It’s hard to believe, but here are The Erickson Tribune we’ve already planned our stories through September 2009. While I edit copy for June, our reporters are gathering information, quotes, and photographs for our July edition. The lead “local” stories for that mid-summer month will be about the patriotic efforts of people who live at Erickson communities around the country.

As I prepare to read these stories in just two weeks, I’m taking a look back at similar stories we’ve covered in the past. They are inspirational accounts of people who, in their retirement, take their hard-earned time to send care packages, collect coupons, knit blankets and helmet warmers, or greet troops at the airport. They are so inspirational, in fact, that I decided to send a care package to my friend J, who is deployed in Afghanistan (for the third time, I might add).

He sent me some photos, which give real insight to what it’s like there. He said the troops have to grow beards as a sign of solidarity with the Afghan culture. Pretty interesting.

The following image shows two young Afghan children. They walked to the base by themselves because the brother (age 4) had an ear infection and needed to visit the medical clinic. The boy’s sister is 6.

I had not the slightest clue what troops need over there, so I asked one of my coworkers whose husband was deployed. Here is what she told me:

“I sent my husband tons of coffee and insulated mugs since they work long hours. Also big hits were:
The single serving drink mixes to put in water bottles
Flavored nuts
Sunflower seeds
Car magazines (or any magazines)
Personal hygiene wipes
Candy (that doesn’t melt or freeze)
Personal letters and cards

FYI – you cannot send pork products, porn (this includes anything with photos of scantily clad women – like Cosmo!) or perfume. They don’t check every package so you can get some things thru – but they do spot check, and if your package has anything in it, your soldier could get in trouble.

You can also get some free materials from the Post Office so you can prepare your packages at home. Here is what they say:

‘The U.S. Postal Service introduced a Military Care Kit, or “Mili-kit” in 2004 to make it easier for military families and friends to send care packages to their loved ones stationed overseas. Since the inception of the Military Care Kit, the U.S. Postal Service has shipped more than 150,000 kits. Each kit contains two Priority Mail boxes, six Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes, eight Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and eight customs forms with envelopes.

This kit may be ordered by calling the USPS Expedited Package Supply Center at 1-800-610-8734 and requesting a Military Care Kit. There is no charge for the kit. The Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes included in the kit can be shipped to any APO/FPO in the world, regardless of weight, for $8.10.’

Good luck! Your friend will appreciate what ever you send since it means you are thinking about them!”

And so off to Target I went with her list.

I have no idea if he’ll like these things, but I’m hoping at least he’ll appreciate the thought and know we don’t forget about them while they’re gone.

I hope this post inspires some of you to send a care package, especially since the Mili-Kits are free and cost just $8.10 to send.

Finally, I hope you will read our July issue of The Erickson Tribune — truly heart-warming stories that will inspire you, if this post didn’t, to do something patriotic for our troops. You’ll get great ideas and maybe even find a volunteer group in your area to join.