Operation Gratitude (OG) leaders invited the Maryland Chapter moms to join them and other volunteers to assist with assembling care packages during their two-day Care Package Assembly Day events for First Responders supporting the Presidential Inauguration. The goal was to assemble 8000 care packages. The care packages will be a special reminder to our First Responders that Americans across the nation support them and appreciate their service and sacrifice. Janice Chance represented the Maryland Chapter. Janice served alongside several Blue Star wives, patriotic volunteers, and OG staff. Ms. Meg Barron, OG Executive Director was in attendance. She not only warmly welcomed the volunteers, Ms. Barron also served alongside the volunteers and her staff.
Even with snow and cold weather, the volunteers and staff assembled over 2500 Care Packages. A reporter from Chanel 7 news interviewed Ms. Barron during the event that will increase public awareness about OG’s mission and will encourage individuals to volunteer.
Janice shared that she was blessed to reconnect with Ms. Vicki Johnson, Sr., Director of Community Engagement. Ms. Johnson was in Afghanistan when her son Captain Jesse Melton III USMC made the ultimate sacrifice on September 9, 2008. Ms. Johnson attended the Memorial and Dignified Transfer Ceremony before Captain Melton was transported back home to the United States.
OG is planning to have a few other Assembly Day events this year in Washington, DC. The Maryland Gold Star Mothers look forward to serving alongside OG in future events.
