http://decisionpublications.com/nvcnews2

            This 4th of July season, men and women serving overseas in the military are receiving a much needed boost to their morale thanks to the efforts of Operation Gratitude. For five years, Operation Gratitude has been sending care packages to servicemen and servicewomen in war-torn countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq to show appreciation for their service and dedication. What started off as one woman's mission has grown into an enormous effort which has provided over 350,000 gifts and lifted the spirits of many.

            Valley resident Carolyn Blashek wanted to serve her country after the 9/11 terrorist attacks but she was not able to join the military. She had been working for over a year in a military lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) when a soldier came in asking for a chaplain. “He told me that he needed to talk,” said Blashek. “He was on emergency leave because his mother had died. His wife had previously left him and his only child had died as an infant. He said, 'I'm going to war and nobody will even care.' I had to do something.”

            Carolyn started the operation from her home. She did not know any service members personally so she received names from friends. “I was sending 10 to 50 packages a week for the first six months,” she said, “I would send a letter to explain who I was and ask if they knew other service members who might be interested.” Eventually, volunteers started to donate packages thanks to Blashek's e-mail campaign. “It was classic e-mail viral marketing,” she said. The volunteers came pouring in after Operation Gratitude was the subject of Dennis McCarthy's column. “I had inklings that this was possibly bigger that I had ever imagined.” said Blashek.

            The operation was finally moved into a National Guard armory in November of 2003 for their first Holiday Drive. “We have two drives every year,” said Blashek. “We have the Patriotic Drive in May, which covers Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day.  We try to have the packages to them by the 4th of July. The Holiday Drive starts in October and lasts until the end of the year.”

            Operation Gratitude has received a constant stream of feedback from gift recipients and family members alike. “There are basic themes through all the letters,” said Blashek. “They're surprised that people care. They call them 'force enhancers' because they are a unique way of lifting morale.”

            All letters received are posted on the website. One of the most dramatic ones that Carolyn can recall was an e-mail sent by a first sergeant. “One of the soldiers was depressed and had withdrawn. He was avoiding the other soldiers. Apparently, he had decided to commit suicide on Christmas. He received one of our care packages on Christmas Eve and decided not to. He even sought help for his depression,” she said. The letter stated, “You really are saving lives.”

            Information on Operation Gratitude can be found at www.operationgratitude.com or on their telephone infoline at (818) 909-0039.