BROADCAST
KTLA Features Operation Gratitude and CEO James Johnson in their Angels in LA Spotlight
Operation Gratitude CEO James Johnson shares the inspiration that led to the creation of Operation Gratitude and how it provides meaningful ways for grateful Americans to honor service heroes. To learn how you can join us in expressing gratitude to all who serve, check out this KTLA Angels in LA spotlight!
Operation Gratitude Teams Up With the Los Angeles Chargers To Support Deployed Troops
On Sunday, November 21, Operation Gratitude teamed up with the Los Angeles Chargers to assemble 1,000 Care Kits to be sent to deployed troops. Volunteers also had the opportunity to write letters of gratitude and make paracord bracelets. Members of the cast from the Paramount Network’s SEAL team show were also there to honor deployed troops. Check out this CBSLA spotlight to learn more!
Operation Gratitude Partners with the 76ers to Support Veterans, Service Members & Military Families
Operation Gratitude partnered with the 76ers, Toyota and more than 200 volunteers in Philadelphia on Nov. 10, 2021 to assemble 500 comfort and care kits, 500 paracord survival bracelets and 250 Battalion Buddies for veterans, service members and military families, including patients of the Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Check out this NBC Sports Philadelphia story for more!
Operation Gratitude Assembles 5,000 Care Packages for Veterans in Washington, D.C. – WJLA
Operation Gratitude CEO James Johnson spoke with WJLA’s Brian Van de Graaff about an Operation Gratitude event that took place at the Washington, D.C. National Guard Armory Nov. 1-4, 2021 to assemble 5,000 care packages for military veterans, sponsored by our partners at Cerner Corporation. Operation Gratitude team members were joined by more than 150 volunteers throughout the event from partners such as Target, American Gold Star Mothers – Maryland Chapter, and others.
To learn how you can support veterans, visit our website at www.operationgratitude.com/who-we-serve/veterans.
Operation Gratitude Volunteers Assemble Care Packages for Veterans in Washington, D.C. – WRC-TV
Operation Gratitude CEO James Johnson spoke with WRC-TV’s Juliana Valencia about an Operation Gratitude event that took place at the Washington, D.C. National Guard Armory Nov. 1-4, 2021 to assemble 5,000 care packages for military veterans, sponsored by our partners at Cerner Corporation. Operation Gratitude team members were joined by more than 150 volunteers throughout the event from partners such as Target, American Gold Star Mothers – Maryland Chapter, and others.
Donate Halloween Candy to Operation Gratitude to Thank Military and First Responders – WPCW
Operation Gratitude’s 2021 Halloween Candy Give Back Program was featured on WPCW’s Pittsburg Today! The Halloween Candy Give Back Program has been connecting communities with their Military, Veteran, and First Responder Heroes each fall since 2007. Volunteers from all 50 states and Washington D.C. share a portion of their excess Halloween candy with Operation Gratitude. We then assist in distributing the candy to deployed troops, local military units, veterans, and first responders, providing a sweet opportunity for grateful Americans to thank those who serve our nation.
TASkForce Holloman Receives Care Packages From Operation Gratitude – DVIDS
Operation Gratitude recently coordinated a delivery of care packages to support 935 service members at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, who are working to help Afghan refugees transition to life in America as part of Operation Allies Welcome. This care package delivery was featured on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).
Operation Gratitude Provides Care Packages to Honor Flight Veterans in Evansville, Ind. – WFIE
Operation Gratitude recently provided care packages to Honor Flight veterans in Evansville, Ind. and was featured on WFIE.
Operation Gratitude Asks for Candy Donations – Wish TV Spotlight
Operation Gratitude’s 2021 Halloween Candy Give Back Program was recently spotlighted on Wish TV, Indiana’s only statewide TV news network. The Halloween Candy Give Back Program has been connecting communities with their military, veteran, and first responder heroes each fall since 2007. Volunteers from all 50 states and Washington D.C. share a portion of their excess Halloween candy with Operation Gratitude. We then assist in distributing the candy to deployed troops, local military units, veterans, and first responders, providing a sweet opportunity for grateful Americans to thank those who serve our nation. Last year Operation Gratitude delivered more than 93,000 pounds of candy in thousands of care packages to military & first responders and raised more than $17,800. The nonprofit mobilizes the support of dedicated volunteers across the nation and distributes the candy to America’s heroes in signature Operation Gratitude Care Packages and through local deliveries to first responders and veterans around the country.
To get involved in the 2021 Halloween Candy Give Back Program visit our website at www.operationgratitude.com/halloween-candy-give-back-program.
To make a donation to help us ship our care packages to military and first responder heroes, visit https://giving.operationgratitude.com/campaign/2021-halloween-candy-give-back/c350577.
3 Ways People Can Say Thank You to Service Heroes with Operation Gratitude CEO James C. Johnson and The List TV Show
Operation Gratitude CEO James C. Johnson sat down with The List TV Show to discuss ways people can give back to first responder and military heroes year-round. Watch the clip to hear more from James C. Johnson.
Operation Gratitude 9/11 Care Package assembly event at the fob
In the lead-up to the 20th anniversary of 9/11, thousands of first responders and military service members in the LA area and across the globe will get a very tangible “thank you” from national nonprofit Operation Gratitude. The organization hosted an assembly at their headquarters in Chatsworth this weekend where they were joined by numerous volunteers to create a total of 12,000 care packages.
Operation Gratitude Marks Christmas in July with Care Package Assembly in D.C.
Operation Gratitude, its corporate partner CSX and a team of volunteers met in D.C. on July 13 to spread the holiday spirit to our nation’s servicemen and women deployed overseas. As part of their Christmas in July campaign, Operation Gratitude hosted an Assembly Day, creating 5,000 individually addressed care packages at the D.C. National Guard Armory to be distributed to Deployed Troops in all corners of the world.
NBC- Operation Gratitude and Philadelphia PD Assemble Care Packages Ahead of National Night Out
Operation Gratitude teams up with the Philadelphia Police Department at the Rivers Casino to give back to the community. The organization and volunteers assembled 5,000 care pouches which will be delivered to Philadelphia residents as part of the Philadelphia PD’s National Night Out activities on August 3rd.
ABC- Operation Gratitude and Philadelphia PD Assemble Care Packages Ahead of National Night Out
Operation Gratitude teams up with the Philadelphia Police Department at the Rivers Casino to give back to the community. The organization and volunteers assembled 5,000 care pouches which will be delivered to Philadelphia residents as part of the Philadelphia PD’s National Night Out activities on August 3rd.
Operation Gratitude and Philadelphia PD Assemble Care Packages Ahead of National Night Out
Operation Gratitude teams up with the Philadelphia Police Department at the Rivers Casino to give back to the community. The organization and volunteers assembled 5,000 care pouches which will be delivered to Philadelphia residents as part of the Philadelphia PD’s National Night Out activities on August 3rd.
Operation Gratitude Delivers Care Packages to NYPD Officers in South Brooklyn
Operation Gratitude continues their partnership with the NYPD to personally thank every NYPD officer in the lead-up to the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with a care package delivery in South Brooklyn. NYPD officers and the NYPD Law Enforcement Explorers group also volunteered at a Care Package Assembly Day to pay forward the kindness they’ve received to National Guard troops serving at COVID-19 response and vaccination sites throughout the City.
Fox News Live- Non-profit helps donate care packages to troops, families
Operation Gratitude CEO Kevin Schmiegel joins ‘Fox News Live’ on Memorial Day 2021 to discuss the organization’s ongoing mission and speaks about how companies can get involved in public service.
Operation Gratitude Talks Military Appreciation Month on Good Morning Washington
Operation Gratitude’s CEO and COO- in New York assembling care packages for National Guard troops deployed to vaccination sites- share with Good Morning Washington viewers how they and people nationwide can participate in Operation Gratitude’s efforts to bridge divides between civilians and service members.
Military Appreciation Month Efforts in D.C., New York
CEO Kevin Schmiegel speaks to WJLA about Operation Gratitude’s continuing nationwide support of service members during May’s Military Appreciation Month.
Representative Van Taylor speaks about For Country Caucus’ Partnership with Operation Gratitude
Congressman Van Taylor, Co-Chair of the For Country Caucus, speaks about the bipartisan caucus’ volunteer efforts with Operation Gratitude in DC to assemble care packages for deployed troops during Military Appreciation Month
CALIFORNIA CONGRESSMEN JOIN OPERATION GRATITUDE AT DC CARE PACKAGE ASSEMBLY
Operation Gratitude joins forces with members of the congressional For Country Caucus on May 18, 2021 to impact thousands of deployed troops in recognition of May’s Military Appreciation Month. Operation Gratitude and volunteers, including more than a dozen from the For Country Caucus, spent the week assembling a total of 5,000 care packages at the DC National Guard Armory. The packages will be shipped to deployed Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors as a tangible way to express appreciation for their service and a reminder that their sacrifice does not go unnoticed.
BIPARTISAN FOR COUNTRY CAUCUS JOINS OPERATION GRATITUDE AT DC CARE PACKAGE ASSEMBLY
Operation Gratitude joins forces with members of the congressional For Country Caucus on May 18, 2021 to impact thousands of deployed troops in recognition of May’s Military Appreciation Month. Operation Gratitude and volunteers, including more than a dozen from the For Country Caucus, spent the week assembling a total of 5,000 care packages at the DC National Guard Armory. The packages will be shipped to deployed Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors as a tangible way to express appreciation for their service and a reminder that their sacrifice does not go unnoticed.
Texas Congressman Joins Operation Gratitude for DC Care Package Assembly
Operation Gratitude joins forces with members of the congressional For Country Caucus on May 18, 2021 to impact thousands of deployed troops in recognition of May’s Military Appreciation Month. Operation Gratitude and volunteers, including more than a dozen from the For Country Caucus, spent the week assembling a total of 5,000 care packages at the DC National Guard Armory. The packages will be shipped to deployed Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors as a tangible way to express appreciation for their service and a reminder that their sacrifice does not go unnoticed.
Operation Gratitude Joins Forces with VUHL for Mother’s Day- KTLA
Operation Gratitude CEO Kevin Schmiegel speaks to KTLA on Mother’s Day about the partnership between OG and Veterans United Home Loans to deliver 7500 care packages to National Guard troops mobilized nationwide and how viewers can take part to express their appreciation for the unique sacrifices military moms make.
Operation Gratitude in Atlanta for International Firefighters’ Day
In partnership with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation and Team RWB Atlanta, Operation Gratitude and our volunteers assembled 1,100 care packages for Atlanta Fire Rescue in honor of International Firefighters’ Day on May 4, 2021.
Augusta Care Package Assembly Recognizes 2,200 First Responders, 500 military spouses
Local law enforcement agencies, firefighters, and Fort Gordon military spouses are recognized at an event held by national nonprofit Operation Gratitude and area volunteers.
Operation Gratitude Takes Action in Atlanta to Recognize First Responders
In partnership with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation and Team RWB Atlanta, Operation Gratitude and our volunteers assembled 1,100 care packages for Atlanta Fire Rescue in honor of International Firefighters’ Day on May 4, 2021.
Philadelphia PD & Operation Gratitude
Volunteers gathered at Rivers Casino in Philadelphia to assemble nearly 300 care packages that will be distributed to dispatchers of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, as well as other trainees and command staff.
PBS joins Operation gratitude in CELEBRATING AMERICA
Lidia Celebrates America: A Salute to First Responders is a one-hour documentary special featuring celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich as she follows frontline responders, and meets incredible volunteers like Jenine Melton, Operation Gratitude Ambassador.
Operation Gratitude delivers 200 care packages to firefighters, EMTs
Victoria Sanchez from ABC7 WJLA shares how Operation Gratitude delivered 200 care packages to firefighters and EMTs at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) ahead of Patriot Day.
Operation Gratitude Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Its Work Despite Covid-19 Challenges
5,000 Care Packages for Deployed Troops
From June 27-29, 2020 Operation Gratitude and their volunteers came together at the DC National Guard Armory in Washington, DC to assemble 5,000 care packages for Deployed Troops. Kristen Powers of WJLA ABC 7 in Washington, DC was there to cover the event!
NATIONAL GIVE SOMETHING AWAY DAY!
Featured on PHL17 Morning News, our CEO, Kevin Schmiegel explains how to give back and give a piece of your heart to the men and women serving on the frontlines.
CONTINUING TO SERVE AMID A pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact the Military and First Responder community, Operation Gratitude stayed true to its mission and led the charge to provide support and gratitude to those who serve.
How virtual volunteering is sending help from a distance
As people stay home during the coronavirus pandemic, some are still lending a helping hand from a distance. For Weekend TODAY, NBC’s Catie Beck shines a spotlight on organizations, like Operation Gratitude, that are keeping volunteers connected.
12 Days of Giving
COO Paul Cucinotta shares on Fox & Friends how the mission of Operation Gratitude is especially impactful over the holiday season and how Americans can get involved.
B&O Railway Museum
JFK airport, NEW york city
On Thursday, September 5, 2019 Operation Gratitude, along with hundreds of volunteers came together in New York City to assembly 10,000 Care Packages. This Fox & Friends live Interview with our Founder Carolyn Blashek and CEO, retired Marine LtCol Kevin Schmiegel, answers the three questions we get asked most often.
- How did Operation Gratitude get started?
- What goes in our Care Packages and what makes them so special?
- Why is Operation Gratitude’s mission more important than ever?
Aboard the USS Midway
Sunday, May 26, 2019, we joined forces with the USS Midway Museum to offer a one-of-a-kind volunteer experience assembling Care Pouches for First Responders, and our nations newest Marines in San Diego.
Washington, D.C. Armory
On Thursday, January 17, 2019, Operation Gratitude, with the help of our BRIDGE COUNCIL, brought together volunteers from the DC Metro area to assemble 25,000 of our signature red Care Pouches which were distributed to First Responders and National Guardsmen locally and nationwide.
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U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Daniel Gabrielli, Task Force Holloman commander, helps hand out care packages from Operation Gratitude for Airmen assigned to Task Force Holloman Read the Article
Fox News online coverage of Operation Gratitude Care Package deliveries to NYPD officers in Brooklyn Read the oped.
Operation Gratitude featured on CNN for virtual volunteerism. Read the article.
Dr. Jill Biden joins Operation Gratitude to send holiday cheer to Deployed Troops overseas. Read the article.
The New York Post highlights how you can make a difference for essential workers from your couch with Operation Gratitude. Read the article.
Operation Gratitude Becomes First Nonprofit to Deliver 250,000 Care Packages to Healthcare Heroes, National Guardsmen, and First Responders in More Than 200 Locations Nationwide. Read the article.
At Operation Gratitude we are fortunate to have a CEO, Kevin Schmiegel and COO, Paul Cucinotta with over 47 years combined Military leadership experience. Their leadership has been instrumental in navigating our response to #covid19. In an article on Medium, they share the lessons learned from their military careers and how to apply these during times of crisis. Read the article.
In recognition of the 18th anniversary of 9/11 and a National Day of Service, our CEO, Kevin Schmiegel, and former U.S. Marshal, Patrick Burke, point to hands-on volunteerism as a way to say thank you to all who serve in this Military Times OpEd. Learn more.
In honor of our 16 year anniversary, Operation Gratitude challenged crafters across the country to send in hand-made red scarves for Deployed Troops. Learn more.
The New York Times highlights Operation Gratitude’s letter writing program and shares how handwritten notes can spread the love! Learn more.
In Baltimore area, 10,000 first responders to get special thanks from Operation Gratitude. Learn more.