Troop Support

Some of you have asked what your churches and volunteer organizations can send to the guys that are forward deployed. Here are some of the things that the guys have requested.

• Phone Cards (Costco has a good deal.)
• Bug Spray
• Sun Screen
• After Sun Lotion
• Chap Stick and Blistex
• Shower Shoes (The kind that go across your toes, not between your toes.)
• Ziplock Bags (1 gallon and quart)
• Disposable Razors
• Wet Ones (Individual pkts - Combat water rations only allow one shower per week, and it is a short one.)
• Cough Drops (In resealable packs.)
• Dental Floss
• Any Candy (Remember it is going to get really hot, really soon so send
  stuff that won't melt.)
• Stationary (Don't need stamps. Mail coming home is free.)
• Envelopes
• Immodium AD
• Coffee Mate (The flavored kind, Amaretto is a favorite of Matts.)
• Toilet Paper (Individually wrapped rolls, it gets mighty gritty out there.)
• Reading Material
• Mole Skin (Made by Dr Scholls and is used to protect blisters on feet.)

I am told the chow is pretty bad, so if you can think of some kind of flavoring for rice (served twice per day) then try to send it. Snacks are much appreciated. Many of the troops are not near a place where they can purchase anything so what they are not issued they do not get. For those that are close enough to a facility where they can buy things, many of these things are not available for purchase as the iinventory is quite small.

If you want something to go directly for Matt, isolate it in a bag or box with his name on it. Otherwise Matt will ensure everything is distributed to the Marines and sailors.

It takes 3-4 weeks to get a package over there. Absolutely, do not try to smuggle any kind of alcohol; that could get them in serious trouble. (Not even in a maple syrup bottle like I wanted to do! Matt turned that idea off.)

A smaller box is better than a bigger box, just make sure it is a sturdy box. Put liquids in ziplock bags and protect breakables.

Mail to:
Colonel Matthew Blackledge USMC
1 MEF CE (G-4)
UIC 43601 BOX 0001
FPO AP 96613-0001

You can e-mail Matt : BlackledgeMW@imefdm.usmc.mil

Don't feel slighted if you don't hear much from him, he is so busy that he doesn't have much free time.

Note from webmaster: My mom has "adopted" a marine in Kuwait through an organization called "Operation Military Pride." Their website has a lot of good information regarding sending packages to deployed troops.

Map to Mimi's