Saturday, November 30, 2013

CANADA MILITARY NEWS: Troops Christmas Wish List-NORAD AND SANTA looking 4 u kids- what 2 mail and where pls- December 2013- the good stuff- NORAD-SANTA/Videos- We love u so much NATO-ISAF GLOBAL TROOPS- land, sea, air


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Canada: Santa to be on NORAD's radar again
By Tom Roeder Published: December 1, 2013 | 12:00 am • 1
34 10 email 64 print

Photo -
Multimedia
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The radars are being tuned and the satellites synchronized as the North American Aerospace Defense Command prepares for its most prominent mission of the year.
The command expects more than 20 million Internet users and 100,000 callers to follow its Christmas Eve tracking of Santa Claus as he makes his way west around the globe.
"It's the biggest outreach program in the Department of Defense," said Stacy Knott, a spokeswoman for the binational command, which has been defending North America from enemy air and space threats since 1958.
The military has been tracking Santa since 1955, when department store advertisement in The Gazette asked kids to call Santa on Christmas Eve.
But the number in the paper inadvertently connected to NORAD's predecessor, Continental Air Defense Command.
Instead of hanging up on the kids, the sky-searching airmen turned to tracking Saint Nick, starting a tradition that has grown every year since.
Canadians joined the mission after the NORAD agreement was reached.
In the Internet age the Santa-tracking franchise has gone viral. The command's site NoradSanta.org, which rolls out for a new season Sunday, gets hits from almost every nation on Earth and now offers games and activities for kids eager for Santa's trek.
"Our website has a whole new creative design," Knott said. "It is more interactive and more accessible to more people."
One feature for 2013: Norad Santa.org will feature a new game every day through Dec. 24.
The command isn't shunning its telephone roots. Before dawn on Christmas Eve, trackers will be answering the phone at 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723). Included in each call is Santa's latest location and an admonition for children to head to bed before his arrival.
Even as the Pentagon works to cut $1 trillion from its coffers, the Santa mission continues. But not with tax money.
The command has corporate donors and volunteers to run the program.
In the air, Knott said, Santa's escorts over North America are pilots flying other missions with Operation Noble Eagle, designed to prevent another 9/11-style attack.
"Physically, we use the same things for the daily mission," Knott said, noting that CF-18 Canadian fighters and American F-16s will greet the sleigh.
One goal this year, Knott said, is to show the world that NORAD has more missions than its best-known work Dec. 24.
"We're trying to make sure we have a balance between showing the operational side of NORAD and how we track Santa," she said.


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It's A Soldier's Christmas 



Canadian Forces, Force Protection Platoon stationed in Kandahar 2009-2010.
Song by Carol Adams (family member of the Force Protection Platoon)
Paintings by Silvia Pecota (www.silviapecota.com)
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Soldier's Silent Night.wmv 







Instructions for mailing overseas

1. Guidelines for mailing by Canada Post
CHRISTMAS MAILING GUIDELINES: Mail intended for Christmas delivery to Canadian Armed Forces personnel serving overseas and using the Belleville address must arrive at Belleville by 15 November 2013.

Canada Post Free Mail Initiative

From 15 October 2013 until 11 January 2014, family and friends of Canadian Armed Forces members deployed on overseas mission will be able to send parcels for free at any Canada Post retail outlets. Letters up to 500 grams to deployed troops can also be sent free of charge until 31 Dec 2014. The above is applicable to mail being sent to any of the PO BOX STN FORCES, Belleville, Ontario addresses and to any deployed Her Majesty's Canadian Ships.
It is important to note that parcels and letters must be addressed to a specific soldier, and include rank and mission information. Senders can purchase additional options for their parcels such as coverage for loss or damage and signature. To ensure the proper custom declaration forms and addressing information, parcels and letters should be deposited at a Canada Post full-service retail outlet.
Mail deposited in street letter boxes will not be delivered. It is strictly prohibited to use this service to send humanitarian aid or charitable donations considering that neither can be forwarded overseas via the Canadian Armed Forces Postal Service as per existing regulations (CANFORGEN 02/09 SJS 002/09 081418Z JAN 09).

CAF family members and friends sending letters or packages to deployed CAF Members

Sending letters and packages can be a wonderful way to keep in touch with loved ones and friends serving overseas. Here are some guidelines to assist in properly preparing your letter or parcel.
  • Plan in advance for special occasions. Once an item is mailed, it could take up to three weeks for the mail to be delivered to the addressee in theatre. If an individual in theatre is consistently experiencing more than three weeks for mail to arrive, it is recommended that the indivdiual discuss the matter with their serving Canadian Forces postal support personnel in theatre.
  • Parcels must be clearly addressed with rank, initials and name; unit and section. See addresses for overseas operations.
  • Clearly write the sender's address in the top left corner.
  • If mailing by Canada Post, any postal services costing $5 or more is GST exempt.
  • Ensure that the parcel is wrapped properly and securely and use packing tape. Do not use string to bind the parcel.
  • The following are specific guidelines for this service (Note: Oversize and overweight parcels will not be accepted):
    • Weight: Maximum 20 Kg (Approx 44 lb).
    • Size: Two conditions must be met regarding size:
      • maximum length is one meter (Approx 39");
      • the maximum length plus girth is two meters (Approx 79")
        The definition of girth =width + height + width + height.
Diagram of package dimensions
In the following illustration, the parcel has the following dimensions: length = 1.0 m (Approx 39"), width = 0.3 m (Approx 12"), and height = 0.15 m (Approx 6").
To calculate its maximum size simply add the length (1.0 m) + its girth (0.3 m + 0.15 m + 0.3 m + 0.15 m) = 1.9 m (Approx 75").
  • When mailing by Canada Post, a Canada Customs declaration form is required with every parcel addressed to one of our Belleville PO BOX STN Forces addresses or when sending mail to a deployed HMC Ship serviced through either Halifax and or Victoria. The Customs form must be signed by the sender of the parcel. Parcels sent to Canada through a Canadian Forces Post Office must also bear a Customs declaration form. Customs authorities of the destination country may examine all mail and may confiscate any prohibited item. Note that sending illegal and prohibited items may lead to criminal charges being laid against the sender. "
  • Batteries should be sent in the original packaging and not loose or in a device.

Mail Regulations

No article may be sent by mail if their nature or packaging may expose postal employees to hazards, or damage other items of mail. Mailing the following items is strictly prohibited:
  • alcohol, beer and wine
  • tobacco products, cigarette and cigar
  • weapons, including replicas
  • Knives
  • explosives, radioactive materials or ammunition
  • matches
  • flammable liquids or solids
  • compressed gas
  • propane cigarette lighters
  • corrosive fluids
  • obscene magazines or pictures
  • drugs
  • perishable items

Canadians sending letters for “Any Canadian Armed Forces member” 

  • Canadian Forces members serving overseas appreciate receiving correspondence from Canadians as well as groups, schools and organizations from across Canada.
  • Post cards, greeting cards and letters may be sent as per the addressing instructions below.
  • The Canada Post free letter mail program is not extended to letters/cards addressed to “Any Canadian Forces Member” and all such items will require postage.
  • Only parcels as described in the “Bulk Mail” section below are acceptable. Parcels addressed to “Any Canadian Forces member” containing any items other than correspondence will be returned to sender and the sender’s expense. For those wishing to send care packages or donations please refer to this link: Donations.

Bulk mail

Schools, groups, businesses and associations may send cards and letters bulked in a parcel.  The parcel is not to contain any other item other than correspondence.  Parcels found to contain items other than correspondence will be returned to the sender at the sender’s expense.

Addressing

All letters and parcels containing letters/cards are to be addressed to "Any Canadian Forces member". Please refer to our "Operational Addresses" to obtain the address information. Note that the lines "Rank/Initials/Name" and "Unit/Section" of the operational address are to be replaced with "Any Canadian Forces member".
For example, if writing to Afghanistan, the address should be:
Any Canadian Forces Member
Op Attention
Kabul
PO Box 5140 Stn Forces
Belleville ON K8N 5W6

2. Canadian Forces Morale Mail guidelines from Canada to theatre

The Morale Mail service provides families and friends within Canada a cost-free alternative to using Canada Post to send care packages to those serving at a CAF deployed operation.

Eligibility

Families and friends within Canada may send letters and parcels to Canadian Forces members, DND employees, CAFPSA personnel, and CAF Contractors.

Delivery time frame

Because Morale Mail is often sent only once weekly from locations across Canada, it may take as long as 28 days from the time of mailing to delivery to the addressee in Theatre.

Indemnity or expediency

If either is a concern, it is strongly encouraged that the item is sent via Canada Post with an appropriate amount of insurance or with a service that has a faster delivery time such as Canada Post Express Post or Priority Courier service.

Where to mail

Morale Mail can be dropped off typically at a Base or Wing Military Family Resource Centre, Mail Room, or Military Post Office.
Within the National Capital Region (Ottawa) - Morale Mail may be sent within the internal mail system.  It is essential to write “Via HCC” on the item to the right of the address.

Mailing Guidelines

As per the Guidelines for mailing by Canada Post. Customs Documentation is not required but the contents must be written on all parcels; just below the return address is an ideal location to list the contents.

Charitable Donations/Humanitarian Aid

Charitable donations and humanitarian aid are not acceptable within the Morale Mail system and will be returned to sender.

Donations to the troops

Donations to the troops are not accepted in Morale Mail.  Please refer to the Donations web page.

Security Screening

Senders are encouraged to place their address and phone number on the top left corner of the parcel thus enabling the CAF Postal Service to contact them should there be address or content concerns.  If the parcel contains questionable contents and there is no return address, the parcel will be opened, the contents verified, prohibited items removed, a letter enclosed explaining the actions of the CAF Postal Service, and the parcel sent to the addressee.  A record of the parcel, the contents removed, a copy of the enclosed letter, and disposition of the contents will be maintained by the CAF Postal Service.

Loss of personal property

Morale Mail Service is not recommended for sending personal property or items of any significant value.  For those items, customers are advised to use the Canada Post mail service and to purchase insurance.  DND employees and CAF members wishing to submit a claim for damage or loss pursuant to Defence Administrative Orders and Directives 7004-2 are to complete and submit the form according to the guidelines at DAOD 7004-2B and submit to their serving AJAG office.

Limitation of Liability

As this service is provided entirely by the Canadian Forces, no claim is to be raised against Canada Post Corporation. Except as specified at the “Loss of personal property” paragraph above, the Canadian Force Postal Service and the Department of National Defence shall not be responsible for any direct, indirect, general, special or consequential damages regardless of whether such damages result from the loss or mishandling, damage or delay in delivering of items mailed through Morale Mail service.

Return mail service

The Morale Mail service should not be used if the addressee is scheduled to return to Canada within four weeks of the mailing date.  Should a parcel be undeliverable in theatre, the parcel shall be taxed, and forwarded to the addressee in Canada.  If the addressee did not leave any forwarding address, the parcel shall be taxed and returned to sender.  If there is no forwarding information or return address, the parcel shall be opened in an effort to discover where the parcel is to be sent and, failing that, the contents disposed of in theatre.

Inquiries

To ask a question regarding the Morale Mail service, please click here to send us an e-mail.



3. Addresses for overseas operations










































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Santa to be on NORAD's radar again

By Tom Roeder Published: December 1, 2013 | 12:00 am 1
The radars are being tuned and the satellites synchronized as the North American Aerospace Defense Command prepares for its most prominent mission of the year.
The command expects more than 20 million Internet users and 100,000 callers to follow its Christmas Eve tracking of Santa Claus as he makes his way west around the globe.
"It's the biggest outreach program in the Department of Defense," said Stacy Knott, a spokeswoman for the binational command, which has been defending North America from enemy air and space threats since 1958.
The military has been tracking Santa since 1955, when department store advertisement in The Gazette asked kids to call Santa on Christmas Eve.
But the number in the paper inadvertently connected to NORAD's predecessor, Continental Air Defense Command.
Instead of hanging up on the kids, the sky-searching airmen turned to tracking Saint Nick, starting a tradition that has grown every year since.
Canadians joined the mission after the NORAD agreement was reached.
In the Internet age the Santa-tracking franchise has gone viral. The command's site NoradSanta.org, which rolls out for a new season Sunday, gets hits from almost every nation on Earth and now offers games and activities for kids eager for Santa's trek.
"Our website has a whole new creative design," Knott said. "It is more interactive and more accessible to more people."
One feature for 2013: Norad Santa.org will feature a new game every day through Dec. 24.
The command isn't shunning its telephone roots. Before dawn on Christmas Eve, trackers will be answering the phone at 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723). Included in each call is Santa's latest location and an admonition for children to head to bed before his arrival.
Even as the Pentagon works to cut $1 trillion from its coffers, the Santa mission continues. But not with tax money.
The command has corporate donors and volunteers to run the program.
In the air, Knott said, Santa's escorts over North America are pilots flying other missions with Operation Noble Eagle, designed to prevent another 9/11-style attack.
"Physically, we use the same things for the daily mission," Knott said, noting that CF-18 Canadian fighters and American F-16s will greet the sleigh.
One goal this year, Knott said, is to show the world that NORAD has more missions than its best-known work Dec. 24.
"We're trying to make sure we have a balance between showing the operational side of NORAD and how we track Santa," she said.

Read more at http://gazette.com/santa-to-be-on-norads-radar-again/article/1510237#uKtUhMic8o6EQibP.99







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Merry Christmas to Our Canadian Troops



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like it used to be.....

Merry Christmas. 2011. Silver Bells. By Anne Murray.
 

COMMENT:
A very nice version from Ann Murray. I have quite a quite of her songs etc. Very nice yes indeed. Thanks for sending to me.
Bill-UK

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Dear Santa... please bring daddy home 4 Christmas



Dedicated to all the Military Families
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Santa's A Canadian -VIDEO


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NORAD- HELPING SANTA- TRACKING 4 CHRISTMAS





NORAD AND SANTA GAMES 4 KIDS RIGHT UP 2 CHRISTMAS DAY 2013- ALL LANGUAGES







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God Bless our troops- then, now ...always

NATO/ISAF TROOPS- HONOUR- ALL COUNTRIES- Do I Make U Proud- 
  Pls. hug r vets, all serving r flags- then, now always, Troops, Wounded, Soldiers of Suicide, Homeless,  and hurting- from.. home and away-yelling real, real,  loud or signing- HELL YA...u all make us soooo proud.... thank u, thank u, thank u



2 families of Nato Nations from Nato troops- Do We Make U Proud: tears and prayers yes, oh yes... on this day- u are the true heroes of this earth....

Tribute to all the NATO and ISAF soldiers in Afghanistan




DECEMBER 3 2013- Gift from our Brothers and Sisters of the USA 

What Deployed Troops Really Want in Their Care Packages

bwsoldiers





Being deployed to Iraq had its ups and downs, but receiving packages from home definitely made the time I spent there less stressful.
Some of the best care packages I received were the ones that had practical items in it. We don’t have a whole lot of room for clutter, so sometimes the things that are most important to us are the most useful things that help us do our job.
While it’s nice to get a sentimental touch every once and a while, here’s a look at what service members really want in their care packages.

Downtime Activities

For as many moments of intense action service members face, there’s plenty of downtime as well. If you’re twiddling your thumbs and waiting while in the US, you have the luxury of pulling out your smartphone and killing a little bit of time. Overseas, we don’t always have that luxury, so we have to have our own fun.
Just like many people in their 20s and 30s, service members love playing video games, and it gives us a way to kill some time while having a little bit of competition between us. Board games and cards are much the same. Movies are also great to send, as is music. An iPodloaded with some of both would be fantastic.
For more solitary activities, books are an awesome thing to put in a care package, as is an e-reader loaded with a bunch of books. Many military members love plastic model kits — they’re a great way to decompress from a stressful day and focus on something else.

Personal Items

We’re on our feet a lot when we’re deployed. Accordingly, our feet can take a beating. The best way for us to keep our feet dry, clean and comfortable is with clean socks and foot powder. Things like high-quality body washVicks VapoRublip balm, and pain-reliving topical cream like IcyHot aren’t a necessity, but they can be a real luxury!
Things are sandy in the Middle East, and our goggles often get clouded by dirt in the air. Instead of relying on a t-shirt to clean them, lens cleaning cloths and small bottles of glass cleanercome in handy. Baby wipes and sunscreen were plentiful for us on our base, but your service member might need these.

Snacks

The best way to most anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and deployed service members are no different. While there’s enough food to go around on base, much of it can be a little bland, and the variety is lacking. Hot sauce is a great commodity to have around, and the convenience of Taco Bell sauce packets are great to have in the field. Similarly, many places the armed forces are deployed to are very hot, and we need to constantly remain hydrated.Flavoring packets that make water taste like lemon, strawberry or orange are awesome.
Beef jerky and sunflower seeds are great treats, but for a little bit of local flavor, try something that your loved one can’t get overseas, like a bottle of barbecue sauce from a local restaurant.
As with anything you send, it needs to be non-perishable. Sending homemade cookies or soft candies halfway around the world just won’t cut it. And please don’t send food in the same package as you do shampoo or other toiletries — there’s nothing worse than getting some treats from home covered in soap.

Sentimental Things

While all of the above are great, sometimes we just need an extra boost of confidence from home. While emails are convenient, they don’t have the same poignancy and convey the same emotion as a hand-written letter.
While we’re away, remember to take videos of everything: baby’s first steps, parties, family get-togethers, and even just lounging around the house. Put some of those on a USB drive and send it, too.
What did you like to receive when you were deployed? Leave a message in the comments.
Photo courtesy The National Guard




















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TROOPS CHRISTMAS WISH LIST-  AWESOME





SOCKS ARE ON THE TOP OF THE LIST RIGHT NOW



 

Current Wish List for Care Packages:
             support ribbon
  • Cold drink mixes – Gatorade, Crystal Lite, Kool Aid or the individual flavor straws you add to bottled water
  • Ground Coffee (not instant) and hot tea. Coffee creamer and sugar packets too!
  • Power Bars, cereal bars, trail mix, granola bars and healthy snacks ramen Noodle packs (the big cups are hard to pack and limit what we can fit in the packages)
  • Slim Jims, Beef or Turkey Jerky                                                                                                                                           
  • Sunflower Seeds & Nuts
  • Individual snacks like chips, crackers, cookies, cheese/cracker kits
  • Peanut Butter & Jelly – small size plastic jars please
  • Small sewing kits and manicure kits
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent, Chap Stick with sunscreen, Carmex, Blistex                                              
  • Body wash mens and ladies
  • Shampoo - mens and ladies
  • Toothbrushes only, NO toothpaste  
  • Deodorant
  • Foot Powder and foot cream for athlete's foot
  • Odor Eaters (for boots), Dr. Scholl's foot pads, blister pads
  • Hand Sanitizer - small size bottles to carry with them
  • Shave cream – non-aerosol only and good razors  
  • Mens and Ladies underwear in sizes Small, Med, Large
  • Mens and Ladies calf high socks or boot socks in black or white.
  • New or used game systems like PS3, PS2, WII, Xbox or Xbox 360
  • Video games for the systems above or small hand-held games
  • CDs and DVDs - New or used are fine. Current releases are appreciated
  • AT&T Global Pre-Paid Calling Cards
  •  



Christmas Ideas for deployed Soldiers...


I recently received an email asking for advice about what to get a young Marine, who is likely to be deployed soon, for Christmas. That got me thinking, and I am guessing that there are a whole lot of people out there this Christmas who are wondering the same thing. With such a large amount of troops either deployed or deploying, it can’t hurt to put up a generic Christmas list that would be good for almost any Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine.

As I mentioned in my reply to the received email, Soldiers generally like things that are: 1. Time Saving 2. Time Consuming 3. Functional 4. Pointy.

I am going to break it down into categories according to cost. The Christmas present from a niece or nephew in middle school is not going to be the same as the one from Mom and Dad for their son or daughter’s first deployment.

Relatively Inexpensive- (trying to keep it under or around 30 bucks…)

Time Saving: Care packages with necessary items, such as soap, shampoo, razors, shaving cream, baby wipes, stationary, pens, AA batteries etc. This is mainly for the guys who are already deployed. They can get this stuff there, but it saves them a trip and they’ll definitely use it. Include some good stuff like Beef Jerky, Slim Jims, hard candy, or whatever they like.

Time Consuming: These are the things that will keep them busy during down time between missions. They are working hard over there, but they will usually have some free time here and there, and boredom sucks. DVDs, CDs, and books are great. If you send DVDs you might want to avoid sending the latest blockbuster, since most of them will already have seen it. Try to send either a specific movie that you know they like, or one of the classics. If you know they are a Monty Python fan, send them the Holy Grail or Meaning of Life for instance. If you know they like Chevy Chase or Alfred Hitchcock, send a box set. There are certain movies that are almost universally popular among the military. Of course they are war movies, but not all war movies are the same. I would say the top three classics are We Were Soldiers, Saving Private Ryan, and Blackhawk Down, as long as you know they don’t have them already.

Books are more difficult to pick, and fewer people seem to read today than in the past. Then again, a lot of people read books on deployments who wouldn’t otherwise. If you know they like Fantasy or Science Fiction, I would recommend something by Robert Jordan, George R. R. Martin, Terry Goodkind, Terry Brooks, or of course J. R. R. Tolkien. I also like the Dark Tower series by Stephen King.

If your Soldier is a little on the intellectual side, with a good (but maybe odd) sense of humor, try the Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson. If they like that they’ll like the next three books that make up The System of The World also.

If they like military related book s, there are several series out there that are worthwhile. Anything by Stephen Ambrose is going to be good. His books are basically history given from first hand accounts of the soldiers who lived it. Michael Shaara wrote The Killer Angels, and then his son Jeff took it from there and has written several excellent books about the Civil and Revolutionary Wars. The Glorious Cause and Rise to Rebellion are outstanding.

Functional: Anything that will make their professional life easier. Commonly used items are notebooks, good pens (the Army supplies pens, but I personally hate having to use the old Skilcraft. I do it because I’m cheap, but prefer the better gel or higher end roller ball pens.), Map Pens are a big item also. The standard map markers are made by Lumocolor. A selection of six or more colors should do it, and include several extra black and at least one correction pen. Fine point is preferable.
Available at Ranger Joe's http://www.rangerjoes.com/index.php?cPath=124_134&osCsid=141ed8749927698be58a1eb6006738af


Pointy: I don’t know a Soldier who doesn’t like knives at least a little bit. Some of us get downright obsessed with them. And everyone carries one, there are just too many times during the day that they come in handy. In the inexpensive category are going to be the small, useful, everyday knives that fit easily into a pocket or clip onto a belt. Some of the better inexpensive knives are made by Buck, Spyderco, and Gerber. Nearly any small folding knife by an established company would be welcome. If I were going to name a few favorites for around 30 bucks they would be these…

The Gerber Gator. Common and classic, great knives… I have one.
Look Here http://www.gerbertools.com/display.asp?SM=12&CatNum=02&DeptNum=14&Search=YES

One of the Bucklite series. I don’t have one, but this is just a basic useful knife that doesn’t have any deficiencies I know of…
Look here
http://www.buckknives.com/search.php?op=advancedSearch&start=50&search_term=op=advancedSearch|price=3|submit=Find%20It!


Spyderco Ladybug. I know with a name like Ladybug your average grunt isn’t going to buy one, but not everyone is a grunt and I had a spyderco one size larger that was one of my favorites for a long time. I used to use it to de-rig my guntruck after air assaults. S lices through 550 cord like butter. I like serrated edges on an everyday knife like this because I don’t have to sharpen it all the time.
Look here http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/list.php?category=8&offset=21&per_page=10


A little more expensive- (Shooting for between 30-130 bucks…)

Time Saving: Hmmm… this is a tough category…

Time Consuming: First things first. Of all the movies that I don’t have, the one I want most is probably the Band of Brothers box set. It runs around 80 bucks on DVD and if you haven’t watched the whole series, you should. It follows Easy Company, 506th PIR from training in the states all the way through Normandy, Bastogne, and the end of WWII. The book was written by Stephen Ambrose and is about as historically accurate as it could b e. The box set includes commentary from the actual men of E Co, who, to me and many other Soldiers from the 101st, are literally legends and heroes. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying this for a gift whether they’ve already watched it or not. Another box set high on the list would be the Sopranos. I didn’t start watching it until just recently and I’m completely hooked. Not quite on the same level as Band of Brothers, but definitely a good series.

Another good idea would be an inexpensive MP3 player. I can tell you from experience that CDs are difficult to care for in harsh conditions.

Functional: Multi tools are always popular. There is a strong possibility that they already have one, but if they don’t then they are wishing they did. I can’t imagine one much better than the Swisstool by Victorinox, but I haven’t had to really look for one since I’ve carried this one for around five years.
Here it is

http://www.victorinox.com/newsite/en/produkte/index.htm

I’ve also heard good things about the Leatherman Wave (they have a cool
“tool finder” on their site… http://www.leatherman.com/products/tool-finder/default.asp ) and Gerber Evolution, but haven’t carried them so can’t say for sure. Gerber Evolution http://www.gerbertools.com/display.asp?SM=2&CatNum=01&DeptNum=03&Search=YES

Pointy: In this price range, I really can’t think of any knife I love more than the Applegate-Fairbairn by Gerber. I wanted one for sev eral years and my wife bought me one on our first anniversary. I’ve carried it for the last seven years and use it constantly. Mine has field dressed two deer this year and butchered one, and still has a fine edge. It’s the first knife I pick up in any situation and it still draws admiration from anyone who loves knives and sees it. Incidentally it was the “Blade of the Year” or something when it first came out and is still just as popular today. Very, very useful, but just dangerous looking enough to attract attention.
EXCALIBUR... uhhh I mean the Applegate-Fairbairn.
http://www.gerbertools.com/display.asp?SM=12&CatNum=02&DeptNum=01&Search=YES

Big Bucks- (just about anything short of taking out a second mortgage…)

Time Saving: Bah…

Time Consuming: If they don’t have one, a mini-DVD player would be handy. Laptop Computers are always good, and be sure to include a DVD drive if you’re going to spend that much anyway. A high end MP3 player with a lot of memory would be good. If you get them one, you might want to have one of their siblings or friends load it up with their favorite music before you send it to save them the trouble and expense of downloading. Have them load up a couple of CD-Rs with all the music they can and send them as well.

Functional: I guess the laptop would fall into this category as well.

Pointy: The one category I never have trouble with. If you want to send a gift that is very personal and timeless with a strong military history, there is no better knife, than the Randall. Randall Knives are handmade and have been around since WWII. They are expensive, but will only increase in value as they get older. The only Randall Knife I own is the one carried by my father-in-law during V ietnam. He bought it for 35 bucks in around 1966. Unfortunately I can’t really carry it to the field with me because it is valued at between $2500 and $3000 today.

The waiting list to have a Randall made is around four years. You can buy them from a few dealers, but obviously the price will go up. A Model 14 from Randall will cost around $290. If you buy one on Ebay, you’ll probably pay a good hundred dollars more. If the knife is a little older, you could end up in four figures pretty easily.

One of the reasons I like Randalls so much is their connection with the military. Like I said, the wait is around 4 years, but if it is being shipped to a service member they will have it there in around 6-8 weeks. All they need is either an active duty military ID (copy), or an APO address.

I believe there is no charge to have name and rank etched in tthe blade during fabrication.
Randall Knives

http://www.randallknives.com/military.asp
***********************************************



Urgent Request!! Our Troops are in need of all types of flea products to fight sand fleas.
(room sprays, foggers, "Off" spray, etc.)
Please Help.
HERE IS A GREAT PLACE TO BUY SURPLUS SOCKS
FIND A GIFT
TABASCO COUNTRY STORE
OPERATION AVON
EASTER  TREATS  FOR  THE  TROOPS
SOLDIER'S REQUEST FORM
HELMET LINERS/NECK COOLERS FOR OUR TROOPS

Military Care Packages

http://militarycarepackages.net/

Mini Products For The Troops



ITEMS  MOST  WANTED  BY  THE  TROOPS

EYE DROPS                                    RAZORS (MEN & WOMEN)

BABY WIPES (UNSCENTED)            GUM

FLAVOR - ICE POPS                        KOOL- AID
BABY POWDER                               WATER GUNS
AIR FRESHENERS                            FEBREEZE
FLY STRIPS                                      SOAP
AT&T PHONECARDS                         BUG SPRAY
FLEA COLLARS                                 LOTION
GAMES                                             SHAMPOO
ANY KIND OF SNACKS                      BEEF STICKS
UPDATED  LIST
  
All sizes, male or female, are acceptable. Items in bold most needed!
PERSONAL ITEMS
Socks & Shoes (dress and tennis)
Boots
Coats
Scarves/Mittens/ Gloves/Woolen hats
Blankets
Flat single sheets
Sleeping bags
Towels
Shirts
Dresses /Winter dresses (no short skirts as this is a Muslim culture)
Baseball caps
Sweat shirts and sweat pants
Jackets
Book bags/backpacks
Pants (for males or very young girls only)
Suits
Baby clothes
Baby bottles (plastic) no disposable bottles
Dry baby formula
Undershirts (plain no markings or logos)
Underwear
Sweaters
Long underwear
Raincoats
No short pants or cut-offs please.
Marines are in need of GREEN T-shirts. The PX only has brown.
Coleman makes a sock liner that can be worn under socks to help between laundry day
Disposable cameras

Chips are in high demand. Make sure they're the "pringles" type in cannisters, to reduce breakage.
Ketchup ... all they have is tomato paste
Beef jerky
Single serve cans of potted meats (SPAM, etc.)
Single serve cans of beans (baked, pork n')
Packaged cookies, (such as Oreos), canned seafood, cereal (healthy and sweetened), instant packages of oatmeal, flavored coffee, powder chai tea mix, fruit snacks, crackers, slim jims, spices (such as curry, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin).  There is always a shortage of Ziploc sandwich bags, disposable bowls, plates, and plastic ware.  Toiletry items such as full sized bath soap, shampoo, toothpaste, shave cream, tooth brushes are always appreciated.
Please place all cookies/ candies in a zip lock bag and place in a metal cookie tin or plastic shoebox size containers with lids taped down after postal clerk has inspected the items! This helps the soldier store his items AND keep the critters out! Some are still living in Tents!

Homemade candy/cookies are the best But they spoil faster in the climate here, So Please send store bought items as they do last longer!
Soldiers have asked everyone to Please Do Not Send Fruitcake!
Please Do Not Gift-wrap the item(s),due to the critters and climate. [Decorated tins/plastic boxes with sealable lids are much preferred!] Remember to leave one side or top of gift open and/or untapped, as the postal workers need to see and verify what is in the tins or gifts! This is not to be mean but for everyone’s safety and it’s the law!
Thank you, to everyone for helping us
Also, please remember Aerosols are not allowed to be mailed to Iraq. No Exceptions.
Some examples/ needs are:





Little Debbie Snack Cakes~ All kinds, Except Fruitcake!
Socks- any color/brand/style mostly men’s thick boot socks
Laundry Bags- preferably Mesh, Sm--Xlg
Bath Towel Sets~ Please send Bright Colors
Shower Soap/Gel Sets Men & Women
Cologne/ aftershave sets
Hand held electronic games, With batteries please!
Tins of Danish Butter Cookies preferred but all others accepted
Very Small Amount of Candy Canes
More Items

**** = Items that are a hot commodity over Here

1. Toilet Paper (take out cardboard and flatten)
2. Sun block (at least SPF-15)
3. Magazines, joke books & comics
4. Light weight tan colored cloth (sandstorm season is upon us)
5. Small flash lights or book lights
6. ****Paperback books or novels
7. Local newspapers & post cards from your home town
8. Tooth brushes and toothpaste
9. Dental floss and mouth wash
10. Disposable Razors & shave gel or foam
11. Baby wipes and refills
12. Keri lotion (not oil based for faces)
13. Chap Stick or Carmex, Talcum Powder
14. Wash rags, big fluffy towels (for the Ladies), facial cleansing pads,
15. Nail Clippers, files, Nail Polish (neutral colors not flashy)
16. Disposable cameras
17. Deodorant, Shampoo, Bar Soap, Body Wash (liquid), Q-tips,
18. Feminine hygiene products
19. Hair bands, clips, Hair Spray, Hair Gel, Brushes and Combs
20. ****Eye Drops
21. Insoles for boots or shoes
22. Black boot socks
23. Cotton balls
24. Frisbees, Nerf footballs, basket balls, electronic hand held games, Cd's & players, hackie sacks, Yo-Yo's, Kids drawings, ****squirt guns (especially with the hot season coming up)
25. Envelopes and Paper
26. Batteries any size
27. Kleenex, Saline nasal spray, Dayquil, Nyquil, pain relievers
28. Sewing Kits
29. Small Mirrors
30. Plain Black sunglasses
31. Clorox wipes
32. Zip lock bags
33. Powder laundry detergent, dryer sheets
34. Cigarettes, Copenhagen
35. Socks, t-shirts, underwear (various sizes)
36. Contact lens cleaner
37. Liquid hand sanitizer
38. ****After shave Lotion
39. Crossword, word search puzzles
40. AT&T phone cards, AT&T phone cards, AT&T phone cards

Food Items:
1. Instant Soups
2. Instant Oatmeal ? Grits
3. Tea Bags
4. Dried Fruits
5. Dried Meats Jerky (Home Made A Plus) ****
6. Slim Jims (They Go Fast) ****
7. Powdered Gatorade ****
8. Cookies in package or Ziploc bag
9. Crackers, easy cheese,
10. Chex Mix ****
11. Single serve chips
12. Gum, hard candy, Tic-Tacs, breathe mints
13. Trail Mix
14. Microwave Popcorn
15. Granola bars
16. Tuna
17. Spices, condiments
18. Summer Sausage
19. Power Bars
20. Kool Aid (with sugar)
21. Dry Cereal (individual boxes)
22. Little Debby Snack Cakes
23. Kraft Easy Mac
24. Ragu Express
25. Powdered drinks ? pre-sweetened / juice boxes
26. Sunflower seeds

Please keep all food items in original packaging. The troops do not know you personally and have become wary of eating anything not in a sealed package.
HEALTH ITEMS
NO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS PLEASE Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
Hand soap
Band-Aids &Gauze
Iodine/disinfectant/anti-bacterial
Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, etc. (no jell capsule forms as they are generally pork base)
Feminine supplies
Baby formula (powder)
Baby Shampoo/baby wash
Vaseline & Baby oil
Baby wipes
Cloth diapers (cloth)
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Pens
Pencils
Notebooks/Notepads
Composition Notebooks
Erasers
Chalk
Dry erase markers
Dry erase boards
Notebook Paper
Crayons
CHILDREN TOYS
Stuffed toys
Dolls
No electronic games please
Balloons
Card games
Soccer balls and air pumps
Baseball, gloves, bats
Footballs
Rubber balls of all types
Sports toys of all types
Children books early learning


DESERT-SAFE RECIPES
   To ensure that baked goods will withstand the high desert heat, please
review the tips below:


No butter, margarine, peanut butter or nuts should be used. These fats will
go rancid too fast in the high heat. Butter flavored vegetable shortening is
a better alternative.

No brown sugar, corn sugar, honey, or molasses should be used. The baked goods will be too soft and possibly become moldy. Only white table sugar should be used.

Chocolate & butterscotch can be used in baked goods. Once chocolate has been baked into the product and has the chance to take up moisture from the batter, the chocolate will stay rather firm.

Bar cookies and brownies are the best bets for safe packing and are quickest for baking large quantities.

Baked goods should be wrapped tightly in aluminum foil, which provides the
best barrier against humidity.

Pack goodies in sturdy boxes and surround them with foam packaging material such as Styrofoam "peanuts."


When you send baked goods, I was told by an veteran mom it’s a good idea to place a piece of bread on top of it and packed in a tin can. That helps with keeping it fresh on it’s long trip.


I’ve sent over cookies and brownies in a plastic bag with a slice of bread in them. You can also use unsalted unbuttered popcorn. I’m not sure exactly what it does, but it sure does help to keep the baked goods fresh.

 I have sent many packages with homemade baked goods. They have taken as long as 3 weeks to get there and they were still fresh when he opened them. Wrap them in plastic wrap, then foil and put in a plastic baggy.
YOU ALL REALIZE YOU CAN BAKE ANYTHING OK IT WILL STAY GOOD I SENT MY HUSBAND A CAKE AND COOKIES HE SAID THEY WERE STILL VERY SOFT THE ONLY THING IS THEY MIGHT BREAK
When I send cookies/brownies, etc. I Saran Wrap each one indivually, place them in plastic baggies and then seal them up in those disposable Gladware containers. You can use tins too, when I used a tin I also lined the top with foil before I closed the lid to seal in the freshness. I read somewhere that if you put a piece of bread in as well it helps keep them fresh, but I have never done that and my boyfriend says the cookies have been fresh anyway. He’s been lucky enough to get my packages in about 7-10 days so if you think it might be longer you may want to include a piece of bread.
A really neat way to send a cake and it stays fresh!! They love this!!!!!!!!!
Cake in a Jar
Get wide-mouth canning jars (pint size). You can find them at Walmart, other stores, or online.
Boil the jars to sterilize.
1 (18.25 oz.) package cake mix (you can use ANY cake recipe instead of packaged)
8 jars with lids and rings
1. Make the cake according to the package instructions or recipe
2. Grease the jar. Put 1 cup of batter in each jar and keep the rims of the jar clean. (I fill mine up 1/2 way–try one first before you make all of them so you know how far to fill)
3. Place jars on cookie sheet on rack on the oven (to prevent them from tipping over). Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes clean
4. While baking, boil jar lids in a pan of water ( I do rings too, but I’m anal)
5. When cake is done, take one jar out at a time and cover with hot lid. Screw on jar ring tightening it slightly.
6. The lid will seal as it cools. Listen to hear them “ping” as they seal. But if they don’t, wait until completely cool and then press on the top of the lid. If it doesn’t move at all, it’s sealed.
7. As the cake cools, it will pull away from the jar slightly. That’s ok. It just means that it will slide out of the jar easily.
8. Unsealed jars should be stored in fridge and eaten within 2 weeks. Sealed jars can also be stored in freezer; however, they should last sealed and unrefrigerated for quite a long time.
9. DO NOT FROST cake in the jar! Send frosting along.
10. Make sure you wrap the jars well (bubble wrap’s preferable, but wadded newspaper or clothing and other items will pad it too).
I’d suggest that you do a trial run of cake in a jars before you decide you’re going to send them. Try ONE jar in the oven before you fill the rest. If you don’t do this, you won’t know how far to fill them and could end up underfilling or overfilling them. If they’re slightly overfilled, mash the lid on top and screw the ring down. It’ll seal and be just fine!
Don’t forget a plastic knife (or two) for the frosting and some plastic forks.
You might want to send instructions on how to get them out–unseal, tap gently, pour out. Or the guys can eat them right out of the jar.
Desert-Safe Recipes

Recipes that follow the Middle East guidelines and tips from the Toll House
Kitchen

Try a "desert-safe" recipe to send to your loved one overseas. This recipe
has been tested in the Nestle kitchen and does meet Middle East guidelines, as well as U.S. Postal Service mailing regulations.



Creative Pan Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

1 cup butter-flavored vegetable shortening

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons water

2 cups  TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

2 1/4 cups quick oats, uncooked

1 cup chopped dried apple slices, or raisins

PREHEAT oven to 375`C).

COMBINE flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in small mixer bowl. Beat
sugar and shortening in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in eggs.
Gradually add flour mixture and water. Stir in morsels, oats and apples.
Spread batter into ungreased 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan.

BAKE for 18 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely in pan
on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Makes 48 bars.



Butterscotch Scotchies

Try a "desert-safe" recipe to send to your loved one overseas. This recipe
has been tested in the Nestle kitchen and does meet Middle East guidelines, as well as U.S. Postal Service mailing regulations.

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup butter-flavored vegetable shortening

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 tablespoons grated orange peel, (1 medium orange)

2 tablespoons water

3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats, uncooked

1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) NESTLE TOLL HOUSE Butterscotch Flavored Morsels

PREHEAT oven to 375º F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan.

COMBINE flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in small mixer bowl. Beat
shortening, sugar, eggs and orange peel in large mixer bowl until creamy.
Gradually beat in flour mixture and water. Stir in oats and morsels. Spread
batter into prepared baking pan.

BAKE for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Makes 48 bars.



Double Chocolate Brownies

Try a "desert-safe" recipe to send to your loved one overseas. This recipe
has been tested in the Nestle kitchen and does meet Middle East guidelines, as well as U.S. Postal Service mailing regulations.Source:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup vegetable shortening

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons water

2 cups (a 12-ounce package) NESTLE TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided use

2 large eggs

PREHEAT oven to 325º F. Grease 9-inch square baking pan.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.

HEAT shortening, sugar and water in medium saucepan to boiling, stirring
constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup morsels; stir until smooth.

ADD eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add in
flour mixture. Stir in remaining morsels. Spread into prepared baking pan.

BAKE for 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out
slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on wire rack; cut into squares.

Makes 16 brownies.




Irresistible Brownies

Try a "desert-safe" recipe to send to your loved one overseas. This recipe
has been tested in the Nestle kitchen and does meet Middle East guidelines, as well as U.S. Postal Service mailing regulations.Source:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup NESTLE TOLL HOUSE Baking Cocoa

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup butter-flavored vegetable shortening

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

2 cups (12-ounce package) NESTLE  TOLL HOUSE Premier White Morsels

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

COMBINE flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in small bowl. Beat shortening, sugar and eggs in large mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels. Pour into prepared baking pan.

BAKE for 25 to 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares.

Makes 30 brownies.

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