Days in the Iraqi desert can seem endless.  Sand as far as the eye can see, relentless winds that keep clothes, vehicles and food constantly covered in dirt and grime, and as summer approaches it brings the promise of a vicious heat that never lets up.   While some of the larger US bases in Iraq have Pizza Hut and Subway and even ice cream parlors, the Marines stationed along the Syrian border and at other distant locations who are charged with quelling insurgent activity can go for days, even weeks without a shower or a hot meal.  These guys are still going out on patrol.  Many of them engage the enemy on a daily basis.  The sounds of gunfire and mortar blasts are never far away.   Other bases may have internet cafes and dry cleaners, but not here.  Here the Marines have learned how to improvise with their MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat).   Some guys can even make pudding with the cocoa powder.   Occasionally, these men can venture into Camp Victory or another large base and stock up on soda, cigars and junk food, but those trips may be few and far between.  So they make do with what they have and hope for a care package from home. Care packages are more than just a reminder that someone loves them and is thinking of them.  They bring a little bit of home to these desolate parts of Iraq.  Video games, books and iPods can make those long, boring days go by faster…provided the sender remembers to include batteries!  Magazines are read and re-read and passed around.  DVD’s are popped into computers and screened for everyone.  Guys can watch an entire season of 24 or CSI in one night and then start the whole thing over again the next day.  Baby wipes might be the closest thing they get to a shower and fresh socks mean they might not have to wash out their old ones until tomorrow.  Powdered lemonade means they can camouflage the taste of their purified water and spices and Tabasco sauce will dress up another serving of vacuum packed lasagna.