Operation Support our Troops- America

OSOTA continues to honor our military with many programs aimed to recognize the sacrifice they make for us each day. During these unsetting times, it is especially note-worthy to know OSOTA is serving our men and women both home and aboard. Their mission to support the morale and well-being of our troops and their families displays great dedication and loyalty.

I was lucky enough to receive a care package during each of my two deployments. When I received the first one I could not believe how large and heavy it was and when I opened it, I was amazed at just how much was packed into the box! This was a great touch from home and meant a lot to me and my fellow Soldiers who also joined me in enjoying the care package. A great care package from a great organization.

I am a volunteer with OSOT-America and have always been impressed with their ability to support active duty military, but they also evolve to support veterans and their families too. I have seen them grow and add new programs as needed. This is a first-rate organization and I am proud of all they do.

Even during the 2020 pandemic, the staff and volunteers have found ways to safely keep serving their mission to support military service personnel. The dedication and passion of the staff, members and volunteers is unmatched. They will make sure that our troops are not forgotten no matter where they may be.

Great focus on our Armed Forces personnel and Veteran community! Welcome more volunteers to get involved - our new Executive Director, a Veteran himself, is leading continued growth and innovation. Great organization!

Reason for 4 rating vs. 5 - there is always room for achieving excellence!

The support of the volunteers and staff of Operation Support Our Troops-America is amazing. During the pandemic they have worked endlessly to raise funds, collect supplies, etc. to send to troops that are deployed so that they know they are not forgotten.

Son received care package while in Iraq twice . OSOT is great and always giving or helping . Easy to sign up for list to receive packages. Various programs they offer benefit so many different areas .

I have had the privilege of being associated with OSOT America since 2004. I have seen first hand the valuable work their dedicated volunteers provide day after day. These volunteers are dedicated, caring and loyal. I have also seen the fruits of their efforts to assist our military and their families year after year. This organization is certainly deserving of support.

"Operation Support our Troops - America" sponsored an amazing event during last years Veterans Day! The event lasted for over a week in commemoration of the 100 year anniversary of the official ending of WW1. It was a "Healing Field of Honor" in Naperville Il. They had 2019 American Flags on Rotary Hill. The event was titled "Remembering a Century of Hero's & Heritage." The event brought in thousands of people and many flags were purchased. The moneys will be used to support Veterans and active Military personnel.

OSOT-A has a unique mission that helps veterans and their families. We have several programs that continue to evolve and meet the changing need of our veterans and their families. Our volunteers are committed and have accomplished so much. Very proud to be apart of OSOT-A.

I am on the board of several nonprofits after serving in uniform for over thirty years. OSOT-A is an amazing organization that continuously identifies methods of helping our service members around the world. Everyone talk about support the troops - these people do.

Each year, our students collect items to donate and write letters to our heroes. We do this around Memorial Day. Our students love to help this great nonprofit!

As a supporter of the board, I can say that this group is truly committed to the missions they serve, as well as extremely efficient in their operations. This ensures that time and resource are deployed most directly towards service members, veterans, and families of the fallen. Proud to work with this organization!

This is the most thoughtful organization that I have encountered with assisting our Active Duty Servicemembers, as well as our Veterans. The consideration that is given to remove our Veterans out of a homeless situation and or prevent them from totally falling is nothing short of amazing. I have known of Veterans that were unable to pay their rent, but after talking to the organization and presenting the proper documentation, the organization was able to not only assist with the rent, but also secure new employment for the Veteran which added sustainability to their situation. Now, the Veteran can continue on forward with income after they had been brought current. I understand that more great thoughts are being put into practice...true humanitarians!

Great organization with programs for a variety of reasons!

What an awesome group! My sons and daughter have received boxes, they are the best!
It's great to go in to help pack the boxes, and the other volunteers are so great to work with.
Thanks OSOT!!!

I've known OSOT- America for about 10 years now and it is one of the best run Military Charities around. Also a very high % gets to the guys we are supporting. That is very important.

I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this organization. The passion, dedication and hard work of our members and volunteers is inspiring. We work hard to provide comfort and support to our service members, veterans and their families and will continue to do so as long as there is a need!

Operation Support Our Troops-America continues to support our active duty military, their families , our veterans and families of the fallen. The volunteers give their time, talent and resources to continue to support our military. When our 2 son's were deployed, they sent out care packages to them which lifted their spirits and gave them a little piece of home while they were defending our freedoms.
After 16 years they still make a huge difference and effect many lives in a positive way. As long as our men and women who serve our great country , OSOT-America will be there to support them and their families.

The entire organization from the Executive Director to every member and volunteer work tirelessly to raise funding and then provide support to active military, veterans and military families. Some recent examples include: packing the 2 millionth pound of comfort and care packages; providing financial assistance to veterans; holding the most recent and largest group of gold star family members to take a Leap of Faith tandem parachute jump to help cope with their loss - frankly everyone's loss. And now the organization is working on its Over The Edge signature fund raising event for fund raising rappelers to go over the edge of Hotel Arista in Naperville, IL to support all of the OSOT-America programs. The support from members and volunteers has been fantastic and the community is behind the team - because they know that the nearly penny raised will go to supporting our military community.

It is an organization like no other. It is heavily volunteered based, so nearly every penny goes directly to supporting the programs. They have sent over 2 million pounds of goods to service men and women all over the world. Beyond the care and comfort side, heavy emphasis on Gold Star families with our unique Leap of Faith program. They also provide immediate and stop gap assistance to needy veterans. A great organization filled with the most grateful patriotic Americans our country has.

This group's commitment to our military community is unwavering. Whether it is deployed troops serving in harm's way, struggling veterans or grieving Gold Star family members they are dedicated to helping where and however they can. I am proud to be a part of their mission.

As evolutions takes place in just about every facet of our world and daily lives, Operation Support our troops-America has also evolved. Over the years, the organization had begun to provide very strong supportive services to current Military Servicemembers, and to the Veteran community at large (the Veteran and the spouse). It stood up it's Allen J Lynch Medal of Honor Veteran's Assistance Program (AJ Lynch MOH Vet Assist. Prog.), which is like no other. The program provides a Onetime Grant that is very effective in that it gives the Veteran a hand-up that does not only bring the Veteran out of a bad situation, it also assist with restoring dignity through it's respectful approach to the situation, which can be very motivational to a Veteran to get them energize and moving forward. I also found that the program operates from moral characteristics that are found within the Military community, as well as the promises that every servicemember makes to each other while serving; Never accept defeat, and Never leave a fallen comrade. The program honors the service that is given to each Veteran, and it does it with great significance; rental assistance to prevent homelessness, or the return from homelessness, utility bill assistance, unique personal needs for women Veterans, and a host of others categories are attended to. Even if criteria is not met for receiving a Onetime Grant, the AJ Lynch MOH Vet Assist. Prog wants every Veteran to leave with tools / information that will guide them towards there goal. The program also assist Veterans that are enrolled in a training that is promised to carry them to a new fulltime career that offers real sustainability. Financial literacy classes are also being offered in an effort to ensure that the Veteran can continue on with understanding the importance of creating a personal budget, as well as managing it. Operation Support Our Troops-America fully understands the true meaning of comprehensive needs for Veterans, as well as Loyalty, Duty and Respect to those who served us so Honorably.

L.M.

Operation Support Our Troops– America is on the cutting edge of not-for-profit’s who serve both the military community and the veteran community. When a service member is deployed they may receive a comforting care package. Through the Allen J. Lynch, Medal of Honor, Veteran’s Assistance Program qualified veterans may receive a grant for such things as utility payments, rent payments, automobile purchase and repair and a myriad of other needs. Grants are paid to the service provider and never directly to the veteran. Grants are meant to be a hand up and not a handout. The veteran must be involved in their journey to gainful employment and financial stability.
We also work with women veterans through the Women Veteran’s Wellness Project a part of the Lynch program. The women’s project sponsors one-day events in which women are provided access to resources specific to their special needs. During the day in addition to receiving needed information and medical screening they are also provided daycare.
Most recently we partnered with the Utility Workers Union in Chicago to assist veterans involved in the Utility Workers Military Assistance Program, (UMAP), this program provides six months of training. Following successful completion of training and a paid internship, veterans are employed by People’s Gas.
Additionally, through the Leap of Faith Program, we are able to reach out to gold star family members and provide assistance to them in coping with the loss of a loved one.
I am very proud to have my name associated with this wonderful organization.
Allen J Lynch, Medal of Honor, OSOT Board Member

Been involved with Operation Support Our Troops America on and off for the last 10-12 years. I was lucky enough to receive a box or two while I was deployed and it brought comfort knowing people at home were thinking of us. Fast forward and I enjoy helping with the organization as it expands its programs to further help veterans and service members.

Like a lot of you, I volunteer with many different groups. Operation Support our Troops America is one of my all time favorites. Time spent here is fun, fast paced and rewarding. Knowing that their mission is for our service members overseas, in harm's way and away from their families as well as those returning makes me proud to be a part of this wonderful organization. This is what America is all about.

Operation Support Our Troops- America is a great organization that helps our military, their families and our veterans. They have helped thousands of folks . This year will mark its shipment of its 2 millionth pound of Comfort and Care products shipped to our deployed active duty military personnel and will also have our 19th Leap of Faith seminar for families of the fallen.

I have two son's actively serving in the US Navy........I found out about OSOT-America in August of 2016.....as soon as I knew this organization existed I decided I wanted to see what they were all about. I volunteered on a Saturday helping pack care packages for our troops. The thought of being able to send a little bit of comfort from home to them made me feel incredibly happy. The organization as a whole is amazing, very well run and organized. I felt welcomed from the first day I came to help out. The care they exhibit towards our deployed troops and our veterans is incredible. I look forward to many more years of being a part of OSOT-America!!

When I came back from Afghanistan in 2010 I was thinking of becoming just a stat and taking my own life. I carried a lot of guilt for living and more for coming home basically in one piece.
Through some friends who are involved with OSTA, I was able to find my way out of that deep dark hole that so many veterans find themselves in. I started giving back through OSTA and the acceptance that I found was unbelievable. I still have issues but I know that there are people, great people, who I have meet through OSTA that are there to help not only myself but many veterans. Some of the programs are beyond words. Be it helping the families of the fallen, putting on fundraising concerts, to direct assistance through the Allen J. Lynch program... this organization does it all. I am alive and moving forward in part because of OSTA and I am proud to continue serving our fellow veterans through the programs of OSTA.

I have been working with Operation Support Our Troops for almost 12 years. I became involved when a student asked if our class could find soldiers to write to & send cards. I have enjoyed working with OSOT & volunteer whenever I can.I have enjoyed attending (and recently helping behind the scenes) at the Rockin' for the Troops concerts. I miss the days when I am unable to be at the warehouse. The volunteers are fantastic. We are all committed to sending the troops the best prepared CARE packages possible. The letters, pictures & memorabilia we receive from our troops make us realize we really are making a difference to the men & women of our armed forces. I am happy & grateful to be part of such a strong, caring & committed organization.

It's a special feeling I get knowing that my attention and service to this organization, Operation Support Our Troops-America, is bringing a smile to the men and women fighting for peace and safety to this great United States of America. They should be honored everyday for what they do, so helping to send supplies that are greatly appreciated and needed is gratifying to me in return. I have also worked at the various fund raisers we have to raise money as well as awareness of the many opportunities for our returning troops and their families.

They have sent my son a box when he was deployed--how awesome! No one there knew him or our family and the box was full of wonderful items. It's something he will never forget.

My wife and I have volunteered a couple times with Operation Support our Troops America and it has been a great experience. The communication with those who are in charge is always extremely timely and helpful. While volunteering everyone is friendly and you can really see what the cause means to the people who are working there!

I absolutely love this organization!! It is an organization that helps veterans from birth to infinity. They put the veterans at the forefront of everything and put the veterans first. They help veterans families and of the fallen. Volunteering with this organization has been an amazing time and an eye opener. I wish more young women and men get involved in this nonprofit, it has made a huge impact in my life and couldn't be happier. I cant wait to work more with these awesome volunteers and the directors of this great team they have.

I really enjoy volunteering here, the people are friendly and there is always a variety of things to be done. Some weeks its packing boxes, others working on the upcoming fundraiser and other times volunteering at events to let people know what we do. Plus the thank you notes that are shared from the troops that receive our boxes or the veterans we help, let us know how much we are appreciated.

I worked with Jamie in coordinating a packing event for pre-school and elementary age students. The event was a success! The kids loved learning about OSOT and being able to make cards and fill boxes for the troops. Jamie with OSOT made the process so easy. We'll definitely be scheduling another volunteer event soon.

I received a tour from Jamie and Sue. It was inspiring to see how dedicated they both were to such a great cause. It was clear that they put in a lot of thought and care into every box, which makes this organization really stand out in my heart and mind. Great cause and great people.

It was so meaningful to collaborate with such a great organization, filled with dedicated people. I can't wait to work with this group again!

I usually volunteer at the warehouse and yesterday I walked in the Hinsdale 4th of July Parade handing out candy and information about our Red White and Blues event in September. It was a great day to be outside and the turn out at the parade was fantastic. Glad I was able to do something different!

I love volunteering with Operation Support our Troops. I love knowing that the care boxes I'm packing make a soldier smile. I am amazed by the commitment and dedication of the volunteers who make it all happen, and the wide range of programs available to our servicemen/women and their families.

I have volunteered for OSOT for a few years, I started when my sons received boxes from them while they were deployed. It meant so much to them to have people they did not know want to show their support. I continue to support those who are still out there in harms way!

I started volunteering with Operation Support Our Troops America about 8 years ago, when I was looking for a organization that was close by to donate my time and money to. I started by donating items for care packages, but soon started spending every other Saturday volunteering with them by sorting donated items and assembling care packages. I get real satisfaction knowing that my money and time directly impacts our troops serving in harm's way. You can see it in the letters and photos we get back from the troops. This is a way to make a real difference.

I joined this organization as a volunteer in 2013 and I am so grateful for the care and support we give to our military and their families. The volunteers are always eager to do their part , from something as simple as writing a letter of thanks to these honorable and brave individuals to helping their families cope with the loss of their fallen hero, this organization never stops " doing". I am proud and honored to be a part of this great support system.

I chose to volunteer as a way to give back because I have a son in the military! It has been a wonderful experience with very kind, hardworking people! I have been able to ask other parents who volunteer about different processes in the military. There are many different ways to be a part of this organization.

I met someone who was a volunteer at taste of Westmont 7 years ago who was selling tickets to the Rockn concert and giving out information about the care packages that their organization put together and sent out, from that point on I was hooked. The network support that OSOT provides is phenomenal, They are the go to organization for military families and vets and if they don't have the answer they will direct you to the right resources.

I first got involved after my son received a care package from OSOT while deployed. He was so surprised and grateful to be remembered that I wanted to provide that service to other deployed service members . The organization is run by hard working, caring volunteers.

I signed up to attend leap of faith to help Me. My husband went as my support person. It turned out we were both helped and healed so much. I saw a picture a lady took of me smiling while there . I recognized that old smile, I see I'm still in here somewhere. I never thought three days could help us so much! It was healing to share our son's story and be met with eyes that truly understood. We made friends that will walk this journey with us, help each other along, until we are called to be reunited with our son. Thank you OSOT, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I've been to the Leap of Faith twice.The 1st time I was not able to take the Leap out of t he plane.But after the seminar and amazing support of the OSOT staff I was able to start living again.I returned this June and was able to make the Leap out plane. OSOT continue to support me and now are part of my family.

I recently participated in the Leap of Faith as a Gold Star Mother. It was SO MUCH MORE than I expected. The whole program just came together and was a healing experience. I truly am a changed person after attending. The connection and love from the other attendees and from all the team members was touching and deeply felt. I cannot recommend it enough!

Recently, I was a participant in Operation Support Our Troops America's Leap of Faith Seminar. I was one of roughly 20 some odd people who came together because we have loved ones who have become deceased. The reason they are no longer here was not a factor. The group of us learned about grief, but even more so we learned about taking care of ourselves. We learned about what comes after grief. We bonded with each other and those who went out of their way to be with us. They were compassionate, empathetic, kind and generous. We and our loved ones were treated with dignity. We visited a horse farm, we also christened the conclusion of our weekend by performing a tandem skydive. Thus, "Leap of Faith." This was my first experience as a Military Widow. This was also my final experience as there can be nothing else to top what I have gone through by this experience. This was the most memorable experience of healing I could have ever experienced. From timidly wondering what to expect and moving through my fear of what would be expected of me, to finding I am far from alone, there are others and those who routinely give of themselves and their gifts to others in such a gracious way. Thank you does not begin to do justice in expressing the gratitude for how this organization serves those who are connected to the military. A wonderful organization and I am proud to have been part of an experience which will live with me and move me forward for many years to come.

Went to my first Rockin for the troops event this summer and was blown away by the military support and fun of this event. Amazing day put on by the amazing people at Operation Support Our Troops America--wow! They do so many good things for our military and support them in many ways. I highly recommend this organization, they are absolutely tops. I plan on becoming a volunteer to help out with the great cause.

Operation Support our troops America does truly amazing work and makes a difference in many ways. This organization is extremely supportive of the active duty military person to the veteran to the families of our brave men and women. I have been organizing collection drives and packing boxes at this organization for five years and love every minute of it. I know that the items being sent overseas help our troops by getting them items they need and some fun items too. The organization is extremely supportive and encouraging, not to mention appreciative of what our military does. I have met so many wonderful and caring people here and their support during my spouse's deployment was nothing short of

Great organization to volunteer for and be part of. They are involved in many activities throughout the year to support our hero's overseas.

As we approach Veterans Day, I am always reminded what a great organization I have right in my own back yard. Operation Support Our Troops - America is still going strong and is still serving our troops stationed far from home and in harm's way. As a country, sometimes we take for granted the liberties we enjoy so freely. OSOT lives and breaths helping active troops, veterans, their families, supporters, and friends.

I applaud OSOT for their continued dedication to our military men and women, and wish you all a heartfelt Veterans Day 2015!

This group is one of the finest military support groups out there. I am proud to volunteer and donate and tell everyone I know what a difference OSOTA makes to our fine men and women serving in harms way!

Whether I am sewing at my church for our troops or sorting donations at the warehouse, there is a special energy that you are a part of a special family serving those who serve our country and their family.

My sons received boxes while deployed, it meant so much to them! They have done such good things for the military community, such great people, friendly and supportive.

As a military member who received support during my deployment I can't say enough about the good this group is doing. Keep it up!!

I began volunteering with OSOT America years ago when my son was in the service and I wanted to get involved. I have met wonderful people and true Americans. Not everyone is for the wars we are involved in but everyone is for our troops and veterans. It truly is a family.. People ask me why I volunteer when I could be doing other things and all I can say is I feel great and renewed when I am done.It makes me feel like I am helping my country just a little bit by showing those that sacrifice for our freedoms that we care about them. Deb Rickert and her team are truly remarkable people. This is a GREAT organization.

This is a great organization that has done so much for our military, our veterans and their families! When our son was deployed, OSOT America came through over and over again with packages of great stuff! While the role of OSOT America is changing, it's commitment and passion is not.