Wing Staff organizing very important shipment – holiday care packages to deployed members Published Nov. 25, 2009 By Nick Stubbs Thunderbolt Staff Writer MACDILL AFB, Fla. -- There's no place like home, and that goes triple for deployed servicemembers. That's why getting a "little piece of home" in the mail means so much, and it's why the 6th Air Mobility Wing Staff is organizing holiday care packages for its deployed members. Members of the wing staff are encouraged to contribute small food or comfort items, magazines or other useful items to go in boxes set for delivery prior to Christmas. To make the deadline guaranteed by the U.S. Postal Service, packages must ship by Dec. 4, said Master Sgt. Gene Stassner, who is heading up the care package effort. "We have at least 10 deployed, and maybe more we want to get packages to," he said. "I know as someone who has been deployed that it means a lot to get something from home, especially around the holidays." The boxes to be shipped are 12 by 12 inches, about 6 inches deep, so items must be small enough to fit the box, said Sergeant Strassner. Speaking from experience, he warns against including soap, as food items in the box "end up tasting like the soap." He also advises against liquids that could spill and spoil the package. Boxes will also have to clear customs. The boxes will also contain cards signed by members of the staff offices. A designated day will be announced via e-mail, on which members can stop by the DS office and sign cards and drop items into gift boxes. Family members also can add items to boxes, if they wish, said Sergeant Strassner. "Almost anything from home, even the things you didn't think much of when you were home, is special and makes you feel better," he said. "It's something tangible that they can touch from home, and that makes them experience a bit of home when they are very far away." Sergeant Strassner said anyone interested in contributing or who needs information can call him at 828-8860.