Just in time for Memorial Day weekend!

Local non-profit group sets goal to sign 3,000 cards for troops during 3-day event at Columbia-area movie theater

Operation Thank You will have a tent setup inside the AMC Dutch Square 14 lobby Friday 5pm through Monday 5pm, May 26th-29th, giving moviegoers an opportunity to write a message of support and encouragement on cards that will be delivered to deployed service members, veterans, wounded warriors, and military families.

The 7^th annual card-signing event at the AMC Dutch Square 14 is part of an ongoing effort of Operation Thank You to collect 100,000 cards each year to inspire America’s bravest men and women. McEntire Joint National Guard Base Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Bohlman and his wife, Shelley, founded the non-profit organization in 2002 and lead a team of dedicated volunteers that help collect signed cards at various events around the Midlands.

Chaplain Bohlman says, “As we prepare for the Memorial Day holiday, it is important to pause and remember the service and sacrifice of our troops overseas and those recovering in a military hospital. Writing a personal message of encouragement on a card only takes a minute, but could encourage a military member for a lifetime, as these cards often become treasured keepsakes for service members, veterans and their families.”

While serving at a combat trauma hospital in Afghanistan in 2012, Chaplain Bohlman says he will never forget the wounded warriors who told him that receiving a card was the best “medicine” they had ever received.  Bohlman hopes that many people will come out during the holiday weekend to help Operation Thank You meet their goal.

Those who can’t make it to AMC Dutch Square 14, can still view and order a variety of cards online at www.OperationThankYou.org to hold a card signing at their workplace, civic club or place of worship. Tax-deductible donations to support the work of Operation Thank You.org can be made online or by calling toll-free 1-866-645-6284.