Operation Gratitude Sends TWIN Milestone 500,000th Packages

VAN NUYS, Calif., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- With the classic roar of freedom catching their attention, over 1200 Operation Gratitude volunteers witnessed the presentation of the organization's historic 500,000th care package, as a custom motorcycle drove onto the Armory Drill floor carrying keys for Two Harley Davidson Sportsters. The keys, along with several other unique gifts, were added to Operation Gratitude care packages, to be delivered to two U.S. Service Members serving in the harshest combat zones overseas.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091221/CL29320 )

Co-founders Carolyn Blashek and SSG Elizabeth Cowie, who started the organization in 2003, thanked AVTT and Sands Resorts for their generous donation of the Sportsters, and recognized thousands of volunteers, donors and supporters who have contributed throughout the years to the assembly and shipment of half a million care packages.

"The 500,000 care packages sent are an expression of enormous respect and appreciation for those who voluntarily put themselves in harm's way to protect our freedom," exclaimed Blashek. "How totally appropriate that today we are sending a classic American symbol of freedom--Harley Davidson Motorcycles--to two of our bravest warriors, both of whom have served multiple tours of combat duty."

"AVTT's mission is to honor, respect and remember those who served and thus those who are serving," said Don Allen, founder of AVTT, donor of one of the Bikes. "The occasion of Operation Gratitude's 500,000th Care Package is a perfect opportunity to ensure that our message of support and gratitude is seen and heard by our Military around the world."

Lee Rawcliffe, President and CEO of Sands Resorts, and donor of the second Sportster noted: "This exciting 500,000th package event represents a celebration of all the brave Americans who wear the uniform of our great nation. We are honored to put two special packages in the hands of two different service members representing our courageous heroes-- past, present and future--from all branches of Military."

Special deliveries of the matching Half Millionth Packages are being arranged.

Blashek and Cowie informed the energetic crowd that the 500,000th package represented:

• 4 Million pounds of product
• $5.5 Million of postage
• 25 Million individual items
• $50 Million worth of product sent to the troops through Operation Gratitude since its inception in 2003.

Operation Gratitude: www.OperationGratitude.com

American Veterans Traveling Tribute: www.avtt.org

Sands Resorts: www.sandsresorts.com

SOURCE Sands Resorts

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