For Immediate Release: August 20, 2025

Contact: Sharon Liotus, InterGroup Communications
412-480-5287
sliotus@intergroupcomm.com

Operation Troop Appreciation Celebrates its 20+ Year Anniversary with a Grand Opening of their New Headquarters and Location in West Mifflin

OTA Headquarters Grand Opening, Saturday, September 20, Noon-2 pm

In 2004 Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA) shipped its first round of care packages to a platoon of National Guard soldiers who were deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Troop Iraqi Freedom. The initial intent was to quickly meet an immediate need for moisture wicking clothing in the extreme heat. Two decades later, Operation Troop Appreciation is now celebrated as one of the top veteran nonprofits in the United States.

“OTA’s original founder Kristen Holloway learned that some of our troops needed moisture wicking clothing to stay cool in the extreme heat,” said Monica Orluk, who is a founding member, and now the organization’s chief executive officer. “We fulfilled that order, and our plan was to continue sending care packages until the war ended. We didn’t anticipate what would happen next.”

Two decades later, OTA has served more than 210,000 active-duty troops and veterans representing all branches of the U.S. military, including the National Guard and the Reserves. Monica added, “OTA has achieved such phenomenal growth that it is now ranked among the ten top-rated military/veteran nonprofits by Military.com, and it’s important to note that we are a 100% VOLUNTEER nonprofit organization. From the CEO, the COO to the volunteers – 90% of all donations go directly to soldiers and veterans.

“All of us at OTA are proud of reaching this remarkable milestone,” said Orluk. “We couldn’t have served so many troops and veterans without the help of volunteers, private individuals, small businesses and corporate sponsors who provide financial support, participate in collection drives and help organize special events. It’s heartwarming to see how many people have continued to rally behind our troops and veterans.”

Two Programs

The cornerstone of OTA is its Active-Duty Military Support Project. Modeled after charities such as Make-a-Wish, this program enables troops to submit wish lists and ask for specific items they need and would otherwise have to pay for out of pocket. “The size of each order varies,” said Orluk. “We could be serving a battalion of 10,000, a platoon of 12 or anything in between. Regardless of how many we are serving, this program gives troops an opportunity to ask for items that help contribute to their health, welfare and morale.”

OTA continues to support our military once they return home. Its Welcome Home Program supports veterans and their families who need assistance to defray costs associated with establishing a new home. The Welcome Home Kit includes all new essentials such as beds, pots and pans, dishes, laundry supplies, towels and sheets, and cleaning supplies. Veterans can also arrange for transportation to take them to doctor’s appointments, counseling and rehabilitation sessions, and job interviews.

A New Headquarters and Grand Opening on Saturday, September 20th

Monica added, “We are very excited because after a three-year major building renovation, we are pleased to announce our new headquarters in West Mifflin. This new building will not only serve as our operational headquarters but also be a place where veterans can connect, relax and be supported. A veteran’s lounge will be open to veterans complete with computers for job searching and research as well a comfortable space to meet with case managers, service providers and to relax and socialize.  With the building’s square footage of over 11,000, it’s a perfect spot to host Veteran’s events during the year for fundraising, offer classes, host job fairs and provide social gatherings for our veterans to reduce isolation and promote comradery.  The annual Holiday party is the one event that draws veteran families to celebrate the season and “shop” for their children.

The grand opening of the new headquarters will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m. at 2017 Pennsylvania Avenue, West Mifflin, PA 15122. A ribbon cutting will be held at noon after a color guard ceremony followed by a program to honor soldiers and veterans, thank volunteers as well as those who have donated to OTA over the last 20 years and, most recently, those who helped fund the building restoration.  Guests will also be able to tour the building and see first hand how the charity completes program activities. OTA welcomes veterans, the community at large and the media. Light refreshments will be served. Register by September 12th on OTA’s web site: https://operationtroopappreciation.org/grand-opening/

As OTA looks to the future, it hopes to expand its services to reach out to even more troops, veterans and their families, especially now with their new headquarters.

“One of our challenges is securing enough financial support so we can continue our mission of serving our troops and veterans,” stated CEO Orluk, “because we are an all-volunteer organization, every single fundraising dollar we receive is used to help our troops and veterans, instead of paying for administration salaries.”

“We are excited and grateful as we head into the next decade with our new headquarters, as it will meet our growing needs, and the changing needs of our military and veterans for many years to come” she said.

To learn more about Operation Troop Appreciation, visit https://operationtroopappreciation.org

The new headquarters is located at 2017 Pennsylvania Avenue, West Mifflin, PA 15122

Attachments:
OTA 20-year historic timeline
New headquarters image
Invitation to Grand Opening
Video – Stories of Service: https://operationtroopappreciation.org/stories-of-service/

Please join OTA for this special event to celebrate our 20^th Anniversary and NEW Headquarters!

Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA) supports both active-duty troops where they serve and returning veterans through the Welcome Home Program. Since its inception, OTA has served more than 210,000 troops and veterans.

The newly renovated facility, located in West Mifflin, will serve as operational headquarters and a place where veterans can connect, relax and be supported.

Light refreshments will be served

When
September 20, 2025
12 PM  –  2 PM

Where
2017 Pennsylvania Ave
West Mifflin, PA 15122

RSVP HERE BY 9.12.25

Register by scanning the QR code below or by visiting the registration page.

 

We extend our deep gratitude to US Steel who presented OTA with a $50,000 donation to support building renovations on our Events & Operation Center.  US Steel’s Don German and John Kline toured the facility, and received a first-hand look at the work OTA performs on behalf of our deployed troops and veterans.

In the picture:  Don German, Irvin Works Plant Manager, Sherry Einhaus, OTA COO, Monica Orluk, OTA CEO and John Kline, Supervisor

You can help our local veterans by donating to this special campaign. We want to provide our veterans with a place they can socialize, relax, get information or just enjoy a cup of coffee and a light meal.

July 1st marks our 20th anniversary and our goal is to hold our Grand Opening/20th Anniversary Event by the end of July. We are excited to bring resources and a gathering place to the veterans living in and around the Mon Valley of Western PA. By contributing to our Building Renovation campaign, you will make a significant positive impact on their lives. What better way is there to say THANK YOU for your service and sacrifice!

 

DONATE TODAY!

When Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA) shipped its first round of care packages to a platoon of National Guard soldiers who were deployed to the Middle East during the Iraq War, the initial intent was to quickly meet an immediate need.

“OTA’s founder Kristen Holloway learned that some of our troops needed moisture wicking clothing to stay cool in the extreme heat,” said Monica Orluk, who is a founding member, and now serves as the organization’s chief executive officer. “Kristen mobilized a small team of volunteers from the Pittsburgh area who began sending Under Armor® T-shirts, personal hygiene supplies, snacks and other necessities to troops who were fighting in Iraq and other hot spots in the Middle East. Our plan was to continue sending care packages until the war ended. We didn’t anticipate what would happen next.”

Eighteen years later, OTA has served more than 200,000 active-duty troops and veterans representing all branches of the U.S. military, including the National Guard and the Reserves. Monica added, “OTA has achieved such phenomenal growth that it is now ranked among the 10 top-rated veteran nonprofits by Military.com.”

“All of us at OTA are proud of reaching this remarkable milestone,” said Orluk. “We couldn’t have served so many troops and veterans without the help of volunteers, private individuals, small businesses and corporate sponsors who provide financial support, participate in collection drives and help organize special events. It’s heartwarming to see how many people have continued to rally behind our troops and veterans.”

The cornerstone of OTA is its Active-Duty Military Support Project. Modeled after charities such as Make-a-Wish, this program enables troops to submit wish lists and ask for items such as tactical gear, blankets, socks, T-shirts, space heaters, newspapers, sports and fitness equipment, video gaming, computers, musical instruments, phone cards, snacks and personal hygiene supplies. OTA’s distinct difference, compared to other organizations, is they are fulfilling specific requests from military units via their web site. A recent request that OTA received was to provide clothing to troops and civilians who are receiving care at military hospitals and need clothing.

“The size of each order varies,” said Orluk. “We could be serving a battalion of 10,000, a platoon of 12 or anything in between. Regardless of how many soldiers, sailors and aviators we are serving, this program gives troops an opportunity to ask for items that help contribute to their health, welfare and morale.”

Sgt. 1^st Class Matthew Claycomb remembers when his platoon received its first shipment of care packages in Iraq.

“It was like Christmas in July,” said Claycomb who recently retired as a Readiness Non-Commissioned Officer for the Pennsylvania National Guard. “We looked forward to getting the packages because you couldn’t drive to a convenience store in Baghdad for every supply. I can’t tell you enough how much OTA helped to improve the quality of our lives.”

Today, Claycomb is one of OTA’s most passionate volunteers, serving on OTA’s Board of Directors and is a guest speaker at functions and events to promote awareness about OTA.

“OTA has impacted my own life and the lives of many other troops in a big way,” said Claycomb. “I want to do everything I can to help this wonderful organization reach even more troops and veterans.”

OTA is also continuing to help American soldiers once they return home. Its Welcome Home Program supports veterans and their families who need assistance to defray costs associated with establishing a new home. The Welcome Home Kit includes all new essentials such as beds, pots and pans, dishes, laundry supplies, towels and sheets, and cleaning supplies. Veterans can also arrange for transportation to take them to doctor’s appointments, counseling and rehabilitation sessions, and job interviews. To date, OTA has completed over 7,800 projects for veterans through this program.

Yeoman Third Class Derrick Clark said OTA turned his life around when he returned home from active duty.

“OTA’s Welcome Home Program helped me get back on my feet as I adjusted to civilian life. When I found a place to live, OTA provided me with kitchen supplies, toiletries and even paintings. A few years later we lost our home to a fire and OTA stepped in again. They quickly provided bunkbeds, bedding, clothing and toys for my kids. OTA is a real lifesaver for many veterans,” said Clark, who volunteers for The Mission Continues, a nonprofit that connects veterans with under-resourced communities.

As OTA looks to the future, it hopes to expand its services to reach out to even more troops, veterans and their families.

“One of our challenges is securing enough financial support so we can continue our mission of serving our troops,” said Orluk. “Inflation has meant that we are paying more to procure items. Consequently, individuals don’t have as much disposable cash to make large contributions. To counteract that, we have been seeking more long-term financial commitments from companies and corporate sponsors. We are also stretching our purchasing dollar by looking for volume pricing and special discounts since what we provide is all new items and merchandise. What’s more, because we are an all-volunteer organization, every single fundraising dollar we receive is used to help our troops and veterans, instead of paying for administration salaries.”
Orluk added that OTA is preparing to move its headquarters to a new facility in West Mifflin.

“Not only will this new facility give us more room for our administrative and operational needs, but it will also provide space for fundraising events, and a venue to offer classes, job fairs and social gatherings for our veterans to reduce isolation and promote comradery. We are excited about this upcoming move, as it will meet our growing needs for many years to come,” she said.

OTA has achieved such phenomenal growth that it is now ranked among the 10 top-rated veteran nonprofits by Military.com.

Read Article