2025 South River High School, Edgewater, Maryland
The card-making event with Making Cards for our Troops was truly inspirational. When this event was first discussed with the South River Interact Club, we imagined our club members sitting at a couple of tables, making cards and chatting, although the outcome of this event was unimaginable. As we walked out to greet the participants, we heard chit-chat but turned the corner to 100 students waiting to be let in to come support this good cause. It felt like the entire school community came together for a life-changing purpose. The energy was electric, buzzing with creativity and focused effort. As the Interact Club reflected on this event, the biggest turn-out we have ever had, we realized why there were so many participants; everyone had a purpose to be there. Whether it was a distant family member, a friend, or even a parent who had served, they realized that the hour-long event would provide a service member with a sense of home, transforming their trajectory as they serve and protect. That afternoon showed us the incredible impact our community has when we come together. It was an impressive, heartwarming experience that we will never forget and look forward to doing again soon.
With Love,
The South River Interact Team
2025 – Hello! (from Kuwait)
I just wanted to share with your organization that I received a batch of your cards here in Kuwait, and I’ve already begun to use them!
Unfortunately, I didn’t think to take a picture of each before I started sealing envelopes, except the one in the picture I have attached.
But at least I was able to capture one. Coupled with being able to have the Red Cross mail our cards for free, this is a great way to connect with my friends and family. So few people send or receive cards anymore, it’s very special when they get one from me.
All the best to you and your families!
Thank You so much,
SFC Y*****
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
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2024 – From a brave Veteran:
“You guys have no idea how appreciated your packages and cards are to the many troops who don’t have anyone to remember them. As for me, I still can’t believe I actually got paid to do the things I got to do.
So 46 years ago I was just finishing Ground week in Jump School. The only airplane ride I ever had in my life brought me from my basic training at Ft Dix NJ to ft Benning GA for AIT and jump school. My next 5 takeoffs would result in me jumping out while in flight which due to Thanksgiving we worked through the weekend and graduated the day before Thanksgiving.
Little did I know that this thrill was just the tip of the iceberg which resulted in 21 years in uniform 19 of which was as a Special Forces Green Beret. Then another 19 as a DOD contractor.
What a run this has been for me and a sacrifice for my wife, Julie, and the boys. I couldn’t have been able to visit 33+ countries 4 continents and participated in 3 declared wars and multiple conflicts. For me this has been a privilege that I still can’t believe I got paid for.
God blessed me with Julie, the boys and a lifetime of service that never felt like a job.
May God Bless America🙏”
Steve
10/31/2023
Making Cards for our Troops, Inc.
Attn: Patricia Brodsky
Annapolis, MD 21401
Dear Patricia,
Thank you again for your generous donations of Handmade Cards and supporting those who serve. Since our founding in 2003, with the help of grateful Americans like you, we have delivered over 3.8 million of our signature Care Packages to Deployed Troops, Veterans, Military Families, Recruit Graduates and First Responders. We are honored to serve those who have served us and are grateful for your support.
Your support has a tremendous impact. A Care Package boosts morale for a Service Member stationed far from home and enables a Veteran, Wounded Hero or Caregiver to feel appreciated — many for the first time. Our Battalion Buddies bring comfort to the children of Deployed Troops at a very stressful time in their young lives. When we hand deliver Care Pouches to new Officer and Recruit Graduates, they know that as they begin their career of service to our great nation, they are supported along the way. And the delivery of First Responder Care Packages shows local heroes that their community values them in an often thankless job.
We recently received this email from a Care Package recipient deployed overseas:
Thank you! I wanted to personally reach out and say how much we appreciate the support you have shown from Operation Gratitude. I am currently on deployment and received one of the care packages; it has truly brought some extra joy into my life being so far from home. Please keep up the good work as I know there are many more of my brothers and sisters in the service that will be just as grateful as me. Again, thank you very much! Very Respectfully, AZ3 F, S.M. VAQ-132 “Scorpions”
Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and wonderful patriotic spirit. Every single donation we receive furthers our mission, and the recipients of your generosity will remember your kindness forever. As a Marine Mom and the Founder of this grass-roots organization, I will always be appreciative of your support and encouragement for Operation Gratitude. You are truly making a difference!
With Gratitude,
Carolyn Blashek
Founder, CEO
Operation Gratitude has been granted non-profit status under Section 501 (c) 3 of the IRS Code. Your contribution to this organization is fully deductible in accordance with applicable law for federal income tax purposes as no goods or services were provided in exchange for this donation.
April 22, 2021 To: cardsfortroops2398@gmail.com
Good morning, (from Kuwait)
I am Technical Sargeant W******* of the US Air Force, on behalf of the troops stationed in Kuwait, we’d like to thank you for all of the holiday cards that we have received. Your efforts are greatly appreciated, and it truly brightens our day.
Respectfully,
A.C. W*******, TSgt. USAF
Making Cards for our Troops 