Hi Tammie!
I'm not a Military aunite but I am a Navy wife and I have alot of friends in all the branches. My husband is currently deployed so I understand missing your loved ones.
A few tips to help you support your nephew!
*Try to write an actual letter every once and awhile to your nephew. While email are great a hand written letter speaks volumes and volumes of love.
*When ever you ship care packages to him know that it will be shared with alot of the guys, if not everyone, in his unit. My best friend's brother went to West Point and we would send 4 or 5 dozen cookies just so he could have 6-12 cookies for himself.
*Phone cards are all ways appreciated as are photos from home.
*Ask him what he really misses from home, like candy, magazines, or maybe even a new video game he wants, that he can't get in Cuba. Then you will have a great list of stuff to send that you know he will really love.
*If you are going to send candy put it in an individual plastic zip lock bag. That way if it melts you they can still eat it and it won't get on every thing else. Same thing with body washes, shampoos, and any liquids or gels.
*ALL care packages are appreciated no matter what is in them.
I love that you want to support the troops, especially during the holiday season. eMailOurMilitary.com is a great way to connect with a military member and personally support one. Writing to one military member is a huge support and effects not just his or her morale but the morale of those around them. Also eMailOurMilitary.com does lots of projects to support the troops year around that you can get involved in.
Anysoldier.com can also get you in touch with one member or even a whole unit. You can get your friends and family involved, or even your church, to help support a whole unit. The unit will let you know what they would like and what they are in need of.
You can also look up your local USO chapter. They have been support the troops for years and each chapter does different things.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything else I can help you with.
Tara