FRG Leaders

For Soldiers serving in the oft-oppressive heat of Iraq or Afghanistan, one fun idea for a care package is a "Beat the Heat" collection. 

Start with tucking tissue paper or cellophane in various colors of blue, silver, or white into your care package box.  Feel free to decorate with 'cold' themed stickers, too (snow flakes, ice cubes, water drops, etc.).  If you have children, they can add paper snowflakes to the box.

Next, look for some of these items to complete your "Beat the Heat" box. 

Unscented, non-greasy Sport sunscreen

Sport lip balm with SPF

Water flavors like Propel or MIO

Dentyne ICE or Ice Breakers Ice Cubes gum

USB or battery-operated personal fan

Personal mister like this one from MISTYMATE

Disposable "Cool Off" towlettes

Rubik's Ice Cube game

Hockey Ice Dice game

Supersoaker Arctic Blast Water Blaster



Movies like: 2012 Ice Age, Cool Runnings, Cool Hand Luke, Ice Castles, The Ice Storm, The Cutting Edge, or Ice Age

You can Google "ice" or "cool" to find book titles to send as well.  I like to try http://www.amazon.com/ and see what they have; there were lots of book options there! 

Here are a few more fun ideas to add to your "Beat the Heat" box ...




The Chilly Pad^® provides an innovative way to cool down while enduring outdoor heat and/or high levels of physical activity. Perfect for anyone engaged in sports or work, the Chilly Pad is made from a hyper-evaporative material that retains water while remaining dry to the touch. When wet, the towel begins to evaporate and cool, providing cool, soft comfort to the user. When it stops cooling (about 1-4 hours, depending on conditions), you simply re-wet the towel in hot or cold water and wring it out. Within minutes, it's cool again. It's also machine washable, and comes in its own storage container for years of reliable use. Handy size: 27" x 17"

Enjoy!

When deployed far away, Soldiers can really miss all of the comforts of home. Sending a few items to make your Soldier more comfortable in his 'home away from home' is one way to show your support. Here are some ideas for enhancing their living space.

This is a "Dorm" Bedding in a Bag set, complete with Twin XL comforter, sheet set, mattress pad, pillow, and towel set.  Most Soldiers can utilize bedding provide for them, but finding a neutral bedding set to send is an easy way to boost morale and make sleeping a little more comfortable.

This "Sleep Better Iso-Cool Memory Foam Pillow" adjusts to body temperature and will help keep your Soldier cool at night.  A good pillow can go a long way to ensuring your Soldier gets the quality sleep he needs.

This Cool Mist Humidifier by Crane provides moisture for dry cough, sinus irritation, and dry skin.  It can also relieve congestion from allergy and asthmatic type symptoms.

Is your Soldier conducting a lot of night missions?  A sleep mask may help him get the rest he needs, even if he needs to sleep during the day.

An area rug can catch (some of the) dust from the outdoors and provide a comfortable reminder of home.

Easy to ship, easy to assemble storage cubes are the perfect place to organize military gear and personal items in your Soldier's living area.

A digital photo frame filled with snapshots of loved ones is the perfect way to keep your Soldier feeling the love from home.

A battery-operated lamp can be handy for late-night reading, writing letters, or catching up on emails.

Battery-operated air fresheners can help your Soldier's living space smell a little more like home.

If your Soldier is a coffee-lover, this single-serve coffee maker by Senseo is a must.

I hope this list sparks some ideas for you to help your Soldier feel more at home while he is away. I would love to hear YOUR ideas, what you've sent, and what your Soldier loves to receive!

Any deployed Soldier can testify to the amount of dust and dirt that accumulates during their time away. Here are some ways to help your Soldier keep clean while he is away.

A hanging toiletry bag is a convenient way to organize personal items when sharing showers.

This "Sea to Summit Dry Lite Towel" is extra-large and extra-absorbent yet packs easily.

This is the SM102BK New Balance SM102 Shower/After Sport Sandal, important for keeping your Soldier's feet off of the shared shower floor.

A Fogless Shower Mirror could prove useful for getting that Soldier-close shave.

Bar soap is another way to make sure your Soldier gets nice and clean.

Don't forget a travel soap dish!

Shower soap and "shower tool" will help scrub away caked-on desert dust.

Any 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner combination is great for guys on the go.

Be sure to include your Soldier's favorite anti-perspirant/deodorant in your care package kit!

A toothbrush sanitizer keeps your Soldier's toothbrush clean and ready to go.

These are some starter ideas for lots of great things you can send to your Soldier. Other "keeping it clean" items might include: shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, shaving gel, shaving razors, body powder, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, nail brush, nail clippers, loofah brush, or washcloths.

What are your Soldier's favorites?  Please share your ideas!