We have an address!

Due to the lack of cooperation from military people, we have come up with a new plan. Cinda's friend, Sherree, has a husband serving overseas. He has agreed to let us ship the packages to him and he will distribute to the soldiers where he is stationed. He told Cinda that the ones who will receive the care packages are stationed on very small oil platforms for three months at a time. From the way it sounds, they are pretty much isolated from most everything and they would love to get something to break up the monotony of guarding these platforms. My mom (Lois) sent the first package off this morning. We wanted to see how shipping the first one would go because we keep hearing all sorts of differing opinions on how to do things.

Here's how it went:

1. Flat rate box ($12.50) sealed up tight

2. She had to fill out a customs declaration page. We heard that each item must be listed individually, but there is only room for 4 items. Mom combined things into categories- treats, hygiene items, food, etc. She then listed a quantity for each category and a value. She DID NOT list everything individually. This declaration page is basically your label so you will definately have to fill one out.

3. The address that was given to us is:

lcdr Doug Tharp
comufnavcent
pfc 901 box 24
fpo ae 09805-0001

4. The postmaster also told mom that the only things he knew of that could not be sent was liquor and pork. Most Muslims find pork offensive and the liquor is self-explanatory!

5. The post office ships them to Virginia, where the military picks them up and delivers them. They don't actually go through customs. Mom said the whole process was very unpainful. I am going to ship our other two boxes within the next few days....fingers crossed!