What makes Monica Orluk with Operation Troop Appreciation a good neighbor?  Monica Orluk's chance encounter on July 4th, 2004 led to a twenty-year journey supporting America's military members through Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA). What started as a mission to send care packages to deployed troops has evolved into a comprehensive support system addressing critical gaps in both active-duty and veteran assistance.When deployed troops contact OTA from remote locations worldwide, they receive more than just care packages. They get practical necessities often overlooked—portable protein options that fit in pockets during missions, hygiene supplies unavailable at distant outposts, and morale-boosting items that remind them they're not forgotten. These seemingly small comforts make a profound difference in maintaining health, energy, and spirit during deployments.The organization's most transformative work happens through their Welcome Home Program, launched in 2014 to address an alarming statistic: 70% of veterans transitioning from homelessness would return to the streets within a year, despite receiving housing assistance. OTA's solution is beautifully practical—providing brand-new beds so veterans aren't sleeping on floors, delivering complete home starter kits with everything from pots and pans to cleaning supplies, and offering transportation to critical appointments. These services create the foundation for sustainable independence when government support ends.What truly sets OTA apart is their volunteer-driven model, ensuring 90% of donations directly fund programs rather than administrative costs. Their newly renovated headquarters in West Mifflin symbolizes their commitment to creating not just services but community for veterans. Whether you're interested in volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, OTA demonstrates how targeted, practical support transforms lives of those who've served our country.To learn more about Operation Troop Appreciation go to: https://operationtroopappreciation.org/Operation Troop Appreciation(412)759-0696

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