Guest Blog: Operation Gratitude
During a year of unprecedented challenge, one thing has become clear to everyone who works or volunteers with Operation Gratitude. Grateful Americans, whether they wear a uniform or civilian clothes, want to serve our country, and they want to serve one another.
More than 17 years ago Operation Gratitude sent its first four Care Packages to deployed Service Members in Iraq. Since then, millions of Americans have expressed their deepest appreciation to all those who serve through hands-on volunteerism, acts of gratitude and meaningful engagements.
Together with individuals, community and civic groups, small businesses and corporations, Operation Gratitude has positively impacted more than 1.8 million Deployed Troops, and another 1.2 million recruit graduates, veterans, military families, first responders and healthcare heroes with tangible symbols of support and appreciation.
The handmade items from volunteers make Operation Gratitude Care Packages particularly meaningful. Our signature paracord “survival” bracelet, for example, is a profoundly useful tool, as is clear when you read the story of Operation Gratitude’s first-ever Vice President of Operations. He used the paracord bracelet he received to extract himself and his Marines from a firefight in Afghanistan. By tying a “glow stick” to the end of the 7.5-foot paracord and spinning it around his head, the Marine CH-46 pilot could spot them in low visibility terrain and rescue them from enemy fire.
In addition to being useful, the nearly 200,000 paracord bracelets created annually for Operation Gratitude are powerful symbols of appreciation and the strong bonds that Operation Gratitude forges between Americans and their military and first responder heroes.
The impact those bracelets make is clear in the thank you emails we get back from recipients. For those deployed, like this young Sailor who wrote to Operation Gratitude after receiving a Holiday Care Package, it is not just a paracord bracelet… it is a constant reminder that their service is appreciated and their sacrifices do not go unnoticed.
Dear Fellow Americans,
I recently received a care package from Operation Gratitude. In moments my energy was back, like a second wind powered by a 5-Hour Energy shot. And it may sound silly, but the Beanie Baby brought an odd feeling of comfort to a grown man. Most importantly were the handwritten letters and paracord survival bracelet. On that day, I was beginning to lose hope. I now wear this bracelet as a constant reminder that no matter how hard the road ahead may be, there are people counting on me and I can't give up on them. You saved my life.
-The Lone Sailor
Saying “thank you” by contributing to an Operation Gratitude Care Package is only the beginning, and with the help of volunteers and supporters in communities nationwide, Operation Gratitude is poised to continue supporting those who serve.
To learn more, visit OperationGratitude.com, or follow us on Twitter at @OpGratitude.
Amy Meehan,
Operation Gratitude