by Lisa Weber

Created on: September 23, 2010   Last Updated: September 25, 2010

One of the best ways to stay connected to a loved one who may be deployed is by sending a care package.  A deployment is a lonely time for our soldiers and receiving a box from home during mail call can truly be the highlight of their day.  So, here’s what you need to know when sending care packages to soldiers in Afghanistan.

*The Address – Each unit will have a specific address.  Usually this will contain your soldier’s last name, first name, the unit, the name of the base, and the APO/AE  (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address with the nine-digit ZIP Code.  You will need to find out the specifics for your particular soldier’s location, but there are some general guidelines you need to abide by. 

Do not write the country name in the address.  Do not write the soldier’s Social Security Number on the package or in the address.  Do not write the Soldier’s rank in the address.  Do not, and this is serious, do not post this information on any social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace or any other unsecure website.  If you need to distribute your soldier’s address to friends and family, do so in a private email, in person, or on the phone.  Do include a return address, and do insure your items if you need to.

*Customs Forms –The Customs Form is easy to fill out and must accompany every package sent to your soldier.  You will need to provide the correct “to” and “from” addresses, a complete list of the package’s contents, and the total dollar amount of all of the contents.

*Packaging  – The best way to send items to your soldier and insure that it gets there in good shape is to ship the items in a small, lightweight box, and make sure the item is thoroughly cushioned using Styrofoam, newspaper, or other materials.  You will also want to tape up the opening and all of the seams using 2 inch wide clear or brown packing tape.  Federal postal restrictions insist that packages be less than 70 lbs.  Priority mail package dimensions must be less than 108 inches (length plus width).   The post office also asks that you write the address on one side of the package covering all previous labels and markings with marker or wrap the recycled box in brown shipping paper.  Just in case your box falls apart or gets torn open, be sure to include a card inside which gives a detailed

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