When a soldier is stationed far away, it’s always exciting to receive a package of goodies from home.

The needs of our military service people are being met by the wonderful response from people like you, who send package after package of requested items.

With the passing of time, however, some of the items the troops needed have become available to them overseas at their base exchanges. The need for things like toiletries, such as razors, shaving cream and diaper wipes has diminished.

In a conversation with soldiers recently returned from Iraq, they gave us some suggestions for anyone putting together a package from home:

• Current CDs or movies on DVD.
• Current issues of magazines like Maxim, or GQ.
• Fruit Cups.
• Any current sports related magazines are always welcome.

Our female military personnel would be happy to receive current issues of magazines like Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire or Redbook.

In addition, since most of the troops have access to a microwave and refrigerator, anything that can be heated up or cooked and then refrigerated works well (i.e. microwavable popcorn, canned ravioli).

Also, snack foods are very popular. For example, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, tuna and salmon packets, beef jerky, Nutri-Grain Bars, Little Debbie snack cakes, cheese doodles, etc..

Other requested items include powdered drink mixes like Kool Aid or Gatorade.

We hope you find these suggestions helpful. Please keep in mind the high temperatures in Iraq and Afghanistan. Anything that can melt will not travel well so, chocolate is not a good idea!.

Kindly note that packages are no longer being accepted addressed to "any soldier". Please go to the web site www.anysoldier.com for a list of the participating soldiers names and addresses.