So inspired by the book to send care packages, and here's what I did....

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Permalink Reply by mouse on May 18, 2010 at 5:13pm

Hi Jill,

That's awesome! Good for you! I know that feels great, and this is something I've been wanting to do for a long time but have gotten a bit hung up on how to go about it.

I actually found that site last year through some research I was compelled to do after watching Richard Engel's mini-documentary Tip of the Spear. I found the process of sending packages to be a bit confusing, though. There was so much information from various threads on the site that it became overwhelming. Some of the info was pretty straightforward, but other posts listed all these convoluted instructions. I began to be concerned that I would do it wrong and that my box might not reach its destination. So far as I can sensibly see, should there be anything more to it than getting the special Armed Forces bulk rate boxes from the USPS and sending to the AnySoldier.com representative and address (APO/FPO), once you request this info from the site? I understand all the info on what to send, how to pack it, etc. but just wasn't sure about the actual mailing part. Can you let me know how you went about it? I'd be most appreciative, as this is something I'm ready, willing, and able to do on a regular basis.

Thanks again,
mouse

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Permalink Reply by Jill L on May 18, 2010 at 5:49pm

Hi!

That's exactly the situation I found myself in. I had wanted to send care packages for years, I embarassed to admit that it took me this long, but I found Brendan's info through Restrepo site and reached out to him. When I clicked on 'How to Send' on Anysoldier, it did seem convoluted (and still does), but it was pretty straightforward. He said smaller boxes are better, I ended up repacking a few times. I actually used plain brown boxes (smaller than the ones pictured), and that was just fine, too. All I did was take them to the post office with APO address all filled out and my return address, and then filled out customs forms, then shipped them to NY State APO; they go to Afghanistan from there. I only paid the postage to NY state APO from NYC. All I can tell you is that they got there a few weeks later. I hope this is helpful. Let me know if I can help further. PS -- I'm definitely ready, willing and able to send more. Jill

mouse said:

Hi Jill,

That's awesome! Good for you! I know that feels great, and this is something I've been wanting to do for a long time but have gotten a bit hung up on how to go about it.

I actually found that site last year through some research I was compelled to do after watching Richard Engel's mini-documentary Tip of the Spear. I found the process of sending packages to be a bit confusing, though. There was so much information from various threads on the site that it became overwhelming. Some of the info was pretty straightforward, but other posts listed all these convoluted instructions. I began to be concerned that I would do it wrong and that my box might not reach its destination. So far as I can sensibly see, should there be anything more to it than getting the special Armed Forces bulk rate boxes from the USPS and sending to the AnySoldier.com representative and address (APO/FPO), once you request this info from the site? I understand all the info on what to send, how to pack it, etc. but just wasn't sure about the actual mailing part. Can you let me know how you went about it? I'd be most appreciative, as this is something I'm ready, willing, and able to do on a regular basis.

Thanks again,
mouse

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Permalink Reply by mouse on May 18, 2010 at 6:27pm

Thanks a bunch, Jill! It's nice to know I wasn't just being a dork about not figuring things out! : ) You were inspired by Sebastian's book - and so am I - and I'm also now inspired by you! Thanks so much for your help and your generous reply!

Friends,
mouse

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Permalink Reply by Jill L on May 19, 2010 at 10:42am

Hey mouse,

Not a dork at all! I'm glad I was hopefully able to help. Interestingly enough, I had gotten an address from Anysoldier when I began this whole process, then Brendan and I were emailing and he gave me Vinny's APO address, and that's where I sent my boxes. Also, the guys in the post office were really really helpful, because I didn't know what the hell I was doing, but they well versed in sending these care packages and filling out the customs forms. So yes, I was inspired by the book, the SOLDIERS, the Restrepo site, Brendan, Sebastian, this site, I could go on and on and on and now I hope more people are inspired by our actions.....the true definition of community!

More soon,
Jill


mouse said:

Thanks a bunch, Jill! It's nice to know I wasn't just being a dork about not figuring things out! : ) You were inspired by Sebastian's book - and so am I - and I'm also now inspired by you! Thanks so much for your help and your generous reply!

Friends,
mouse

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Permalink Reply by Sebastian Junger on May 20, 2010 at 7:13am

Thank you so much for your support - it means a huge amount to the guys. When I was out there with them they often commented how nice it was to be remembered by people back home - especially people they didnt even know. So thank you.

Sebastian

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Permalink Reply by Jo Lombardi on May 25, 2010 at 5:43pm

Hi Jill & Katatina,

if you have any questions about mailing, feel free to ask-I supported Battle Company, Viper Company & Baker Company at the Korengal Outpost. I've used Anysoldier, and I am also a Soldiers' Angel. I have contacts with the guys who are deployed, so if you need help, just shoot me an email-or add me on facebook . www.facebook.com/jolo219

Tip of the Spear-Richard Engel special and MSNBC: that was Viper Co., most of them are in the US right now, although one is deploying to Kandahar in 2 weeks with a different unit. They were at the KOP 2008-2009.

Joanne

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Permalink Reply by mouse on May 25, 2010 at 8:07pm

Hi Joanne,

Thanks you so much for your offer of assistance! When your former Viper Company contact gets settled, please let me know what he needs and I'll be happy to write him and send what I can.

On the AnySoldier site I was contacted by the mother of Sgt. John Penich, KIA, featured in Engel's documentary. We posted to one another a few times; it was clear that she was still grieving terribly, and I think my interest in Engel's reporting and my posts provided her with some much-deserved comfort. So, regardless of that tenuous connection, I'd be honored to write to a former Viper Co. troop. Just keep me posted!

Thanks again!
Katarina

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Permalink Reply by Dave Cullen on May 31, 2010 at 2:18pm

This is such a great idea. And I love the care you took in thinking about what to include: you clearly thought about what might appeal to them.

I'm going to see if I can get the members of my forum interested in taking this up.

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