OTA’s CEO on Your Goodwill Neighbor Podcast
E14: From Deployment to Home: How Operation Troop Appreciation Changes Lives
What makes Monica Orluk with Operation Troop Appreciation a good neighbor?
Operation Troop Appreciation: Two Decades of Supporting Military and Veterans
When Monica Orluk joined Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA) on July 4, 2004, she couldn’t have predicted the organization would still be thriving two decades later. What began as a mission to support deployed troops has evolved into a comprehensive support system for both active military members and veterans in Western Pennsylvania. This evolution represents not just the changing face of military support but also the persistent needs that exist beyond government assistance.
The organization operates two parallel programs that address distinct needs within the military community. Their original mission supports active-duty military deployed worldwide, whether for combat operations or humanitarian missions. This support comes in forms many civilians might not consider – nutritional supplements, personal hygiene items, portable food options, and energy drink mixes that fit into pockets and backpacks. These aren’t just conveniences; they’re necessities for troops stationed in remote locations without access to military supply stores. The items OTA provides allow service members to maintain their health, energy, and morale during challenging deployments, offering a tangible reminder that people back home care about their service and sacrifices.
In 2013, as troop deployments decreased and veterans returned home, OTA recognized a critical gap in veteran services. After extensive consultation with the VA and other veteran organizations, they launched their Welcome Home Veteran Support Program in April 2014. This program focuses on veterans in Western Pennsylvania who face housing insecurity – those emerging from homelessness, at risk of becoming homeless, or transitioning from inpatient care for physical, psychological, or substance abuse issues. While federal programs might provide housing, OTA discovered that veterans often received little support after moving in. The statistics were alarming: approximately 70% of these veterans would return to homelessness within a year without additional assistance.
OTA’s Welcome Home program addresses this gap with three practical services. First, they provide brand-new beds for veterans and their family members – complete mattresses, box springs, and frames – through a partnership with a local mattress company. Second, they deliver Welcome Home Move-In Starter Kits containing essential household items like pots, pans, dishes, linens, and cleaning supplies. These kits enable veterans to cook healthy meals and maintain clean living spaces rather than resorting to expensive fast food and unsanitary conditions. Third, they offer transportation services for critical appointments, including medical visits, therapy sessions, court appearances, and job interviews – eliminating another significant barrier to stability.
What makes OTA particularly unique in the charity landscape is their operational model. As a 100% volunteer-run organization, approximately 90% of all donations directly fund their programs rather than administrative costs or salaries. This efficiency is rare in the nonprofit world and ensures donors’ contributions have maximum impact. Recently, OTA has expanded their physical presence by purchasing and renovating a two-story headquarters building that will allow them to scale their Welcome Home program and create a community space where veterans can connect with one another. This investment in physical infrastructure demonstrates their commitment to long-term service and community building among veterans.
For those wanting to support Operation Troop Appreciation, opportunities abound through their website (operationtroopappreciation.org) or Facebook page. The organization welcomes both donations and volunteers at their West Mifflin location. What began as a chance meeting between two businesswomen with complementary skills has blossomed into two decades of meaningful support for those who volunteer to serve our country. The work continues because the need persists – and because OTA understands that true support means addressing practical needs that make the difference between struggling and thriving.
To learn more about Operation Troop Appreciation:
(412)759-0696
Viking Bags Donated for the Designer Purse Bash Fundraiser to be Heald Sunday, June 8th at New Headquarters!
Operation Troop Appreciation is sponsoring a Designer Purse Bash on Sunday, June 8th! Just a few tickets left. There are lots of beautiful new purses to win, cash prizes and other raffle items. Call Monica Orluk today for a ticket.412-653-1317
SPECIAL THANKS to Viking Bags for generously donating really cool Motorcycle Saddle Bag for the purse bash! Thank you, Viking Bags!
19th Annual Veterans Day 5K Race
Hampton Community Park
Sunday, November 10th, 2024 at 8 am
Run, walk or stroll your way through this challenging 5K course! Prizes are awarded in all age groups while supporting our brave troops in the process!
Support Our Troops and Veterans by Shopping at Operation Troop Appreciation’s Overstock Extravaganza Sale
Get a sneak peek at the newly renovated Operation Troop Appreciation Headquarters and Event Center
WHEN: October 19th & 20th – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE: OTA Operation Headquarters and Event Center
2017 Pennsylvania Avenue
West Mifflin, PA 15122
Visit the newly renovated Operations & Events Center and take advantage of brand-new merchandise that can’t be used for our charity programs.
Here’s your chance to score some great stuff! We have inventory we can’t use for our programs and are making it available to the public:
Make Us An Offer – Like to bargain? Make us an offer we can’t refuse and score some cool swag in our flea market section!
Gift Basket Row – You can walk away with themed baskets chock full of great gifts in our raffle!
There’s Something For Everyone!
Clothing*Tools*Electronics*Household*Automotive*
Sporting goods* and new items including Furniture!
US Steel Supports OTA Building Renovations!
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
PZetta Media Podcast with Monica Orluk
PiZetta Media: Content with a Cause focuses on telling authentic stories about people on the frontlines, non-profits, and mental health journeys on streaming, podcasts, and YouTube channel has over 41K subscribers and hundreds of thousands of views. Michael VanZetta, CEO, recently interviewed Monica Orluk, CEO, of Operation Troop Appreciation.
Spectacular Costume Jewelry Sale To Benefit Our Troops!
FRIDAY, November 8, 2024 (9 AM – 6PM) AND SATURDAY, November 9, 2024 (9AM – 6PM)
Nothing is priced more than $5!
Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA) is inviting the public to find great deals on gently used jewelry. Prices start at $1.00, and there is nothing more than $5.00! Since 2004, Operation Troop Appreciation has served over 200,000 returning home veterans and currently deployed soldiers. They are listed as one of the top 12 rated charities on greatnonprofits.org (with 90% of their funding going directly to the needs of soldiers and veterans). They are a completely volunteer organization.
According to OTA Volunteer Representative, Kathie Gasior, who has hosted this event for the last 11 years states, “This sale is so important for our troops well-being. What we make at this sale goes directly to our veterans, those returning and those currently serving. I am honored to be able to organize this sale for nine years that is dedicated to our veterans.”
The sale is being held at the South Park Community Center at the South Park Municipal Complex, 2675 Brownsville Road, South Park, PA 15129 (behind South Park Library).
They will also accept used jewelry for the upcoming sale. Email or contact Kathy Gasior with any
questions or donations: kgasior2@gmail.com 412-833-7561
Help Support Operation Renovation!
Help Support Operation Renovation!In September of 2022, we purchased a building at 2017 Pennsylvania Avenue, West Mifflin PA 15122. So far we have renovated the work rooms for our Active-Duty “Wishlist” program, Veteran “Welcome Home” program, installed a brand new roof, HVAC and electrical systems. This work was completed through the generosity of GBU Life, Home Depot, The Jefferson Regional Foundation and the hard work and sweat effort of our volunteer team and members of American Legion Post 712.
As you can see, the building needs a lot of work! We’re leaving this part of the renovation to the pros and we need your help to complete renovation of the main event space, kitchen, pantry, bathrooms and a special private space for veterans we call the “Veterans Lounge”. Once complete, veterans will have FREE ACCESS to events, benefits, resources and will be able to use our veterans lounge to meet with case workers or just chill away from the crowd at larger events. All food, beverages, events and activities will be provided at NO CHARGE to the veteran.
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!
