If one of your family members or close friends is deployed in the United States Military, you will be familiar with the terms APO address and FPO address. The acronyms stand for “army post office,” which services the army and air force, and “fleet post office,” which supplies mail to the navy and its ships. In certain situations when phone communication is not available, APO and FPO addresses may be the sole way for loved ones to contact their soldier. There are certain rules surrounding sending packages to APO and FPO addresses. Kremp Florist’s knowledgeable associates are familiar with the process and can make sending a gift to a service member easy. A care package or keepsake may be just what they need to boost their morale during their time of service.
Types of Gifts to Send to APO and FPO Addresses
Did you know that military deployments can last anywhere from 90 days to 16 months? That means that military personnel can be separated from their families for over a year. During this time, families and friends will want to stay in touch with the service member and send birthday gifts, anniversary gifts, holiday presents, or even gifts that are ‘just because.’ Kremp Florist offers gifts that are compatible with guidelines for APO and FPO addresses, such as gifts for:
- Birthday. An airman or sailor’s birthday is a great time to give them some of the pampering and relaxation they deserve. Kremp Florist carries spa gift baskets with enticing fragrances of French vanilla, cucumber melon, lavender, rose, meadow breeze, citrus, or coconut. Bath and body products and bath bombs are now enjoyed by women and men alike—the florist even offers “masculine” themed gift tins.
- Anniversary. Although he may be separated from his spouse, a soldier still wants his anniversary to be filled with romance. A delivery of gold dipped roses makes a wonderful surprise for a deployed husband. The real roses that are preserved in 24-karat gold come in many colors so you can choose his favorite. Gold dipped roses can stand up to being shipped within the U.S. or over seas and will arrive looking beautiful in a decorative gift box with a complementary enclosure card. Add a plush animal to your gift so your service member will have something soft to cuddle on those long nights away from home.
- Just Because. If someone you love is in the military, you already know that it doesn’t have to be a special occasion to warrant sending a care package or gift. Kremp Florist creates specialty food, tea, and gourmet boxes that will satisfy the sweet or salty cravings of any service member when Meals, Ready-To-Eat are just not enough. Boxes can be customized to reflect the recipient’s favorite sport, and books of puzzles and word games can be included to provide entertainment. Aside from tasty treats, the florist also offers petite home decorations that can brighten up a barracks where the recipient may be living for a while. Designers create colorful silk arrangements that are conveniently shipped and will beautify a space regardless of extreme heat or cold. Hand crafted jewelry or Willow Tree figurines make sentimental gifts that will let the soldier know you are thinking of him or her.
How To Send Gifts to APO or FPO Addresses
Now that you know what types of gifts are available through Kremp Florist, you may be wondering how to send a gift to a member of the military. First, you must address your letter or package with the service person’s military rank and full name, including middle name or middle initial. In the address line, write the unit number and box number. The box is like a P.O. box. Next, in the ‘city’ field enter either APO or FPO depending on to which branch of the military the recipient belongs. Fill in AE (Armed Forces Europe, Middle East, Africa, or Canada), AP (Armed Forces Pacific), or AA (Armed Forces America) in the country line. Finally, use the 5-digit zip code in which the service member resides. The finished product should look like this:
CPT JOHN LIAM DOE
UNIT 2050 BOX 4190
APO AA 19090
Remember to send only items that comply with the customs of the destination where the package will be received, and give ample time for the gift to arrive. The maximum weight available for delivery to APO or FPO addresses is 70 pounds, and the maximum size is 108”. Determine the size by measuring the length + (height x2) + width (x2).