Some Gratitude for Operation Gratitude
Strategic planning session at AWY World Headquarters yesterday (sounds cool, but it’s just a room above my garage) and the team was talking about how many great organizations are out there helping our brave Veterans and their families. It really is amazing and heartwarming and AWY is proud to be a small part. Ranger Joe and Vet Hunters do an outstanding job, Vets Rock in Atlanta work tirelessly, and Wounded Warriors are helping mend the lives of thousands. I could go on and on but you get the idea. Congrats and thanks to all of you who are making a difference!
We came upon an organization that really deserves a shout out and your attention. It’s called Operation Gratitude and is guided by Carolyn Blashek, and she really gets it. I truly appreciate what they do. I remember receiving one of those so-called “care packages” from friends and family when I was in a distant land serving my country. I ripped open the box and shared the goodies with my shipmates, read the local news from our town newspaper, and rekindled memories with the pictures that were always included in that precious package. It does not sound like much, but it is a little taste of “back home” that I sorely missed. That’s just exactly what Operation Gratitude does every day! They make our men and women feel appreciated and not forgotten. That means a great deal when often you feel very alone. At last count, I noticed that Operation Gratitude has shipped more than three quarters of a million such treasured parcels to soldiers they don’t even know. You can be a part of this very important organization by becoming familiar with Operation Gratitude and getting involved in their cause and concern. Click www.operationgratitude.com and you’ll be in touch.
I had never heard of Operation Gratitude or what they did until one of AWY’s advisory board members, Dennis McNeil, gave us a heads up and said we’d be a good fit with their great work. Dennis was right and AWY will get involved and get others involved in the great work of Operation Gratitude.
A couple of other random thoughts that I wanted to pass along include mentioning that our digital billboard is up and running so visit our Facebook page and post your message. Also, if your job search is successful, let us know your story. Most importantly, when you go to bed tonight remember the men and women who are serving and have served making our great country free and safe. In your own way, say a prayer for all of them.
John S. Pike