Sending Ohio Christmas trees to troops overseas
Operation Evergreen is now in its 27th year
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Ohio Christmas Tree Association (OCTA) are once again partnering to send Ohio-grown Christmas trees to U.S. troops stationed around the world. Operation Evergreen is an annual event held on November 15th. (Ohio Department of Agriculture)
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Ohio Christmas Tree Association (OCTA) are partnering once again to send Ohio-grown Christmas trees to U.S. troops stationed around the world. Operation Evergreen is an annual event hosted by OCTA on November 15th at the ODA campus in Reynoldsburg.
“Sending our servicemen and women a piece of home during the holidays while they serve our country overseas is one small way we can show our deep appreciation for the sacrifices they make for us,” said ODA Director Dorothy Pelanda. “The Ohio Department of Agriculture is proud to once again be a partner in this special project.”
The trees are donated by Christmas tree growers in Ohio and inspected by ODA nursery inspectors before being shipped to soldiers serving in the armed forces overseas. The trees received a phytosanitary certificate for international transportation and will be delivered to the troops by UPS. In addition to the Christmas trees, decorations were donated by local schools, churches and veterans groups, so the military units that received the trees will have everything they need to celebrate the holidays.
Operation Evergreen is sponsored by OCTA with assistance from UPS. Since 1995, OCTA has been delivering Christmas trees to troops stationed overseas.
(There is a video from the event here).
— Ohio Department of Agriculture
https://www.morningagclips.com/sending-ohio-christmas-trees-to-troops-overseas/ Sending Ohio Christmas trees to troops overseas
