by Currie Jean

Created on: November 26, 2010

You don't need to serve in the military yourself or even have a loved one serve overseas to know that military work can be legitimately debilitating. Troops take part in violent acts as part of their service - violent acts underpinned by more complex politics than the naive "good vs evil, America vs terrorists" propaganda presented to the civilian public. Military personnel, after witnessing violent destruction and death, face a high risk of suicide upon return from deployment. Their sacrifice is of utmost seriousness: even those who do return home physically fit may have endured enough psychological scarring to last a lifetime.

Therefore, it is incredibly important for those with deployed loved ones to do what they can to send thoughtful gifts and lots of love and support to those fighting on the other side of the world. Troops have many different needs:

1) Entertainment

It's tough for troops to access satellite television and a lot of website content, since their location often conflicts with copyright restrictions. Small electronics are incredibly valuable for troops: CDs and CD players, iPods (already loaded with music), portable DVD players and DVDs, even laptops, are all ways to both remind troops of home and to keep them entertained. While music is great, it's not the only audio option: audio-books and recordings of stand-up comedy are entertaining too.

Less passive ways for troops to entertain themselves include board games, portable electronic games (like the Nintendo DS or PlayStation Portable systems), playing cards, books, and yoyos. If you do send an electronic item, be sure to pack in some extra batteries.

2) Toiletries

Troops sometimes don't have access to the hygienic comforts of home and the products they consider staples. Combs, hairbrushes, deodorant, foot powder, toothpaste, razors, shaving cream, toothbrushes (especially electric), shampoo, conditioner, body washes, soaps and body sprays are all fair game here.

3) Environmental comforts

Serving in the military exposes a person to a harsh environment, a lot of the time. If it's not a swamp, it's a desert, and both have an effect on the body. Sunglasses, lip balm, extra-strength moisturizer, insect repellant, small portable electric fans and bandannas can all help shield troops from the smaller environmental hazards they face.

4) Creative outlets

To create and express for the very sake of it is a healthy, inexpensive form of therapy that one can engage in practically on one's own. Include in your

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