It is time for an update on our RANDALL WARRIOR project.

This is a report on funds expended, not received. Rhett will handle that part later.
To date we have spent a total of $721.13. The break down is $572.38 for goods sent and $148.38 for postage. I use USPS Priority Flat Rate postage. It allows anything that can be stuffed into a box measuring 11" x 8.5" x 5.5" regardless of weight for a charge of $ 8.95 (just up from $8.10). We save $4.00 - $8.00 per shipment using flat rate. Gatorade powder is heavy. Twenty boxes have been sent so far, twelve of them in the last few weeks. This is due to changing addresses. I have four more in the Jeep ready to go out tomorrow.

I am sending all receipts to Rhett so if you would like to know what the break down is, call him (don't thank me now Rhett. You can do that later. ).

Anyone wanting an Excel spreadsheet of the expenditures send me a private message with your email address and I will send it to you.

I expect to have another announcement soon, stay tuned.

A big thank you to Tom and his wife for taking this project on. A lot of time required.

Regards,

Rhett

Tom, Many thanks. My nephew spent a year in Afghanistan 2005-2006 with the Virginia NG, and my niece spent a year in Iraq 2006-2007 as a Capt., US Army. I sent many, many packages and know very well what is involved. It takes a lot of time shopping for the right things, packing and getting it mailed. I know everyone appreciates your efforts as well as our fine men and women in uniform. I will never forget a picture my niece sent me from a Marine compound outside of Baghdad.

The Marines Are At War
America Is At The Mall

Unfortunately that is true for far too many people here at home.

It's a shame you even have to offer the spreadsheet but I guess that's a sign of the times.

Thanks for your time and effort!!!

It's amazing how good you can get packing those flat rate boxes; 12-16 pounds or more.

I seal liquids and odorous items with a vac sealer.

On section (17) of the customs form I check the "Redirect to Address Below:" box and write in "Any US Soldier at this APO." That way the package will not be sent back to you (which you may be charged for) and the contents will still go to one of "our" finest.

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

I've got good friends in A-stan right now, a couple of the things I send over and over is chef boyardee microwaveable meals and cans of beenie weenies. It's hot enough most of the time to eat them right out of the can and the flat rate priority mail box is the way to go. One of the flat rate boxes will hold 16 single serving of chef boyardee microwaveable tins, if you stack 'em right. The same box will hold a 12 pack flat of beenie weenies with room for more stuff on top. HTH...

I haven't thought about this for a while because my niece and nephew have been out of harm's way for some months now but I remember we tried to send as many packages to them and their buddies as we could even if it were more than they could use. They always told us that there were more than a few that got little or nothing from family or friends and everything was shared and sometimes they gave stuff to the local population. I also remember soliciting friends and other relatives to send packages. Those that said they would were very sincere and most followed through. I don't fault those that didn't because I know that it just got away from them. But I also found that those that didn't would gladly donate to someone who would put it together. It's more work than you think, but in reality, nothing can duplicate the personal touch. I would encourage everyone that wants to help to participate by sending a package, or more realistically, donate to some group that is actively doing so. I've said my piece.

Tom and I have been talking about this project the past few days. To date over $4,000.00 has been donated. Less the two $300.00 checks I have sent Tom for package content purchases leaves a balance of $3,449.70. This does not include a couple of the 10% ($110.00) promises that have not been received yet.

So money on hand at present is $3,449.70.

The 70 cents is from where Peter Roas included the PayPal fee of $4.70 with his 10% payment.

Any 10% ($110.00) donations still out there or if you want to join the group please use email address payrks@gate.net for PayPal payment or send a personal check to the Randall Knife Society office. P.O. Box 158, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120.


You will shortly receive another update announcement from Tom.

Regards,

Rhett