Monica and her team worked quickly and efficiently to supply my team with items necessary for mission accomplishment and sustainment of operations at sea. We are very thankful for all this organization has done for us. Thank you again for the support. Hooyah!
I work with veterans and military personnel full time and often come upon needs that are beyond the scope of their ability to meet. One call to OTA and the need has been covered every time! We at Outdoor Immersion are very thankful for OTA!
OTA is an excellent organization that makes a huge difference in the veteran community. I work with the veteran population and OTA works tirelessly to meet their needs.
Friendly volunteers and generous donations that have helped many Veterans throughout the years! They provide excellent service and truly go above and beyond
This organization continues to provide much needed assistance to our Veterans. Their selfless and compassionate dedication is an example of what all organizations should stive to be.
OTA is nothing short of Fantastic!!! I work with Homeless Veterans on a daily basis and once we find them safe, affordable and comfortable housing that's just part of it. Having a stable place to keep you out of the cold and a roof over your head is great, but many of the Veterans I assist cannot afford to outfit a new apartment once they get the keys and Operation Troop Appreciation fills that void like no other charitable organization that I know of.
Part of me actually feels bad since I am the one usually picking up the Welcome Home Kit (WHK) and dropping it off to the Veterans and their families. Obviously I, myself, didn't buy all of the items that come with a typical WHK and certainly couldn't afford to even if I tried, and that'd just be for even one Veteran. Combined the WHK is easily between $750 and a thousand dollars. They provide all of that, and a brand new bed and some mall lightly-used small furniture or even occasionally appliances.
On top of all of that OTA stays in contact with the Veterans for as long as the Veteran has needs and even does activities such as going to Pirates Games, Bike Run Events, and usually Christmas Gifts to them and their kids at a Christmas party, but not the past 2 years due to the pandemic. Even throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and mandatory restrictions they continued to assist Veterans even if only through "No-Contact" means.
Basically, I cannot thank them enough for all they do for all Veterans and wouldn't be able to do my job even remotely as well without their compassion, resources, and continued support!!!
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I am a Case Manager for Housing Homeless Veterans with the Pittsburgh VA. Over the past 5 years I have worked with many Veterans in getting them housed and either into a new apartment or house. However, I do not have resources to help a Veteran sufficiently "get settled in" and make it into more than just another place to lay their head, but actually feel comfortable, safe and independent.
Operation Troop Appreciate has worked tirelessly and very generously to help me and others in similar positions get a Welcome Home Kit and new bed for newly housed Veterans. The WHK is just what it sounds like. It is a myriad of items that one needs to equip a new residence. Everything from pots, dishes, towels, shower curtains, new linens and pillows for their new bed and so many other things that it is usually overwhelming when I deliver it to the Veterans.
On top of that, OTA partners with the Original Mattress Factory to get the Veteran a brand new bed that is made specifically for them, delivered and set up in their new place. It may seem like something small, but to the Veterans I am privileged to serve it makes a huge difference.
Additionally, they provide Taxi transportation to and from appointments if needed until other more long-term arrangements can be made. This is also naturally a wonderful help for some of the Veterans that simply would not be able to make it to very urgent appointments when they have no other options.
Basically, Operation Troop Appreciation and their entire team of 100% Volunteers helps me help Veterans exponentially more and better overall than I could ever even hope to imagine on my own.
Please note, these are my personal views, not the views of VA or VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. Thank you.
-JRD, HCHV CM/SW
I have had the pleasure and the honor to work with Operation Troop Appreciation for seven years. The service and support that Operation Troop Appreciation provides to our veterans when they are at their most vulnerable is difficult to put into words. When a veteran, who has been homeless, sleeping on the floor and without comfort, receives their bed and housing supplies from Operation Troop Appreciation, it is a powerful moment.
Operation Troop Appreciation is truly a blessing. As a social worker at the VA, I rely on OTA's services to assist in serving my veteran's on a regular basis. From Welcome Home Kits and brand new bed sets for my newly-housed veterans, OTA's commitment to serving the veteran's of Western PA is unmatched. The OTA staff and volunteers are courteous, professional, and always willing to go the extra mile. It's great to know that there are organizations like OTA that truly put the veteran first.
Operation Troop Appreciation is an amazing organization!!! They have been helping many Veterans through the past several years and they are making a positive difference in the lives of Veterans. I am very appreciative for all of the volunteers of Operation Troop Appreciation led by Monica ORLUK, Executive Director.
Mary Frances Pilarski, Coordinator, Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
These are my personal views and not the views of VA and VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
Can't say enough wonderful things about Operation Troop Appreciation. The most valuable thing from what I see is they are 100% veteran centric. They don't stop bringing the best services available in town. If there is ever a question of "can they do it", they always figure out a way to get it done; all for the benefit and support of the veteran.
Great non profit for Veterans and service members during great times of need , this organization is a great morale booster for veterans and they are constantly doing their best to service new needs in the veteran community as they arise, which can be seen with their welcome home packages for homeless transitioning veterans that they issue veterans , and helping veterans with connecting them for needed medical appointments with a free handicap accommodated taxi trip.
Thanks OTA!
Nick Fate
Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania
OTA is fantastic. Their dedicated volunteers are always willing to lend a hand in order to better the lives of a serviceman or woman stationed overseas. Several Easters ago my troop support organization was in need of some extra hands to help with our Easter project and OTA jumped right in. Over 25 of their volunteers came to help us meet our shipping deadline. Keep up the great work OTA!
Review from Guidestar