OPERATION: ENDURING GRATITUDE (OP:EG) http://www.op-eg.org is a non-profit organization created to thank ALL Veterans on a daily basis is headquartered in Clearwater, FL and needs to raise the funds and awareness necessary to accomplish a variety of missions that we have identified as beneficial to ALL U.S Military Veterans Nationwide. Although we have numerous causes we have earmarked for another time such as the purchase of fishing and hunting licenses as well as camping permits on State and Federal land, we have to prioritize and feel we should accomplish the following two missions first.

• “OPERATION: VETNET”, -To enlist a network of retailers and service providers that will share our vision and become members, supporters, sponsors, and/or underwriters by agreeing to provide a 10% discount for example, on services and products to our US Veterans while proudly displaying the VETNET sticker next to MasterCard and Visa on their front door. Legally identifying our VETS is paramount to the success of VETNET. The following merchants have agreed to participate.

o Lowes On HWY 19 and 580, Clearwater
o Main St. Barbershop Independence Square Win Dixie Shopping Center, Dunedin
o McDonald’s USA 1645 Main St 580, Dunedin
o Home Depot 30144 HWY 19 North, Clearwater
o Quaker Steak and Lube HWY 19 and 49th St., Clearwater

• “OPRERATION: V.I.P. (Veterans Identification Program)”, - Upon discharge, 95% of Veterans receive a Department of Defense form (DD-214) which is the only documentation of their service to country. A DD-214 is much like a birth certificate and is not carried around by VETS. State issued driver licenses and ID cards will allow merchants and vendors to easily identify a United States Military Veteran nationwide. Ohio’s Governor, Ted Strickland is this first governor to sign this into state law. http://www.op-eg.org/news1.htm .

While there are numerous and wonderful programs that address very important issues such as the wounded and homeless, there is nothing that exists for ALL those who served proudly in support of combat oriented positions throughout the Armed Services. The ratio is (7 to 1) seven support personnel for every combat oriented position…that is a tremendous amount of unsung heroes walking around the United States…and we don’t know who they are. OPERATION: ENDURING GRATITUDE must find avenues to raise awareness levels in order to succeed.