My good buddy's son is a Marine leaving for Afghanistan in two weeks, to Helmand province. It's his first deployment. I've known this kid since he was about thirteen. We took him to Civil War events with us and was the water boy of sorts. Great kid. He joined the Marines largely due to the influence of my best friend, who was in in the early '90's. He's been in the Marines a little over a year, has been to the Island as well as Infantry School and just arrived from Hawaii for his pre-deployment furlough. He's 19 and "belt-fed", as they say. On his first night home he broke a college kid's nose at Howl at the Moon Saloon, so I'd say he's about as sharp as they could want him.

We're all going to hook up on Friday to say our goodbyes before he goes. I want to give this kid something he can use, or alternatively something he will value having while he's over there. It might be the last time I ever see him. I know there are a lot of current serving and veterans who read this board so I was looking for some ideas. FWIW, he already got the obligatory high-speed knife and flashlight from my Marine buddy, such that he was known in Infantry School as "Moonbeam" (they liked his Surefire a LOT).

I know you guys will have some ideas, so let's hear 'em.

How about a wind proof lighter?

Gerber Multi-Tool.

The Zippo Hand Warmer looks pretty cool. I don't know firsthand how well it works, but a lot of people seem to have them.

If you want to send something a bit nicer, maybe a gift certificate to tactical tailor would do well. Once he gets in theatre, he is going to want to change his gear up a bit, but probably won't know exactly what he needs/wants until he spends some time on the ground. The TT gift certificate would let him order something he wanted once he figured it out. The internet access isn't great in Helmand, but he will most likely have some access to be able order periodically.

Our thoughts and prayers will be with him and all who go in harms way.

The one thing I went no where with was my headlamp.

quote:

Originally posted by DocSteve:
The one thing I went no where with was my headlamp.

I assume you mean "without."

Any particular brand/model?

Black diamond makes a very reliable head lamp. I have been using the same one for almost 8 years now without fail. I put it through very miserable conditions, below zero, rain, snow, sweat, heavy brush, and it has not failed me. Check out there line of gear.

You got me, meant without. I have Petzels, Tika's, Black Diamonds, some other random ones. As long as it's a quality light from one of those first 3 I'd say you cant go wrong. No need to drop big money on one, it's gonna get beat up. He would go through batteries if you get him one. Never gone through a bulb.
Been trying to think of what else you can get him but I dont know what he has. not sure what Marines are issued but off the top of my head, things I used all the time are as follows. Ground pad for sleeping on the ground, sleeping bag, back packs of various size. Anything from a 3 day pack to gargantuan mountaineering one. Sock's, the most underated neccesity. A Microfiber camp towel is handy if he is packing light. Light and small, works great. My laptop and movies were essential. A decent point and click camera is great to have also. Nice pair of sunglasses too. The only other thing I can think of is tell him to make sure he get's you an address and send him care packages. Those make a huge difference. If you get one, pass it on, I'll send him some stuff.
Several members from here on the forum sent me some, man they were great. I shared them with my guy's and they were amazed that relatively complete strangers would send the things they did, expecting nothing in return. I finally got to the post office today and sent out stuff to each person who sent me a package, just to say thanks.

Thanks for the info, Doc. When I get an address I'll be sure to share it. The boy's off to see the elephant. We've watched him grow up to be what he is, and now we'll watch him put it to the test.