If you have loved ones or friends serving overseas (or about to deploy), now is a good time to start planning Christmas.

 

When you send a package to an APO or FPO address, the US Post Office hands the package off to the military to get it to the troops. Make sure you have their full name (without rank), unit, and APO/FPO address. With a glut of packages entering the military post office system the closer it comes to Christmas, the slower the delivery. Ideally, send your presents early.

 

Parcel Post, no later than Nov.13, 2008

 

Space Available Mail (SAM), no later than Black Friday, Nov. 28th. If your APO/FPO starts with 093, send by Nov. 21st. SAM packages should not weigh more than 15 pounds and should not exceed 48 inches in any dimension.

 

When selecting your gifts, please keep in mind the restrictions in place for the country the packages are being sent. Additionally, unit commanders may have additional restrictions. Find out from your service member what these restrictions are for their area.

 

For Iraq, no pornography, alcohol, pork or pork products (e.g. Slim Jims). Religious materials for personal use only.

 

When packing your items, put everything into heavy freezer bags. Try to pack like with like - nobody likes snacks that taste like soap. For packing material, small pocket packs of tissue and balled-up plastic shopping bags are best. Please - no packing peanuts!

 

 

For those of you who remember the "Any Servicemember" programs and want to send something to the troops, please be aware those were phased out as a security risk.