Gift Idea for a Marine Deploying

[nycgunner]

Hello everyone,

My best friend is deploying to Afghanistan in two months. He's an Infantry Assaultman and this will be his first tour. I want to get him a gift or two before he leaves. Any recommendations? For those who have served our country, what could you really use in the field?

Here a few ideas:

1) Flashlight: http://www.surefire.com/V2Vampire-V2-BK
2) Pocket knife: http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/list.php?genre=knife&division=spyderco&per_page=316
3) KBar? These are standard issued, right?

He already has an iPad, iPod, Lenovo PC and Kindle, so I don't think anything media-related will work.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and help.

[Quinbo]

Get him a P-38 and a can of tuna to remind him of you.

[Silentwarrior17]

Don't worry about anything gear related. If he needs it, he will get it himself or be issued it. Think of something that you might have with him, an inside joke or something along those lines and get something like that. Seeing something like that everyday will remind him of home and for the moment take away everything that is happening.

[Mwhite732]

I got a Zippo with the EGA from my parents awhile back. Great gift, had to go back and get one for a buddy of mine.. Its engraved With my first initial and Last name. And they're cheap too. I dont even smoke hah. Heres the link of where i got mine. Theres a few to choose from and you will get it shipped to you in the mail in a few days. They do good work.http://www.executivegiftshoppe.com/zippo-lighters-work-and-play-standard-issue.html#paging

Rah
Mwhite

[DOWNINGDJ]

Get him something he can come back to, it doesnt have to be something for the deployment but something showing you give two ****s that he comes back.

[Ray Merrell]

I suggest a book he can share with others...mine - "My Three Years in the Marine Corps". Written from memories, my diary and letters home, a personal story. Order autographed book from me...$15.00 (includes postage). A personal check is okay.
Ray Merrell
827 Dixie
Liberty, Mo. 64068

[civgrunt05]

The light thing will be covered by issue most likely, he probably has a K-bar, and probably has a pocket knife, but you could always use another MRE opener really and truly.

I've seen some guys get issued a multitool, but he may not have been and they are a precious commodity at times. I took a Gerber Suspension with me to Africa and I'm glad I had it. A lot of guys carry them to the field and what not, but a lot of guys don't and always ask to borrow it from another buddy when they need it (The Corps is sooo socialist, ;) ). The Suspension can be had for 30 - 40 bucks and I thought it was good. I did break the pliers, but then again I was trying to cut a lock (stupid) with them, so it probably should have broken. You can spend more and get something nicer if you so choose, but the suspension is nice enough IMO. Though if he is a 51 then Gerber does sell one especially made for crimping blasting caps -- the Multi-plier 600 DET.

[devilbones2]

I like the zippo idea. I dont smoke but lots of other people do and you never know when you will need a fire.

[Marine84]

I did break the pliers, but then again I was trying to cut a lock (stupid) with them,

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Really?

[Supersquishy]

Leatherman with the black nylon holster AND/OR Black Casio G-shock watch.

[Old Marine]

Leathman Tool is a great gift and he will definately find many uses for it.

[SGT7477]

Get him a P-38 and a can of tuna to remind him of you.
A John Wayne with a can of tuna,lol, Semper Fidelis.:flag:

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Ya'll just ain't right now....LOL.

Concur. Leatherman is a great idea. Not a cheapie POS either. Spend the money on a good one.

Closed until I see a profile.

Sigh. I grow weary.