Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) joined members of the For Country Caucus and military nonprofit Operation Gratitude in assembling 5,000 individually-addressed care packages for deployed troops during Military Appreciation Month. At the event, members called for the construction of a Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

“The men and women who raise their hand to risk their lives in defense of our Nation are heroes,” said Congressman August Pfluger. “I am proud to partner with my colleagues in Congress and the good people at Operation Gratitude to assemble care packages for troops today and draw attention to the need for a Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall. Our country has a responsibility to take care of soldiers and veterans and honor those we have lost. A memorial is one small step we should take to say thank you to the military heroes and families of the 21st Century.” 

Photos and videos from the event can be downloaded here.

The care packages will be delivered to service members 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 letters from grateful Americans across the country.