 |
| ||
|
||||||||
|
July 04, 2008 Operation Gratitude Doing 4th-of-July Patriotism Year-roundBy Kyle-Anne ShiverHappy Independence Day, dear readers! Now, you might want to take a short break from waving your flag, put your sparklers on hold and grab a hanky. This story is going to put a lump in your throat the size of Texas, and bring tears to even the most hardened eyes among us. And I'm not joshing you. Operation Gratitude was founded in 2003, by one mother (That's right, just one), Carolyn Blashek. Carolyn has no children in the military. She doesn't come from a military family. She's not particularly political either. Shortly after 9/11, though, Carolyn got her patriotic calling. Like many Americans, she wanted desperately to do something. At first, she even tried to join up and go fight. Too late; she was already past fighting age. So, she went with Plan B. She signed up for pre-deployment morale boosting at the USO lounge at the LA airport. Enter an American soldier. He's young, oh-so young. He's brave, oh-so brave. He's ready, he thinks, to fight America's battles for all the rest of us. But there's one thing that worries him, and he opens his heart to this solitary mother. She may be the last civilian American he sees for a long, long time, perhaps ever. What is this soldier's greatest fear? Not being killed in action. Not being seriously wounded or even maimed. He doesn't fear the enemy. He doesn't fear the stifling heat, the torrential sandstorms, nor fighting for his life in heavy body armor. No, this young soldier fears that he won't be remembered because there is no one who cares enough about him to remember that he lived and breathed, and was a unique human being. He has no family, you see. He's alone in this world and he's about to embark on what may be his very last journey. There's no fanfare. There are no parades, no fireworks, no waving flags, nor even a mom or dad or brother or sister to say "good-bye." There is only this lonely soldier and a mom he doesn't even know. "I care. I care, and I'm grateful and I'll always remember you," says the mom. "Thank you," says the soldier with a hug. And a moment later, this one goes off to war, perhaps never to come home again. The very next month Carolyn founded Operation Gratitude in her own living room, collecting goodies, writing letters of support, and mailing her "I-Love-You!" packages to every soldier, whose name she could get. That one encounter in the airport provided the stimulus for the Country's most consistent, most successful, most far-reaching troop support organization, perhaps in American history. One unheralded soldier, one dedicated mom, and thousands of volunteers, private and corporate sponsors. Together, they have been saying, "Thank you!" to our troops in every place where America has men and women in harm's way, for five whole years, with no excuses, no breaks, no vacations, and no paychecks either. So far, Operation Gratitude has sent over 350,000 packages to individually named soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen. Day in, day out, our fighting forces are there for us, and right behind them, guarding the home flank, there are the OpGrat forces assembling care packages that say, "We love you!" "We thank you!" We care about you!" "You are not forgotten!" OpGrat Even Saving Lives Every time I talk to Carolyn, she tells me another story that sends chills up my spine and often brings tears to my eyes. This one, though, takes the cake as far as I'm concerned. It seems that another wonderful American lady, who loves Beanie Babies, convinced Carolyn that these adorable little bean-stuffed critters would make a great addition to OpGrat care packages for the troops. Since the lady donated a whole lot of them, Carolyn agreed and faithfully included them in packages, not sure what the reactions from grown men and women in a theater of war would be. Almost immediately, email began arriving, specifically mentioning the Beanie Babies. Stories were as varied and inventive as the great American ingenuity that inspired them. Soldiers told of Beanie Baby squad mascots, creative naming projects, competitive games centered upon the latest Beanie Baby, and on an on and on. Truly, even Carolyn was shocked at the overall success of the Beanie Baby project. Humorous diversions in hellish circumstances, of course, are as old as war itself, so perhaps we shouldn't be surprised. But then, startling revelations began to arrive at the OpGrat headquarters, and the Beanie Baby project took on a whole new meaning. They were actually saving lives and helping to win the war. Some of our truly exceptional, brilliant soldiers had the idea to trade the Beanie Babies with Iraqi children for information on hidden IED's. The children, so bereft of toys, gladly showed soldiers where explosives were hidden in exchange for the coveted cuddly critters. Soldiers saved by a toy, proving once again that God truly works in mysterious ways. Who could have imagined this? Returning Soldier Gets Memorial Jeep In January, I wrote about Operation Gratitude and Carolyn's trip to Iraq, where she and her right-hand man, Charlie Othold (USAF ret), went to personally deliv  er the 300,000th package. The real kicker to that package was the fact that the Chrysler folks donated a brand new Jeep (Registered Trademark) Liberty to the recipient, whose name, by the way, was chosen by the computer, and not known in advance to anyone.SPC Michael "Shaun" Gallagher, who received the keys to his new Jeep (registered trademark) Liberty in Iraq, within the 300,000th OpGrat care package, thankfully just returned with his unit to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he was presented with the actual vehicle this past Tuesday, July 1st. Not only did this soldier receive the promised Jeep Liberty, he also got a promotion the same day, to Corporal.  And this Jeep (Registered Trademark) Liberty was not just any vehicle. When SPC Shaun Gallagher received the keys, he told Carolyn that when he returned home, he intended to have a special mural painted on his new wheels, a memorial tribute to the fallen soldiers from his unit. Cue to readers: Have those hankies handy. Our fearless Troop Mom, together with Shaun's terrific family and the folks at Chrysler, had the memorial mural painted before our brave soldier returned home to receive it. When I saw the picture, I cried a bucketful; I'm crying another right now. Here's what the memorial says:  In Memory Of The Fallen Heroes Of Alpha Company 2.23 Infantry You Will Never Be Forgotten R.I.P Joseph Landry III Donald Valentine III Nicholas Olson Luigi Marciante Jr. Jason Lemke (photo credits: Operation Gratitude) The traditional battlefield memorial of combat boots, rifle and dog tags appears on both sideof the names. A phoenix, the bird of mythology that rises out of the ashes, is in the background. The design was Cpl. Gallagher's concept, sketched onto paper by his mother, Karen Gallagher, and permanently memorialized on the vehicle by artist Mike Lavallee of Killer Paint in Snohomish, WA. The words, "Thank You Operation Gratitude" are painted on the rear bumper. "I felt this would be a way to honor them for their service. It represents their lives," Gallagher said, choking back tears. "Now they are all home and always with us," added his mother, Karen, who traveled from her home in California for the Welcome Home Ceremony and Presentation. Operation Gratitude, We Salute You! Every day, without fail, I thank God for my freedom, and for every single man and woman who serves to protect it, every veteran of every branch of the service, and every family member whose many sacrifices go unheralded. And, especially on this 4th of July, our Independence Day 2008, I wave my flag, light those sparklers and cry with joy and thanksgiving for the sacrifice of the millions who've made our liberty possible. But today, I want to pay a special tribute to America's Troop Mom, Carolyn Blashek, and the thousands of American volunteers, who with their consistent hard work and unsung love, show special fortitude on the home front, "a flank in our war against terrorists, which we cannot allow to go unguarded" (LtCol (ret) Steve Russell). So, today, Operation Gratitude, this salute's for you! May God bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you and all you do for every American. We could not make it without you! If you wish to join me in supporting Operation Gratitude, please visit their website and get involved today. Every single penny donated is used for packaging and shipping expenses. Not a single dime goes for advertising, promotion or fundraising activity. Letters, cards, donations, prayers and the names of soldiers serving in harm's way make you part of the OpGrat team. Kyle-Anne Shiver is a frequent contributor to American Thinker. She welcomes your comments at kyleanneshiver.com.
|
Recent Articles
Blog Posts
|
|
||
Comments
Senator Obama's Patriotism - What it means to this Navy Veteran. I hope you consider the following article: Senator Obama's Patriotism - a Veteran's Perspective
It is found at:
http://zachjonesishome.wordpress.com/senator-obama%e2%80%99s-patriotism-a-veteran%e2%80%99s-perspective/
Posted by: ZachJonesIsHome | July 4, 2008 12:10 AM
Happy 4th of July, Americans!
'The very next month Carolyn founded Operation Gratitude in her own living room'
Wow. What was she able to create with so small resources!
Posted by: Zbigniew Mazurak | July 4, 2008 01:58 AM
Unfortunately, just a day before Independence Day, Barack Hussein USAmah said that he has not cancelled his promise to withdraw American troops from Iraq. Yes, just a day before Independence Day he said that, despite all the media reports about him flip-flopping, he will surrender in Iraq if elected POTUS.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/iraq/2008/07/iraq-080703-voa02.htm
So even on the eve of 4th of July, Obama has aided the enemies of America and has declared that he will end the Iraqi war precipitously.
That's an insult to the US military.
Posted by: Zbigniew Mazurak | July 4, 2008 03:56 AM
This Grunt says, HOOAH!!
Posted by: Snooper | July 4, 2008 04:02 AM
What a special woman!!! God Bless her and God bless all our soldiers!!!
Posted by: Jeannie | July 4, 2008 05:17 AM
'Soldiers saved by a toy, proving once again that God truly works in mysterious ways.'
Well, when you're fighting a war, you need to use whatever tactics to win. The tactic US soldiers are using is the best possible one: they're enlisting Iraqi kids - the residents of the very country they're working in. In the past, several armies that were operating in a foreign country enlisted that country's residents to help them. This is the easiest way to win. Although God must be asked to help, too, as he was this time.
July 4th is not only the American Independence Day, not only the birthday of many people (incl. Calvin Coolidge, Ulysses Grant III and Nathaniel Hawthorne) but also a National Unity Day and the death anniversary of many people, incl. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams - two of the Founders of America. These 2 gents cooperated with each other for some time, then became bitter rivals. Jefferson beat Adams during the 1800 election, and Adams boycotted his inauguration (?). And then they stopped talking to each other. But they've later reconciled. They died on the same day (one several hours after another). That day was July 4th. That'a coincidence, but America is a common good that has united people in a way no other country could.
Posted by: Zbigniew Mazurak | July 4, 2008 07:46 AM
Carolyn Blashek - There is a special place reserved in heaven for people like you. God bless you & your family for the invaluable service you have undertaken.
Posted by: Kalyan | July 4, 2008 08:23 AM
As I sit here with tears streaming out from under my reading glasses, I do have a request Kyle-Ann: Could you post a "rest of the story" article about the young soldier who inspired Ms. Blashek? That story is what got me crying buckets. My parents are both gone, I have only one sibling, and my husband is an only child. I know what it is like not having a big, extended family. Did Ms. Blashek keep in touch with this young soldier? Did he come home? Does he realize even if he has not "blood" family, he has millions of people who do care what happens to him, even if he doesnt know them personally? Enquiring minds want to know. Thank you for this very inspiring story. You can't find these at all on MSM.
Posted by: Pam L | July 4, 2008 09:32 AM
Well done.
Our enemy has no Carolyn. And that is why they will lose.
Support (material or otherwise) sends the unmistakable message of approval and affirmation. It encourages our young men and women by reminding them that they are doing the right thing.
Carolyn's actions once again prove that actions speak louder than words. Words like:
"this war is already lost," - Harry Reid, or "The Bush Surge will backfire" - General (RET) Wesley Clark.
have powerful influence too; they are the "Beanie Baby" care packages that our very own politicians send to our enemy to give them the power of encouragement.
Fortunately, Carolyn's actions have drowned out the people who would willingly sacrifice American lives for political gain. I openly wonder how many lives may have been saved without such TRAITORS in our midst.
It is people like Carolyn that we hold up in prayer and openly celebrate on this birthday of the greatest nation on earth!
Matt Beals
Amity, Oregon
Posted by: Matt Beals | July 4, 2008 10:02 AM
Dear Pam L and all concerned others:
Here is Carolyn's own response to your question:
"Sadly, I never got his name---it all happened so quickly and his plane was leaving--he ran out of the lounge to catch it. I keep praying if I do enough interviews that one day he will hear, see, read about Operation Gratitude and realize what he inspired, and see that in fact, that an entire nation cares about him! And I REALLY hope he will contact me!"
So, it would indeed be wonderful for us all if this young man were to see his story and recognize himself and get in touch with Carolyn! At the moment, he is our own unknown soldier, the one for whom we all pray, the one for whom we all give thanks, the one for whom there are not enough words or packages or anything else to say how much we love him, just for being him.
Happy 4th to all our unknown soldiers!
Kyle-Anne
Posted by: Kyle-Anne Shiver | July 4, 2008 01:03 PM
This is a real first, I find myself seconding Kalyan. It just goes to show that regardless of politics we are really americans to the core.
Kyle-Anne: God has reserved a special place for you, Carolyn, the USO volunteers, the great people of Move America Forward.
To all of you, there is no way that someone who has not personally experienced combat can ever, ever understand the feelings that accompany getting anything, be it a package, letter, newspaper, postcard, pictures, you name it, from home. The emotions raised are beyond any description.
From me to all of you: God Bless You and God Bless America.
LEE
Posted by: Lee - Missouri Ozarks | July 4, 2008 01:56 PM
As a 23-year veteran of the USAF, I resent being lectured on patriotism by the grand poohbah himself, Barry Hussein Obama. How dare he tell what it means to be an American for I have been there and done it. This man is a fraud, an empty suit, who knows nothing, who has done nothing, and then has the unmitigated gall to lecture me. Outrageous. God bless Operation Gratitude and God bless America on her 232d birthday.
Posted by: skullman | July 4, 2008 04:33 PM
Wow - what a wonderful article and LADY.
The military men and women are true patriots and heros.
Posted by: jr | July 4, 2008 05:05 PM
Thank you Kyle-Anne (and apologies from me for the mispelling of your name) for the quick response to my inquiry. I pray Ms. Blashek's young soldier reads AT and sees himself, and contacts her. To the soldier: My oldest son went to Iraq in 2007, and my youngest most likely will be over there or in Afghanistan in 2009. Rest assured, young soldier - I don't have just two sons. I have thousands of sons and daughters whom I worry about also. You will NEVER be alone over there. And I am not the only one who feels this way. There are a lot of military moms in this country. God bless you, Carolyn, and Kyle-Anne. I agree... there is a special place in heaven for people like this.
Posted by: Pam L | July 4, 2008 08:44 PM
I grew up in a US military family and served a career myself. All I can say is that you have said it all: Those who die in service of our nation ask for for only one thing, to be remembered. Your story hit right to the heart. God bless you.
Posted by: Wayde Pittman | July 5, 2008 02:06 PM