Iowans hoping to send a holiday package to a loved one who’s in the military overseas need to get that parcel to the post office before the close of business today (Thursday). Postal Service spokesman Richard Watkins says packages must be postmarked today if they’re to arrive at military addresses overseas on or before December 25th. Watkins says to use a strong box and adequate cushioning for the item, in addition to good packing tape, but not masking tape or scotch tape. Don’t use wrapping paper or string. Put the return address inside the package in addition to on the outside — on the same side as the soldier’s address. Watkins says there are several restrictions people need to follow when mailing packages to Americans serving in the military. Check with the website “usps.com” for full details, or check with your local postmaster. Don’t send perishables or items that are fragile. Iowans should get to the post office as early as possible today as Watkins says they’re expecting a crowd. Military postal operations employees ship about a quarter-million pounds of mail each -day- to Iraq. That number is expected to go up to about 325-thousand pounds each day during the year-end holiday season, which is why the agency suggests people mail holiday packages early. While today is the deadline on parcels that are headed to military addresses, the deadline on cards and letters is December 11th.