For the month of November, Paradiso Insurance has partnered up with Operation Gratitude in honor of Veterans Day. Operation Gratitude was founded in 2003 after the tragedy of 9/11. Founder Carolyn Blashek was volunteering at the military lounge at Los Angeles airport when a soldier came into the office and broke down right in front of her at her desk. This soldier was on leave from a war zone for his mother’s funeral, his wife had left him, and his only child had died as an infant, which meant he had no one else in his life. The soldier told her, “I’m going back over there; I know I won’t make it back this time, but it really doesn’t matter because no one would even care.” Right then and there Blashek realized that when bullets are flying, troops must believe that someone at home cares about them as an individual and wants to see them return safe and sound. 

What started off at first as a small operation in Blashek’s living room, has now grown to a major organization that serves active duty military, first responders, veterans and their families. Americans all across the country today are donating items and writing letters to those who serve to help Carolyn in her cause.

At Paradiso Insurance, for the month of November, we are asking for donations of $5.00 to be brought to our office on 8 East Main Street in Stafford Springs. Upon receiving your donation, you will be given a paper hand and asked to write a thank you note to a veteran, first responder or active duty military member. These paper hands will then be posted on our large picture window in the front of our office for everyone to see. 

At the end of November, we will collect all of the donations and the paper hands with the messages and send them to Operation Gratitude. What Operation Gratitude will then do is put these messages into their care packages that will be created with the money that we are collecting. These packages will then be sent to veterans, active military, first responders and their families across the U.S. and military war zones.

Here are a few of the responses from those who have received a care package in the past:

“We want to extend our sincere thanks for the thoughtful and generous care packages, and the efforts of your amazing volunteers. We are eternally grateful! Thank you again!”

“Good morning, I just returned from the 10/4/2019 San Diego Honors Flight to Washington D.C. I am a 91-year-old USMC veteran who is not on social media but just wanted to thank you for your Operation Gratitude box of love. God Bless.”

“I loved the package I received, however, the one thing I loved the most is a handmade bracelet. Thanks to whoever took the time to make something personal.”

“I received one of your boxes at Frontier of Flight in Dallas, Texas and just wanted to thank you. I’m a Vietnam vet and as you know we were never welcomed home so this box made my day. Thanks again for your work and the great treats. You’ll never know what this meant to me. It brought tears. Thanks again. H.”

For more information on our High Five A Veteran fundraiser, please give us a call at 860-684-5270 and ask for our Marketing Department. Let’s all show our support this November and be sure to High Five A Vet!