RENTON, Wa - For seven years Nadine Gulit has run "Operation Support Our Troops" -- a community group dedicated to sending care packages and needed supplies to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. They've delivered their goodies to some 150,000 troops over the years.
This year, however, as volunteers pack stockings full of beef jerky, mini-footballs and handwritten noted from local children, the leader of the organization says this year will be it's last.
"I'm just tired," says Nadine Gulit. "There have been a lot of laughs and a lot of tears. Now, I just need a break."
Operation Save Our Troops (OSOT) has become a model for similar organizations across the country. Gulit says personal health and financial issues her core members are struggling with are making it too difficult for the group to carry on. Gulit hopes word of the organization's hiatus will inspire people across the area to form smaller groups that will fill the need.
"I've done this long enough," she says. "It's time for others to step up."
Gulit admits she feels conflicted about disbanding the organization, consisting mainly of retirees, but says she has to for her own well being. "I'll still be doing plenty. I'll just be doing it when I want to," she says.
Gulit says she's happy to help anyone interested in starting their own troop support organization. You can contact her at the OSOT web site at www.osot.org .
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