Smoke up, Johnny: USPS OKs mailing tobacco to troops

Know a GI in Iraq or Afghanistan who’s hurting for a smoke? Beginning Aug. 27, the U.S. Postal Service will once again allow customers to mail cigarettes and other tobacco products abroad to soldiers, Marines and other service members.

The Associated Press reports that after a law kicked in June 29 that sought to keep minors from ordering cigarettes, the Postal Service originally only allowed care packages with tobacco to be mailed via Express Mail. The problem was, Express Mail can’t be sent to some overseas locations like Iraq and Afghanistan, leaving soldiers out of luck. But in two weeks, the Postal Service will allow tobacco care packages through Priority Mail, which can be sent to military bases in other countries.

And while we’re at it, here’s a tune to brighten your Friday. Enjoy Tex Williams’ “Smoke Smoke Smoke (That Cigarette).”