Homecoming Packages?

[Jessica]

My uncle is returning from Afghanistan this month, and I'd like to get together a homecoming package to send out to Texas for when he gets home. He has a wife and kids, so it's not that I need to get his provisions or food - just fun stuff that he might have missed while he ewas gone.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Those of you who served overseas- was there anything you just couldn't wait to have when you go back to the States?

Any suggestions are appreciated. I need to get everything in the mail by Wednesday or so...


Thanks!

[rockmama]

How about tickets to some fun things (movies, museums, theme parks...whatever he enjoys), or gift certificates to restaurants he likes....ways for him to spend time with his family having fun, celebrating his return, etc.

Or, maybe money or gift cards to buy clothing that is not military issue?

[Flywithabowtie]

Some things I was looking forward to when I came home from overseas:

A nice home cooked meal
A dinner at my favorite restaurant
Some down time w/ the family as a whole
Some time w/ the kids
Sometime w/ my wife alone


As materialistic as we seem to be when we are here all the time, it's the simplest things we look forward to after we have been away a while.

[Jessica]

Thanks for your suggestions, guys. I like the idea of gift certificates for things to do with his family!

[19720]

How about making up a couple of care packages for the troops still there in his honor???

Playing cards, UNO, and regular decks.
socks,
hand warmers,
hard candy (Atomic Fireballs, Jolly Rancher hard candy for service member use)
Chewing Gum
Smarties or Sweet Tart candies (for local children who prefer sour style candy to build relationships with community)
Baby Wipes,
Beef Jerky/Slim Jims, Sunflower seeds, Peanuts, Seasoning Salt (Lawry's, etc.)
Powdered Energy/Electrolyte Replacement Drink Mix (Gatorade, etc.)
Avon Skin So Soft - (great for removing face paint)
AA-cell Alkaline Batteries
Personal Hygiene Gear: Disposable Razors, Toothbrush and Tooth Paste Eye Wash / Drops (Visine, etc.) for flushing dust and sand out of the eyes
Magazines... ANYTHING THAT WOULD REMIND THEM OF HOME!
Zip-Lock style Plastic Storage Bags - assorted sizes, heavier freezer style are better
Copenhagen Snuff in a tin ("Even if the service member doesn't dip snuff, they will be a hero and have more power than the Commanding Officer if they have a 'log' (10 cans) of 'Hagen.' A large percentage of infantry use this stuff and it is hard to get. The stuff they do get comes in a plastic can and tastes terrible. The 'Stateside Hagen' is the most powerful bargaining tool in a field environment!")

Pre-paid Phone Card so service member can call home

Once he walks in the door, give him a big hug, and let him know that you just sent to Afghanistan, a care package for a fellow service man...

About six months ago we sent some to some service men and women in Iraq.

[frogman68]

I am with Fly just something he can do with the family.
How young are the kids ? a couple of children Dvd's since when kids are young like that it takes them some time to remember daddy sitting at home with a movie is good too

[Silver Eagle]

My uncle is returning from Afghanistan this month, and I'd like to get together a homecoming package to send out to Texas for when he gets home. He has a wife and kids, so it's not that I need to get his provisions or food - just fun stuff that he might have missed while he ewas gone.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Those of you who served overseas- was there anything you just couldn't wait to have when you go back to the States?

Any suggestions are appreciated. I need to get everything in the mail by Wednesday or so...


Thanks!

Have someone in his family contact the Local USO .They have some really good things going on.

[wendy]

TastyKakes! Oh, wait, that's just what I get friends who used to live here but moved south...oh well, they're still a fun thing to get! Send Tastykakes!

[longnecker]

If he is coming back to this area right now how about a hat and gloves. I like the idea of gift cards. I would use prepaid AX or Visa so they could be used anywhere for whatever HE wants.

[Silver Eagle]

How about a parade.?

[ScentsyLorien]

All my husband wanted was bacon and beer. LOL! I don't know what he did while there, or what he went through, but I always avoided crowds and chaos until he readjusted. I would say dvd's, a pizza joint gift card, and some board games to play as a family.