Staff SGT Donald Wayne West, Jr., enlisted in the United States Army National Guard on September 11, 2001. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Company A of the 150th Combat Engineers served active duty Aug 29, 2004, until Dec 30, 2005. SSGT West returned to college in January, 2006. He married Lauren Ritchie June 9, 2006, at Seaside, Fla., and they have three children. SSGT West completed military service at Camp Minden, LA on Aug 23, 2009.

Saturday, February 12, 2005

Day 31 - $7.70 Flat Rate Postage and Best Rate Calling Cards

Today's mailing tip from Wayne's sister, Nikki:

Priority mail flat rate boxes are now available through the US Postal Service. You can cram up to 70 pounds of stuff into them for only $7.70. As long as you are mailing more than a pound, it is much more economical to use the flat rate box. You can order the free boxes at www.usps.com.

You will have to fill out a customs report. Do not list tobacco, alcohol, or porn on the list. Also, I would recommend leaving off anything of value. Food, candy, books. etc., OK.

Military calling cards are available online for $39.95 (550 units). These ATT Global Calling cards were negotiated with the military at a bulk contract rate. Added value includes being able to replenish minutes by phone with debit or credit card.

Stacy Lee recommended purchasing calling cards cards from Segovia, a satellite communications company. Cards purchased through the Segovia website are calculated at only $.04 a minute. These cards also carry the option to be replenished automatically when the balance falls below $5.00.

To purchase ATT Global Calling cards:
https://thor.aafes.com/scs/default.aspx

To purchase Segovia Satellite phone cards:
http://www.segoviaip.com/dsp_purch_introduction.asp

To request free phone cards:
http://www.operationuplink.org/request.cfm

<