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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Mar 16, 2010 - 6:07:37 PM |
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Operation Gratitude to Send TWO Milestone 500,000th Packages
VAN NUYS, California -Operation Gratitude founder, Carolyn Blashek, announced today an exciting
development in connection with the Saturday, December 19, 2009
shipment of the organization's milestone 500,000th CARE
PACKAGE: The donation by American Veterans Traveling Tribute ("AVTT")
of a second special gift to commemorate this historic event.
"AVTT's
mission is to honor, respect and remember those who served and thus those who
are serving," said Don Allen, founder of AVTT. "The occasion of Operation
Gratitude's 500,000th Package shipment is a perfect opportunity to express on a
large scale the deep appreciation of our nation for the service and sacrifice of
our warriors in combat today. AVTT is honored to join with Sands Resorts to
donate another surprise gift to the cause and ensure that our message of support
and gratitude is seen and heard by our Military around the world."
"Sands
Resorts supports the missions of AVTT and Operation Gratitude as a National
Sponsor of both organizations," said Lee Rawcliffe, President and CEO of Sands
Resorts. "We are delighted to be part of this exciting 500,000th package event,
as it represents a celebration of all the brave Americans who wear the uniform
of our great nation. With today's announcement about AVTT's donation, we can
now put 2 very special packages in the hands of two different service members
who represent our courageous heroes-- past, present and future--from all
branches of the Military."
The 500,000th Care Package celebration will
start at 9am when the Operation Gratitude care package production normally
opens. Director of Operations, Charlie Othold, expects the 500,000th package to
hit the Assembly Line at ~11:15 am on Saturday, December 19th. The two special
gifts will be revealed in dramatic fashion at that time in the Van Nuys National
Guard Armory.
In addition to the Surprise Special Gifts, the 500,000th
packages will include a year's supply of 5 Hour Energy,
the usual Wish List items
and personal letters provided by more than 250
Corporate Sponsors and Friends, and by tens of thousands of individual donors
across the country. Special deliveries of the matching Half Millionth Packages are being arranged.
Three previous Operation Gratitude milestone packages contained the
keys to new vehicles. The 300,000th package was delivered personally in Iraq by Othold
and Blashek.
The winners of the online " Guess
the Candy Weight and Letter Writing Contest," will also be announced
and copies of the Winning Letter will be read and placed into the 500,000th
packages.
A special Guest Star will be on hand to sing the National
Anthem.
Military and Political dignitaries, along with representatives from many of
the organization's Corporate Sponsors will join celebrities and crew members
from popular TV shows to assist the Operation Gratitude volunteers assemble
thousands of troop gifts in addition to the 500,000th Care Package. Delicious
product samples and a hearty lunch will be provided by Corporate donors.
Media and press are invited to attend
the Milestone Celebration and the Lunch following the
ceremony
WHAT:
Operation
Gratitude Volunteers assemble the 500,000th Care
Package
WHEN:
Saturday December 19, 2009
Production starts at 9 a.m.
The 500,000th Package Celebration will occur
between 11:00 a.m. - 12 Noon
WHERE:
California National Guard Armory
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, Ca. 91406
Corner of Victory and
Louise
Volunteers (ages 12 years and older) are welcome to assist in the
on-site care package activities.
For additional volunteer information, click
here:
http://www.opgratitude.com/volunteer_hours.php or email OpGratVolunteer@yahoo.com
Each care package costs $11 to ship; tax-deductible financial donations to
Operation Gratitude are welcome online or by
check mailed to: Operation Gratitude; 16444 Refugio Road; Encino, CA
91436
Supporters can vote for Operation Gratitude to win cash prizes in
an online charity contest:
Good
Earth Cares: Vote once a day through Feb. 28, 2010 to win
$10,000 for Operation Gratitude
The Troops Respond:
The troops express
their appreciation for Operation Gratitude Care Packages through a constant flow
of letters, e-mails and pictures, as seen in the Mail
Call and Photo
Gallery sections of the www.OperationGratitude.com website.
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"I spent my morning struggling
with issues we face in a war zone hospital: wounded military members, wounded
Afghan military and security forces, and at times most difficult, dealing with
the children
wounded in war. In the middle of
a frustrating morning, comes a box, from a stranger,
saying thank you. The goodies
are great, but the thought that someone sees and appreciates what we are doing,
believes in the value of our sacrifices, and takes the time to say thank you,
brought me
nearly to tears. A hero is
someone who steps forward into action when there is need.
This morning you are my heroes.
Col. J.C., USAF." |
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About Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude ( www.OperationGratitude.com ) is the 501 (c) (3) non-profit,
volunteer organization that annually sends 100,000+ care packages filled
with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed
to individual U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions. Our mission is
to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and express to
all Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people. Each
package contains donated product valued at ~$100 and costs the organization $11
to assemble and
ship. |
About American Veterans
Traveling Tribute ("AVTT")
AVTT (www.avtt.org) is a
veteran-owned project that travels the USA to provide a forum for communities to
HONOR-RESPECT-REMEMBER all who have sacrificed their lives for our country's
freedom. In so doing, AVTT also honors all Veterans and those currently serving,
by letting them know they will never be forgotten. AVTT is funded through
sponsorship fees, donations, and sale of merchandise at events. Donations to
support AVTT's mission are qualified charitable tax deductions through The
Traveling Wall Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.
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About Sands Resorts
Sands Resorts (www.sandsresorts.com/heroes) has been the leading provider
of Myrtle Beach vacations for over 35 years. Established in 1972, Sands now
includes seven major oceanfront resorts, restaurants, a water park, the
nationally known beach bar Ocean Annie's, and vacations featuring golf and
theater packages, children's programs, and convention accommodations. Sands
Resorts new "Hall of Heroes," honoring our military, police and firefighters who
throughout history have protected our freedom, is open free of charge, Monday
through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first floor of The Rawcliffe Center
at Ocean Dunes/Sand Dunes Resort & Villas. |
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