Sending Jerky to Soldiers (NOW WITH Q-VIEW!)

[bigjonbbq]

Guys,

My Brother-In-Law was deployed to Camp Leatherneck in Afganistan 2 weeks ago and already he has called and said that the snacks they have their are crap and wants some of my jerky/snack sticks to give to the guys over there.

I'm planning on making about 30 lbs of Jerky and vacuum sealing, then shipping it via UPS or USPS standard rate boxes.

My question is, will this be OK to ship over there or are there any weird rules about what you can and cannot ship to soldiers in The Stan?

Thanks,

JT

 

[scarbelly]

Send a PM to Todd Johnson - he just sent a bunch of stuff over there around Christmas. He traded his smokers for stuff for the troops and shipped it.

 

[mballi3011]

Yes it is alright to send him some snack sticks and jerky but I would make sure and cure them too. This will prolong the time that they can be without refrigeration. Our son was in Iraq a few times and I sent him sticks many times.

 

[smokinstevo27]

Thats really wonderful you are sending those boys something from home. I had a buddy over there and he said the same thing about little things like good snacks that you miss while you are over there. Those guys and girls love it when they get good stuff from home.

 

[placebo]

Good on ya JT

Jerky was my main staple during Desert Shield/Storm, couldn't get enough of the stuff. Like Mark says though do make sure it is cured properly so they can ration it if need be. Jerky really is the perfect protein that you can carry in your ruck for long periods of time without it spoiling. Begs the question why the hell hasn't the military figured that out and start adding it to the MRE's Or have they?

 

[rbranstner]

That's great that you are sending over some jerky to the men and women that serve. I should have done the same thing when my brother in law and a few buddies where over there. I can't think of anyone that I directly know that is over there right now but I bet there is a general place I could send stuff and it would get used and appreciated. I should look into that. Anyone know?

 

[bigjonbbq]

Here is the recipe I'm planning on trying this time....The Tenderquick should be enough cure for them to keep in a vacuum seal bag for a few months correct? (I'm only using Ground beef, no Venison)

• 2 pounds ground deer meat
• 3/4 pound fatty ground beef
• 2 teaspoons canning salt
• 1 teaspoon Morton[emoji]174[/emoji] Tender Quick[emoji]174[/emoji]
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

 

[bigjonbbq]

Here is the first 20Lbs of Jerky....Measured out, it is right about 250 Feet of Jerky!!!!! I have another 20lbs of Jerky in the Fridge...Hoping I can get it on the smoker tonight as we are expected to get around 4inches of snow in Georgia tomorrow (which is alot for us Southerner's)

JT

 

[dale5351]

My son is deployed to a country in the Mid-East on the Gulf.  He said that his office mates voted for jerky, so you're making a good choice.

Todd collected a number of addresses for his Christmas care packages, you might PM him to see if he'll share with you.

Someone posted a message about things *NOT* to send.  Only thing I can think of from memory of that list that might be relevant is "no pork".

 

[beer-b-q]

Here is what I posted in another thread a while back.

What are the rules or restrictions on mailing to APO/FPO addresses?

For detailed information about mailing rules and regulations, please visit the US Postal Service website. Also, the members-only area of the Soldiers' Angels Forum has additional information on OPSEC security precautions, as well as things we've learned from experience.

Each country has its own customs regulations, which may include prohibitions on certain kinds of food or entertainment products.  Military units may have additional restrictions imposed by commanders to ensure logistics support can handle the mail properly, so check with your soldier before sending something particularly large or unusual (we recommend using 2-day Express Flat-Rate boxes).  In general, these are the maximum size standards:

• Maximum weight: 70 pounds
• Maximum length and girth: 108 total inches (length + girth; length = longest side of the box)

While there are specific restrictions for each area in the Middle East, generally speaking, it is prohibited to mail the following:

• obscene articles (pictures, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc.)
• any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or non-authorized political materials
• bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith. Items for the personal use of the recipient are permissible
• pork or pork by-products
  

Each package will require a customs declaration form. It is easiest if these are filled out before you go to the Post Office--just get a handful on your first visit and you'll be prepared for the next time.

All packages are subject to high heat and much bouncing around; choose items accordingly and pack securely. Scented items and liquids should be placed in zip lock bags. Use lots of packaging tape! If you're going to be sending lots of packages, one of those packaging tape "rollers" is a good investment. Because of the heat, aerosol cans are not a good idea.

 

[tjohnson]

I did not have one complaint from all the stuff we sent over to Afghanistan.

We were told not to send pork, liquor, tobacco products or dirty magazines.  If you know the person receiving the care package, it's OK to send "Home Made Goods".  We were told not to send them, but responses from the soldiers were that they don't throw anything out!

Also keep in-mind, that things are sometimes dirty and dusty, so resealable packages are great.

A U.S. Postal Service large Flat Rate Box costs $12.50 to ship over to a military base.  Pack it tight!

Todd

 

[bigjonbbq]

Here is the first finished batch of Jerky....

 

[bigjonbbq]

Here is the finished total of Jerky and I've started cutting it into 1 1/2" - 2" pieces to package.

 

[the dude abides]

That's awesome!  Good on you!  Tell your BIL thank you and to stay safe.