For Country Caucus Teams Up with Operation Gratitude to Serve U.S. Troops

Press Release

Yesterday, members of the For Country Caucus joined forces with national nonprofit, Operation Gratitude, to impact thousands of deployed troops in recognition of Military Appreciation Month and to draw attention to the importance of constructing a national memorial to the veterans who have served in the Global War on Terrorism.

Media from the event, including photographs and b-roll footage, can be accessed and downloaded for publication here.

Cochairs of the Caucus, Congressman Van Taylor (R-TX-03) and Congressman Jared Golden (D-ME-02) shared, "The For Country Caucus is proud to team up with Operation Gratitude as we bring awareness to the importance of serving our troops both at home and abroad. Just as it's important to stand with members of our Armed Forces while overseas, upon their return home we must recognize the incredible sacrifices made by our service members and their families. This event underscores the need for a Global War on Terrorism Memorial, right here in Washington DC on the National Mall which will provide troops, and their loved ones a place for healing and reflection."

Volunteers, including members of the For Country Caucus worked to assemble 5,000 individually addressed care packages at the DC National Guard Armory to 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 President and CEO, Kevin Schmiegel, said, "20 years is a long time for our nation to be at war. President Biden recently announced that the drawdown of the final 2,500 troops in Afghanistan will be carried out by 9/11. but, even when the last service member comes back from Afghanistan, there will still be 200,000 or more men and women in our military deployed each year to places in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Naval vessels on all seven seas. We must not forget that. We must stay the course. We must support them."

Specifically, the care packages will be delivered to service members aboard the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, USS Carter Hall, USS Laboon, USS Dwight D Eisenhower, and USS Sullivan. The packages contain personal care products, snacks, coffee, handmade items, and handwritten letters from grateful Americans across the country.

Co-Chaired by Congressman Van Taylor (R-TX-03) and Congressman Jared Golden (D-ME-02), the For Country Caucus is a group of principled military veterans in Congress who strive to create a government that is less polarized, more efficient, and is trusted by Americans. Together, they share a vision of a Congress that is strategic in purpose, focused on action, and dedicated to putting their country first.

Operation Gratitude's mission is to forge strong bonds between service members and civilians through hands-on volunteerism and meaningful engagements and veterans, like FCC members- who are also leaders in their communities and our nation- play a critical role in bridging that civil-service divide.

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