Happy Veteran’s Day, gang. We were debating on which service-related comics to review today (and we had a couple of ideas) but we remembered an awesome program we learned about from one of our earliest readers (@MegGoneGeek). Read on about Operation Gratitude, and how you can send comics to our troops.
Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude seeks to lift spirits and meet the evolving needs of our Active Duty and Veteran communities, and provide volunteer opportunities for all Americans to express their appreciation to members of our Military. Operation Gratitude annually sends 150,000+ care packages filled with food, hygiene products, entertainment and handmade items, plus personal letters of support, addressed to individual Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed overseas, to their children left behind, and to Veterans, New Recruits, First Responders, Wounded Warriors and their Care Givers. Through Collection Drives, Letter Writing Campaigns, Craft Projects and Financial Donations, Operation Gratitude provides civilians anywhere in America a way to say “Thank You” to the men and women of the U.S. Military through active, hands-on Volunteerism.
If you have some comics that you’ve already read collecting dust somewhere (and not in the good way) think about taking the time to shoot a couple of issues to our service men and women. Can you imagine a soldier reading a Captain America graphic novel in full-battle array on some distant front line? The sun setting behind them as they stand, ready to defend our country at a moment’s notice? Doesn’t get more American than that.
Another organization that we’ve found is Operation Comix Relief, although we’re not sure if it’s still active (we’re waiting on a reply email from the organizer). But there are some great photos and letters from soldiers on the site.
Check out this letter from one of the recipients:
To Whom it May Concern,
I would like to express my thanks for your sending the package of comic books to us here in Iraq. We are with a USMC transportation unit that has been “in theatre” for over three months now. The comic books are a first of their kind to be received here and are a welcome diversion from our daily missions. The Marines want to pass on their thanks to whomever decided to implement this program. Your patriotism and generosity are much appreciated!Semper Fi,
Captain Benjamin Brown
So go ahead and see if you’ve got some shortboxes filled with comics that you’re not going to read anymore. The troops that are serving the country could use an amusing distraction.
And to our troops; past, present and future, thanks for your service.
If this is your first time visiting Shortboxed, thanks for stopping by! We want to provide a place online where people new to comics can come and learn about the culture and be introduced to some amazing stories without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. We’re always adding new content, so please come back soon! You can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr at @shortboxed.