REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Ohio Christmas Tree Association (OCTA) are spreading holiday cheer to U.S. military personnel stationed overseas through their annual Operation Evergreen initiative. This year marks the 29th year of the program, with 100 Ohio-grown Christmas trees and handmade decorations being shipped to troops serving in Jordan.
“Operation Evergreen is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation to the brave men and women of our military, particularly those who will be away from their families this holiday season,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “Sending a piece of home overseas reminds them that they are in our thoughts and that we are grateful for their service year-round.”
Christmas tree growers from across Ohio donate the trees for the event, which takes place on the ODA’s Reynoldsburg campus. Volunteers, including local students, help inspect the trees for pests, wrap them, and prepare them for international shipment. A phytosanitary certificate is issued to ensure the trees are safe for travel abroad. In addition to the trees, local schools, churches, and veterans’ groups contribute handmade decorations, making sure each military unit receives a festive touch for the holidays.
This year, the Ohio Department of Veterans Services and the Ohio Adjutant General’s Department have joined in supporting Operation Evergreen.
“This heartfelt gesture has a significant impact on the morale of our service members,” said Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst (U.S. Army, retired), Director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services. “It’s a meaningful way to remind them how much they are missed and appreciated during the holiday season.”
Major General John C. Harris Jr., Ohio Adjutant General, also expressed his gratitude, saying, “Sharing holiday cheer with our deployed service members helps to lift their spirits when they are away from home during the holidays.”
The program is sponsored by OCTA with support from UPS, and has been delivering Christmas trees to military personnel since 1995. The trees will soon be on their way to brighten the holidays for Ohio’s troops stationed overseas.
