Posted on 09/28/2003 6:54:54 PM PDT by mdittmar
It's the thought that counts.
Never does that old adage hold more power than when you find yourself alone on foreign soil, fighting for your life and hearing rumors that your country no longer supports you.
"When troops are out in remote places, they don't have access to news on a regular basis and rumors abound," says retired Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael R. S. Teilman, who now heads the Bob Hope Hollywood USO. "They hear about protest marches, the president getting lambasted, and they don't know if there is going to be a backlash when they get home, like there was after Vietnam."
It's no wonder the troops are confused, with negative coverage in the media exceeding positive coverage ten to one, and the patriotic fervor of 9/11 quickly slipping into the apathetic languor that preceded that defining moment in history. Despite the negative media coverage and political bickering, Americans overwhelmingly support their individual troops and one woman in Encino, California is determined to make sure they receive that message loud and clear. Carolyn Blashek, ex-lawyer/teacher and proud mother, has personally sent almost 600 care packages to soldiers in the Middle East. Filled with toiletries, snacks, games, movies and personal letters of support, these packages have a huge impact on the lives of these soldiers. Although steadfast in their loyalty to their country, one soldier's uncertainty shows between the lines.
"All the soldiers here are very happy to receive letters and anything that is a sign of support for our effort," writes the thankful SPC. "You at Operation Gratitude have made a difference in our lives and we are grateful as well. We are determined to accomplish our mission here even more, because we know America cares about us. God bless America."
Boosting morale. That's what motivates this human dynamo, Carolyn Blashek, to keep sending packages and letters of support overseas. A product of the Vietnam Era, this 48 year old, two-mile-a-day-runner tried to join the Army Reserves after September 11, but was politely turned down for being about a decade over age. Undaunted, Carolyn signed on as a volunteer at the Bob Hope Hollywood USO where she lent a sympathetic ear to anxious troops headed overseas. Her encounter with one young man was soon to change the course of her life. About to return to Korea after attending his mother's funeral, an Army officer wished to speak to a chaplain. Unable to find one on short notice, the officer asked if he could talk to Carolyn instead.
"His mother had just died, and his wife had left him years ago," Carolyn said. "He said he didn't have any other relatives. Then he just broke down, started crying and said, 'I don't know if I will return alive, and it won't matter to anybody.' After he left, I wondered how many other servicemen and women feel that they have nobody. And if that's the case, where do they find the strength to survive the difficulties they face in battle?"
Out of that void came the birth of Operation Gratitude (a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation).
Aided by donations from local businesses and other interested parties, Carolyn sent her first four packages to a predominately female Army unit based in the Kuwaiti desert, desperately in need of feminine hygiene products, toiletries and encouragement. From that initial four-box-a-month order, Operation Gratitude now sends 160-175 boxes a month to grateful troops. As with any successful endeavor, this one has changed over time. In the beginning, the front line troops needed basic things like shampoo, lotion and toothbrushes. Now that base camps with commissaries have been established in most areas, Carolyn is receiving more requests for entertaining items such as DVDs, books and the all important morale-boosting letters.
Many of the soldiers are now asking for items to give to the Iraqi children and families who have befriended them in their distant outposts. They want candy, clothing and toys for the children and they want to share American foods with the Iraqi families who treat them to dinner in their own homes on a weekly basis. If there is anything that frustrates Carolyn about this business, it's the lack of media coverage for the positive things that are happening in Iraq. Without fail, she says, the soldiers have been welcomed with open arms and hailed as liberators rather than occupiers. They have become part of the lives of the citizens they are liberating, often attending community events and ground-breaking efforts such as democratic elections and the formation of schools. Unsure of their support at home, the soldiers find much solace in the appreciation of the Iraqi people.
Despite it's inflated size, Carolyn still works out of her own living room, dining room and recently commandeered college-bound daughter's bedroom. This way, she says, she can still keep personal control of the project. An expert at procuring and packing the requested items, her most difficult challenge is meeting the cost of postage. At about $25 per package, the numbers add up pretty quickly and donations of any size are greatly appreciated. Carolyn finds the time to send a response to each and every donor and helper. It's this personal touch that really sets her apart from many other organizations. It's all spread by word of mouth, she explains. "Due to security issues, the military requires that I address each box to a specific service member in a specific location. I get these names from company commanders, chaplains, fellow soldiers, relatives and friends. I always welcome more names and can receive that information through my website,Operation Gratitude. Give me a name and a request and I'll see that they get a package."
It's that simple. And it is the thought that counts.
For more information contact: Operation Gratitude Carolyn Blashek 16444 Refugio Road Encino, California 91436 USA Telephone: 818-789-0123 Fax: 818-789-0563 E-Mail: cblashek@aol.com or opgratitude2003@aol.com Website:Operation Gratitude
BSMA?
Blue Star Mothers of America. It's an organization for parents of active and honrably discharged American Military.BSMA
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