It has taken me until today to find that feel good story which I look for every week. This one has to rank up there among my favorites.

ENCINO, CA. - Operation Gratitude founder, Carolyn Blashek, and Director of Operations, Charlie Othold, traveled 9,000 miles to surprise an unknowing Soldier with the keys to a 2008 Jeep(R) Liberty at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Iraq on January 22. The gift of the Liberty was in celebration of Operation Gratitude’s shipment of 300,000 care packages to troops deployed overseas.

Spc. Michael Gallagher, of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Washington, was the recipient of Operation Gratitude’s special care package.

The Jeep(R) was donated by the Jeep brand. In a letter addressed to an “American Hero”, John Plecha, Director -Jeep Marketing and Global Communications, said it was an honor to do something special for both a great organization and for the troops in Iraq.

“As the recipient of the 300,000th Operation Gratitude care package, the Jeep brand is delighted to award you a Jeep vehicle of your own as a symbol of our appreciation, as you represent all those who bravely go in harm’s way in service to our country,” Plecha’s letter continued.

While we often thank those who protect this nation, it is individuals like Ms. Blashek and so many of the generous businesses here in the US who often go without notice. In most cases, I am certain that is the way they would prefer it to be.

So thanks to every volunteer and proprietor who has helped make the life of a member of our fighting forces just a bit easier. It is gratitude well deserved.

HT:Lucianne