MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: adrian on October 30, 2011, 08:48:32 PM
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Hi All
As an Ex Soldier I have an up to date address listing for this Christmas 2011.
Anything that is sent is appriciated.
Have you considered sending Care Packages to OUR Troops overseas this Christmas?
2011 CHRISTMAS MAILING - COMMENCES 7 NOVEMBER - DEADLINE IS 9 DECEMBER
Please note, the addresses below will only be active for the Christmas Mailout from November 7 to December 9, 2011.
All the parcel regulations that apply to the other day mailings apply to the Christmas Mail.
The format of the address is as follows:
For the Middle East:
An Australian Defence Force Member (TO SEND TO A FEMALE JUST ADD "FEMALE" AFTER)
Good Will Mail
Middle East
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890.
For Timor Leste:
An Australian Defence Force Member
Good Will Mail
Timor Leste
AFPO 61
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890.
For the Solomon Islands:
An Australian Defence Force Member
Good Will Mail
Solomon Islands Operations
AFPO 62
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890.
To send to a Explosive Detection Dog (they need toys and treats too)
An Australian Defence Force EDD HANDLER
Good Will Mail
Middle East
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890
Don’t forget something for the handler
Keep your parcel under 2kg and it's free from any Post Office in Australia.
What not to send:
The following items are prohibited to all destinations due to safety and customs issues:
aerosols
cigarettes
clothing other than socks
the following items are prohibited to Middle East destinations:
alcohol
pork
magazines with naked women :'(
any religious materials
If you do not agree with our troops being overseas - keep it to yourself don’t bother airing your ideas by attaching to this post, see your local member.
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Hi Adrian
As an ex Sailor you have just increase my Christmas list, although I don't personally know you I say, Thanks Mate
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Good on you Adrian - great idea to spread the word. As the other half of a submariner, I know how well received those little gifts from 'home' can be.
We'll be sending some care packs to the Troops.
Cheers
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Nice work, good post for sure! I'm onto it.
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What sort of things would/do they like to get?? Do they want Maltesers or socks? Everyday type items or a little toy/mascot??
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Hi Here are some suggestions any thing is good, their is always somone that may not get a parcel.even if it is a note of support it is all appriciated.
A good one is the Australian flags,flag stickers and clip on Koalas from Crazy Clarks and similar shops, these end up all over the country on planes,helos, buildings,especially if the belong to somone else ;D
WHAT TO SEND? WHAT NOT TO SEND!
Suggestions for care package contents for service troops in combat zones
Send a letter with an email address and/or a self addressed envelope, no stamp required, so the troops can reply.
Ask about their living conditions and if they have fridge or microwave available to them then it is easier to know which food items to send, but do not worry if they do not use something troops have been giving it to the chaplain or another unit to pass out to others that might need it.
NO HOMEMADE Food items unless you know the soldier as they get thrown away.
If sending liquid or food products, place them in a snap lock bag in case of leakage
Food
dried fruit
drinking choc (individual sachets)
individual ring pull tuna cans or sachets
lollies
pepper (individual sachets)
powdered energy drinks
salt (individual sachets)
sauces & condiments like mustard etc (individual sachets are good, ask Macca’s if you can have some and why...)
spices - to go with lamb/goat for example, rosemary, garlic, thyme, greek spices
sugar (individual sachets)
tabasco sauce
tea
trail mix
twisties (can also be used as packing in spaces in the box)
wasabi peas
NO PORK AT ALL TO BE SENT
Hygiene
air fresher (non aerosol sprays & the cardboard card ones)
baby wipes (bulk & travel size)
cotton buds
deodorant (non aerosol)
foot powder
hair conditioner
hair shampoo
inner soles
lip balm (chap sticks)
moisturiser
mouthwash
razors (NOT the real cheap ones like Bic! Personally I use Schick and I’d only send those, we don’t want them cutting/slashing themselves to shreds!)
shaving cream (non aerosol)
soap (normal & travel size)
socks (black & white)
talc
tissues (medium & travel size)
toilet paper (one roll in a box)
toothbrushes (sometimes)
toothpaste
if female troops then add the following
female hygiene products
gel or hair spray (non aerosol)
hair ties
hairbrush
Misc & entertainment
blank cards (for troops to send home)
board games
board games
book (try not to send romance novels)
cheap dvds please write on cover & disc in permanent marker “Aussie troops property” to avoid theft
drawing paper
envelope
footballs/basketballs (and a pump)
magazines (nothing rude)
music CDs (Please write on cover & disc in permanent marker “Aussie troops property” to avoid theft)
other sporting goods
pen/pencils
playing cards
sport sections of newspapers
tennis balls (if you have tennis courts nearby you can buy second hand balls cheap – I got some from the University tennis courts $1 each, Slazenger and other brands)
writing Paper
NO Alcohol to be sent to any troops
DO NOT SEND CLOTHING except socks
FOR THE DOGS
Box dog biscuits
Dried Beef bones
Toys
Tennis Ball
Treats for the Handler
Think about what we take for granted each day and what these men and women are going with out and send it over,
If they dont or cannot reply please accept my thanks for your effort.
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Adrian
Thanks for the post and it will be on my to do list. What about mags that I have already read (eg fishing, 4wd, sailing, camping, etc)? They usually have plenty of decent articles in them that are not date related.
Steve
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Hi everyone,
The troops will love it, I will just add to the list a little bit, this is what our son asked for as well, wrapped lollies so they don't get sticky in their pockets, tic tacs and beef jerky or camel jerky etc.
Thanks heaps
barb
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Thanks for the post, this is a great idea, we'll send a couple.
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Afrian,
Last year we sent several packages to troops overseas. Several months later we recieved a lovely email from a corporal in one of the sig units, who had recieved one of our packages. Knowing that our package had not only reached him safely, but given him a massive morale boost was an absolute thrill. I have 3 boys (4,7 ,11) and they understand what these guys and girls are doing over there. They loved to read the email(it was quite lengthy) and see all the cool pictures from a "warzone" so far away.
I would encourage everyone to send a package, Imagine if it was your son or daughter over there .......
Cheers Chippy :D
ps the one thing he loved more than anything, was the packet of chuppa chups ..... he said it was a great sugar fix on the late night fix ups! :D
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Thanks for the info, will send over a couple of packages.
It's a great cause.
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Awesome! It never occurred to me that care packages were still able to be sent (...and I have a cousin often deployed OS who has never mentioned it ??? ). Thanks heaps :)
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Fantastic idea I'm going to pass this around to everyone I know and I have 2 young boys that r going to feel so proud sending Care packages for the first time I can't wait to participate in this I think I'll add a my swag sticker in each as well
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I've also posted on other forums I'm involved with as well :)
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I suggested it to my kids tonight and they want to send some presents to the puppies, Well the 2 little ones did anyway.
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Great post Adrian,
In 2003 while deployed to the gulf, my ship received 1000's of emails from all manner of people back in Australia. I spent some time reading as many as I could in the quiet hours and they were fantastic. Some funny, some sentimental but most just simple words of encouragement - they were great.
At one stage, my elderly Aunt sent me a package with some playing cards and a fruit cake. It was old fashioned and could have been a package sent in any conflict during the 20th century. One night a bunch of us sat down with a brew and ate the cake - it was brilliant and each of us sat back and thought of home - it was wonderful!
Please don't doubt the power of such packages and messages - they really do make a difference when you're a long way from home.
We'll be putting our packages together this weekend.
Cheers
Paul
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Great idea Adrian for posting this thread. We are putting a few packages together this weekend, apart from Yogi and myself sending a few packages my parents are also going to send a few packages - perhaps the message of giving will spread.
We always put presents under the Kmart wishing tree and this year I am really happy that items we take for granted can bring a little joy to someone.
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Please make sure that you read the instructions about the weight and size of each package you send. We want to make sure your packages reach the destination.
Here are the relevant links
Defence - http://www.defence.gov.au/christmas/mail/index.htm (http://www.defence.gov.au/christmas/mail/index.htm)
and the exact sizes for Australia Post http://www.defence.gov.au/christmas/mail/more_postage_info.htm
Hope this helps.
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how many people have put one of these together?
we did ours this weekend ready to take to the post office.
Hopefully MySwag got behind this.
And yes i know this is a shameless bump - but i think its worthy.
Welchy
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I suggested it to my kids tonight and they want to send some presents to the puppies, Well the 2 little ones did anyway.
Me Too!
Kit_e
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Well since Yogi and I decided to send a care package to OUR Troops, we have done the following:-
1st package sent on Friday, 25 November 2011 to a female soldier
2nd package sent today to an EDD and their handler - when at the post office today the person serving me was going home tonight to do up a package :cup:
Amanda
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Thank you for the great idea. I work in a hospital and our department donates to a charity instead of doing Kris Kringle, I have printed off all the info from this thread and I will get everyone to bring donations in and we will post it off next week. :angel:
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Great idea Bec M, why work has done the same for something different.
We have just sent off our third package .... at least if you keep it under 2kg postage is free !!!
We have sent a wide variety of items from a box for a female solider, male soldier and EDD + handler - items ranging from toiletries to lollies and for the dogs a toy and treats. My labrador wasn't that happy with seeing his favorite treat being sent, don't worry he didn't miss out. You don't need to spend a lot of money to bring a little joy.
Amanda
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Think about what we take for granted each day and what these men and women are going with out and send it over,
Well, our Christmas packages for the Troops are all done. We did three for the Explosive Detection Dogs and their Handlers, six for the girls and 12 for the boys.
Everyone got a couple of magazines (Camper Trailer, 4wd'ing, fishing or Better Homes & Gardens for the girls) plus an assortment of food, toiletries, writing paper, puzzles, and treats.
Spare a thought for all the Troops who are away from home over the Christmas period. :cheers:
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Great number of care packages Stozz. Did Australia Post like you turning up with all of those boxes ;D
I think between the care packages being sent there is quite a selection of items that maybe shared amongst their unit.
My labrador is still not happy with the boxes containing his favorite treat, he just sits there waiting for one - lucky enought he has his own to enjoy.
Amanda
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Hi Amanda,
I checked with my local Post Office when I bought the boxes. They are the size they recommend and each one is just under 2kg (I weighted them very carefully as I added each treat!) which means free postage for all of them - I've filled in all the Customs Declarations so it's just drop and go at the P.O.
I hope they get shared around and make the day of a few of the crew. I am sure the magazines will all do the rounds.
Before I made the boxes up we had baskets on the floor with all the goodies in them. I caught our dog one morning at 4am gently lifting one of the dog chew-toys out of the basket. Busted big time :o. I think he thought it was for him - amazing how they know.
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Sent 3 off the other day. The kids wrote notes to them and wrote them a christmas card with a drawing. They love the idea of it and i love the idea and what my children are getting out of it :cup:
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Stozz,
Nice work on the care packages! You can be content in knowing that you have cheered up the christmas of a fair few soldiers!
Cheers Chippy :D
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Well yogi and I have now sent a total of 11 packages - 3 x EDD, 2 x female and 6 x male.
Hopefully the soldiers will find some joy and cheer being away from family.
Cheers Amanda
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http://youtu.be/eWExFTFAQzA (http://youtu.be/eWExFTFAQzA)
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Hi Guys and Girls,
I know I'm a little bit late for this post, but there is a reason for that. I am a serving member of the Army, and have only just returned back from Afghanistan 3 days ago. I am one of the lucky ones that will spend xmas ith my family, but I have left alot of mates behind that will continue to do a great job over there.
I can tell you right now from personal experience that the care packages that we do recieve are welcomed with open arms. Although they come from a random stranger, I know that they put a smile on most peoples faces there, and we do enjoy recieving them.
I would like to say a big thank you on behalf of all deployed Members, and I wish you all a very merry xmas.
Cheers
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I am a serving member of the Army, and have only just returned back from Afghanistan 3 days ago. I am one of the lucky ones that will spend xmas ith my family, but I have left alot of mates behind that will continue to do a great job over there.
Merry Christmas ranger_ant and welcome home :cheers:
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Just thought I'd check the email and didn't really expect any messages. There was an email that arrived today from a Captain in Afghanistan who received one of our packages to say thanks and that they were enjoying the items sent.
Amanda
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Ranger Ant
Welcome home Digger! Thank you for all you efforts both here and abroad. Enjoy the time at home with your family!
Cheers Chippy :D
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How and where to send Care Packages to our Troops overseas for Christmas 2012
Hi everyone
Here are the details for 2012. There are a few options noted below.
If you want to send your own package then it is free to post if you send in an Australia Post "BM" size box (it's about $2 to buy the box).
Cheers
Supporting our troops at Christmas
EMAIL
Families and members of the public who would like to show their support to our troops serving overseas during the Christmas period can send a message to messagestothetroops@defence.gov.au
“Messages of support received at this email address are circulated widely amongst the Forces,” said Major Glyn Lofthouse from the Defence Community Organisation.
DONATE TO RSL - THEY PREPARE CARE PACKAGES
“Sending an email is the fastest way of getting your message out there, but if you would like to send a care package the best thing to do is make a donation to the RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund,” said Major Lofthouse.
Under this fund, the RSL prepares care packages that are dispatched twice each year to Defence, Australian Federal Police and other government agency personnel deployed on operations.
“The RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund is supported through public donations, and the packages they prepare contain Anzac biscuits, peanuts, muesli bars, lollies, a letter of appreciation on behalf of all Australians, and RSL membership contact details,” explained Major Lofthouse.
“Importantly, these packs are professionally prepared and meet all Defence and host nation transport and import requirements.”
Donations to the RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund can be made at www.rsl.org.au (http://www.rsl.org.au)
Those who would prefer to help out personnel who have been seriously wounded or families who are suffering financially or socially after the death of a spouse or a parent can contact Soldier On or Legacy to make a donation.
Make your own Christmas care packages
From 22 October through until 07 December, Defence is operating a specific post office box address that anyone can use to post letters, cards and small care packages to overseas troops. Defence will fund the cost of mailing these items, up to a maximum weight of 2kg.
“If you’d like to send something to the troops using this PO box address, we ask that you ensure that the parcels are gender-neutral and addressed to ‘An Australian Defence Force Member’ rather than an individual person or unit,” said Major Lofthouse.
“This is so that we can distribute the packages fairly across our troops,” he explained.
Australian forces post office box details
Please address all parcels and letters to:
An Australian Defence Member
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890
Defence will fund the cost of mailing these items to a maximum weight of 2kg.
Important information
* For postal security reasons, senders will need to present a photographic identification
* Parcels weighing up to a cubed weight of two kilograms (in a ‘BM’-sized Australia Post carton) are subsidised by Defence and can be sent free of charge.
* For parcels exceeding this limit, the full cost will be paid by the sender.
* Articles must be packed in durable packaging, which is suitably secured, to withstand a large volume of weight and handling. Due to the long transit time and varying climactic conditions throughout the supply chain, perishable food cannot be accepted.
* Care package items most appreciated include uniquely Australian treats such as lollies, magazines, books and DVDs. Please note; some items such as alcohol, women’s magazines or other types of publications can cause offence in some locations and, as with all mail, is subject to border security. Senders should check the Australia Post website (www.auspost.com.au (http://www.auspost.com.au)) to make sure they’re not sending anything that might cause problems.
* Some items will not be sent, including cigarettes, alcohol, perfumery products and pornography. For more details, visit the Australia Post website and read their International Post Guide.
* Due to strict care requirements, relating to both their diet and their training programs, Defence cannot accept care packages for Military Working Dogs or Explosive Detection Dogs. :-[
* Packages containing perishable goods will not be sent.
* Donations must be submitted to an Australia Post outlet by the cut-off date of 07 December.
* Groups or organisations wishing to make bulk donations should contact 02 6266 7515 for further information
[/list]
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Greast post and work.I had never heard of this.
Our family is in,now to work out what to send.
We could do with some ideas as we are not up to date with what is wanted needed by the age group.
Whats classed as perishable goods?
Cheers.
Titch
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will see if I can get work to send it out in our next internal newsletter, got about 2,000 people in our brissie offices and 22,000 nationally :) alot of ex servicemen too
The troops do a fantastic job, will get a pack together and get it off. :)
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Greast post and work.I had never heard of this.
Our family is in,now to work out what to send.
We could do with some ideas as we are not up to date with what is wanted needed by the age group.
Whats classed as perishable goods?
Cheers.
Titch
Hi Titch, if you go back to the start of this thread a few people posted some really helpful lists of what is suitable and what they like. Please note that some things have changed from 2011 and now you can't send gender-specific packages or anything for the dogs. But everything is gratefully received. We received some great replies about 7 months later - when they got home, we assume.
We sent heaps of our camper trailer, fishing and 4wd mags and DVDs as well as lollies, lip balm, nuts, sultanas, cards, notebooks, soduko, recent newspaper headlines/articles/cuttings, toiletries etc.
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Thanks mate,the fruitcake threw me ,
cheers.
Titch
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Hi Swaggers,
I just want to say that this idea that you have is brilliant!! I am currently in Afghanistan myself as an Engineer, sorry I can't give details as to what I am doing, however, it doesn't matter what is in the parcel that you send, it is definately the thought that counts. I work in a small group of guys and we have recieved parcels before just addressed "To Australian Soldier' and we all enjoyed what was inside.
You may not recieve a reply from whoever gets the parcel, but be sure that you have at least made someone happy!! Like they say 'Any Mail Is Good Mail!!'
Thanks to those Swaggers that have supplied these parcels, hopefully we can make this a yearly event for all swaggers to send just one parcel!?
I will be home before Chrissy this year and I can't wait to see my family!! Thanks for all your time and effort!!
:cup: :cup: :cup:
:cheers: and I can't wait to have a beer!!
Strvy
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Stay safe mate :cheers:
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Stay safe mate :cheers:
X2 & home soon
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There was an article in yesterdays paper that said not to wrap anything in christmas paper due to cultural sensitivities. Also as mentioned above no parcels this year for dogs
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Hi Swaggers,
Thanks for the support. Looking forward to getting home and having a beer!!
:cheers:
Strvy
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I have linked this post and copied some of it to the Australian Babeque Forum.http://www.aussiebbq.info/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8058 (http://www.aussiebbq.info/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8058)
If anyone objects I am happy to delete it.
Most was the Govt information
Cheers.
Titch
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Spread the word and share the love. That's my view. :cheers:
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Yogi and I sent numerous boxes last year and received replies from the various areas. Last year we did send boxes to the EDD unit and received a great letter from the Unit with photos attached of the dogs.
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Me the pest again.
Would the troops want camping/4wd books that may be A year old?
I have a few sources at work.
Cheers.
Titch
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Hey guys,
Yeah send as many as you can!! We normally only get street machine or hot rob mags, which are pretty boring unless your a young soldier looking at spending all your money on cars!!
Cheers
Strvy
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Cheers mate.
Titch
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Hi everyone,
Here is the 2013 information for supporting or sending care packages or making donations to our troops overseas.
Australia Post boxes are $2 (standard size = free postage) and it is a max of 2kg for box + contents.
More information about what to send or not send will soon be available on the Defence website.
In previous years we have sent packages that each included a couple of the Camper Trailer, 4wd Action, 4wd touring magazines and DVDs that we bought during the year. The feedback we have had from these is great. So something to think about. Also, if you go back and read previous posts you'll see some other great ideas.
Unfortunately you can no longer send items for the Explosive Detection Dogs - I think they got swamped with stuff in previous years.
So, please think about sending a message, a donation or a package for those who are overseas supporting us.
Cheers
;D
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TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2013
Make a lasting contribution to support Defence personnel this Christmas
With the festive season approaching, Defence families and members of the public are encouraged to show their support to our deployed Service members.
The best way to show your support is to send an email to the troops at supportthetroops@defence.gov.au
Messages sent to this address are widely circulated and much appreciated by Defence members.
If you'd prefer to support deployed personnel with a donation, you can donate to the RSL, Legacy or Soldier On, rather than sending a parcel.
The Australian Defence Force will have far fewer personnel deployed this year, with the completion of the East Timor and Solomon Islands missions this year and the redeployment of up to 1000 personnel who will be returning from Afghanistan by year’s end.
There will be no change to existing free postal arrangements for family and friends of deployed Defence members to send mail and parcels.
You can also make a donation to the RSL Australian Overseas Fund, which prepares care packages to Defence, Australian Federal Police and other Australian Government personnel on operations. These are professionally prepared and meet all import requirements.
Donations above $2 are tax deductible and each donation is acknowledged by the RSL.
The post office box below will be open from 1 November until 9 December 2013 for those who still wish to send general care parcels to deployed personnel.
An Australian Defence Member
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force
NSW 2890
Donations must be gender-neutral and be addressed to ‘An Australian Defence Member’, not to a specific job title, trade or unit member. Other requirements and restrictions will soon be detailed on the Defence website.
Defence cannot accept packages for Military Working Dogs or Explosive Detection Dogs due to strict care, diet and training programs.
Packages received after 9 December 2013, and those that exceed Defence’s ability to distribute to personnel, will be donated to Australian charities such as the Salvation Army.