Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Tim Johnson today urged South Dakotans interested in sending packages to servicemembers in the Middle East in time for the holidays to do so via First Class or Priority Mail by December 3, 2012. Packages to locations outside of the Middle East should be sent by December 10, 2012.  

“While the number of troops serving in the Middle East has decreased, there are still thousands of military servicemembers who will spend the holidays deployed overseas, away from their families. It is important to help them feel connected when they are so far away,” Johnson said. “Please keep the members of our military who are overseas in your thoughts and prayers and if you are interested in sending packages, do so before the December 3 and December 10 deadlines.”

Smaller packages about the size of a shoebox that weigh less than 20 pounds are recommended. All packages should include the servicemember’s name, the organization to which they are assigned and their unit number.

Department of Defense requirements mandate that mail be sent to specific servicemembers, though organizations are in place that would deliver non-specific “Any Servicemember” packages.

Operation USO provides a soldier with often requested items, including pre-paid worldwide phone cards, sunscreen, and toiletries, along with a personalized message from the donor. Sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Operation Uplink also provides soldiers with phone cards, and Gifts from the Homefront has gift certificates available that soldiers can redeem at military exchanges.  

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