Operation Santa: Sam's Soldiers 2021

Soldiers are trained to survive the unexpected, but no one could have prepared for the unexpected events of these past 2 years; US soldiers stationed and deployed around the world have worked harder, longer, and differently these past couple years than ever before. Let us show them our gratitude.

Wow, what a year it has been! 2020 was a crazy adventure, and following the success we had with ‘Operation Santa: Sam’s Soldiers’, we’ve decided to bring it back for our 2nd annual fundraiser. It’s time to keep the love going!

Operation Santa: Sam’s Soldiers was created last year to assist my sister, Sam, a 1st Lieutenant in an Airborne unit and her troops, stationed in Vicenza, Italy. Sam is my best friend in the entire world, and we see first-hand the challenges her and her troops overcome. I miss her daily, and love her more than anything. She and her soldiers are always in our thoughts and prayers.

These soldiers put their lives on the line for us, and the funds that we collect will go towards giving these US soldiers essential goods in holiday care packages. We hope to give these soldiers some joy for the holiday season, and make sure they know we think of them and care for them.

We have discovered they can use things they would never ask for. Simple things we consider part of our everyday lives can really help these soldiers. They don’t ask for a single thing, but they appreciate everything. We received letters from many of these soldiers last year pouring out their gratitude to the community. It brought tears to our eyes and warmth to our hearts that they ask for nothing but give everything, and our goal is to make them feel extra special during the holiday season.

While we are warm in front of our fires, snuggled in our cozy blankets, these soldiers are training out in the cold, sleeping in their tents and eating their MREs. Help us to show these young men and women that they are always in our hearts. We truly appreciate and are eternally grateful for Sam’s soldiers in Italy, and all those in the military serving around the world.

-Trey Rolnick and The Rolnick Family