Today on Independence Day, and every day at Operation Gratitude, we recognize the sacrifices of the 4.4 million men and women in uniform who serve and protect our communities and the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.
I want to tell you about a Marine who fought for freedom and served our country honorably and faithfully during a career that spanned three decades.
Over the past 27 years, he and his family have sacrificed so much for our nation. Now retired Marine Colonel Paul Cucinotta, along with his wife, Beth, and their children (Marissa, Second Lieutenant Nick Cucinotta, Joey, and Sam) serve with all of us as part of Operation Gratitude’s family.
Paul is a gentleman, a scholar, and a warrior. He served with his brain in some of the most challenging jobs at the Pentagon and fought with his heart in some of the worst conditions imaginable during multiple combat deployments with elite forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The sacrifices he and his family made and their service to our nation were punctuated by dozens of missed holidays, birthdays and anniversaries; 13 moves; and Beth’s fight and victory over cancer.
Paul is the best leader I’ve ever known. That is not hyperbole. He is caring, passionate, and selfless – he always puts others before himself. And we are so lucky to have him on our team as the Chief Operating Officer of Operation Gratitude.
When I joined Operation Gratitude, I promised our Founder, Carolyn
On his first day, Paul pledged the same thing to me and all of our volunteers and supporters, when he said, “I’m ALL IN!” He demonstrates that every day through his actions. And in leading by example, Paul challenges everyone around him to be All In, too.
Are you “All In” with Operation Gratitude?
As you enjoy the Fourth of July with your family and friends and reflect on the importance of this day and what it signifies, I ask you to do two things.
Send Paul a Thank You Email
First, please take a minute to send Paul an email at PaulC@OperationGratitude.com to thank him for his service and his decision to join our family at Operation Gratitude.
Commit to being ALL IN
Second, let Paul know that you’re “All In,” too, with your actions, and tell him what you are going to do to support our nation’s heroes for the remainder of 2019.
The fact is we need you now more than ever. Whether it’s making more paracord bracelets, knitting scarves, hand-writing letters, or hosting a collection drive, you can help us Make Every Minute Count and reach our goal of delivering 525,600 Care Packages to Military, Veterans, and First Responders this year.
Celebrate our great nation and those who serve and protect our freedom by demonstrating with Operation Gratitude that actions speak louder than words.
#MeetPaul #AreYouALLin #ALLin
