For a member of the military who is deployed thousands of miles away from home the worry about who is taking care of simple household chores like cutting the grass, making the final application of fertilizer in the fall or clearing the driveway when a “Nor’easter” blows through and dumps six inches of snow, adds to their stress level.

Visitors to the Project EverGreen booth at this year’s GIE + EXPO in Louisville took the time to write nearly 400 thank you cards for these brave men and women who are deployed around the globe carrying out their missions.

Visitors to the Project EverGreen booth at the GIE + EXPO write thank you notes to members of the military.

The cards will be delivered to military personnel through Operation Gratitude, a national organization that provides care packages and messages of appreciation to military members.

Many of those writing notes related personal stories about their own military service and how much a letter from home – even from a stranger – meant when mail call came.

“As the mother of a son in the military, it was heartwarming to see the number of people who were willing to take a moment to express their appreciation to those who serve,” says Ki Matsko, a program manager for the GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops programs. “Reading through the notes confirms that people do understand and appreciate the sacrifices these military members make to protect our freedoms.”

One of the more poignant notes shared the following sentiment.

“There aren’t words to thank you enough for serving our country. You keep us safe, protect our liberties and ensure the United States is the greatest in the world. Your sacrifices don’t go unnoticed. You are in my thoughts. Stay safe always. Thank you.”

Nearly 400 thank you notes will be delivered to military members through Operation Gratitude.

A theme of thanks and appreciation was threaded throughout the notes.

“Thank you for your dedication and service. You make us all proud to be Americans and enjoy life in the land of the free. Come home safely.”

“May God bless you for what you are doing for America in a faraway land.”

“Thank you for everything you do for our country.”

Nici Trem, a program manager with Project EverGreen, talked with many of the note card writers and noticed a common bond between them.
“The number of people that stopped to write a thank you to our military, even when they were in a hurry, brought tears to my eyes. Even children took the time to write a thank you,” says Trem. “It made me feel like we are really all in this together.”

Are you looking for a way to say thank you to members of our military and their families? Register to become a GreenCare or SnowCare for Troops volunteer and help the family of deployed military personnel. Call 888/611-2955 or visit our REGISTRATION PAGE