As The Sparks Fly Upward

So many of you have asked, either on this blog or by e-mail, if you can send something to me. My answer is: Yes! (And also: Thanks!)

Al Asad is a relatively nice base, but is a bit isolated from the others. This results in our PX (Post Exchange the name for the official military store on each post) often being understocked for the in-demand items, such as sweets and cookies, and they of course do not have any name-brand yummies at the mess hall. Also, the Al Asad PX is small (it is in a tent).

Additionally, I have discovered that among the young enlisted kids who work in my clinic as medics and other staff, there is a great deal of variation as to how much stuff they get sent from home, so a lot of sharing goes on among us, as well as with our patients. We keep a box of goodies sent by family members in our waiting room, and everything that gets placed out there goes pretty quickly (with the notable exception of that old dusty package of biscotti, which apparently will not have any takers). So if you want to send something to me personally, great! I’ve never met a peanut butter M&M or a Snickers Bar which I didn’t like. Honestly, though, I am pretty well set up here, and have already had multiple packages sent out by my sweet wife.

If you or your Ward would like to do a service project, any and all treats will be accepted gratefully by my medics, and my patients. And in case you didn’t know it, the postage for an APO address is often cheaper than sending a package across your home state.

To send a package to me:

MAJ Erik Rupard

581st ASMC

Unit 73357

APO, AE 09333-3357

To send a package to my clinic:

Troop Medical Clinic c/o MAJ Rupard

581st ASMC

Unit 73357

APO, AE 09333-3357

FAQ:

Q: If I send a package with chocolate, etc, won’t it melt before it gets there?

A: Probably not, as it is pretty cold here right now. But the real answer is this: we just don’t care. My medics and I would lick chocolate chip cookies off of the inside of a box if we had to.

Q: How long will it take the package to get there?

A: First class, about 4-5 days (really!). Parcel post, about two weeks.

Q: Can I send you a refrigerator to fill with the Mountain Dew, Diet Cokes and Gatorade which we all know are so critical to your mission? Would you like a golf cart for scooting around the base? Can I at least pick out a thermos for you? A paddle game?

A: I thought you’d never ask!

In all seriousness, thanks to all for your kindness.