Governor Quinn Launches Operation Support Our Troops Care Package Drive

CHICAGO – November 7, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today joined Operation Support Our Troops – America and MB Financial Bank to launch the “America has NOT Forgotten” awareness and support campaign in the days leading up to Veterans Day and the holiday season.

“Even as we bring our troops home, we must remember the many men and women who continue to serve our country throughout the world,” Governor Quinn said. “We have a duty to support the men and women in uniform who sacrifice every day for our country.”

The “America Has NOT Forgotten” campaign will include educational information as well as a “Call to Action” that asks each American to take small actions to show their support for our men and women serving. These actions can include writing a weekly note of support to servicemembers, and flying the flag at half-mast on the last Friday of each month in honor of those lost in the war during that month.

“The campaign is a national effort to remind Americans that thousands of young men and women continue to serve in dangerous places around the world,” said Operation Support our Troops – America President Deb Rickert. “Now, more than ever, our military and their families need to know that America supports and cares for them.”

All Chicago-area MB Financial Bank locations will serve as drop-off locations throughout the month of November for comfort items to be sent to troops. These items include: crackers, canned pasta and soup (28 oz or less), granola bars, foot powder (14oz or less), beef jerky, tuna, microwave popcorn, canned nuts (20 oz or less), individually-wrapped hot chocolate and coffee packets and one-pound bags of ground coffee.

Operation Support our Troops – America is a 501(c)3 volunteer-based organization that supports the morale and well-being of American forces by providing comfort, resources and education to them and their families while they are deployed and after their return. Since its inception the organization has shipped approximately 900,000 pounds of goods to troops around the world. Operation Support our Troops – America also provides financial support to military and veteran support organizations such as Fisher House and Hines VA Hospital.

For more information about Operation Support our Troops – America and other programs for our Veterans and servicemembers, visit www.OSOTAmerica.org and www.OperationHomefront.org.