What happens to care packages if the soldier isn't there to get them? Do they go to a chaplain? What can we do to make sure they get used?

PO3 Sandra Gomke — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 09:31:38 -0500

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2016 9:51 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 09:51:10 -0500

I think a lot of it just depends on the local SOP. When I was in Iraq, some went to the Chaplains office, while others went to specific units/Soldiers. I can attest that shortly after getting in country, when my office would receive them.....from say some random grade school class, they were not addressed to any particular unit but handed out. Believe me, those packages never went to waste.

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Nov 16 at 2016 10:13 AM

PO3 Sandra Gomke — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 10:13:32 -0500

We, the Blue Star Mothers, were told that the packages would be returned if we didn't have a proper person to receive them. But we did put the Chaplain (with the original address) as the "Forward To" on the mailing form. Some packages came back, though. We just don't want to waste any.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 16 at 2016 10:36 AM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 10:36:22 -0500

some times on the Customs Declaration there is a place for alternate delivery instructions ... if it is there, mark where you want it to go to...
During the first desert war, I sent several packages each month to former troops and friends of mine in I always added a second address or to Unit Chaplin for Distribution...

Response by CSM David Heidke made Nov 16 at 2016 10:36 AM

CSM David Heidke — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 10:36:36 -0500

I had one sent to my home of record.

It had a stick of pepperoni in it which I ate.

I lost 10 pounds over the next two days I was so sick.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2016 12:30 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 12:30:31 -0500

All packages have to be properly addressed. However, quite a few of the packages that come out here will have a sections saying something to the effect of "if unable to deliver to (specific soldier), deliver to any service member"

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Nov 16 at 2016 3:51 PM

PO1 Brian Austin — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 15:51:18 -0500

Chaplain would be your best bet. I saw many packages opened and then set out in day room or common areas. Then anyone could grab something they might need or want. They definitely didn't go to waste.

Response by Sgt Nick Marshall made Nov 16 at 2016 11:37 PM

Sgt Nick Marshall — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 23:37:11 -0500

Proper Postal procedure is to return to sender, unless the addressee is ambiguous.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 7:51 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 07:51:12 -0500

I assume return to sender. When I was on the ship and we had a package for someone who wasn't there, we would set it aside, and try to see where that Sailor went; once we have established a location, we would re-send to the address provided. If we can't locate, we usually do a return to sender. Tracking down 5000 people is a feat in itself.