The Operation Gratitude (OG) organization held their annual Veterans Day Care Package Assembly three-day event at the National Guard Armory. A goal was set to assemble 5,000 Care Packages for Veterans. All care packages assembled will be distributed both locally and around the country, just in time for Veterans Day!
Once again, the Maryland Chapter moms were invited to participate in their event. The following moms represented the Chapter: Basmattie Bishundat, Theresa Karlson and Janice Chance who is also an Operation Gratitude Ambassador. The moms joined several individuals and teams of volunteers from a variety of organizations with assembling care packages. The moms volunteered on the kick-off day 11/2/ 2021. The new OG CEO, James Johnson Major General (MG) USAF (Ret) and the new COO, BG John Laskodi warmly greeted all of the volunteers. MG Johnson also asked the moms to share about their hero and MG Johnson also served alongside the volunteers helping to assemble the care packages.
The highlight of the day was meeting and serving with Mr. Jim Hilton US Army Vietnam Veteran who was one of the volunteers. The moms and the OG leaders along with Congressman Van Taylor thanked Mr. Hilton. The moms also presented Mr. Hilton with one of their 50th Anniversary Commemoration Challenge coins. Mr. Hilton expressed his appreciation and shared briefly about his experience. Congressman August Pfluger came in the afternoon to assist with assembling care packages. Both congressmen are members of the Bi-partisan group “For Country Caucus”.
The Maryland Chapter moms are always grateful for opportunities to “HONOR THROUGH SERVICE” especially during the month of November when our country will be observing Veterans Day. However, the Maryland Chapter moms consider every day to be Veterans Day an strive to demonstrate our thanks daily
