The hot weather in Afghanistan and Iraq is winding down and the freezing cold is ready to settle in. In Afghanistan, winter sets in near the end of November and snow is common across much of the country. Winter is harsh across the country with temperatures going below zero. Spring starts again in March.
The climate in Afghanistan varies according to altitude, due to the height and location of any particular area. Temperatures in the north can be below freezing for most of the winter, and snow in the higher elevations is common.
These same tips apply for Iraq where winter temperatures are below freezing.
Pack your care packages accordingly when the weather is freezing. Here are a few tips for care package items to help Soldiers get through the freezing winter.
- Warm blankets
- Black thermal under garments
- Black stocking caps
- Gloves (mechanics gloves so they can operate their weapons),
- Soup packets
- Hot cocoa packets
- Tea bags
- Hand warmers
- Medicated lip balm (Carmex is good!)
- Cough drops
- Long sleeve t-shirts (Under Armour)
- Instant coffee
- Flannel sheets
- Long underwear
- Wool socks
- Fleece or other warm blankets
Note – Request your FREE USPS Military Care package kit (shipping supplies) by calling 1-800-610-8734.
Edye Brown says
Other items to include might be: instant oatmeal packages. Hot apple cidar packets. Peanut butter, marshmellow creme and crackers (not a warm item, but full of luvin’ from home.) Ravioli in the easy open can. Instant mashed potato packets. Cannet fruit, especially mandarin oranges. Candy – especially chocolate when the weather gets a little cooler. Velveeta cheese and rotel tomatoes and chips — make sure to include a bowl to heat it up in (and a can opener for the rotel. Macaroni and cheese. Lotion.
Army says
Edye – Thanks for the great ideas!
MezzoSF says
Hi, Army Mom Strong!
This post could not be more timely as I am getting my 1st care package together over this next week for my Soldier. This is his 2nd “paid vacation,” and while I’m not immediate family or spouse, said Soldier is one of my best friends. Slightly different perspecitve, I suppose, but he’s still someone I love and care about! You might find me visiting your blog more regularly, just to know that I’m not the only one going through “this side” of a deployment. Thank you, and hooah 🙂
David Frenkel says
Army Mom,
Warm Skin would like to contribute some samples of our producet, Warm Skin all Weather protection, to your organization. It is used by xc skiers, artic expolorers and NFL players.
If you like I can send you a free sample to use.
Thanks
frenkel@att.net
Melissa says
The adhesive toe or foot warmers. My son is a chinook flight mechanic and last year the heater on his bird went out and it was -10°….I bought target out of them!
Jan says
Hand warmer packets (WalMart, REI)
Ann McEvoy says
Make sure you check out the Priority Mail Regional Rate mail boxes from the USPS web site. They will send them to you for free. The med box is just a lttle smaller than the large Flat Rate box but only costs $6 to send to the troops. You should check with your post office about postage, the website say you have to buy it online but my post office said he could do them too.
Kelly Barsanti says
Thermal socks-oldest son loved the wick dry huntet greens by Fox River in the Ranger Joe’s catalog! Jerky, summer sausage, trail mixes, pudding cups, mini muffins were all inhaled!!!! Just remember pur soldiers SHARE with their battle buddies, so send extra, often!! Card decks,travel-size games like battleship, etc., puzzle books/ pens, paperback books r ALWAYS put to use.
Tamarah Rosenberg says
My soldier says that low sodium foods especially cup o noodle are best.
Melody says
I have a bunch of hand and foot warmers I want to mail to ANY service man. How can I do that.
Army says
Melody. You can contact organizations that send care package such as Soldiers Angels or Operation Gratitude.