OPERATION GRATITUDE (pictures)

[markv840]

Operation Gratitude (SM) is an organization that is dedicated to sending care packages to the troops deployed in Iraq (and other parts of the world). Recently they have undertaken the enormous task of shipping 10,000 (!!) packages containing things such as: lotion, CD’s, DVD’s, candy, snacks, t-shirts, and letters from people who just want to say “thank you”; packages are sent through USPS, and the shipping cost per package runs at $15 - $30 (this time it’s more than ten thousand packages, you do the math). On this Memorial Day weekend, hundreds of volunteers have started the overwhelming task of assembling the boxes, preparing the packages, filling customs forms, and many other tasks that make this operation possible. Operation Gratitude is the brainchild of Carolyn Blasheck, as I’m told, she started this incredible project from her own house, and now, since it has become such a huge effort, the contents of the packages are now sent to the National Guard armory in Van Nuys, California, where they are stored until it’s time to assemble and ship the packages. You can visit operation gratitude’s website: www.opgratitude.com.

PS- Point to the picture for a Commentary.

That is Carolyn Blashek(center), Mr.Diamond on the left(whose rank I don't know, unfortunately), and an "unknown" on the right.

Guess who?

[markv840]

Ping

[Howlin]

Good gracious.....what fabulous pictures!!!!

[GulfWar1Vet]

Great job and it looked like a lot of fun as well!

[gortklattu]

God Bless all of them....

[Humal]

Is this a nation-wide program? A radio station in Brevard County on the east coast of Florida was doing something similar. Bud Heddinger (sp?) said Harris Corporation brought a truck load of items all nicely boxed and ready to go. Wonderful to see.

[Mo1]

Good gracious.....what fabulous pictures!!!!

YEP !!!

BTW .. ever notice there are never pictures of liberals doing these things for our soldiers??

[Cold Heat]

ever notice there are never pictures of liberals doing these things for our soldiers??

Isn't that the truth!

[McGavin999]

WOW is that great! Just imagine the faces of the troops who get those boxes.

[markv840]

Honestly, I don't know; but I wouldn't think so, since Carolyn started the whole thing from her Encino, California home. It would be great if this grows into a nationwide operation... Visit operation gratitude's website for more info.

[markv840]

You don't HAVE to imagine, they have a bunch of pictures on the wesite.

[Think free or die]

It would be wonderful if this were nationwide. I recently had the experience of seeking insect repellant at our local drug store. They were completely stocked out, which I've never experienced before. The store manager told me it was because so many people were sending it overseas to military personnel. I don't know whether this reflects an organized campaign or just families taking care of their own loved ones, but it was the nicest reason for a stock-out I've ever heard!

[Mike Fieschko]

Is this a nation-wide program?

Brian Whitman, a talk show host on WABC in New York (I think he's also on KABC in Los Angeles) had the lady running this on his show a couple of times, so it's gotten some national exposure.

[WorkingClassFilth]

Thanks! This thread is being sent far and wide.

[MeekOneGOP]

Gotta love it ! Thanks. :^)

[markv840]

You're welcome :o)

[Freedom2specul8]

Totally awesome..thanks for the post and ping!

[F14 Pilot]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww! Good Work!

That guy can be a Lt. Colonel?

[BigSkyFreeper]

Wow! That's pretty cool! Great bunch of pictures. Looks like fun had by all who were there pitching in and helping out! :)

[BizzeeMom]

Thanks for the pics!! I've sent small donations of $ a couple times, she (Carolyn) always sends a nice thank you note. Amazing woman! (and all you volunteers are amazing as well--thank you!)