‘Operation Honor Cards’: The Program that Allows You to Serve in Honor of Those Serving
- Posted on November 11, 2011 at 2:16pm by
Liz Klimas
- Print »
- Email »
Loree Tillman said she didn’t get it. Even though her husband was a reservist for the Navy, she says, thinking back, she just didn’t get it. Even though she was still the wife of a military man, she didn’t understand quite what military families went through until he was reinstated and deployed for a year when their son was 4 years old. Then she got it.
Tillman explains that 92 percent of military families don’t think the rest of the country “gets it.“ The ”it?” The rest of the country doesn’t understand the help that military families need while one of their loved ones are away, the emotional effects it has on temporarily single parents and children wondering when the other half of their parental unit will return.
It‘s now Tillman’s mission, as the director of programs for Operation Honor Cards, to make sure that military families don’t feel this disconnect from their community.
Inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign for military families, Operation Honor Cards was created jointly by Blue Star Families, the American Red Cross, ServiceNation: Mission Serve and the Points of Light Institute to show individuals and groups the little things they can do to honor service members by making an act of service themselves. The slogan of the program is “Honoring their service with our own.”
It starts with a pledge card, which is used to track community involvement and which are displayed at public venues to provide a “physical rallying point for community service events across the country.” But these cards will also be collected and sent to military families.
Operation Honor Cards at Independence, Kansas. (Photo: Blue Star Farm)
A few examples of groups rallying together to pledge their service to military personnel include the entire town of Independence, Kansas pledging some sort of service in honor of those who served on 9/11, and Girl Scout troop 2255 and Boy Scout troop 888 making care packages to honor veterans recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Tillman said a group for New York young business people created comfort packages for wounded warriors. And toda, Veteran’s Day, the state of Montana announced that since it started collecting Honor Cards on September 11 more than 200,00 hours have been pledged.
And these are just a few. So far, more than 9 million hours of service have been pledged and nearly 4 million have been served.
“I think sometimes folks don’t know what to do, but we help provide the avenue,” Tillman said.
Tillman says service can be anything from organizing a new and used book drive to making a meal for the family of a deployed service member. Service can be done individually or organized as a group. She points to letter drives as an example: they cost no money and anyone can do them.
Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Dutchess of Cambridge, pledged service while they were in America. (Image: Mission Serve)
“Once a family receives those letters, it’s very empowering,” she said.
This video shows how to participate in the program from the perspective of the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts who created care packages for those a Walter Reed:
Care to learn more, pledge your service or find volunteer opportunities in your area? You can do that here.
This story has been updated for clarity.
Comments (31)
Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 569 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 395 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 386 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 368 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 330 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 386 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 395 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 330 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 150 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 386 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
LukeAppling
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 10:38amWhen I saw Michelle Obama speaking on the subject of helping the military it turned me off. That woman and her husband have spent their entire lives ridiculing America, our military, our Constitution,and blaming america for the ills of the world-what frauds I want nothing to do with them or anything they represent. I wonder if Laura Bush has some organization I can join?
Report Post »Campaign time and out pops Michelle and Barack-surprise, surprise.
ImChiquita
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 8:22amReagan said (and I’m paraphrasing, please forgive me): As long as you don’t mind to whom the credit goes, you’ll go far.
Programs like this, “pledging” service hours, are for the gain and publicity of those who do it.
“Inspired by Michelle Obama”? PUH-leeze!!! That woman was ashamed of this country until the day her husband was the Democratic nominee for president. She’s never been proud of our Armed Forces!
In my humble opinion, we serve others because we care. Not because it looks good. Not because it assuages our guilt – but because we love humanity. It’s the same way with charity-giving and tithing: YOU DON’T TELL PEOPLE WHAT YOU GIVE!
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 5:38pmMy remarks were towards tiffanyshaw
Report Post »Just how many years have you served? You sound like a goodie two shoe idoit that wants everyone to tell you oh how great you are that is what this is about.
tiffanyshaw
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 12:41amMy dad is a retired Marine and my husband served 13 years in the Army till he lost his life in Afghanistan. —– get therapy… ?
sissykatz
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 4:36amTiffanyshaw
I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I would personally like to
Report Post »thank you and your husband for all the sacrifices and even the ultimate
sacrifice. I live near Atlanta, Georgia and am looking to help some Military
families. My husband and I can cook meal, cut lawns, babysit, many things
do you happen to live near here or do you know of some families near here
or organizations you would recommend ?? Thanks again for your service and
sacrifice, I can’t imagine what you have been thru. I do hope things are doing
great for you now. If not please let me know.
AJAYW
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 4:47amtiffanyshaw
You still didn’t answer what have you done- Your dad servered your husband made the ultimate
sacrifice. They did all this for our country, again what have you done?
cabnetdude
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 4:44pmMy family and myself would like to thank all veterans, current service personel and thier families for your service to the people of the United States of America. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated by us.
Report Post »You are all truly America’s best. We stand with you against tyranny from dictators and Marxist thugs whose sole purpose is to destroy the Constitution of the United States. We will stand with you here at home where the base of freedom throughout the world is fastly being destroyed by a regime that is hell bent on the end of those freedoms.We stand with you….. no matter the cost!
Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 4:43pmMoosehell inspired my azzz.. She first owes an apology to all Americans for how her allies (progs) denigrated our military principle in the name of demonizing Bush. She also owes an apology for the politicizing of our military by her husband, who turned them into rent-a-cops during a stealth installation of the muslim brotherhood in Libya!
Report Post »She then owes an apology to all Americans for her insult as to how stupid she thinks we are to fall for this..
Lucy Larue
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 4:19pmPlease, oh please…, read for COMPREHENSION!
First Lady Dunham INSPIRED the program. She has NOTHING to do with it. Nor, I am sure, does she care too. I already saw her Vet’s Day comments and those of “Doctor” Biden as well.
I was not impressed.
World War III started officially, over ten years ago…, on September 11 ,2001. It is a war like no other and it ain’t going away! Recognize that!
These last years have been tough on every member of our Armed Services and their families. The last THREE have been terrible.
The “HONOR CARD” program may seem rather corny to some here. But if you are of the ilk that has done NOTHING in these last ten years to show support for our military…please don’t knock those who are doing SOMETHING! You do not need an “HONOR CARD” to just say a simple thank you.
The Military truly ARE the 1% that defend the 99%.
Report Post »They understand, “Freedom is not free”.
tiffanyshaw
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 3:34pmYou all don’t get it – It’s not about Michelle Obama and/or about taking credit. It’s our honoring those in uniform, those who have served our country and those families who endure the loss of the loved ones or separations. Hopefully – a program like OHC will encourage the civilian population to serve in their communities TO HONOR the service of our men and women uniform – those very same people who have volunteered for our country to give you CRAZY NUTS THE FREEDOM speak YOUR feelings even if you don’t have a clue what your saying. I will continue to pledge my hours to honor those who serve our country – our VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. It’s a fundamental concept that means so much – I would like to challenge all those who read this disregard the stupid people and consider volunteering and/or reach out to a military family in your community and honor them by doing something to make your towns and cities a better place for our vets! As for the stupid people – I ask you the question – what have you done in your community to make if better for our men and women of uniform?
Report Post »4GODUSAANDISRAEL
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 3:53pmAs a military wife, I agree that it would be nice to see a greater awareness in the citizen’s of the country as to just what military families sacrifice for freedom for others. One doesn’t need to go far to find a way to serve those who serve. You don‘t need to be part of this program if you don’t want to be ( I can’t stand Michelle Obama either) but, think about approaching your local VA hospital, see how you can help them, or if you have soldiers in your area who are deployed, seek out the families who need help with either yard work, baby sitting, and in some cases, there are those who need help putting food on their tables or getting diapers/clothes for their children. If you know soldiers are returning home soon, get a group of citizens to go to the airport that they are coming home to, bring flags, clap and cheer them, shake their hand and thank them, It means more than you could ever know to have someone walk up to your spouse and thank them and your family for the sacrifice of service. There are so many ways you can serve our troops, all you have to do is go out and look for it. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES!
Report Post »IntransigentMind
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 4:01pmHonoring veterans is important. Seeing veterans honoring other veterans is inspiring:
Report Post »http://markamerica.com/2011/11/11/veterans-day-our-service-does-not-end/
AJAYW
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 5:31pmI wore it for 5 years thats what you know brain washed Bas*** I show my respect for those that have like I and those that are in now. I don’t need to tell everyone what I do JUST TO MAKE MYSELF LOOK GOOD that is what this is about. That the problem with people any more everytime they do something good they want everyone to know trying to make themsleves look good
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 5:51pm@ tiffanyshaw
Report Post »If you go to what PATRIOTGRUNT posted you will see what 90 plus of us vets think it was our honor to serve
JLGunner
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 3:18pmMichelle knows nothing of Military service. she needs to stick with what she knows best, supporting socialism.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 3:19pmand eating ribs, lobster, kobe beef, ice cream .. etc.
AJAYW
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 6:35pmPeople better look out this may be a new ACCORN Org. with Michelle Obama involved — good way to get people behind King Obama
Report Post »tas
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 2:56pmI was interested in what it was all about until I read Michelle had something to do with it. No thanks!! I love to honor our vets but I wont have anything to do with this woman.
Report Post »AhLeahIris
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 3:07pmOur vets need something different today. As we remember their service, we should also remember why they served: http://wp.me/p1HGwx-1tJ
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 3:15pmI agree its a attempt steal honor on the backs of those that are serving and have served. If Michelle Obama in involved with it you know it can’t be good, She ran around the country saying she was ashamed of our country. She is a fat a** pig.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 3:16pmTrue service is what one does when no one is looking .. this looks like people who want recognition themselves. I have made many donations… mostly anonymously.
TEA!
Report Post »Quagmir
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 4:32pmAs a Vet, I do not wish to be honored at all but If you decide to do something, this just to me seems more like a feel good thing for them not for the vets. There are to many Vet programs that deliver, without taking the spotlight.
Someone suggested going to the VA and helping that way. You will never find a finer bunch of people to work next to, Vets are there helping vets everyday, vets that truely need the help.
Not to mention vets that are currently overseas(have they been called into the OWS war yet?) There is nothing like getting a care package full of goodies when your sitting in 110 degree heat on MRE’s for 2 months.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 2:39pmAs a Vet… I was performing a Duty to my Country… and if you do not do the same Duty, then you cannot attach yourself to those that do! This is an insulting attempt to claim to be heroic, without risking you Life!
Report Post »TaraR42
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 2:51pmAs the Mother of one Serving, I agree this is insulting! Only our Vets, and those currently serving can and should be honored for their and your sacrifice….. Thank you for your service I owe you everything!
Report Post »JLGunner
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 3:13pmI don’t trust Michelle and will have nothing to do with any program she invents. My son is serving in the Air Force and I remember when barack determined him to be a non essential governmental employee and wouldn’t be getting paid. Waving a flag does not make you a Patriot.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 3:19pmThis looks to me like people trying to get attention … not supporting our troops and their families .. who we can NEVER repay enough! Thank you all …. on this Veterans Day .. who have ever served and especially those who have paid the ultimate price.
Report Post »JRook
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 3:21pmI would agree except in those instances when the conflict or “mission” was not an honorable one. In those instance our government dishonored its soldiers and its citizens.
Report Post »thorkyl
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 4:19pmI agree, even though I did not serve, I could not agree with you more.
I have many friends that served, I see the physical and emotional scars left by that service.
My family does what it can, and we do not want credit, we don’t want a thank you, we don’t want our name attached to what we do in support of those who serve.
We do what we do because it is the right thing to do for those who woke up one morning and decided that they would be willing to take a bullet, IED, or whatever for me and my family. It is for this reason people should do what they can, when they can, however they can, and not expect any recognition for doing so.
Report Post »PATRIOTGRUNT
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 5:34pm@ LUKERW : I feel exactly as you. I too do not require thanks or honor. I served because I wanted to give something back to this wonderfull country. It was my honor to serve.
Report Post »Debber
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 2:20pmAppreciate our veterans? Listen to this:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-welcome-home/id316835897?i=316835902&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Report Post »Debber
Posted on November 11, 2011 at 2:20pmAppreciate our veterans? Listen to this and remember what it was like:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-welcome-home/id316835897?i=316835902&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Report Post »