If you don’t have a specific POA before he leaves, you will either need to get one, or have your spouse complete and notarize a form DD1172. Most ID card offices will allow this form to be faxed to them directly.

Note: General POAs do not usually work. Sometimes you’ll find someone who will accept it, but it is supposed to be either a DD1172 or a Specific POA that lists ID cards.

You will typically need an appointment to get a new ID card. The ID card office varies by base. It may be part of the PASS and ID office (usually immediately outside the main gate), sometimes it is in PSD, and sometimes there is a specific location for dependents to get ID cards. On our base, spouses can go to PSD or to the ID card office inside the NEX. Appointments are almost always required. Check the base directory to get the number. If you’re Navy, your Ombudsman will have it too.

1. Wrap the cookies individually in saran wrap first (to keep them fresh). Yes, I know this is a lot of work, but it helps the cookies hold their shape as well as making sure your loved one’s favorite cookies aren’t stale when they arrive.

2. Place the wrapped cookies in layers in a large ziploc bag (remove all the air as you seal it). Wrap the bag with bubble wrap and tape it all around. If you have more than one bag of cookies, you need to put at least 2 layers of bubble wrap between each bag before wrapping the bags together inside bubble wrap and tape.

3. Place the bubble wrapped cookies into a small box. Any space needs to be filled with tissue paper, newspaper, or more bubble wrap. When you close the box and shake it, you shouldn’t be able to feel or hear any movement. If you do, you need more packing material. Make sure to seal this box once you’re done.

4. Place the cookie box inside your main shipping box, preferably in the middle. Wrap it with clothes you’re sending, or more bubble wrap. The idea is to keep it as stationary as possible. Make sure there is something beneath it so it doesn’t come in contact with any of the sides. If you’re sending cookies, it’s especially important to make sure you shipping box is packed full. Use extra packing material if necessary. When it is sealed and shaken, nothing should move.

If you’re only sending cookies (i.e. not a full care package) you still need two boxes. Package the cookies in the first box as explained above, then wrap that box with bubble wrap, and place inside a larger box. I prefer 2 layers of bubble wrap between the two boxes on all sides. When the shipping box is sealed, there should be no movement from inside.

I typically use the Flat-rate Priority Mail APO/FPO box for my shipping box and then find a box that will fit inside, or cut one down and make my own for the interior box.

This whole process doesn’t take much time. Wrapping the cookies individually is probably the most time consuming part. But it can make a huge difference to whether your cookies arrive fresh and edible or smashed into crumbs.