OPERATION SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
During the year we ask for donations for OSOT and in 2008 we have raised about $6,000 and in 2007 we raised about $4,500. The money that we collect is passed onto OSOT and it has gone to shipping boxes to the frontline troops in Iraqa and Afghanistan.
In addition some of the contributions have helped in the purchase of specially equipped vans for our seriously wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The cost of each van is about $50,000. Below is an email NYPFRA received and this is the reason we keep asking for donations for OSOT.
EDT Subject: read with tissues handy:
Email received for our members.
OSOT gave out FOUR modified vans to wounded heroes this past week in irginia, please read this letter from one of the wives whose seriously wounded husband received one of “our” vans: After meeting with the four families that were receiving vans today, we went on to the presentation itself. They had setup a tent on the parking lot of the Fisher House, present was staff, military liaisons, friends and other people all there to help us celebrate the occasion and show their support. It was awesome and very emotional.
Once we got to our seats, Mary Kay Salomone, founder of Operation Support Our Troops, made the opening comments and then Secretary Shinseki made his comments and I have to say he was very eloquent and sincere. After his address, Mary Kay again got up to the podium and before handing us the keys to our very own accessible van, proceeded to give us even more gifts. Not only did we get a van, but the organization pays the insurance on the van for a year; on top of which they provided us with DVD players, navigation systems, gifts for AJ, gift cards for a spa day for me, and even more gifts for Anthony. It was way more than generous. Seriously I have no words and that hardly ever happens to me!
When they finally handed us the keys, they not only handed me a set, but Secretary Shinseki placed a set in Anthony’s hand as well and told him that he expects him to be able to use them on his own one day; trust me there wasn’t a dry eye in the vicinity! The van is gorgeous and even though Anthony and I NEVER planned for a van in our future, this van is a God send! I am forever grateful to Jennifer Tracey, sales rep for Ride Away, Mary Kay Salomone, founder of Operation Support Our Troops and the rest of the board for the organization. These people truly have their hearts in the right place and that is giving families with wounded warriors a way to go about their life and having the ability to include the warrior.
After the van presentation, it was on over to the SCI for lunch with all of the families, the organization and everyone else that cares and loves the troops. Lunch was great, but by this time AJ (our son) was done for and passed out in his stroller, this was a lot for him for one morning! Anthony did awesome, he was alert the entire day and Mary Kay and Jennifer at one point came and told me that Anthony had a smile on his face for a majority of the presentation ceremony. Like I said he understands more than many give him credit for. After lunch, I decided to get Anthony back up in bed and let him rest, poor guy was so tired and rightfully so! I got him in bed and on his side, I then leaned in very close to him and told him how very proud I am to call myself his wife and that this was just the next step in “our” recovery. I then apologized and told him that I was going to go back to the house and rest for a bit too.
Please note:
Financial Secretary Benny Glasser has been delivering our collected funds and all collected items to be mailed.
