Tom, I'm sure you will get other suggestions but here are some things we found very welcome.

Beef Jerky - Always Welcome, Nutritious plus the salt content
Powered Gatorade, Kool Aid - Things that just need water added
Rolls of Lifesavers, cough drops, throat lozenges
Granola Bars, Power Bars, Trail Bars - But nothing that will melt
Small Bag of Gummy Bears and similar candy
Individual bag serving of nuts - like you get on the airplane
Individual Packages of Crackers
Individually packaged things that can be put in pockets


Non-Edible Items

Individual Packs of Kleenex
Individually packaged Clean Wipes - To wipe off faces
Eye Drops - Wash sand out of eyes
Q-Tips - Clean sand out of ears
Tubes of Sun Screen
Tubes of Hand Creams and lotions
Foot Powders
Pre-Paid calling cards (International)
Music CD's and DVD Movies
Small Games like checkers, Back Gammon Playing Cards

These immediately came to mind and there are many others. Some items may seem corny but this comes from feedback from family members that have served in the middle east. I can personally say that we have sent boxes with all these items and they were delivered.

When the soldiers are in large compounds these kinds of things can be acquired but they have to buy them. When in more remote areas they are invaluable.

Thanks Again