‘We’re Their Family’: Volunteers Assemble Care Packages for Troops, Veterans, and First Responders

A volunteer organization sends personalized letters and care packages to troops, veterans, and first responders to let them know how much they’re appreciated.
‘We’re Their Family’: Volunteers Assemble Care Packages for Troops, Veterans, and First Responders
Operation Gratitude care packages are distributed to Air Force and Space Force graduates at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, 2024. Courtesy of Operation Gratitude
Randy Tatano
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Imagine that the best gift you received this year had no monetary value, took 15 minutes to put together, and came from a complete stranger. What could a gift like that possibly mean?

It’s a simple thank-you letter, and if you’re in the military serving half a world away from home; a forgotten veteran; or a first responder exhausted from dealing with a disaster, kind words from someone you’ve never met can mean so much.

Randy Tatano
Randy Tatano
Author
Randy Tatano is a former local television reporter and network producer who now writes political thrillers as Nick Harlow. He grew up in a New York City suburb and lives on the Gulf Coast with his wife and four cats.
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