What would actually be useful for someone deploying to Afghanistan?

Sun screen, sun glasses, I know it sounds weird but kool aid or gatorade( the powdered kind). If we bought it at the P.X. it was melted into a brick, if someone shipped it from home it usually was still a powder.!!!!No Alcohol!!!! Phone cards are always good so they can call home. We always loved getting mail from anyone! There used to be weight restrictions on packages I would check with the post office and see if they are still doing that. I personally really loved it when my girlfriend sent a huge box of girl scout cookies!! Just keep in mind the even though you send tons of stuff he may not have time to write you back as often. He really does appreciate it trust me, we all did.

I was a Marine infantryman and did three combat tours in Iraq. What we wanted most were socks. Your feet sweat like crazy in those boots and laundry isn't a priority so trust me, socks. I will say that while usually easy to conceal, white socks are not allowed so I would suggest green or black. Also cigarettes were hugely important, either to smoke or give away (great way to raise moral in a squad) plus the tobacco in the States is a lot more fresh than what the military usually gets.

I hope that helps.

wow well simple things really pics from home, show him who hes defending and why hes doing this. Paper, pens envelopes, stamps to write home. He should have a lap top and maybe have internet so movies are fine but he will be busy when hes deployed. Send him food snacks that he cant get in the middle east. Just send him things so he knows he has someone at home who misses him and cant wait till he safe. Its the best feeling in the world getting off that plane after a year not seeing anyone you know from home and finally seeing them.

Hope he stays safe for you and your family.

I don't know how good itunes cards would be depending on how good the internet is at his FOB. I would recommend snacks, maybe those audio books that you plug headphones into, I don't know what they are called.

Movies and music