Christmas Reminder: Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude ^

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Our Mission

Hundreds of thousands of American troops are deployed indefinitely in remote parts of the world, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa, the Korean Peninsula and on ships throughout international waters. The physical conditions they must endure are difficult and they may be separated from loved ones for long periods of time. OPERATION GRATITUDE, together with the California Army National Guard, 746th QM BN, Van Nuys, seek to lift troops' morale, and bring a smile to their faces by sending care packages to service members overseas. OPERATION GRATITUDE care packages contain food, toiletries, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support.

Through Collection Drives, Letter Writing Campaigns and Donations of requested items or funds for shipping expenses, OPERATION GRATITUDE provides civilians anywhere in America a way to express their respect and appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. military in an active, hands-on manner.

OPERATION GRATITUDE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer corporation, funded entirely by private donations. For safety and security, the assembling of packages occurs at the 746th QM BN Armory in Van Nuys, California.

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FYI

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From the Operation Gratitude web site:

"I'm an OH-58D maintenance test pilot assigned in the Brigade Aviation Maintenance Office and the Support Operations Office. I wish to take a minute and personally thank you and your organization. Your support has lifted several heavy hearts this holiday season. Not only mine. Our unit received several of your packages today."

"In my office alone, we opened three. As customary in our office, all packages from the states, family ones too, are opened in front of everyone. This is not to invade anyone's privacy but all of our families know how precious it is to receive a package. They are stacked to the gills with junk food, magazines and hard candy for everyone to share."

"It's well known among our families how much they support us and our cause. What isn't as well known is how much the rest of the country does. Your packages silenced my usually circus-like office. As the notes and cards were passed around and soldiers began reading over each others shoulders, you could've heard a pin drop.

As I looked around I began to wonder, if you and your people really understand how much you touch so many soldiers. I wondered if you and your people feel that your efforts even make a difference in a soldier's life or are even appreciated. Your efforts do bring smiles and heart felt thanks."

"I'm hoping you receive more letters and e-mails than this one. For I'm probably the last person in my office that would be chosen to write a thankyou letter--definitely the least articulate. Nonetheless, I felt the need to express my gratitude to Carolyn, Elizabeth, Debbie, Operation Gratitude, CANG 746th QM BN and the countless people that made a crusty old CW4 smile, lift up his chin and thank God that he's an American."
"Sincerely,
CW4 S.M."