Speaking of gratitude, there is an organization called OPERATION TROOP APPRECIATION which works to send requested supplies to our troops overseas. They send the things that the troops specifically ask for in an effort to make their time of serving a little easier. People from all over the country fill the requests in gratitude for their service. Kristen Holloway, founder and President of Operation Troop Appreciation in March 2004 volunteered to provide Under Armour® t-shirts to a local Pennsylvania National Guard platoon (1/107 FA, Alpha Company 759 MP) of 38 soldiers deployed in Iraq. From that outreach this organization was birthed and the line of support has increased to help more and more soliders benefit from the outpouring of love and support that many have volunteered to give to those who serve.
The wonderful thing about expressing generosity to others is that it many times rewards us in ways we do not expect. Ms. Halloway met her future husband who was amongst the soliders that were receiving the care packages from her organization and they have been happily married for a few years now. An act of gratitude led to matrimony!
This is one of many organizations that have committed themselves to say thank you in so many ways to those who have served and continue to serve our country, please consider lending your support. If you see a solider, say thank you, offer to buy him or her a meal or some gesture of appreciation. I remember being on a bus and a solider was seated near me. When my stop came, before I got off, I turned and said, "thank you", he said "no problem ma'am" with a smile. I had no care package for him but the least I could do is show a little gratitude and we all can do the same.
