Here`s what i posted on scubaboard a while ago: http://www.anysoldier.com/WhatToSend.cfm Use this to get a general idea. What I did was to go to Walmart on Saturday morning and load up a cart: Wet wipes deodorant toothbrush/toothpaste q tips body wash (strong fragrances - old spice/Axe, etc.) foot powder shampoo Sunscreen (some areas) All the things *we* use from day to day when we shower/groom. In terms of food: Dinty Moore canned stew (individual size) Tuna Hormel Ready to Eat dinners (i think like Chicken Stew, etc.) Ramen Beef Sticks (i.e. like Pepperidge Farm) Candy/Gum (individually wrapped/separate packages) Cookies (non chocolate) Crackers (Ritz) JERKY (HUGE FAVORITE) **Remember: some of our "guys" over there are women and I know they appreciate feminine hygiene products** Basically, the idea is to cruise the food/snack aisles and pick up anything that they can generally throw in a backpack on patrol, etc. All these guys really want is something to remind them of home...... I even managed to get a supply of sunglasses over to them. If you`re thinking of doing it....just DO it. I adopted 10 of `em (same squad) on a 12 month deployment. I even sent `em a Christmas Tree for the holidays.....(they loved it). It was probably one of the most rewarding things I`ve ever done--and a very small price to pay considering the sacrifices they and their families have made/are making. Don`t forget to include your email address to--in most instances, it`s too much of a pain to write and easier to email. It`s been just over a year since they`ve come back (all of `em safely)--and their SSG is now among the best friends I`ve ever had.