Encino, CA--January 6, 2011:  Operation Gratitude today revealed that the organization's 600,000th Care Package, containing the keys to a Victory Vegas 8-Ball Motorcycle, was personally delivered on Christmas Day by Marine Corps Commandant, General James Amos, to a Lance Corporal deployed in the Sangin District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.  The Lance Corporal, whose name will be revealed upon his return to the United States, is an infantryman with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5), also known as the "Dark Horse Battalion."

"I received a phone call from a very happy young Marine on Christmas Day," exclaimed Carolyn Blashek, Operation Gratitude founder.  "He said: 'Your package means the world to me. I appreciate everybody who put something in that care package and everybody back home.  And I thank you for your love and support, as do all the other Marines who received packages from y'all.  Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.'"

Ten days earlier, Blashek had flown to Washington DC to meet General Amos, who, upon learning the recipient was a Marine with the 3/5, had offered to deliver the 600,000th Care Package during his trip to Afghanistan.  The Commandant met with more than 12,000 of the 20,000 Marines deployed in Afghanistan during the ten day trip.  While visiting with the "Dark Horse" Marines in Sangin on Christmas Day, he presented Operation Gratitude's milestone care package.

General Amos added:  "God bless the many faithful Operation Gratitude volunteers for what they have done...over 600,000 times!!  My hearty thanks to all!"

The Victory Motorcycle will be presented to the Lance Corporal when the Battalion returns to Camp Pendleton in the Spring of 2011.

"Victory is always looking for meaningful ways to thank those serving in the military and our veterans," said Victory Motorcycles General Manager Steve Menneto. "The opportunity to partner with Operation Gratitude and donate one of our motorcycles to the organization's 600,000^th care package means a lot to our company. We encourage everyone to continue finding ways to thank our troops for all they sacrifice in service to our country."

DES MOINES, IA (01/04/2011)(readMedia)-- The following local residents and members of the Drake University Football Team will participate in a Lift-a-thon to raise funds for the team's May 2011 trip to Tanzania:

Stephen Flynn of Bettendorf, IA; Flynn, a senior, serves as a offensive lineman.

Evan Lawrence of Moline, IL; Lawrence, a junior, serves as a offensive lineman.

The trip centers on the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl, the first American collegiate football game ever held in Africa, but it has service, academic and endurance components in addition to the game.

The game will feature the Drake Bulldogs playing the CONADEIP All-Stars from Mexico in Moshi, Tanzania, under the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, on May 21, 2011.

The price tag for the Tanzania trip is $4,000 per player. During the Lift-a-thon, the student-athletes will raise barbells to raise funds, hoisting weights representing every dollar pledged by friends, family, fans and business and community sponsors toward the cost of the trip.

"This trip will be a once-in-a-lifetime, life-changing experience," said defensive tackle Paddy O'Connell, a junior painting and entrepreneurial management double major from Orland Park, Ill. "Not only do we get to play the sport that we love in Africa, but we'll be able to give back to kids who don't have a lot."

The entire team of approximately 90 players will participate in the Lift-a-thon, with the hope of raising $300,000. More information on donations, including opportunities for businesses and the benefits of sponsorship, can be found online at http://www.drake.edu/globalbowl/.

After the historic Global Kilimanjaro Bowl on May 21, the Drake and Mexican teams will spend the final six days of the trip climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point on the continent of Africa at more than 19,000 feet.

The teams will not only compete on the football field, but also work together on numerous community service projects in and around the city of Moshi. These include conducting youth football clinics and building a much-needed addition at the Kitaa Hope Orphanage, which provides a home for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The projects are being planned and coordinated by the Iowa Resource for International Service. More information about the Drake projects is available at http://www.iris-center.org/Volunteer_Projects.html.

"This is an experience of a lifetime for our young men," Drake Head Football Coach Chris Creighton said. "This is more than just football -- this is about seeing our world, experiencing our world and, most importantly, giving back to our world."

Drake, a private, independent university in Des Moines, Iowa, is also developing a course so students can learn about Tanzania and work toward earning academic credit in conjunction with the trip.

Drake Athletic Director Sandy Hatfield Clubb said the trip symbolizes a perfect alliance between Drake's mission and values.

"The athletics department strives to provide opportunities that will facilitate leadership learning and prepare student-athletes to be responsible global citizens and champions of positive change," Hatfield Clubb said. "This trip is a perfect coming together of those goals."

Drake Football Lift-a-thon

What: Drake University football players will lift weights to raise funding for their May trip to Tanzania. The team will participate in the first American collegiate football game ever held in Africa, perform community service in and around the city of Moshi and summit Mount Kilimanjaro.

When: 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 16

Where: Weight room, Drake Knapp Center, 2525 Forest Ave., Des Moines, Iowa

General Info: drakefootball.blogspot.com

Donation Info: drake.edu/globalbowl/

Specialized Illinois National Guard Unit Mobilized for Afghanistan, Nearly 20 Soldiers Mobilize Jan. 3 As Part of an Embedded Training Team

SPRINGFIELD, IL (12/29/2010)(readMedia)-- A deployment ceremony is scheduled for approximately 20 Soldiers who will deploy to Afghanistan as part of an embedded training team. The ceremony for the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team A7 will be Jan.3 at 10 a.m. at the Illinois Military Academy at Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

The Bilateral Embedded Staff Team Soldiers will train for a brief time at Camp Atterbury, Ind. before deploying to Poland for approximately two months to train with the Polish Land Forces. The unique mission allows Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers to train and deploy side-by-side with their Polish counterparts. Following the training, the Soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan for a six-month mobilization. The Soldiers are from various parts of Illinois and were selected for the mission based on their training and skills.

"This mobilization illustrates the diverse skill sets and training of our Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and the variety of missions we support in today's challenging international environment, as well as in our state and community," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "These troops are instrumental in helping train foreign Soldiers to defend their country all the while polishing our Guardsmen's skills."

The team will assist the Afghan government to extend its authority across the country, perform security operations and help stabilize the war-torn nation. The Soldiers will also mentor and support the Afghan National Army and support Afghan government programs to disarm illegally armed groups.

709th Medical Company Mobilizes for Iraq, Deployment Ceremony Scheduled for Jan. 4 for Peoria Army National Guard Unit

PEORIA, IL (12/30/2010)(readMedia)-- A deployment ceremony for approximately 75 Soldiers from the Peoria-based 709th Area Support Medical Company will be Jan. 4 at 11:30 a.m. at Pere Marquette, 501 Main St. in Peoria.

The Soldiers will train for a brief time at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Wash. before deploying to Iraq for approximately 10 months in support of Operation New Dawn. This operation is the new name for Operation Iraqi Freedom as the U.S. military continues to withdraw troops from Iraq.

The mission of the 709th will be to provide medical care for U.S. and coalition servicemembers in Iraq. The unit will also assist in evacuating injured personnel.

Some Soldiers with the 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago, 708th Medical Company in North Riverside and 710th Area Support Medical Company in North Riverside are deploying with the 709th. The Soldiers come from all parts of Illinois and parts of Iowa, with a majority of the servicemembers from the Chicago area.

The unit will be mobilized for approximately one year, returning home around Christmas of 2011.

Contributions to College Savings Iowa accounts must be made by December 31, 2010

DES MOINES, IA (12/23/2010)(readMedia)-- Once again, the year has flown by, and it's already time to start looking ahead to 2011. Before the big ball drops on New Year's Eve, State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald has an important reminder about College Savings Iowa. "The new year is upon us, but before you start celebrating, don't forget to make your final contributions to your College Savings Iowa accounts," Fitzgerald said. "If you're still looking for the perfect gift for a child or grandchild, don't miss this opportunity to give them a gift that will last a lifetime."

Contributions to College Savings Iowa must be made by the end of the year to qualify for 2010 state tax deductions. Account holders can deduct up to $2,811 for each open account and can contribute online at www.collegesavingsiowa.com.* All other contributions must be submitted by December 31, 2010. Contributions sent by mail must postmark checks by December 31, 2010.

College Savings Iowa lets anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - invest for college on behalf of a child. Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investments tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and room and board at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United Sates or abroad.** For more information about College Savings Iowa, call 888-672-9116 or visit collegesavingsiowa.com.

* Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

** Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.