Photo By Spc. Kirby Rider | Spc. Michael Gallagher a vehicle commander from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 23rd...... read more read more
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BAQUBAH, Iraq – Operation Gratitude, an organization that sends care packages to deployed service members, surprised an unknowing Soldier with a 2008 Jeep Liberty at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, Jan. 22. The free car was in celebration of meeting their goal of 300,000 packages sent to Soldiers.
Spc. Michael Gallagher from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., was the recipient of Operation Gratitude's special care package.
"When my commander ordered me to show up to this ceremony, I thought it was just another care package and they were making a big deal about it because it was the 300,000th one," said Gallagher. "When I opened up the envelope, (containing the keys to the jeep inside) it completely blew my mind."
The care package contained other various gifts from U.S. citizens and companies that generously support the operation, including letters from local schools and four cigars from California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Jeep was donated by a local dealership in California, who according to Blashek, said it was an honor to do something special for both a great organization and for the Soldiers in Iraq.
"I would like to thank (Operation Gratitude) so much for supporting the troops and giving them an opportunity to show that people actually care," Gallagher said.
| Date Taken: | 01.23.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 01.23.2008 06:08 |
| Story ID: | 15698 |
| Location: | BAQUBAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 852 |
| Downloads: | 783 |
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