WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) on Tuesday joined his fellow members of the For Country Caucus and Operation Gratitude, a national non-profit that sends packages to servicemembers overseas, to assemble care packages for deployed troops in recognition of Military Appreciation Month, and draw attention to the importance of constructing a national memorial to the veterans who have served in the Global War on Terrorism. Congressman Gonzales is a veteran himself, serving two decades in the United States Navy, with multiple deployments to the Middle East and Asia and retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer. 

Photos and b-roll from the event can be viewed here.

“As someone who served multiple tours overseas, I know what a lifeline packages from home can be,” said Congressman Gonzales. “I am grateful for the opportunity to now be on the other side of that effort, sending packages to our men and women in uniform as an effort to show our appreciation to and support for our troops.”

Volunteers, including members of the For Country Caucus, worked to assemble 5,000 individually addressed care packages at the DC National Guard Armory to be shipped to deployed Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors aboard the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, USS Carter Hall, USS Laboon, USS Dwight D Eisenhower, and USS Sullivan. The packages contain personal care products, snacks, coffee, handmade items, and handwritten notes from Americans across the country.

Co-Chaired by Congressman Van Taylor (R-TX-03) and Congressman Jared Golden (D-ME-02), the For Country Caucus is a group of principled military veterans in Congress who strive to create a government that is less polarized, more efficient, and is trusted by Americans. Together, they share a vision of a Congress that is strategic in purpose, focused on action, and dedicated to putting their country first.