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From months in Iraq, I can tell you this: there is only thing more fun than opening a box full of surprises with your friends crowded around in anticipation... and that's enjoying and playing with the contents!

When one of us receives a package - whether it's from mom, dad, friends or a caring stranger, everyone hustles tail over to the recipient's living quarters to peer inside and see the goodies that were lovingly packed. Here's how it happens:

"Specialist Johnston! You've got a box!" SPC Johnston runs over (and yes, he's excited - but he's trying to play it cool) and receives it... then the group he was with curiously stares at it, hoping he'll open it and share what's inside. Of course he will! Someone tosses him a Gerber (a multi-purpose tool that most of us carry everywhere) and he slices open the tape. There are magazines, hard candy, stationery and pens, and best of all, a letter!

"Who's it from?" "Did your mom send that?" "Hey, don't hog all that candy - it'll rot your teeth." "Dude, let me see that magazine!"

Everyone has a good time, no matter which Soldier the box was addressed to; that's just how battle buddies are.

If you decide to send a care package to the troops, thank you. You may wait a while before you get a letter of thanks in the mail from your Soldier, but don't worry - things can get a bit hectic over there, and it's not always easy to find the time to scrawl out a heartfelt thank you note.

The best way to go about it (once you've gotten an address) is to get a flat rate box from the post office. Shipping will be a little over $7, and it can be as heavy (or as light) as you wish. Skip the priority mail - all of the boxes you send will take two to three weeks to get there, regardless of how much you've paid for shipping. They've got to go to an APO address first, and then they're all flown overseas together on the first available military plane.

When you're choosing filler for your gift box, be assured that anything you feel like putting in will make someone's day. If a Soldier receives something he already has or can't use, he'll pass it on to his buddies every time.

Some of the best things to receive over there are ones that help to pass the time; think magazines, books, and puzzle games (Sudoku is a huge addiction over there). If you've got room for a board game, you're going to be one of the most popular troop supporters EVER! Someone in my platoon received a game of Monopoly - and we played it all the time.

Food is good. Any food! It's nice

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