Friend leaving for Afghanistan

[susanwy]

I have a close friend leaving for Afghanistan in a few days, his first deployment (Camp Riley for 6 weeks, then deployment). I'd like to get him something useful as a gift, but I have no idea what. He is leaving a family with two middle school aged children behind. Do any veterans here have some ideas for me?

Thanks, and thank all of you for your services to our country!

Susan

[Suich]

1. I've seen sites about what to send to the troops

but have no idea what to get him now. If you post this in GD you might get some ideas.

Good luck! :)

[shireen]

2. i'm not a vet but some suggestions here ...

- long-distance phone cards (maybe vets reading this thread can make suggestions abt phone service)
- iPod (if he has one, an iTunes gift certificate that can be emailed since he'll probably have internet access at his location)

He probably won't be able to carry much with him, so sending him care packages during his deployment would really lift his spirits -- books, magazines, favorite foods, etc..