"I'm really shocked that the troops are needing basic items"

The Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas are often asked if care packages still have real value to the U.S. military troops overseas.  "I’m really shocked that the troops are needing basic items like shampoo, deodorant, razors, socks etc. ... I was under the impression the boxes being sent to the troops were non-essentials to make things a little more comfortable there!"

In reality, we received many recent messages from our U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines (deployed overseas well into 2016) who, most of all, ask for basic essentials in their care packages. 

"We are in greatest need of laundry pods, protein/energy bars, shaving cream, anti perspirant and razors." (Mideast)

We love to send personal notes and cards of encouragement to the troops.  And we do ship non-essential items for their enjoyment ... DVD's, soccer balls, footballs, video games, holiday decorations, cheese dip, etc.

But there are thousands of U.S. troops who greatly appreciate, and request, basic living essentials, especially in the Mideast, Afghanistan, Eastern Europe, and Africa.  Among the approximately 250,000 U.S. troops serving outside the USA, we try to focus our care package efforts on those in the more remote areas.

Due to many reasons, the U.S. military does not provide all the basic essentials (that we might take for granted) for all the troops, especially in remote areas.

The military does not always provide sheets, socks, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, foot powder, powdered drink mix, air fresheners, coffee, hand warmers, lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, non-aerosol shave gel, powdered drink mix, shoe insoles, etc.

1) At remote bases, dining facilities may only be open at specified hours. If troops work the night shift, or odd hour shifts, or come back from a mission outside normal dining hours, they appreciate shelf-stable microwavable meals and other food items from our care packages.

2) Remote outposts may not have a PX/BX/NEX or other facility where they can purchase daily necessities. And such facilities, if they exist, are often out of stock of key products.

3) Many troops are stationed temporarily at an outpost of the host nation (with no PX, etc.), or are stationed at a base that is being built out, but does not yet have a lot of amenities. Or many troops stash some of our snacks or care package items with them as they go out on convoy missions, patrols, etc. ... items that they couldn't find easily in their environment.


So if you are looking for a way to support American troops overseas, the Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas would greatly welcome your product or financial donations in support of our all-volunteer care package mission.

Some recent comments from American troops overseas:

"We need Hygiene items and snacks more than any other item." (Mideast)

"The PX is not well stocked. ... send hygiene products, microwavable meals, cookies, DVD's and games." (Eastern Europe)

"Yes, we have a small NEX however they don't carry everything and working hours are limited. (Most in need of) Shaving creams, razors, foot powders, hand sanitizer, shampoo, wet wipes, and people here love beef jerky and snacks like that." (Mideast)

"Soldiers would love sheets if offered. We have a PX trailer ... the items come and go pretty quickly." (Mideast)

"We actually just got a px today but since it just opened the stock is very limited and they don't have much in there." (Mideast)