A SOLDIER'S PERSPECTIVE
THE WEB'S LEADING MILITARY BLOG SINCE 2004
Jean-Paul over at The National Guard Experience recently posted comments about care packages. While his comments were made in jest, I’d like to alleve any bad feelings it produced in those of you who support soldiers through this type of effort. I didn’t particularly take it serious, but I’m sure some did.
A couple of things that you should know:
1) The problem here is that I’m almost positive that as slow as mail moves into theater, it was sent during the 80′s and is just now arriving. Not your fault. Keep it up.
2) It doesn’t matter if the letter is typed, handwritten, painted, scribbled, calligraphed, or inked in blood (well not this one, it’s weird). Any letter we get is good. I have NEVER heard a soldier complain that he got a typed letter instead of a handwritten one. Keep sending those letters, however you do it.
3) I’ve also never met a soldier who didn’t enjoy beef jerkey. You walk into almost any military shoppette or PX and you’d find shelves of beef jerkey. Why? Because we blood thirsty, flesh eating carnivores and can’t get enough. You want to see a bunch of soldiers complain? DON’T send beef jerkey.
4) If your recipient isn’t writing back, it’s because of one of two reasons plain and simple: he’s way too busy or just selfish. That’s it!! There’s no other excuse. Even if you offended a soldier, he’s gonna write you back. We don’t slither into a corner and cry when we’re offended. We do what we always do: we organize a battle plan and shoot back with overwhelming firepower. Keep writing. Even if he is selfish, the letters are relaxing and really makes his day.
5) A soldier without something to open a can is NOT a soldier. Real soldiers have a virtual Bat Utility Belt wrapped around the pants. It’s full of Gerbers, Leatherman, flashlights, LEDs, pliers, nightsticks, and the last ditch effort dirty bomb just in case. A soldier without something to open a can with isn’t a soldier. However, it is a better idea to try and find can’t with a pop off lid as opposed to one that needs a can opener to begin with. Remember the time factor.
6) I have to agree about the word finds. Sorry.
7) The meanest thing you can do to a soldier is spit in his face and call him a baby killer. You can also go to Arlington National Cemetary and dance on the graves, but that will get you killed and buried on the highway. Many times I prefer generic and I know that the people who support me aren’t much richer than I am.
The school supplies help to augment those crappy “U.S. Government” pens we get issued. I’ve discovered that the reason we get such crappy pens is because our toilet seats cost about $400 each. Plus, the Generals need their private cooks. Anything we don’t use will be expeditiously sent to a local Iraqi or Afghani school child that needs it….or stolen by our bunk mate.
9) You can call me whatever pet name you want as long as you keep sending me beef jerkey, school supplies and typed letters.
10) Yeah, Boobahs are bad.
(12) Readers Comments
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PeggySue66
Ok that person who wrote that has offended me. and yes…that person will get a note.
Thanks for letting me know about the word finds….how ’bout crossword puzzles? Do yall like those?
Janie
CJ,
I did read his words and thought to myself…”but..but..all my Soldiers like what I send!” What he wrote did give me pause for a moment. Thanks for your perspective.
Robin in Ohio
CJ,
Thanks for commenting on the care packages list from JP. I knew you would give us an honest answer.
Robin in Ohio
RED
I was taken aback when I first read JP’s “golden rules” but reminded myself he has a big disclaimer saying it’s HUMOR!!
That said . . . I have an acquaintance who retired at the Lt. Col/Group Commander level . . . and he advised me to send word finds when I told him I had “adopted” a soldier. LOLOLOLOL. Maybe that is all they do at the higher level?? roflmao. I won’t send anymore . . . but he told me there is often nothing to do and any little thing to occupy your mind is a blessing. Must say . . . I enjoy word finds myself.
On the subject of pop-top cans . . . I was also advised that they sometimes open in transit and create a moldy slimey mess by the time they arrive . . . and to send “sealed” cans and a can opener every time I sent canned goods. Just goes to show there are as many “rules” for care packages as their are soldiers.
MOM
Yes, he did say it all as a joke. I think his way of releasing a little stress. His readers enjoyed it and I truly believe that was his motive behind the post. He is funny, I enjoy his posts. I do not believe he would do anything to undermind a care package a Loved one would send a Soldier. That is just my personal observation, as I visit both blogs now. I enjoy both for totaly different reasons. Can we all get along now?
Lisalynn
My kids and I sent JP a care package. Unfortunately we did a few of his NO NO’s. We had been keeping in touch by email and he told us he was going to give our box to an Afg. Doctor. That hurt my kids feelings. They bought some things with their own money and didn’t understand why he would give it away. Then I read his blog and understood why. It was not easy explaining this to them.
Cathy
I too, am a rule breaker number 9 to be exact, however since I have been e-mailing JP. Ok here it goes the number 9 rule that I broke..I refer to him as Hot Stuff Warrior! If you want to know why you’ll have to ask him yourself. But all I can tell you is that it has to do with his stomach. And the crap he likes to eat. I have found him to be a very honest and caring man. Who puts his life in peril everyday along with all the other warriors fighting to keep our way of life free and our freedom to be able to speak out unhindered. I know for a fact that I could never, ever do what these brave men and women are doing to protect our Country and our freedom. Personally I would be crying all the time and theres no way in hell I would look good let alone survive having to wear one of those black dress things the women wear over there. It’s bad enough when I get hit by one of those hot flash things I just could’nt imagine having one in a 140 degrees. So if Hot Stuff does’nt like Beef Jerky and he prefers those nasty Oysters he seems to love who am I not to get him whatever he wants after all he is putting his life on the line for all of us. And finally before I go. Guess what Chris,from now on you will here by be known(at least to me) as Alpha Warrior. cause every warrior deserves their own name don’t you think.
devildog6771
First time here. This is a great blog. Enjoyed your comments.
Thank so very much for youy service and all you and your family sacrifice.
Lindsey Hallerberg
Great Blog. I’m glad to read this response. I just read the previous “blog in question” and as a devoted care package sender, I have to admit my feathers were a bit ruffled!
Thank you for all that you do!
Maria
Well, no wonder I have not received a response after sending out 20 boxes. I have broken all the rules, typed letters,
word-finds, beef jerky and a few off brands. And here I thought I was helping.
Stacy
I know you guys love beef jerky, that was one of the first things my fiancée asked for. He is currently serving in Iraq, and he loves letters. Lots and LOTS of letters!!!! he gets me to write him about 5 pages a day lol. Thanks for the tips
Janssupport
We have not received a response from our two adopted soldiers but we understand they might be in combat or busy. We will keep sending things regardless.