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Operation Gratitude gives Jeep to Soldier in Iraq
By 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division PAO
Jan 23, 2008 - 7:04:00 PM

Blackanthem Military News

Spc. Michael Gallagher, a vehicle commander from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., opens a care package given to him by Operating Gratitude at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, Jan. 22. Gallagher received Operation Gratitude's 300,000th care package which contained the keys to a 2008 Jeep Liberty. (U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. Kirby Rider)

BAQUBA, Iraq - Operation Gratitude, an organization that sends care packages to deployed service members, surprised a Soldier with a 2008 Jeep Liberty at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, Jan. 22.

Spc. Michael Gallagher from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash. was the recipient of Operation Gratitude’s special care package. The new car was the 300,000th "package" Operation Gratitude has sent to servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"When my commander ordered me to show up to this ceremony, I thought it was just another care package and they were making a big deal about it because it was the 300,000th one," said Gallagher. "When I opened up the envelope, (containing the keys to the jeep inside) it completely blew my mind."

The care package contained other various gifts from U.S. citizens and companies that generously support the operation, including letters from local schools and four cigars from Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Jeep was donated by Chrysler Jeep. In a letter addressed to an "American Hero", Chrysler officials said it was an honor to do something special for both a great organization and for the Soldiers in Iraq.

"I would like to thank (Operation Gratitude) so much for supporting the troops and giving them an opportunity to show that people actually care," Gallagher said.

Related website : Operation Gratitude








ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:

Spc. Michael Gallagher, a vehicle commander from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., reads a letter from Jeep informing him that he is a recipient of a 2008 Jeep Liberty at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, Jan. 22. Operation Gratitude gave the Jeep to Gallagher to symbolize the 300,000th package that was sent to troops in Iraq in Afghanistan. (U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. Kirby Rider)

Spc. Michael Gallagher, a vehicle commander from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., gets a hug from Carolyn Blashek, president and founder of Operation Gratitude, after receiving a 2008 Jeep Liberty during Operation Gratitude’s 300,000th package award celebration at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, Jan 22. Blashek and Charlie Othold, director of operations, from Operation Gratitude flew from Southern California to Iraq to give Gallagher the Jeep. (U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. Kirby Rider)

Spc. Michael Gallagher a vehicle commander from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., reads a letter written to him by a second grade class during a presentation by Operation Gratitude at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, Jan 22. Gallagher received a 2008 Jeep Liberty from Operation Gratitude, their 300,000th package sent to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. (U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. Kirby Rider)