Operation Santa: Sam's Soldiers 2022

Headlines: Calling all of Trey’s Troops at home to support Operation Santa: Sam’s Soldiers 2022 overseas.

Hi everyone! What an amazing journey these past two years have been! First of all, I would like to thank all of our outstanding donors last year for their generosity. We were able to provide over 700 hard-working soldiers with holiday care packages to bring them some cheer!

Operation Santa: Sam’s Soldiers was created in 2020 to raise money in order to provide soldiers in Italy, including my sister and best friend, 1st Lieutenant Samantha Rolnick, with important items, such as blankets, travel mugs, and toiletries. As Sam has taken her leadership to a new unit, we are looking forward to again giving support and additional items to new troops under her command to take into the field on those cold winter nights, spreading the cheer throughout Europe to thank our soldiers for their dedication. This year, we are trying to provide holiday cheer to as many soldiers as possible, letting them know that while they are thousands of miles away from hearth and home, they are never that far from our thoughts and prayers.

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 over the past two years 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 Covid-19 is nearing an end, the efforts from our soldiers training both domestically and overseas continue on. Although the original intent for my fundraiser was because of COVID, it has enlightened me about the ongoing training our soldiers face head-on day and night. As we all know, the world is full of uncertainty, especially with the current circumstances in Europe.

Being a 15-year old in America, growing into a man, I realize how fortunate I am, because of the sacrifices, commitment, and dedication of our soldiers who are not much older than myself. My sister, Sam, has missed numerous holidays and family special events at home while serving our country, and I know firsthand how hard it is for these young men and women who will not be home with their families for this holiday season. Once again, we must support and do what we can to assist these soldiers, and I am trying to do my part in this cause. I am humbly asking Trey’s troops to join me in these efforts. Thank you so much for your kindness and support. Happy Holidays!

Trey Rolnick and the Rolnick Family