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Valley woman leads Operation Gratitude forward

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Contributed by: Dorothy Roe on 5/3/2008

Carolyn Blashek was moved by the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America.

Blashek's initial reaction was to join the military, but was unable to because of age limits. Blashek, who is now 53, was already past the highest age to sign up for any branch of the military - 42.

Disappointed, but still determined, she volunteered at a military lounge where personnel frequented before and after their deployments.

After talking to many deploying military, she realized that military personnel needed to know that someone cares about them while they are gone. She wanted to help young people without a support system. This is how Operation Gratitude was started.

"I wanted to do my part for the war on terror," said Blashek. "The opportunity fell into my lap and snowballed."

Tens of thousands of care packages are sent to American troops deployed all over the world as a result of an organization created by one woman.

Blashek spends a typical day answering non-stop e-mails from the Web site from 6 a.m. until midnight from service people, sponsors and people who want to help, corresponding with people all over the world.

She also spends much time at the Armory in Van Nuys, where she coordinates the tens of thousands of packages that are put together and shipped out annually by thousands of volunteers.

She can be seen around the Armory on a volunteer day wearing her Operation Gratitude tank top, talking to her co-volunteers and making sure that all of the day's tasks are followed through as planned.

Blashek is a mother, former lawyer and head of a very important organization. She was raised in Manhattan, N.Y., and now lives in Encino. She is married and has two children, both of whom are of college age.

Her family is very supportive of everything she does, which is good because she says she has no time for anything else except Operation Gratitude.

Despite her rich history, she is known for a great cause now. Blashek is the founder of Operation Gratitude, a non-profit organization based in the San Fernando Valley that supports all branches of the military with care packages while they are stationed overseas. She came up with the idea for this organization by wanting to help after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Cheryl Kempton, a three-year Operation Gratitude volunteer, can testify for the wholesome character of Blashek.

"She has a community spirit as well as a give-back spirit," said Kempton. "She is always very appreciative, whether donating a lot or donating a little."

She has been to Iraq to hug troops and deliver packages, and has met President Bush and his wife at the White House. She also does the public relations for Operation Gratitude, dealing with the press and sponsors. She does it all selflessly.

"There are people out there that need what we are doing," says Blashek. "One soldier became withdrawn and planned to commit suicide on Christmas when he received a package from us on Christmas Eve and changed his perspective. When I hit a wall and I feel like I can't do it anymore, I get a letter that changes my entire view."

Organizations such as Operation Gratitude and people like Blashek really do make a difference in military life while deployed. Greg Meade, a nine-year U.S. Navy veteran who spent much time in Southwest and Southeast Asia on deployment, says that support from back home was very much appreciated.

"It's a great cause, especially for the young people," said Meade. "They've never been that far from home and it really helps with the homesickness. We received mail once a week, and we called it Christmas every week. The letters were cool."

Blashek has advice for someone trying to start and run a non-profit organization such as Operation Gratitude.

"Look around the place where you work," said Blashek. "Pay attention to how it runs. Starting an organization is truly building a business. I run it like a true business. I'm passionate about our cause. You have to be committed to building and running an ongoing business."

"I will never take a penny for this," Blashek said ardently. "It has to be an absolute labor of love."

To find out ways to help in the efforts of Operation Gratitude, visit www.OpGratitude.com, and click on "How You Can Help." You can also use the Web site to e-mail Blashek for a friendly and prompt reply.

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