News from the Front

Yesterday, Keefe called to wish me a belated Happy Birthday.  Hearing his voice was the best present I could have received.  He sounds rested and adjusted.  Golf Company Lieutenants' (6)  are sharing quarters. To create some sense of privacy, the six Lieutenants' built walls out of plywood and partitioned the room into six segments. Their diet consist of cold tray rations supplemented with fruit and occasional cooked food. |

In the first mail shipment he received around fifteen care packages from the South Barrington Garden Club.  He was very appreciative and passed out all the packages to his Platoon. 

Many of you have asked about the easiest way to send letters.  Keefe has internet access and checks his email every few days.  For those wishing to write you can use the following email address: murtaugh.mk@gmail.com. Care package details are listed at the end of this posting.

Thank you all for your prayer and support!

 
Semper Fi!
 

______________________________________________________________________

1) Letters/Emails from home are at the top of the list.

 • NO enclosures allowed
 • Embedded photos OK

2) Care packages can be shipped in Flat Rate Boxes (Only USPS delivers to combat zone).   US Shipping rates apply.

 • Mailing Address:
1stLt Murtaugh, Michael K
2d Bn, 7th Mar (Golf Co, 4th Plt)
Unit 41540
FPO AP 96427-1540

ITEMS TO CONSIDER IN CARE PACKAGES:
Cookies and candy  (this is good to share with his platoon about (25-30 men)
Beef Jerky (especially if made in Texas)
Baby Wipes
AA/AAA Batteries for electronics
Power/Health Food  Bars
3 oz bottles of MiO flavoring for water (Kraft)
Dip (Copenhagen  - Wintergreen)
Chew (Levi Garrett)
Cigars
Kindle Cards (He has a Kindle reader)
Athlete Foot Spray or powder  (medicated)
Deodorant
Mole Skins
Sunglass straps
Quattro Razors Refills 
The most important thing you can do is to keep him in your prayers.   I will do my best to keep you posted on his activities but that will all depend on how much he sends me updates. ;)



CARE PACKAGE DETAILS
_________________________________________________________________
 • Packing Precautions
 Recommend NYLON FILAMENT FIBER TAPE OR MAILING TAPE. Masking and
scotch tape are NOT AUTHORIZED. Do not wrap with string.
 Place LIQUID items such as salsa, hygiene items and beverages in separate zip lock
bags. NO liquids that can explode e.g. carbonated drinks.
 Always use the SMALLEST box possible that conforms to the contents.
 Ensure the weight of the items in the box is evenly distributed.
 Always use DURABLE boxes.
 Add packing material inside portions of the box that sag / easily depressed.
 Package items TIGHTLY to avoid shifting.
 Place mailing address inside the parcel on a separate piece of paper.
Never send BULKY items in an envelope
(i.e., Keys, Dog Tags, Rings, and Cassette Tapes).
 Include the RETURN and ADDRESSEES’ ADDRESS inside the parcel.
 Place the address on only one side of the article being mailed.
 Use INSURANCE on packages that contain valuable items going to and from the
U.S. and deployment site.
All mail weighing OVER 16 OUNCES must be presented to a post office for mailing
 All parcels must bear a customs form
 To assist customs and prevent damage to your package, include Lock Combination
or Keys when mailing sea-bags, or foot lockers
 Custom forms must be filled out in DETAIL

 • Mailing Restrictions

 OBSCENE MATERIAL (pictures, magazines, nude or semi-nude)
 PORK and PORK BY-PRODUCTS
 LARGE QUANTITIES of material contrary to the Islamic belief. Quantities for
personal use are permissible
 No Alcohol
 For additional restrictions, contact your local military post office.
 EXPRESS MAIL not authorized.
 If accidentally accepted at post office, request refund for overpayment

 • Mailing Supplies

FREE POSTAL MAILING SUPPLIES
SENT TO YOUR HOME (ASK FOR MILITARY
PACKAGE) WWW.USPS.COM 1-800-610-8734
10 Priority Boxes
10 Mailing labels
10 US Customs Forms
1 Roll of Bubble Wrap
1 Roll of Tape