Hey Jim,

Buy a cow from Heifers International for a needy area of the world. Send a card that says, “You’ll never guess what I bought you for Christmas!… (open the card)… A Heifer! (picture of a cow on the inside).

Then tell them that you made the donation in their name and that the gift will nourish the children and the Christmas gift will keep on giving!

Peace,
Paul

Jim–

I don’t have any ideas at the moment, but I must say that I LOVE the way you think, and your selfless attitude. I will wait to see what everyone else suggests, because we do want to lift up those guys and gals, along with Jon and his pals.

Gary

Hi Jim!

So sorry to hear about your pneumonia! Please get well!

I’m glad to get a report on Jon because I’ve been wondering how he is doing, and he and all of you remain in my prayers.

I think you should ask Jon what he thinks he would like to receive if he were there. He’ll know, and he’ll know what is allowable to send.

Best wishes for a warm and blessed Christmas all togeter.

Mary Ann McDonald

Jim — sorry to hear about your son-in-law being wounded.

This might sound dry — but the book, “The Greatest Salesman in the World” by Og Mandino — is a really top notch, and short, mental booster for everyone — it’s deceptively named in a way, because it’s for everyone, and the ending will take you by surprise, and it’s relatd to “the season” — as in Christmas Season.

If this doesn’t sound good for the guys in Iraq at this time, I still recommend it to everyone. Thanks. Jim Condit Jr.

Hi Jim -

Hope you’re feeling better really soon. I’m glad to hear Jon is recovering physically. You all remain in my prayers.

I was wondering if Apple or Microsoft would consider donating IPods or Zunes, loaded with tunes or XBoxes, Playstation or other gaming companies would consider donating their gaming boxes and some games to the soldiers. They would spread good PR and also give soldiers some fun in an otherwise intense world they live in. Go ahead and call Bill Gates and Steve Jobs and remind them both they owe you a favor and they especially owe the soldiers some solace! Just a thought. Peace of the Season.

How about soliciting holiday humor?

We can all contribute a joke or cartoon, like those church cookbooks where everyone submits a recipe and its included in the cookbook with the persons name. We could include also the city and state from each joke submitter to show that this love is coming from many places.

Then its a matter of cut, paste and print pages of humor.

Print the collection and send as loose pages so that they can pass around pages to read, or even take turns reading out loud to each other and laugh together.

Nothing heals like heart-felt laughter.

Mary Austin

Hi Jim,

Here’s hoping you are feeling better already!

So sad about Jon’s friends, I keep him and all who serve in Iraq in my prayers.

Maybe a gift card of some kind, something where if you buy so many they donate half, or possibly a good inspirational book that never grows old. Nothing seems too good for those who have literally put their lives on the line for the rest of us!

Merry Christmas to you and may your New Year be bright!
Alice

Dear Jim:

I am terribly sorry to hear about your son, but I’m very grateful that his misfortune will bring him back home again safely.

I had four children in the service when this war began.1 of them served in Afganistan, 2 in Iraq, and 1 in Kuwait.

I’m grafeful that 2 of them are now out of the service. I’m hoping the other two will be out soon.

I have a daughter scheduled to deploy again in January, and my youngest son just returned home from his second tour of duty in Iraq.

Your family will remain in our paryers.

In the meantime, here is a suggestion or two- this is from experience with the weird requests I would get from my own kids.
1. Raman Noodles (beef & chichen are the preferred flavors)
2. Beef Jerky
3. Kool-aid and other powdered mixes
4. Bibles (I’m sure if you contacted the Gideons in your area they would be more than willing to supply as many Bibles as you need - they probably have one especially for soldiers!)
5. hot chocolate mix (especially the gourmet flavors).

I hope these suggestions were helpful.

Please keep in mind that no matter what you decide to send, the real gift you’re giving is simply to say “you’re not forgotten . . . we love YOU!)

God Bless you and your family.
Sincerely,

Kim Rogers

Jim,

I’d like to send them all some California mandarins, but that’s not practical….

SendOutCards.com can send them all a custom greeting card with gift cards from various vendors including iTunes, or they even can send them delicious candy/cookies/coffee type gifts — if you can import all the names/addresses you can send a card and/or gift card or food gift with one click.

What would be cool is you can upload a picture of Jon and your family into the card either on the cover or inside so they know their buddy is going to be ok and is thinking of them.

Becki

How about small items that will help them tolerate the conditions, such as chap stick, sun block, rice krispie treats, hot cocoa, M&M’s, neck coolers, etc.

You might also consider selecting some of the really good comments that people sent Jon and print them out as a Christmas Newsletter to the troops.

I’m glad that Jon will be home for the holidays, and I hope everyone has a great Christmas.

Tracy

I read about two teenagers who have built a non profit business sending donated cell phones and cell phone time to our soldiers in iraq. apparently, it is much needed. I think AT&T is now also part of their plan.

in the old days…we sent our favorite musicians and performers. how about some classical DVDs…like james bond..or the good old classical movies on DVD.

or,,,how about a subscription to audible books…where they can download their favorite books….

or…a subscription to itunes. where they can watch their favorite TV shows…or football games

or cool headpones for your ipod

I have a call into my son…who is military and just returned from iraq last week. if he has other ideas, I will let you know.

If you nee some extra ipods, I have a couple I would be glad to donate.

kathy

Jim,

You could get a supply of calling cards… then they can all call home for the holidays.

Just a thought,

Keith Goodrum

Hello Jim,
Sorry you are under the weather. It would be nice to know just what the weather conditions are for our troops at this time.. I understand the weather there can get very cold.
So I was thinking some nice wool or heavy cotton socks and gloves.
Just a thought.
Here is wishing you are your family and give Jon a big hug from all of us a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS..

How about creating small packages of assorted goodies, or perhaps a phone card or something more practical?

I’m glad to hear he will be home for the holidays, Jim. I wish your entire family a safe and happy Christmas.

Jim,
I’m so glad your son-in-law is going to be okay. Thank you for sharing with me his story. Being from Montana, which is a very special place of nature and spirituality, I carry a small smooth stone that my grandson gave me in my coat pocket. When I feel stressed or just need to connect, handling the stone makes me feel better. It is small (about quarter size), smooth and in my pocket, no one knows but me that I use it to calm and ease the situation. It would be a priviledged to send you a stone to give to a soldier that would connect them to home. I can send a picture of where it came from and a note. Crazy idea to send rocks through the mail, but they are the #1 sellers in places like Glacier Park and West Yellowstone. Everyone needs a rock.

DEAR JIM & TERRI, SORRY FOR THE PNEUMONIA. AM SENDING A LOT OF LOVE & LIGHT FOR SPEEDY RECOVERY. WARM FRESH LEMONADE & HONEY IS A QUICK WAY TO RECOVERY.

WHEN I WAS IN THE NAVY, IT WAS A SPECIAL TREAT TO GET COOKIES FROM HOME THAT I COULD SHARE WITH OTHERS. IT REALLY MEANT A LOT. I SUSPECT THAT THE SAME IS TRUE NOW AS WELL.
SPECIAL THOUGHT DURING THE HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!!
DAVID

Hi Jim,

I spent 11 years in the Air Force and did three tours of duty overseas. It was nice to receive goody boxes (cookies were usually demolished, but candy and fudge always survived the mail), but the one thing that meant the most to me and my buddies was hand-written letters. They reminded us that life went on at home and that what we were doing was helping to make that possible.

In this age of email, getting a hand-written letter is even more special as relatively few people write them these days. But they connect us to one another in more personal ways than just through the words on the page. And that’s what GIs need most — to feel connected and a part of life back home.

Hope this helps!
Michael

During the first Gulf War I learned the troops needed lip balm. A local Atlanta radio station held a “supply the troops” day at a local mall. Any supplies dropped off there were shipped to the troops by the radio station.

I was working for a grocery broker at the time and convinced one of our clients to donate “some” lip balm as a returning vet told me it’s needed and often in short supply.

Thanks to the generosity of the supplier who offered to donate a case for each purchased case (and gave wholesale pricing on the purchases) - I was able to donate 6 large boxes of lip balm.

kay

Jim, Speaking from experience,”Christmas in Vietnam,68″. Food is probably number one, we all shared so that instead of getting one package infrequently, we got a package every couple of days. I remember one person got a package of all the fancy cheeses and crackers, probably to expensive for 110 people. Cookies travel well, some moms packed them in real not plastic popcorn. We even ate the month old popcorn. I have to laugh now, back then it was something from home so it was devoured.

I sent my son summer sasuage, crackers,cheese spread some doesn’t need to be refrigerated. nuts, puzzle books, nerf footballs, you don’t have to air them up.

I also sent him a ham, as at the time the government didn’t want to offend the locals so were not serving pork or pork products to the troops, which I thought was bogus. Don’t know if they have changed the rule or not. Anyway don’t tell the post office a ham is in the package. LOL.

Chuck, from MN.
PS. Jon and others in my prayers every night.
HAVE A GOOD CHRISTMAS!!!

Hi Jim

Sorry to hear that you are suffering. There are some great ideas on my Father Christmas Blog (link through my name above) for simple things you can put together as gifts - hope it helps.

Take care

Paul

Trying to think of something that would be easy to send, affordable and appreciated. I don’t know what access they have, so won’t suggest anything electronic. How about a simple, hand mde greeting card with a personalized message? If you have a local scrapbooking store, or craft store, they might agree to make the cards for you, or even to donate them.

Hi Jim,

Sorry to hear that you are down also. Makes for a not so happy Christmas season. I will remember you in my prayers as well as Jon.

If it isn’t breaking any kind of regulations, if you could post the address, either e-mail, snail-mail or both, I know some young people in our church that would like the opportunity to write and thank our men and women in the services. I will pass the addy along and see what we can get going. Who knows, some of them might even like to bake some cookies or something to include.

Tell Jon that I for one deeply appreciate his service and pray for him. I welcome the chance to say “Thank You”.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery for the both of you.
Ken

Hi Jim

One Hour for, Another; I pitched it at Johnny Wimbrey last year as he was looking for a charity idea, but I never heard any more from him.

I have wanted to start this idea for eighteen months or so now. As maybe a charity, to help others in any and every which way possible, for those that can’t help themselves for one reason or another at any particular time.

One hour a week or as a Christmas gift to help another, in any way possible that they want done for themselves or another in their immediate lives or back at home.

There must be enough skills, ingenious exciting ideas, great giving people amongst your list Jim, able or living near enough or knowing someone that does, to the family’s of these soldiers to crack almost anything they want done, given to or achieved for another. Or addressing it in an original way if not.

What better gift could there be, than gifting that hour of your time, for another?

One Hour for another, The gift card of time.

Enjoy your christmas all let me know if there is something I can do.

Byron

Jim, It’s great to hear your son-in-law is going to be okay. I’m so sorry for his friends that didn’t make it back safe and sound.

You’ve been given a lot of great ideas but I’d like to add cigars to the list. Look for full bodied smokes with larger (48+) ring guage. You’ll be surprised how much they appreciate them.

Cheers,
Chris

Jim,

Excellent to hear Jon is on the road to recovery.

I hope you recover from your pneumonia soon. I had it last summer just before I went on a 50 mile backpacking trip in New Mexico with the Boy Scouts and it was no fun.

I just spoke to one of our employees whose husband is on his third tour in Iraq. She said their guys love Red Bull (to keep them alert and awake), Itunes gift cards so they get new music ont their ipods (I thought this suggestion was a great idea), DVD’s, magazines and snacks (Christmas candy, smoked salmon etc.).

Hope this helps,
Todd

Jim,

Very sorry to hear about what has happened.

Here are 101 Unique Gift Ideas that can be
applied, inexpensively.

This isn’t some self-seving plug; I’m certain
that you can find exactly what you’re looking
for inside this.

http://www.maximumreferrals.com/101.pdf

Best regards.

Hi, Jim

I am so very glad that your son-in-law is recovering from his serious injuries. Prayers do work! How very sad for those who did not make it or are still suffering from their injuries and are having to come to terms with drastic changes to their health and lifestyle. My sympathies are with them and their families.

I am, also, very sorry to hear that you are very ill. I’ve had the bug, too, and I know it can take some while to regain one’s strength and vigour. I hope it won’t be long before you are well again.

With regard to the gifts to 110+ men out in Iraq, the first thing that came to mind (it does not involve money other than the cost of postage) was that we could each write a letter or a funny story to be packaged up and sent to the soldiers out there. Whilst sweets and candies are great and could be included, once consumed they’re forgotton whereas the sentiments expressed in the letters could amuse, interest and boost the morale of the soldiers, concerned.

It would be a demonstration that people, even strangers, in the big wide world care and are prepared to spend time to show concern about them. Long after the letter/story or article is read, the memory of that “gift” will live on in the mind of each solder fortunate enough to receive a Christmas message from a stranger.

If each letter were addressed, for example, to “Dear brave friend,” or “Hi, soldier,” then those letters could be passed around and exchanged so that each soldier would have the benefit of receiving a wide variety of cheerful and caring messages which could keep them amused for quite a number of days if not weeks.

So that they could be despatched in one parcel, you could set a deadline by which time everyone interested could send a sealed letter to a central address (yours, maybe) from whence it can be sent to the right regiment/division.

If I think of anything else, I’ll keep you posted. In the meanwhile, take care and get well, soon. Warmest regards.

Madeline Dowden

Jim,
Our hearts are with you. How grateful you must be that your son-in-law will be home soon. Please let all 110+ know how much we appreciate their sacrifices. The best idea would be to bring them ALL home for Christmas! Telephone cards is a great idea too. Nothing means more than being able to talk to your loved ones, especially during the holidays. Another idea would be subscriptions to Netflix ($4.99 for 2 per month/1-at-a-time. $8.99 per month for Unlimited/1-at-a-time…on up to 8-at-a-time unlimited for $47.99). God knows they could use a little distraction on their down time.

Get well soon.
Jeanne

I think the single most Important gift we can send the boy’s in Iraq for Christmas would be mobile phone cards so they can keep in touch on a regular basis with their family & loved ones back in the States. We all wish the a Merry Christmas.

I am left brained but I do know that service people enjoy cookies and candy and if you pack them in real popcorn it is a triple treat. Let us know how we can contribute, we owe these military personnel a great dea,l no matter what side of the aisle you are on.

Thanks for all you do and get better soon.

Dave

Dear Jim
I hope you are feeling better. My suggestion may be simple and not up to your specs but on my site SantasStoryLand.com. I have a number of ebooks that would serve the enire family of the 110 members. For the house, a copy of “Mrs. Claus’ 100 Favorite Christmas Recipes”, for the Children and eventually the soldier, an ebook of 65 printable pages for the children to color and maybe cut-out and send to Iraq to decorate the walls, and a book of 35 Christmas Stories for the family and the soldier. I will donate all of this for our brave soldiers and their families who also sacrifice greatly and miss their loved ones greatly.
Happy Holidays

Jim:

Let\’s get rid of your \”P\” first. This works everytime because it kills viruses and bacteria while dilating the blood vessels to speed the cure on its way: Place 1/2 tsp of ground cayenne pepper in tea cup (8 oz). Insert 1 green tea bag. Fill with boiling water. Steep 5 minutes, Sip it down. You will feel relief WITHIN 20 minutes. Repeat 4 or 5 times throughout the day, as needed.

Ideas for gifts for 110: 1. Small notebooks which can be used for numerous ideas…Last will, short notes to home, profound thoughts, etc. 2. Short pens to fit in pockets. 3. Lip balm…always useful in the field. Keep it odorless, flavorless. 4. Sugar-roasted nuts…pecans, walnuts, filberts (no peanuts)…grandma made them for Christmas each year. Place all items in individual plastic bags (which can be used later) and pack them in real popcorn. Nothing goes to waste. Even camels will eat popcorn.

Our grandson just returned home from his 3rd tour in Iraq with Special Forces. He said a package of Mom\’s homemade cookies would be nice, too. She wrapped each cookie in wax paper to minimize breakage.

Our love to all the troops, here and overseas.

Vicky

I love the ideas of the phonecards, Og Mandino’s book and cards with photos of Jon and the family with comments sent in by subscribers.

I’d like to add to the list: a copy/copies of ‘The Secret’… DVD or book format.

Hi Jim,

I have a son in the Air Force. My wife always sends hin a Hickory Farms package every Christmas.

He loves sharing it with his troops. I think he gets more pleasure out of that than eating their tasty foods.

You can get then for as litte as $15.00 and they do ship to APOs. In bulk (like 110) they would maybe give you a price break.

Merry Christmas…

Hi Jim,
Another vote for sendoutcards.com as they do brownies as a gift and you can do it in your own handwriting and you can do it all online- (its a Physical card not ecard) - it has a reseller program- talk more to Willie Crawford on that area.

Hi

you could send hot chocolate mix, the kind that only requires you to add hot water. package it in large plastic containers, to keep the weight of shipping down. have about 10 - 20 servings per container. and add a few bags of marshmallows to top the drinks off.

And yes, I think a few boxes of cookies are always a nice idea.
since making that many cookies could be time consuming, you might ask a local bakery to give you a discount after explaining why you need so many cookies.

you could send christmas cards signed by as many people as you could get to sign them. example: ask your local store or mall if you could set up a small table with a sign saying “sign a card for the troops”. you could end up with a variety of cards and many signatures.

good luck and best wishes to all
Jean

@ Ken,

Here is the address for the company you asked for

237th EN CO
#6018
APO AE 09378

Thanks

Jim

These are all awesome suggestions everybody… thanks so much… this is EXACTLY the kind of feedback we needed… the ideas are percolating!

Keep ‘em coming if you can

THANKS!

Jim

You’re old mate Father Dave here. The family has been much in my prayers of late, and now you too with pneumonia!

My only advice - send them something tangible, that they can touch, squeeze and smell. What would you miss most if you were a million miles from home, locked in a place of death and misery? You miss the faces of those you love, the warmth of their embrace, etc. ‘Cookies’ might sound unoriginal, but if they smell like home, they’d be irresistable.

@ Father Dave,

Hey man… I was just thinking about you

Great suggestion!

Jim

Dear Jim,

Why not divide and conquer? Take your list of the names and addresses of all 110+ soldiers, plus the two who were burned and the families of the two who were killed, then ask for volunteers from your client list to take responsibility for sending a care package to one person/family by a certain date. Decide on a list of what to include in the care package so everyone is spending about the same amount of money (see below) and send the list to the volunteers along with helpful hints on packing goodies for international shipping. Then match the volunteers one-to-one with your list of soldiers and the bereaved families.

From the other suggestions you’ve received, the most popular things to receive are a personal letter, fudge, candy, beef jerky, Kool-Aid (makes canteen water taste better), packages of premium brands of hot chocolate mix, ramen noodles (chicken or beef flavor), lip balm and phone cards for calling home. Also cookies, but brownies might survive the trip better than cookies. For the soldiers recovering from burns, call their hospitals and see if the social worker can find out what they want or need (their immune systems may be compromised by the burns, so homemade goodies might be a risk). For the two families who are mourning their lost loved ones, maybe a gift certificate from Ritz Camera for getting a tribute DVD made of their loved one. You have no idea how much that helps grieving families–it’s a HUGE blessing for them, especially this time of year when the loss of a loved one is agony.

Figure out a list that would cost about $40 to $60 to buy/make and ship. Have everyone who does this send you a copy of their post office receipt for shipping the package to the person they were assigned. Then reward them with a coupon code worth $40 to $60 off one of your products. (You may be able to deduct the total value of the coupons as advertising–ask your CPA or tax attorney.) Everyone wins. To create urgency, limit your offer to the number of respondents that matches the number of people you want to receive gifts. (Exception–tribute DVDs can cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, so maybe have six or seven people take responsibility for sending the gift certificates.) If you get so many respondents that you have enough for your entire list to get more than one care package, that’s even better!

I hope my suggestions help and that you feel better soon.

Best regards,

Cynthia Yockey

Well, I know one thing I would love!

Tim Horton’s Coffee and Hot Chocolate Packs!!

I will keep all in my prayers!

Merry Christmas to You, and Yours and Theirs

Ruth,

ps Let us know what you decided!

pss - just kidding Couldn’t resist the second ps!

Merry Christmas, Eh!

Pictures and letters from kids… And cookies packed in popcorn…

Merry Christmas, Jim.

Read about your son-in-law and am praying for a speedy recovery.

I saw this segment on our local news and thought it was a great unique idea for our troops that won’t break the bank. Bear in mind this averages out to $3.50 per soldier and will make them feel like they are at grandma’s house.

http://wcco.com/seenon/cakes.minnesota.troops.2.595100.html

video included in the link.

The gist of it is: there is a German immigrant lady who moved here from Germany and felt so alone here at Christmas time. She never wanted anyone else to feel the loneliness that she did. She began baking her grandmother’s recipe Christmas cake and sending it to the troups. The cakes are 100% organic, boxed, ribboned and shipped for $35 donation per cake. One cake serves 10. Deadline is December 8th.

I thought this was just a wonderful and comforting gift for those serving so bravely and so far from home.

Prayers and blessings to you and your family,
Patricia

Hi Jim,
Hope you are on the mend by now. Great to hear that Jon is doing well.
One thing I remember enjoying above all while I was serving in Vietnam was letters from home. Not necessarily from family or friends but from people at home who were thinking about us and wishing us well. These sort of things were carried with us where ever we went. They can be read while travelling, during a lull in the action, and they can be shared amongst the rest of the troop.

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas

Pete

Hands down, without a doubt, I know for certain what I would send them if I were you, Jim. A personalized bookmark with an inspiring quote on it, a mini-flashlight, and a package of inspirational booklets.

My mentor and master motivator (now in heaven) was Martha C. Clark. She was my second real hero, after my dad.

She prescribed motivational reading for greatness. First and foremost was Think and Grow Rich, next was Acres of Diamonds. Martha gave us each a packet of booklets from Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, including 12 Steps to A Happy and Successful Life, How to Handle Tough Times, and the Power of Positive Thinking. I still have mine, all tattered and worn. These are life-changing books, Jim.

I bought them in bulk at the Peale Center for Christian Living and give them to folks needing a supercharge of spirit. But I don’t see them listed in their catalog. (So perhaps they’d give you a deal if they’re stockpiled somewhere.)I’d also send the company some subscriptions to Guideposts magazine.

That’s what I’d get them.

Hope that helps. And thank you for asking, Jim.

Yours in service,
Debra Sale Wendler
PS. The flashlight is for reading in foxholes.

Hi Jim, I can write later when I find the website, but it collects donations (small amounts) and sends to the specified unit/company. It is cool, because they know how to get through red tape and send items the troops really need. My son’s best friend is in heaven from this war. I wonder if those responsible for poor decisions and lose no one, will meet the same fate>? Sorry, Jim but I lost good buds in Nam and hate seing this continue to my kids.
hope you feel better soon.
Bob the Vet

Get a big red heart-shaped squeeze ball for each person. Each time they squeeze it they can think “someone loves and cares about me”

Coolaid and other mixes to improve the taste of the water.

Neck scarves that have crystals in them - you soak them in water then wrap around your neck and they keep you cool for an hour or so.

Packets with those crystals - you “break” the packet inside, then have a cool pack to put on your head.

Just some ideas around the table this evening -

Our best to you and yours for the holidays!

Jeanette

Hi Jim,

How about cutting out hearts from construction paper. I know it may be on the corny side but the labor that goes into it
would truly touch the soldiers. The inscription can say: “You are not forgotten.”

Yves Marie Danie Baptiste
New York City

Hey Jim,

my Dad asked me to contact you as you have been in touch with him apparently (Martin Edwards).

I am a serving Officer in the British Army and have been on duty in Iraq and am due to deploy to Afghanistan in the New Year.

I really admire the way the US public support your troops and have the utmost respect for members of the US Military out there. It is a tough job and it is only with the support of the family and friends that we get through the time out there.

I haven’t been directly exposed to loss like you and your son and the people on this blog have but I have been involved to a degree (I am a Rescue Helicopter pilot) so I understand where your sentiments are from.

From my own personal experience out there, we found that boredom was the worst thing and it was hard to come up with things to do after the gym etc or reading a letter for the 100th time (we read them a lot as I am sure you do at home!!)

Clearly there is a difference culturally but I was going to suggest a Karaoke Machine?! It fits in terms of cost/drop ship/ mass appeal/ is not going to go off like food etc.

A large selection of songs and the guys would have some morale whenever they felt like it. A good Officer would arrange contests/ talent shows / ladies evenings (we dress up a lot in the British Forces!)

It’s a little out there but when the guys have some down time, it could raise a smile or two and that is what coutns the most.

Best wishes and whatever you decide, in echo of the words of someone above, it’s nice to know that you aren’t forgotten. I am sure you will make the right choice!

yours,

Mark Edwards
Capt
659 Sqn AAC

Dear Jim:

I’m glad to know your son-in-law will recover and keep his leg, pray he recovers quickly. You are most welcome for prayers and positive thoughts.
Yah!!! He is home for Christmas. Condolences on the friends who went on & the others who are hurt.

The rest of your message resonated with me. I too have been thinking about doing something to support the troops.

When you said cookies, I was like oh I have available to me cookies (& get this, shhh… they are made to be a healthy snack) I can distribute, but was like anyways lemme read the rest of what Mr. Jim Edwards has to say…

Oh no, you have pneumonia… I hope you get & feel better soon.

Then you said energy… and I was like “energy” that’s exactly along the lines I was thinking…there’s a new energy drink coming to the marketplace via folks like myself. Now I have had it all over my myspace and believe it or not, someone I know from HS just got stationed overseas and he messaged me specifically about it & said send that stuff here, we all need drinks like that.
I think is important they keep their energy level high.

My idea was to make a drive but I think for my idea to work by Christmas is too late. However it is an idea, you asked us to share and maybe just maybe my idea will resonate with you like yours did with mine.

Hope you find the perfect gift you & the rest of your family are happy to send to the rest of John’s company who are in Iraq doing us a great service.

Sincerely,
Sarah

Hi Jim,
You are really the greatest in every field. You have the most wonderful ideas.
I know that i would laugh my butt off if you did a CD/DVD with Mike or some other folks similar to your online-business show OR your friday-night-smackdown and sent them to the soldiers. and you could upload the mp3 to a website so that when/if they get internet access they can put it on their mp3 players. if it’s an engineering company, i dont know the internet access but this is the modern day Army. you could consider bulk mp3 players that i bet some maker would give you a discount (to not break the bank as you put it)
food always works as the other Veterans have mentioned. you can get lots of bulk stuff at costco or sams.
i also agree with the calling card/minutes as well.
the letters from each of is also a terrific idea.
i’ll be sending something to you to help with your project so check the mail.
I’d also go see the two soldiers at BAMC if you wanted me to…you know my email.
thanks for asking us
Terrie
keep up the great collection of ideas (and you c

Sorry, i just thought of what i should have added.
Would Mike and his buddies be willing to create a little diddy for them that could be just for their company? Geoff Smith probably would. I would be glad to get that for them if Mike can’t do it. They could play that and it would be “just theirs”

Terrie

I had my husband read this email. He was in the milatery.
Instead of Cookies, he suggested the troops would like to know that they are thought of. May be cards, How about you doing an e-card that was could sign and put our two cents in and you print it out for each of them. That is 1/5 or a ream of paper.

Stephanie

Jim,
There is a product on the market that loggers wear they are leg chaps that will stop a chain saw blade dead in it’s tracks if you are dumb enough to get your leg in the way of a chain saw. I bet they would also stop shrapnel etc. as well. You could start a drive to test them quick and ask for volunteers to contribute a pair for a test using the group your son in law belongs to. If it works it could save hundreds of legs from being blown off by road side bombs.

Another thought that my husband had, was phone cards. So the troops could call home to hear from their families.

I think that inside of the e-cards would go over great.

Steph

What I have heard is that they really love to get cards and letters from people telling them how much we love them and support them and what they are doing. Most of these young men and women really believe in their missions as I do and they love to hear support from back.

With all the negative publicity on TV, they don’t get a lot of it there, so if we send cards and letters telling them what heroes they are, they will love it.

By the way, the cookies and hard candies are deffinately what they want as well.

Thanks,

Neal

You might also be able to go directly to the manufacturers. Sometimes they will be happy to donate to a good cause.

How about a really nice.. Big Family Bible.. you know the kind that sits in a wooden case on the coffee table.. the kind that you can put all kids and grand-kids names in etc.. and leave family notes.. Those are always very nice.. not much more expensive than candy and fruit baskets. Will last a whole lot longer than those as well. Sometimes these last well over a hundred years, and get notes added to. Many contain family trees as well.

I think this is the best gift you could possibly give, especially this time of year. It shows a lot more thought than most gifts, and will last forever. and contrary to some peoples opinions.. I really don’t think this gift would offend anyone at all…

It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

doesn’t require batteries either ;cD

Dear Jim:

I’m glad to know your son-in-law will recover and keep his leg, pray he recovers quickly. You are most welcome for prayers and

positive thoughts.

Yah!!! He is home for Christmas. Condolences on the friends who went on & the others who are hurt.

The rest of your message resonated with me. I too have been thinking about doing something to support the troops.

When you said cookies, I was like oh I have available to me cookies (& get this, shhh… they are made to be a healthy snack) I

can distribute, but was like anyways lemme read the rest of what Mr. Jim Edwards has to say…

Oh no, you have pneumonia… I hope you get & feel better soon.

Then you said energy… and I was like “energy” that’s exactly along the lines I was thinking…there’s a new energy drink coming to

the marketplace via folks like myself. Now I’ve had it all over my myspace and believe it or not, someone I know from HS just got

stationed overseas and he messaged me specifically about it & said send that stuff here, we all need drinks like that.
I think is important they keep their energy level high.

My idea was to make a drive but I think for my idea to work by Christmas is too late. However it is an idea, you asked us to share

and maybe just maybe my idea will resonate with you like yours did with mine.

Hope you find the perfect gift you & the rest of your family are happy to send to the rest of John’s company who are in Iraq doing

us a great service.

Sincerely,
Sarah

This was my thought too, Jim when I got your email. Easy to send and I have seen them in small amounts (10, 15 minutes) and I’m sure with your internet savvy you could round some up pretty cheaply.

Sorry to hear about the pneumonia. Hope you’re over it soon.

Best regards and happy holidays

Sorry I meant the phone cards.

Hi Jim,

sorry to hear about your pneumonia - hope you are feeling better soon!
And thank you for the good news about Jon. He is still in our thoughts.

We did a “supplies for the troops-a-thon” a while back here in Atlanta and I remembered a couple of items. And then I thought I google the list of items needed - here it is:

Personal Health, Hygiene Needs:

Multivitamins, vitamin C tablets or drops, vitamin E tablets
Moleskin and blister packs (The terrain is rocky and has a tendency to destroy the boots.)
Foot powder
Athlete’s foot spray and cream
Antibacterial gel and large baby diaper wipes (These replace a shower on many days. On missions, this is the only way soldiers can clean themselves. The dust and dirt is overwhelming. Showers are not always possible)
Tissue packets that can be carried in pockets
Eye drops (They’re especially helpful after dust storms)
Moisture cream and hand lotion
Shampoo
Lip balm
Sun block (30 sun protection factor or higher)
“Hot hands” and “hot feet” inserts to keep warm
Air fresheners (stick-ons that hang up; tents can get pretty stinky)
Antiperspirants
Dental floss
Shaving cream, razors
Combs
Freezer-weight plastic-zip bags (protect the soldiers’ belongings from the ever-present dirt)

Much desired miscellaneous needs:

Batteries (especially AA and AAA — for radios, CD players)
Paperback books, current news magazines (such as People, Newsweek, Time, Readers’ Digest)
Stationery (cards for all occasions, even blank ones. If you make cards, send some to the troops; they love them)
Electronic games, videotapes, video movies, audiotapes
Decks of cards, dominoes, cribbage boards, other board games
Crossword puzzles and other word game books

I also like the personal greeting cards, motivational books & tapes.
And for Christmas, maybe a small decorative item that the soldiers can use as a bookmark etc.
From recommendations from friends in the navy, funny movies are also welcome.

Hope this helps.

Godspeed recovery to you and yours and a wonderful Christmas.

John & Birte

How about a bunch of phone cards? Or a variety of gums, hard candies, etc. 2 pluses–non-perishable, and sure to get used!
You could post a mini-site where readers of this blog could donate any amount they wish to be applied towards these gifts.
Maybe have a vote among all the suggestions you receive after a set cutoff date?

Special gift Idea.
I send Harmony rocks. Small washed and rounded stones that we collect in the local Macquarie River. My step daughter Harmony chooses them and then I give them out to our clients and friends to remind them of some special event or occasion.

In my coaching business I use thenm as a trigger for people to remember to appreciate, or say no, or express love.

A rock is a rock and because you say it has some special significance, it does.

Just like our world famous Uluru or Ayres Rock (the largest monolith on the planet here in the centre of Australia.) A human being one day said that Uluru is a sacred rock. Now this was a very long time ago, but that does not deminish the importance of the event.

One day some one said “That Rock is Sacred”

So take a stroll out into the woods or the creek or the desert and choose a special rock for your loved ones.

Write a special story of heart felt meaning about you and them and the journey you went on to comemorate the speacial feelings you have and send the letter and the card to them.

I can assure you it works and most importantly, the gift is one that comes from the heart and touches your loved with that special gift that no one could possibly buy at a store.

The only thing better than phone time to me would be video internet time or video Skye calls. With the low prices of laptops and cameras, could the Webinar King host webinars with video feeds from Iraq starring the troops in the 110 and made available to their families, in-laws and friends?
All the best for the holidays!

Nancy Kirk The Kirk Collection
www.kirkcollection.com

Hello Jim, I’m sorry to hear about your own illness and I wish you a speedy recovery. When you first asked for a positive message for Jon, I left one. Now, here’s what I’m prepared to do: I will donate 110 copies of my best selling book, "Wake Up… Live The Life You Love: Finding Life’s Passion". In the book, I am a co-author with Tony Robbins, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Brian Tracy and other distinguished authors. Odd as it may sound, the Passion that I wrote about is my passion for helping Veterans. I’m a Vietnam Veteran with several Purple Hearts and my goal is to give back to other Veterans. I’ll even agree to autograph every book. If you’ll find a way to pay for the shipping, you can have them all right now. In addition, I’ll also provide every member of Jon’s unit with a downloadable copy of my book, "The Veteran Advantage". Thanks to your Mini Site Creator course, I’ve been selling that book to other Veterans online since 2005. I’ll make that book available to them for free. (Another odd fact: I actually promote your course to my Veterans in that book). By the way, I love many of the other ideas that people have left you. I may use some of them myself for helping other veterans. Anyway, I’ve said more than one prayer for Jon and his fellow casualties. I wish you the one of the best holidays ever. If you want to take me up on my offer, send me an email . Best of luck with your project. Pat

12/10/2007

Hello Jim:

I am keeping you and your family in prayer.

I have sent to our troops this Christmas season – the gift of humor – through my book “171 Reasons Why You Should Never Live Next Door to Your In-Laws”. I would offer a box of my books to be sent out to Jons’ company still in Iraq. Please let me know where to ship.

I believe a little humor goes a long way.

Warm Regards,

Faith Powers

December 10, 2007
Faith Powers :
12/10/2007

Hello Jim:

I am keeping you and your family in prayer.

I have sent to our troops this Christmas season – the gift of humor – through my book “171 Reasons Why You Should Never Live Next Door to Your In-Laws”. I would offer a box of my books to be sent out to Jons’ company still in Iraq. Please let me know where to ship.

I believe a little humor goes a long way.

Warm Regards,

Faith Powers
http://www.incell-inc.com
http://www.171inlaws.com

My sister’s Girl Scout troop sent care packages to some soldiers. They were told that they needed some basic things like socks. I would ask your son-in-law what they need the most. Try to work with some people in your community who can help you like a Scouting troop. They will be able to pack and orgainze. Market to your local area to get people who will give donations. Any cash donations can be used to purchase some of the things they need the most. Your gift is marketing. Use that gift to bring people together to help you do something on a scale much larger than you could do by yourself. 110 soldiers is a lot for your one family. It isn’t a lot for a community. I also think that the community would be thankful to you for putting it all together.
Happy Holidays!
Sandy

Hi Jim,
Sorry to hear about your pneumonia and hope you’re better by now. I’m glad to hear that your son will be home. I would like to recommend Belleruth Naperstak’s awesome imagery CD’s for PTSD and for Stress Hardiness. I bet the troops could use several copies. Your son might benefit from the PTSD one (and you might want the General Wellness). Bellruth’s website is Healthjourneys.com Information follows.
Warm wishes, and if you want to do some EFT for any of this, let me know.
Lorna
L
orna Minewiser, PhD, LPC, D-CEP

Stress optimizaton
For those engaged in dangerous or traumatizing work, such as soldiers or early responders, this program teaches critical self-regulation skills so people can maintain calm focus and peak performance during chaotic situations. Designed to stabilize the wide biochemical swings produced by acutely stressful events, this may provide extra inoculation against the later development of PTSD. Includes breath work, key word repetition, body scanning, guided imagery for deep relaxation and guided imagery for restful sleep.
Healing Trauma (PTSD) - Health Journeys
Belleruth Naparstek
I designed this guided imagery with help from combat vets, survivors of rape, bombings, accidents, natural disasters and incest, and I think it’s the best work I’ve done. It goes very deep, and seems to work best with seasoned wounds. In the immediate aftermath of trauma, I recommend most people start with the stress, sleep and grief imagery first. (60 min.) Keywords: post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, compassion fatigue, secondary PTSD, anxiety, phobia, addiction

Hi Jim,

There are some GREAT ideas here! I especially like the idea of audiobook subscriptions,
and COOKIES packed in real popcorn! I recommend gingerbread boys. I would be happy to share my grandmother’s recipe for ginger honey cookies (always a hit and MUCH easier to make than real gingerbread), complete with icing design that has been used by 3 generations. Some people say they are too pretty to eat, so you could send 2 to each soldier, one to eat and one to look at thru the holiday.

I can email you pictures of the cookies at your request. ;o)

ALSO, I would like to personally donate my poetry ebook “Fine Karmedy: Poems of an Incorruptible Fool,” it’s a hyperlinked, pdf file, 66 original poems, indexed by subject to help the reader find the right poem for the mood.

anyone can download a free sample from my site: www.dingaroopress.com.

here’s one that seems to be a favorite:
————-
Hel’s Well

Remember that bar just east of Cloud Nine?
They sell maps to the place
at the mouth of the Rhine.
A ring of fire surrounds the lot,
but you can walk right through—
the flames aren’t hot.

The walls are really tall, they’re black and round;
a giant cauldron rising up from the ground
with iron doors two stories high . . .
Come on! The place we go when we die.

Orange neon sign: “Hel’s Well Bar & Grill”
If you don’t remember yet, you will!
The Queen of this tombwomb, cloaked in flames,
is known by many different names:

In Greece, she’s Hecate. And Pele dwells
in Hawaii’s volcanoes. In Norse, she’s Hel.
Now, don’t confuse her with that other—
men call that place to suffer,

a tale twisted for power and aversion—
I’m talking about the original version.
A place to rest; a state of grace;
a meeting your karma face to face,
Universe’s humor to put you in mirth,
and, when you’re ready, born back to earth.
It’s on the third star in the belt of Orion,
where Mother Hel keeps her fiery eye on

mortal souls who wander in,
some still dazed from the transition:
who’ve spent a life in body mortal,
then — changed to spirit and
popped through a portal—

But when she greets you on the other side,
apprehension and fear subside—
Angelic presence of this Fiery Queen
welcoming you to the In-Between.

I love that place— oh! It’s the best!
In between lives, where we go to rest,
discuss and contemplate all that we’ve learned
so we really “get it” before we return.

The food, alone, is worth the death;
the ambience will take your breath!
Everyone floats in a sweet, steamy mist
in this uterine shrine of rebirth and bliss.

The best Jazz in the Universe entire
alternates sets with a Valkyrie Choir;
Brunnhilde tends bar, imparting wise thoughts,
untangling themes from our last lives’ plots.

You’ll find my table along the back wall
under the display of deity dolls.
I taped a note for you under that chair.
Order a beer, and wait for me there.

Because my next life I think I’d like to spend
loving and learning with you, my friend,
and if you agree, we will have to plan,
to choreograph our meeting again.

If you get restless waiting for me,
ask Hel to send a Valkyrie
with a message and a spare helkappe
(so I don’t have to die to cross that gap,

riding back with her to the sacred cave).
Yes, it’s dangerous, but you make me brave.
And, if that’s what it takes to look in your eyes,
it’s well worth the risk, even if it’s unwise.

Now, should my soul arrive there first,
I’ll relish it, and quench my thirst
for conversation deep and wide
of stuff mortals will not confide:

karmic lessons, and divine law—
in life, most found them far too raw—
but when souls take leave, hearts open wide
and no longer need pretend or hide.

So, I’ll mingle for a decade. . . or more,
keeping one eye on the door,
waiting for my heart’s great thrill
to join me at Hel’s Well Bar and Grill.

Good luck to you, if I can personally help in any way (I’m a graphic artist, painter and writer, in grad school to become a therapist), let me know.

Kristen Annastasia

Jim

When you’re away from the world, you don’t need stuff - you need to feel part of the world you left behind. Snail mail letters that can be held and read and reread. Or put a video of Christmas at our homes up on youtube to make them all feel part of our families. How would they enjoy a THOUSAND videos that included them in our families?

“I’ll be home for Christmas - if only in my dreams..”

Love to all.

Steve Markowski

Dear Jim,

So sorry to hear of your son-in-law, blessings to your entire family, especially your daughter and her husband who is healing. Also blessings of health to you.

My suggestion as to what to send to the troops still in Iraq is to send angels - some metal, stone or wooden image of angels. First have everyone energize the angels with love and blessings via their prayers/intentions, then send them off, providing a little note indicating that the angels are filled with prayers, and suggestion that each soldier add to the prayer field/power of each angel daily by holding his/her angel while mentally holding images of international peace and being back home, safe and sound.

Holy-day blessings to all, every day!
Gayatri

The boys and girls in Iraq would probably be missing home and want something to remind them of home.

That there are 110 of them does not mean you need to send 110 presents

You could consider putting a parcel together of things they can only get at home or things that remind them of home. For the newyorker, a small snow globe with the empire stae building or chrysler building or the icerink at the rockerfeller center would remind them of home. Just get a bunch of this type of thing together, throw in a bunch of movies that feature scenes from home.

I am not sure about a gift for 110+ soldiers, but I do know that something very special should be done for our soldiers who have passed.

Just a thought…if you could somehow contact those families and get photos of their lives, we could put together a scrapbook for them. I am a profesional scrapbook designer, but for these guys I think it would be awesome to create a hardcover (published) book of their lives. It is a breeze to create multiple copies for varies family members and they aren’t expensive.

If it’s something you’d like to check into please email me. I would be more than happy to donate all the design time needed.

Merry Christmas,
Brandi Gore

Glad to know your son-in-law is doing better and in recovery. Thank God.

Thanks Jim you are so believable…. Build A Big, Profitable List With This Simple A, B, C, D Formula!
Every ones a winner and that’s no lie … no wonder you’re a winner… you walk the talk!

All my best to you and yours
Phillip Skinner