When they did the first Fourth of July shipment for the troops serving in Iraq, Mark and Gail Evans thought that they should do something for the Veterans as well.  So, on Veterans Day last year, they went to Hines VA Hospital in Chicago and Jesse Brown in Chicago.  It was so much appreciated by the Veterans that it encouraged them to continue to serve the Vets.  Again on Super Bowl in February of this year, they went into Chicago and fed the Veterans,  and did so on the Fourth of July 2009. 

After those activites, we realized that we wanted to expand the Veteran's Day Program.  So here we are, one year later serving pizza to VA facilities around the country!  This program is unique in that it also gains the interest and support of the young people of America. 

To many kids today, Veteran's Day is just another day off school. Mark and Gail's son Kent and his high school gymnastics team served pizzas on Super Bowl Sunday and are now asking  to be involved this Veteran's Day.  A young girl in Green Bay Wisconsin contacted us wanting to raise money and serve local Veterans in her area. 

We owe it to our men and women who have sacrificed on our behalf.  We are so fortunate to have them and should never forget them.  A pizza party in their honor may not seem like a big thing to some of us, but when you see their reaction, the light in their eyes, and the smile on their faces you will realize their appreciation.  While we are all doing something on this day off from school or work, please take time to think about and appreciate the great sacrifice made by those in the military, both past and present. 

If you see someone in uniform, go up to them and thank them for their service, even if it's not on Veterans Day.  If you know someone, or have a friend or family member that has served in the past, make sure you tell them that you appreciate what they have done.  It's a simple thing to do, but the results are well worth the extra effort. 

Please join Operation Pizza, Pizzas 4 Patriots, Uno Chicago Grill, and our other partners, such as DHL Express, AT&T, and all of those that have donated to this great cause, and say "Thank You" to all of our brave men and women serving in harm's way, stationed around the world, and all Veterans from previous service.

Have a safe and Happy Veterans Day!