First Lady Mary Perdue Honors Military Families During "Operation Christmas"

Hinesville, Ga. – Today, First Lady Mary Perdue joined with Wal-Mart, Operation Homefront and the U.S. Department of Defense’s America Supports You campaign to celebrate "Operation Christmas."   Operation Christmas is a six-city program to help military families with loved ones deployed overseas celebrate Christmas. First Lady Mary Perdue visited with military families at the Georgia National Guard Armory near Fort Stewart and spoke about Georgia’s ongoing commitment to servicemen and women.  

"Sonny and I understand the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make to protect our freedom and the burdens they willingly shoulder for each of us," said First Lady Mary Perdue. "We appreciate the hardships placed on military families."          

Through the program, military servicemen and women, their spouses and their children will experience a brighter Christmas with activities that included visits and story readings by Santa, tree trimming craft tables, food, music and fun. Every participating military family received toys for their children and Wal-Mart gift cards as part of Wal-Mart’s nearly $500,000 total donation to Operation Homefront. In addition, Wal-mart hosted a Family Connection Corner which provided technology for families to post notes and pictures from the Christmas celebration online.

According to Operation Homefront, at any given time, upwards of 190,000 spouses (and their 467,000 children) are left to manage the household while a loved one serves on active duty.