In honor of Veterans Day, over 50 employees joined Host’s service team on Friday, November 15 to help Operation Gratitude with its mission to thank every American who serves. Operation Gratitude seeks to lift the spirits and meet the needs of the U.S. Military and First Responder communities by sending individually addressed care packages. 

Volunteers made paracord “survival” bracelets and assembled Battalion Buddy bears for the children of deployed military. Others found a quiet spot to write letters of gratitude to troops, first responders and veterans. Many also donated leftover candy as part of Operation Gratitude’s annual Halloween Candy Give-Back Program.

Greeting the volunteers were two service dogs from Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). Employees had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the organization to learn how WCC helps recovering warriors with post-deployment challenges.

As a special treat, the service team also provided lunch from Mission BBQ for all employees. Mission BBQ pays tribute to service members, veterans and first responders by focusing its charitable giving efforts on military nonprofits and local charities for police and firefighters. Since opening their doors in 2011, they have given more than $10 million dollars to national and local military and public service organizations.

By the end of the event, we collected 25 letters of appreciation, assembled 150 Battalion Buddy bears and created 100 paracord bracelets!

Learn more about our Corporate Responsibility strategy, including our Corporate Citizenship program.