Any military family can understand the honor, respect, and many struggles that occur when a solider is deployed. The spouse (or family member) remaining at home become the sole provider and manager of the entire household. The deployed solider does not only have to be focused on their (often dangerous) job in another country but also carries the worry of how life is progressing back at home without them. My own husband was on deployment for almost the entire length of our high-risk pregnancy of twin boys. (Thankfully, the twins were born 5 weeks early and my husband was able to be present for the twins’ birth). Families always want to make sure that their solider is at peace knowing everything at home is being taken care of. When special days like the holidays or birthdays arrive without the solider present, care packages can often be a lifeline between solider and family.
For military service members stationed around the globe, care packages and gifts are a big morale boost. The postal service continues to show support to those serving in the armed forces by offering free Military Care Kits, designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas. Since Priority Mail service supplies are the packaging of choice for families preparing care packages for service members overseas, the “Mili-kit” is based on the items most frequently requested by the military.
The kit contains:
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Two (2) each of MIL-FRB – the Priority Mail APO/FPO Large Flat Rate Box (12″ x 12″ x 5-1/2″)
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Two (2) each of FRB1 – the top loading Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Boxes (11″ x 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″)
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Two (2) each of FRB2 – the side loading Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Boxes (13-5/8″ x 11-7/8″ x 3-3/8″)
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One (1) roll of 106A-MIL – Tape (Small roll that accommodates taping all boxes included in kit)
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Six (6) each of Label # 228 – Priority Mail Address Labels –
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Six (6) each of Customs FORM 2976-A
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Six (6) each of Customs FORM 2976-E (Envelopes)
The kit may be requested by calling 1-800-610-8734 (Packing Supply) and:
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Choose your language (“1” is English, “2” is Spanish).
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Choose option 1 (it states it is for Express Mail service, Priority Mail or Global Express Guaranteed).
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When you reach a live agent, request “CAREKIT04.”
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Please allow 7-10 days for delivery.
Additionally, you can find guidelines for packing, addressing, and shipping items to U.S. troops at https://www.usps.com/ship/apo-fpo-guidelines.htm
Have an old cell phone collecting dust in a drawer? Drop it off any Cell Phones for Soldiers drop box. The old cell phones are recycled and the money received is used to purchase calling cards sent to soldiers serving overseas. http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com
Want to send deployed solider baked goods but don’t know how to ship it? Try sending a “cake in a jar” and find a recipe by clicking: HERE
The following websites send care packages to soldiers deployed or stationed at any base:
http://www.anysoldier.com
http://www.booksforsoldiers.com
http://www.operationshoebox.com
http://www.give2thetroops.org
http://www.soldiersangels.org
Don’t forget that a care package or gift can be sent at anytime (and not just on a special occasion). The selfless service and sacrifice that all servicemembers (and their families) endure should be honored all-year round.
I am so pleased to once again partner with Brawny Towel Papers to share the news about their partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).
HOW YOU CAN EASILY SUPPORT
Tough is so much more than physical strength. For some, it’s about being resilient. For others, it means showing compassion.
Tell Brawny what “tough” means to you and the Brawny brand will donate $1 to WWP for every text or photo submission, and for $5 for every video (up to $350,000).
You can share your definition and donate using the hashtag “#ToughIs” on Facebook, Instagram or visit www.brawny.com/wounded-warrior-project
Learn More and Connect
Want to know more about the Wounded Warrior Project? Visit their website at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wwpinc.fans
Twitter: @WWPINC
To learn more on the partnership, go to www.brawny.com/wounded-
Brawny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brawnytowels
Twitter: @BrawnyTowels
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post based on a partnership with Brawny Paper Towels, however, thoughts and opinions expressed here are clearly our own.
