care packages.

I've been putting off posting this for months, but it appears I'd better address it before packages begin arriving for Christmas that may not get used. Jess and I have had many many people say, "just tell me what Lee needs, and I'll send it." I've put this off for 2 reasons. One, I don't NEED anything. Two, I kinda feel like a free loader providing a list, especially since some items are not cheap. In case you need proof that I don't really NEED anything right now as far as snacks. see the pic below of a bookshelf in our office...However, I will admit that it is care packages that made this possible.

Okay, we're doing okay on candy, as you can tell. For those that regularly send packages, maybe wait a few weeks on candy. I guess there are some food/snack items that are highly pilfered and/or get used in hurry. I'll list some of them at the end of this email.

One thing that was unexpected after arriving here is the laundry service...They are SLOW (up to a week turn-around), they tend to lose items (mainly socks, some T-shirts), they are rough on clothes (I no longer have white socks, they have all turned gray), and my brand new MULTICAM uniforms are faded like they are 2-3 years old. Since you can't help with MULTICAMs, I suppose extra socks and T-shirts would be helpful, but be forewarned, the type we wear is not the most affordable.

This is a picture of the socks I've been wearing. I stopped wearing the issued cotton socks, and changed to moisture wicking socks because I wear my boots on average about 16-18 hours a day. They are UNDER ARMOR brand, and are called "Heatgear Boot." Size is LARGE and tan in color, as it is an approved color for wear with the uniform, and tends to keep feet the coolest.

The T-shirts are UNDER ARMOUR brand as well, size medium. They are available here and here. They are called "tactical T-shirts." I wear the non-heatgear, loose version.

Other items...

Coffee. We drink lots of coffee in our office. Dunkin donuts, Starbucks, Folgers whatever. (ground) We have a coffee maker. Full sized circle shaped filters will be used, not the cone shaped.

Candles. Our rooms are dark and they smell not so great. Candles help with both of these problems.

Beef Jerky never lasts long. A lot of us are into PAELO Kits, as they are convenient and healthy.

If you want to send stuff to guys out at the outposts who are in the real fight, address it to me, let me know that you want it forwarded, and I'll make sure it gets to them.

That goes for Afghan kids as well. If you want to send stuff for the guys to handout (cheap dollar store type sports stuff is good), or a soccer ball or whatever, send it and I'll get it to the kids. I do request that you don't send clothes...tossing a soccer ball at a kid is much easier than trying to size them with clothes while on the tactical move. Pens are real good too. The kids love ink pens.