COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Ohio Christmas Tree Association (OCTA) are teaming up to bring a touch of home to American troops overseas this holiday season. Through the 29th annual “Operation Evergreen,” 100 Ohio-grown Christmas trees and homemade decorations will be shipped to military personnel stationed in Jordan, offering a reminder of home for those unable to celebrate with family.
“Operation Evergreen offers us an opportunity to express our appreciation to our military members who serve our country, and especially recognize our servicemen and women who won’t be with their families for the holidays,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “Sending a piece of home overseas lets them know they are in our thoughts, not just during the holidays, but every day.”
The effort also includes support from the Ohio Department of Veterans Services and the Ohio Adjutant General’s Department. “This act of kindness is impactful to the morale of the brave men and women who are defending our freedoms abroad,” said Maj. Gen. (U.S. Army, retired) Deborah Ashenhurst, Director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.
Major General John C. Harris, Jr., Ohio’s adjutant general, echoed the sentiment: “Sharing holiday cheer helps to lift the spirit of our service members who are deployed abroad during the holidays.”
Since 1995, OCTA has delivered trees to troops stationed around the globe, thanks to donations from Ohio tree growers and assistance from UPS.