One way to keep your phone cost down is to be prepared for the call. However, be prepared for the unexpected tears, both yours and your spouse's. You will still be charged for the initial three minutes, but it is cheaper when you call your spouse direct if you plan on talking for more than five to ten minutes. Agree if you cannot get through in fifteen minutes that your spouse will call you back. With just a little planning, they can be a great link over the distances.
Care packages are also a morale builder during remote assignments or deployments.
Speculation and excitement run throughout an entire shop when just one package arrives. What you send will undoubtedly be seen by a number of people. Even most officers share their quarters. Packages going overseas are subject to customs inspection and may be opened by the host country inspectors. Do not use wrapping paper if you can help it, and string will foul up the postal machines.