Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude’s mission is to forge strong bonds between Americans and their Military and First Responder Heroes through volunteer service projects, acts of gratitude, and meaningful engagements in communities nationwide. This is primarily accomplished by bringing communities together for the assembly and delivery of a tangible symbol of gratitude -- the signature Operation Gratitude Care Package.

More than 17 years ago, Operation Gratitude sent its first four Care Packages to deployed Service Members in Iraq. Since then, the nonprofit has allowed millions of Americans to express appreciation through hands-on volunteerism and has lifted the spirits of more than 1.8 million deployed troops, also evolving to impact another 1.2 million recruit graduates, veterans, military families, first responders, and healthcare heroes.

Multiple programs exist at Operation Gratitude, allowing grateful Americans everywhere to show appreciation for and connect with all those who serve in a meaningful way.

Deployed troops

Each year, Operation Gratitude sends hundreds of thousands of Care Packages to troops deployed around the world. Generous citizens and corporate partners donate high quality “wish list” items, “handmade with love” items, and letters of support to fill the care packages.

A sailor aboard the USS San Jacinto was a recent recipient of an Operation Gratitude care package. He shared, “This little ray of sunshine was much needed, as the unfortunate spread of the Coronavirus has stopped all of our possible port visits. Right now, we have been underway for 61 consecutive days and are expecting another 50+ before we get a break.

Recruit graduates

Operation Gratitude welcomes the nation’s newest service members with the help of devoted community volunteers by delivering Care Pouches at Boot Camp graduations across the country. During the pandemic, volunteers continue to give through virtual volunteerism opportunities.

Military families

Operation Gratitude sends trademarked “Battalion Buddy” bears to the children of deployed service members. These comfort items are hand stuffed by volunteers at events nationwide. The Operation Gratitude team and volunteers are often invited to handdeliver these bears, where they have the opportunity to show these brave young warriors and their parents that a grateful nation stands with them during difficult times.

Veterans

Operation Gratitude coordinates with VA hospitals, Veteran and nursing homes, Veterans Services Organizations, and other best-in-class nonprofits to provide care packages to Veterans of all generations. Receiving a Care Package shows veterans, often for the first time, that their service and sacrifices are appreciated and never forgotten.

Wounded Heroes and Caregivers

To honor the service and sacrifice of Wounded Heroes from all eras and their often unseen Caregivers, Operation Gratitude provides custom Care Packages to acknowledge and thank each of them in a unique way. These Care Packages are delivered directly to their homes or given out at group events.

First Responders

The delivery of Care Packages to hundreds of departments across the U.S. allows Operation Gratitude team members, volunteers, donors, and corporate partners to thank the local First Responders who honorably protect and serve their communities.

Operation Gratitude began as a grassroots movement to provide every American with the opportunity to say “thank you” to all who serve. Now a national nonprofit, Operation Gratitude has grown significantly to meet the military’s evolving needs, first responder, and healthcare heroes at the core of its mission. Volunteers remain the heart and soul of the organization. The millions of volunteers nationwide who take the time to contribute to a Care Package make a connection and an impact, as expressed in an email from a deployed soldier with the 82nd airborne last year, upon receiving Operation Gratitude Care Packages for his entire unit: “Thank you to all the Men, Women, and children for your hard work and words of encouragement. We appreciate you and will continue to keep our patriotic citizens safe and keep our spirits high. With this kind of support and appreciation, we can never fail to know that you all have our back when times get tough.”

COVID-19 Response

On March 22, 2020, Operation Gratitude launched one of the most extensive coordinated efforts in the country to support the brave men and women on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the form of critically needed items and handwritten letters of appreciation, this support directly impacts their ability to serve and protect our communities and the citizens who rely on them. “As we have all seen recently, the world can turn upside down in a matter of days.

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One thing that we can always count on during a crisis is our military and first responders on the frontlines,” said the CEO of Operation Gratitude, retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel. “While they continue to serve, we will continue to support them. Together, we will deliver millions of critically needed items and letters of appreciation globally to those who need it most.”

For more information, please visit us at www.operationgratitude.com or:

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SERVICE

Solidarity of Service, a new podcast hosted

by Operation Gratitude CEO and Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel and the Chief Strategy and Operations Offi cer for NAMI, Retired Marine Chief Warrant Offi cer-2 Sherman Gillums, Jr is now available.

The show explores inspiring stories about community, connection, and service, featuring true American patriots from all walks of life. The inspiration for the Solidarity of Service came from the two friends’ conversations about their desire to help heal a divided nation and the power of service in uniting communities.

Visit www.operationgratitude.com or Search “Solidarity of Service” on your favorite Podcast App.