Free military mail, Bringing holiday spirit beyond Canada

[J.B. Stone]

Although I raise money to help our troops I don`t actually spend it. I do have a vote on how we spend it though. I leave the actual spending up to others in the regimental association to handle. I do know that sending bulk is very expensive. Wounded Warriors is a great outfit that we have been working with. We aquired jackets for wounded guys with the Wounded Warrior logo on them and Capt Wayne Johnson is distributing a kit to all wounded soldiers who find themselves seriously wounded in the American military hospital in Germany. I suggest that you can either go through them or my own regimental association that has been dedicated to helping young soldiers since 1916. The Queens Own Rifles of Canada Association. Contact is CSM (ret)Bob Dunk our President at rjdunk@rogers.com or Capt. (ret)Buzz at buzzjocurrie@rogers.com.
Watch out or they will try and sell you tickets for our next fund raiser.LOL
Sorry I have not been more help. But I personally really appreciate your concern for the morale of our troops. I wish more of our socalled leaders in our country and communitys did! Unfortunately try to make political points
by on the one hand giving lip service of support,to the troops ,but then condemning their mission. Fortunately our troops know they are making a difference in that country and their mission is just.

[Dacre]

I thought my post would have riled somebody. It just goes to show you how true it is. You can't even shame Canadians into doing anything to organize a support campaign. It almost looks to me that it's an act of bravery in this country to step out on a limb and openly support our people who serve. It has to be that or laziness and apathy. One way or another it's shameful and pathetic.

[Adonick]

What does everyone say to a FD Christmas campaign, we could all write letters, take pics of our care packages, and send them?

[styky]

What does everyone say to a FD Christmas campaign, we could all write letters, take pics of our care packages, and send them?

Sounds like a great idea only for some of us camera work is out of the question. My looking through a view finder is a hit or miss as to it's even in the picture so you'll just have to trust me with out the visual. That and some don't have digital cameras to upload any shots.

[Fabulous Fred]

I thought my post would have riled somebody. It just goes to show you how true it is. You can't even shame Canadians into doing anything to organize a support campaign. It almost looks to me that it's an act of bravery in this country to step out on a limb and openly support our people who serve. It has to be that or laziness and apathy. One way or another it's shameful and pathetic.

Sorry, I haven't been following this threads. If righteous indignation is required then consider it done!

A campaign on F.D. to support our soldiers is a fine idea. Count me in.

[Adonick]

When my loan clears I'll put together a few small packages and start a thread. Or someone can beat me to it

[Dacre]

Adonick writes

What does everyone say to a FD Christmas campaign, we could all write letters, take pics of our care packages, and send them?

That would be a great idea. I'd support that. I always send Christmas cards already but maybe I can up my ante and add a care package or 2. If we make it a bit competetive it may add to the interest. But I wouldn't want to illiminate anyone either. When it comes to cards and letters the cost is next to nothing, it's just a bit of time. Particularily so close to Remebrence Day we could all make a little sacrifice that could never match what we owe but would at least show we are willing to do at least a MINIMUM. Great idea.

[Dacre]

I've sent an email to a serving soldier to ask what would be the most wanted items overseas for care packages. I thought if anyone is interested in putting something together there may be things some of us don't think of or take for granted. I also don't know if it would be more meaningful for people to do these on their own or if a better response would come from prepackaged items that could be purchased and sent from one central organization or volunteer. Just an idea. I'll do some further research and anyone that has information or good ideas would be welcomed and appreciated. Maybe there is already an organization that is setup and would make it even easier.

[styky]

I've sent an email to a serving soldier to ask what would be the most wanted items overseas for care packages. I thought if anyone is interested in putting something together there may be things some of us don't think of or take for granted. I also don't know if it would be more meaningful for people to do these on their own or if a better response would come from prepackaged items that could be purchased and sent from one central organization or volunteer. Just an idea. I'll do some further research and anyone that has information or good ideas would be welcomed and appreciated. Maybe there is already an organization that is setup and would make it even easier.

This link has a good list that was provided by the military

http://www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/Donations/index.asp

[Roy Wilson]

I've sent an email to a serving soldier to ask what would be the most wanted items overseas for care packages. I thought if anyone is interested in putting something together there may be things some of us don't think of or take for granted. I also don't know if it would be more meaningful for people to do these on their own or if a better response would come from prepackaged items that could be purchased and sent from one central organization or volunteer. Just an idea. I'll do some further research and anyone that has information or good ideas would be welcomed and appreciated. Maybe there is already an organization that is setup and would make it even easier.

This link has a good list that was provided by the military

http://www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/Donations/index.asp

[Dacre]

Thanks Styky great link. It becomes obvious this is not simple. Typically Canadian and bureaucratic by the looks of it. Apparently what one can do is quite limited from what I've read so far. I can see how our very limited military assets are not capable of accomadating non essential items. We need to work on this a bit more.

[Dacre]

This is an idea of what is available from the link Styky supplied.

Home > Corporate > National News Centre

Support Our TroopsIn addition to providing morale and welfare programs, activities, and services to enhance the quality of life of the CF community, the CFPSA offers Canadians several ways of supporting the dedicated men and women who serve our country.


The mission re-supply system is designed to move operational and operational support equipment. Donated goods do not qualify as such, and can only be moved when space is available. Such space is extremely limited and its use requires extensive coordination in order to keep it under control. If you are an individual or a group external to the CF, please use one of the options listed on this page:

This restriction does not apply to CF family members and personal friends who can send parcels to individual CF members overseas by following guidelines available at http://www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/mil/sending_e.asp



Buying official "Support Our Troops" merchandise: The only "Support Our Troops" merchandise sanctioned by the CF,includes ball caps, t-shirts, car and fridge magnets, cling vinyl window decals, bracelets, lapel pins, and more. Order these and other items online at CANEX. All proceeds from the sales of CFPSA "Support Our Troops" items are reinvested directly into morale and welfare programs for CF members and their families.


Wearing red on Fridays: Wear something red on Fridays to show support for the CF and their families. (Red "Support Our Troops" t-shirts and golf shirts available at: www.cfpsa.com/canex).


Writing to the Troops: Let CF members know they are appreciated by posting a message on the online message board at http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Community/ ... ndex_e.asp


Becoming an employee of the CFPSA, Staff of the Non-Public Funds, CF:
Deployed operations: CFPSA deployed operations employ civilian personnel on six-month rotations to deliver morale and welfare programs for deployed CF members; from barbers to food and retail cashiers (including Tim Hortons), to fitness, recreation, and travel coordinators. Those interested can apply online at: www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/Deployed/index.asp


Domestically: Approximately 5,600 employees are serving the men and women of the CF and their families throughout Canada. For all positions, visit www.cfpsa.com/en/corporate/services/hr/index.asp


Offering military leave to employees or students: Members of Canada's Reserve Force are needed to serve on CF operations both at home and overseas. With the support of their employers or educators, these reservists can serve Canada without having to lose their permanent civilian jobs or having to face academic penalties. Organizations interested in implementing a military leave policy should contact the Canadian Forces Liaison Council at 1-800-567-9908 or visit www.cflc.forces.gc.ca.


Placing an ad in Canadian Forces Newspapers (CFN): CFNs have a circulation of over 70,000, reaching 15 military bases in seven provinces. Visit www.cfpsa.com/newspapers for more information.

Making a donation: In order to avoid disappointment and to ensure that the CF logistics system is not overburdened, individuals wanting to conduct donation campaigns are encouraged to do so in accordance with the following programs:

Donate money to CF Personnel Assistance Fund (CFPAF)
Donate money to the CF Hospital Comforts Program
Donate to Operation Santa Claus
CDS Military Families Fund
Donate to Military Family Resource Centres



Become a corporate sponsor: The CFPSA teams up with Canada's corporate community to ensure the availability of high-calibre programs, products, and services for specific morale and welfare activities. For further information on corporate sponsorship, visit: www.cfpsa.com/sponsorship.
Information on shipping personal mail or parcels to deployed members can be found at the following links:

For groups and individuals external to the CF: www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/donations/index.asp

For CF family members and personal friends: www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/mil/sending_e.asp

CF family members and personal friends can take advantage of the Canada Post free parcel service offer at: www.forces.gc.ca/site/focus/parcels/index_e.asp

For more information on any of these "Support Our Troops" programs, contact us at: communications@cfpsa.com

[Airforce Guy]

To be honest, most of the stuff that gets sent to the troops in Afghanistan or Camp Mirage gets wasted, unless it's a really covetted item. Here's a list of what they guys really want/use:

Crystal Light, or any of those fruit drink crystals that come in individual packets. (It's got to be the individual packets. Forget about the tins or cans. They're too bulky.) These packets are great, because you can stuff dozens in your pocket. They make drinking water enjoyable.

Disposable foot warmers, the exothermic chemical kind.

Porno mags (Juggs, Hustler, Penthouse, even Maxim)

That's about it. I mean that in all seriousness.

[Dacre]

Thanks Airforce Guy. I'm hoping that we can get get as much input as possible and then go from there. I'm awaiting the opinion of a soldier currently serving and anyone else that wants to contribute ideas. I am a bit crowded for time right now gearing up for hunting next week. When I return I will give this more attention. If anyone else wishes to grab the torch in the meantime feel free and I'll do what I can to help upon my return. What ever it takes to at least do something and give others that don't normally contribute an opportunity to do their bit. I'm always looking for more ways to help. I don't believe our people that serve get the feeling they are overly supported by the general population. Everyone in the country should do more. There really is very little initiative by individual or groups when you look at the big picture. Some are doing wonderful things there is no doubt. But I think there is plenty of room for improvement. We're not in danger of overdoing it yet that's for sure.

[rand mcnally]

I just got back from 2 months of work-up in Wainwright; based on my troops over those 2 months I would say they want Porn, Chew, and Beef jerky.