss, and the interaction YOU provide to this Squidoo Lens, will, most certainly, facilitate a much better understanding of what our Love ones experience overseas, without our actually being there.
Rest assured, we hope you choose to BOOKMARK this Squidoo lens, because we will do everything in our power to make it the finest, most qualified, resource for any consideration you may have regarding 'Troop Support'.
Have we lost you yet???
To the Classroom!!!!!!!
Learning the Basics
.......and, moving forward.....
As if the pyramid-looking diagram above wasn't enough to make you scratch your head in curiosity (or confusion), pull up a chair, grab a desk, and make yourself at home. If you start to get sleepy, feel free to excuse yourself to do some quality push-ups in the back of the classroom. That'll get your blood flowing and encourage your unlimited attention.This lesson will be brief, but, it will also be extremely important: providing a workable foundation for a better understanding of your loved ones, what they may be experiencing overseas, and what YOU can do to address those needs. The more needs that are addressed, the greater their satisfaction will be, and, with all unknown variables aside, the love and care you display may contribute greatly to their safe return home.
By the end of this Squidoo lens, you will be able to successfully think 'outside the box' when assembling your own care package.
Now, Introducing your 'Professor(s)'!
Linking our General American Population to those who serve us Overseas.
Before we start, we realize the incredible need to establish credibility.Why should you listen to us, let alone, read any further down our Squidoo Lens?
We aren't "professors", per se, but we ARE subject matter experts. This lens will be continually developed by a small handful of United States' Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Not only do we know what it feels like to receive tremendous support, from the homefront, in many different forms, but, we have also experienced the other end of the spectrum: the full extent of emptiness related to lack of support.
We have all served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or both countries, and we truly believe we are fully qualified to give a detailed, STEP-by-STEP, guide that is meant to be used by those on the homefront.
Whether your relation to a serviceman, or woman, currently serving, is familial or not, we believe that the content of this Lens can be used extensively in realizing the TRUE needs of our men and women serving overseas.
Who is this 'Abraham Maslow' guy.......
.....and why should I care, anyway?
In short, Abraham Maslow is mostly noted today for his proposal, and further development, of a 'hierarchy of human needs'. He is also considered the father of Humanistic Psychology......the truth is, though......you really don't NEED to 'care' about who he is, or his many accomplishments.
Rest assured, there will be no test on this material.
That is a promise. We keep our promises. That's a promise.
The reason Abraham Maslow is important to us, though, in context of our Squidoo Lens, is because his work gives us incredible insight into what WE can do for our loved one's serving their country bravely, whether it be at home, or abroad.
a Challenge for all of Us!
Let's make the best care package.....Together!
Military care packages bring the comforts of home to our troops. According to Treats for Troops, "there are currently over 1.4 million men and women on active military duty with mail delivered to nearly two thousand military post offices, located in over 85 countries, including Navy and Coast Guard ships."While the military provides the basics of food, shelter and gear, all of these soldiers must use their military pay to buy personal items and treats. Even if they are willing to pay for them, some personal items are hard to find, especially in combat zones. Military care packages makes soldiers' lives a little bit easier and more enjoyable by providing these extras.
Imagine running out of sunscreen in the desert, or just wanting a little taste of home instead of the usual MREs. A package of wet wipes may be the closest thing to a shower the troops have had all month. A book or magazine will help a soldier relax and escape reality for a few hours. Military care packages can take care of these needs and more while showing the troops that people back home are thinking about them.
Level by Level.......
......Starting at the bottom!
Here is a 3-D representation of the Pyramid presented earlier on in our Squidoo lens:When assembling any care package, we can apply this representation. Our adventures will begin at the very base of this pyramid, and, we will gradually make our way to the peak.
Because the items found, at the base, are absolutely essential to our survival, not only will we spend more time addressing them, but, hopefully their importance will be realized, and worthy of consideration for inclusion into any care package that you may send in the future.
Physiological Needs
Starting at the Bottom: One Level at-a-time!
Check out our Complementary Squidoo Lenses, that expand the content of this Lens!
Quick NOTE: Climate
Let's not forget that BOTH Iraq, and especially Afghanistan, are countries of severe EXTREMES.
Any care package should not be made with the assumption that it will always be "HOT" there.
Nightime may offer a completely opposite weather pattern than what soldiers may be accustomed to experiencing during the day.
Replace those Electrolytes!
Stay Hydrated!
Any quality Military training will tell Soldiers that Heat injuries are a serious problem, especially in the U.S. Military's current theatre(s) of operation.
Here is the Kicker though:
Dehydration can affect Soldiers in both HOT, and COLD weather. There is always a continual need to keep the body hydrated.
If you ADD any one thing to a care package, the below products should definitely be considered. They will help combat all aspects of possible dehydration that your loved one may face, while overseas.
Here is the Kicker though:
Dehydration can affect Soldiers in both HOT, and COLD weather. There is always a continual need to keep the body hydrated.
If you ADD any one thing to a care package, the below products should definitely be considered. They will help combat all aspects of possible dehydration that your loved one may face, while overseas.
- Camelbak Men's Classic 2.1-Liter Hydration Pack
- "Featuring external fill, this entry-level system offers athletes a great value. The CamelBak Classic's low-profile designand minimalist storage options support multi-sport activities or performance cycling."
- SolLight Water Bottle with LED Light
- "Introducing the solar powered LightCap, the water bottle with a light in the lid. The LightCap is the brightest idea youve ever seen. The LightCap is not only an unbreakable one-liter water bottle, its also the coolest solar powered LED light youve ever used."
- Camelbak Women's L.U.X.E. 3-Liter Hydration Pack
- "The pack is notably comfortable thanks to the specialized women's harness, which is not only narrower than most men's harnesses, but also curves with a woman's body to guarantee a comfortable fit."
- Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets (50 tablets)
- "When drinking water is of questionable quality, use Potable Aqua Germicidal Tablets to make the water bacteriologically suitable for drinking. Confidently trusted by those who have to know - militaries, relief organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts."
- Gatorade ENDURANCE FORMULA 50.2 oz THIRST QUENCHER Specialized Electrolyte Blend Instant Mix
- "Gatorade Endurance Formula® is a specialized sports drink with approximately twice the sodium (200 mg) of Gatorade® Thirst Quencher designed to meet the needs of athletes during their long-distance training and competition when fluid and electrolyte losses become substantial. 50.2 oz instant mix container (makes 88 eight-ounce servings) Flavor: Lemon-Lime"
- CAMELBAK® HYDROLINK IN-LINE FILTER
- "Added layer of protection to your Camelbak® water supply."
Step #1
Get a free kit from the United States Post Office. Kits include envelopes, tape, boxes and other items necessary to assemble a military care package. Visit a local USPS branch, call 1-800-610-8734 or check out their official website for more information.
Step #2:
Have a specific address. In the interest of national security, the Department of Defense no longer allows delivery of packages or letters addressed to "any soldier."
Step #3:
Avoid sending prohibited items. It is unlawful to send obscene or pornographic material, liquor, cigarettes and any items illegal in the United States to soldiers. You cannot send anti-Islamic religious material or pork products to soldiers serving in the Middle East.
Step #4:
Send frequently requested items. Soldiers particularly enjoy holiday decorations, disposable cameras, personal hygiene items, prepaid phone cards, baby wipes, playing cards, AA batteries, energy bars (Hooah brand) and gum.
STEP #5:
Include personal correspondence. Handwritten letters mean a lot to troops, even if they're from a stranger. If you want to keep in touch with the soldier who receives your care package, include a return address and invite him to write back.
Step #6:
Follow guidelines for properly addressing military care packages. Print the soldier's full name, Army or Fleet Post Office (APO/FPO) address and the sender's return address on one side of the box. Use the proper customs form provided by the postal service.
Step #7:
Include personal items like photographs, children's drawings and homemade baked goods if sending a care package to a loved one. If sending an anonymous package, include recent sports magazines or national newspapers
New Guestbook
submit
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Reply
- Reggie_Marigold Reggie_Marigold Oct 1, 2008 @ 7:11 pm
- What an amazing lens. The care packages I send in the future will be that much better because of the information in this lens. Thank you.
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Reply
- CourageCommunity CourageCommunity Aug 13, 2008 @ 9:01 pm
- Please help spread the word about a new online veteran support network, The Courage Community. It's a free, non-profit, non-partisan, apolitical online social network and resource portal for veterans, their friends, families and supporters. Visit www.CourageCommunity.org to join... Always confidential, always free.
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- stargazer00 stargazer00 Jul 7, 2008 @ 12:01 am
- Great topic and well done. 5* Fave and a lensroll to my Navy Nuke lens!
~~Wife of a Vietnam Vet, Mom of a U.S. Sailor
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- GreensboroRealEstateBroker GreensboroRealEstateBroker Mar 20, 2008 @ 7:21 am
- This is a great idea to show support. Just never realized there was so much information.
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- SemperFidelis SemperFidelis Mar 9, 2008 @ 6:50 am
- Blessed by a Squid Angel today! :o)
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- d-artist d-artist Mar 4, 2008 @ 7:10 am
- GREAT lens!if it where not for the care packages we received after the war I don't know what would have happened to us(Germany). My husband is a Vietnam Vet and does a great deal to help Vets of all wars...God Bless our troops...This is the greatest country in the world! 5*s
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- driewe driewe Mar 1, 2008 @ 11:32 pm
- Incredible lens, 5 stars
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- KimGiancaterino KimGiancaterino Feb 29, 2008 @ 11:36 am
- Wonderful lens! Thank you for supporting our troops.
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- happy-jack happy-jack Feb 28, 2008 @ 5:00 pm
- Thank you fellows,the efforts being made today will
make returns, that can not be dreamed of. Keep on with
this good work.
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Reply
- x3xsolxdierx3x x3xsolxdierx3x Feb 23, 2008 @ 9:29 pm
- This is one of the best Squidoo Lenses Iv'e ever seen! :)
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Must SEE Squidoo Lenses!
- United States' Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan Squidoo Lens
- http://www.squidoo.com/usvia
New Cost of the War in Iraq
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""
New The Most Important Thing
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Top-100 Deployment Products!
....Courtesy of Brigade Quartermaster, Ltd.!
If you'd like to bypass sending a care package, all of these items can be shipped DIRECTLY to your loved one overseas, as long as you have a valid APO/FPO address.
"Homefront": a Novel
Written by Kristen Tsetsi
"An intimate deployment story told from an uncommon perspective."We met this particular author through frequent email exchanges on our MySpace site, and as we continued to share experiences, we quickly became close personal friends with her. Her "debut novel, 'Homefront', takes us into the life of twenty-six year old Mia, who faces a battle against anxiety, loneliness and despair when her boyfriend is deployed to Iraq". (Editorial Review, Bookpleasures.com, April 24, 2007)
Her work is an inspiration, and we highly-recommend it.
Product Details
Purchase "Homefront: a Novel"
Kristen's Bio:
"Kristen Tsetsi is a freelance and fiction writer whose writing has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and appeared on the MWA's list of notable stories of 2006.
Her husband deployed to the Middle East with the 101st Airborne Division just before the Iraq war started and came back a year later."
"No anecdotes.
No self-help.
No chicken soup.
No how-to's.......
Just the raw, honest, intimate story."
To READ more Editorial/Customer Reviews CLICK HERE (or on the below Quote).
"For me, a soldier who has felt the gut-wrenching emptiness brought on by long periods of being without my loved one, it is rare to find a book that captures just what it's like to be tortured by circumstance and a forlorn existence. Homefront is one of those rarities...Homefront is powerful."
--Andrew A., US Army, Infantry/Ordinance
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by x3xsolxdierx3x
U.S. Army Combat Veteran/ Registered Nurse (RN). I enjoy hanging out @ InfoBarrel, the crowdSPRING Community and Facebook.
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