Marathon Pundit: Kirk, Kinzinger highlight fast approaching deadline to mail holiday packages to troops overseas

Walnut, Illinois' 11th cong. dist.

While Thanksgiving, and yes, Black Friday are on the minds of most Americans today, members of our military serving overseas should not be forgotten. A few days ago Senator Mark Kirk and Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois held a press conference in Chicago about Christmas gifts for Land of Lincoln troops.

Kirk, Kinzinger highlight fast approaching deadline to mail holiday packages to troops overseas

USPS Deadline: December 3rd

CHICAGO – With the holidays upon us, U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.-11) today joined with student veterans at DePaul University to highlight the fast approaching U.S. Postal Service mailing deadline to send care packages to U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East.

"This is the season of giving, and we must not forget the brave service members who sacrifice so much for our freedom" Sen. Kirk said. "Every American should make a conscious effort to support them in anyway possible."

"Having served a few tours overseas, getting something in the mail from home - whether it was a letter or package - always reminded me that my family and friends back in the States were thinking of me," Rep. Kinzinger said. "Our courageous men and women forgo spending the holidays with their loved ones to answer the call of duty and put their life at risk for the sake of all Americans. We must be especially mindful to show our gratitude for their sacrifice during the holiday season. Their fortitude is the reason for our liberty."

According to the U.S. Postal Service, December 3rd is the deadline for shipping Priority and First Class mail to the APO/FPO/DPO addresses of troops deployed to the Middle East. The Postal Service has lowered the cost of Priority Mail "Flat Rate Boxes" to the troops for the holiday season by $2.00 to $12.95.

The Postal Service guidelines for mailing to APO/FPO/DPO addresses include ensuring your package is mailed to someone specific. Addressing mail to "Any Service Member" is no longer permitted. Also, include the unit and APO/FPO/DPO address with the nine-digit zip code if one is assigned. For more information visit the USPS web site.

Captain Carrie Hoza, an Iraq War Veteran and co-chair of Senator Kirk's Veteran's Advisory Board, noted the importance of receiving care packages during the holiday season while serving overseas.

"Being thousands of miles away from home during the holidays is especially trying for the men and women defending our country," said Capt. Hoza. "Hearing from the ones you love during this time is a comforting reminder that you are not forgotten."

Recommended items for mail include:

1. Crackers (16 oz. or less)
2. Canned pasta/soup (28 oz. or less)
3. Granola Bars
4. Foot Powder (14oz or less)
5. Beef Jerky, Slim Jims
6. Tuna
7. Chap stick
8. Canned nuts (20 oz. or less)
9. Individually wrapped hot chocolate packets
10. Individual packets of coffee or 1# bags of ground coffee
11. Socks
12. International calling cards
13. Eye drops
12. Non-aerosol shaving cream
13. Letters of support, encouragement, and gratitude
14. Deodorant
15. Baby wipes
16. Pens / notepads
17. Hand lotion
18. Batteries
19. Magazines
20. Books (small paperback)

"Having recently returned from Afghanistan, I know first-hand that even a simple letter of support and encouragement will go a long way for the brave men and women defending our country," added Kirk.

Sen. Kirk is a reservist in the U.S. Navy and Rep. Kinzinger serves in the Air National Guard. Both have made military and veterans' issues a top priority in Congress.

DePaul University currently has 543 students who are military veterans.

There are currently 1,434,312 United States military personnel serving in active duty.

Fort Sheridan, IL

Illinois Army Reserve Units Deployed for the Holidays

814th MP CO (DET); Decatur, IL
958th Transportation Company (MCT); Belleville, IL
822 MP CO; Arlington, IL
226th Port Management Team; Fort Sheridan, IL
343rd Port Management Team; Belleville, IL

Illinois National Guard Units Deployed for the Holidays

661st Engineer Company; Sparta, IL
1-14 Agribusiness Development Team (ADT)
A8 Bilateral Staff Team (BEST) State-wide -
1644th Transportation Company; Rock Falls, IL

Care package coordination for deployed National Guard troops can be facilitated through the National Guard's Public Affairs Office at (217) 761-3569 or ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil.