Operation Support Our Troops-America

Since 2003, Operation Support Our Troops-America has grown into one of the largest volunteer-based military support organizations in the country. The local Naperville based nonprofit organization has shipped nearly two million pounds of goods to troops deployed in dangerous places around the world. Operation Support Our Troops started off small, in the dining room of Bill and Deb Rickert. Their goal was to provide comfort and care to troops deployed overseas following the attacks on 9/11. Many troops were deployed in areas where they simply could not get needed items, from tolietries to protein bars. Requests for comfort and care items have increased due to the effects of sequestration and base closings and 90% of what is sent to our troops comes from the community at large; church groups, businesses, schools, scout groups and neighborhoods join together to collect items from the troops “wish list.”  Operation Support Our Troops-America has received the highest ratings from charity watchdog organizations, including a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, a Top-Rating from Great Nonprofits, and a Platinum Award from Guidestar. OSOT-America has grown into a multi-tiered organization, offering a lifetime of services to active duty service members, veterans and their families.  The Allen J. Lynch Veterans Assistance Program offers temporary financial support to veterans struggling to make ends meet. The Program was founded in December of 2012 by Medal Of Honor Recipient, Allen J Lynch, and Business leader John Schwan; all in the spirit of “Veterans helping Veterans help themselves”. It is positioned to provide gifted assistance in the form of a onetime grant to Veteran service members that are experiencing hardship. Through strict policy, the Veterans’ situation will be properly vetted and must be determined to offer sustainability for positive movement by the Veteran going forward. No gift is given without the recommendation of our Program Director, and by confirmation of our voting committee. “Leap of Faith” is a three-day healing seminar that is meant to be transformational for families of fallen service members. Through presentations and experiences over the course of their time with the Leap team, participants learn to view grief differently and embrace their “new normal” in a way that honors the sacrifice of their family and their loved one. The seminar includes an optional tandem skydive (a literal Leap of Faith!) with the U.S. Army Golden Knights or the All Veteran Parachute Team, Equine or Dolphin Therapy, individual coaching sessions when needed and peer support. G.I. Yoga teaches stress relief methods to veterans and their family members by using the practice of yoga to ease aches and pains, lower blood pressure, and increase strength, flexibility, and balance. G.I. Yoga also teaches participants how to use yoga to manage symptoms of PTSD and TBI. All classes are taught by certified yoga instructors. G.I. Yoga classes are free to active military personnel, veterans,and their families. No prior experience is needed. Mats, blocks, straps and blankets provided.