In 2018, Laura’s goal was 25,000 cards: 5,000 for each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard).
Laura went to DC and met with Senators Shaheen and Hassan and with members from each of the Military Branches, brainstorming on how to achieve her goals.
She met in NH with Governor Sununu as well as NH Commissioner of Education, Frank Edleblut. The Department of Education created a YouTube Video, challenging every Student in the State to sign a card.
Laura visited schools and businesses as well as religious organizations, VFW Chapters, Lion and Rotary Clubs, talking with Scouts and artists, Hospital Marketing Department Staff and anyone who expressed an interest in sending care and respect to our deployed Troops.
Generous Grants from Eversource, Walmart, BAE, and Hannafords were awarded and donations from small businesses and private citizens were received. WMUR ABC Affiliate, WZID Radio Group and newspapers around the State covered the story of the Challenge.
The Associated Press (AP) picked up the story and word traveled around the Country, bringing in Cards from Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Maryland, Colorado North Carolina, and Arkansas. Veterans groups including Veterans First Responders Health Care and Strive jumped on-board as did the First Responders around the State of NH.
The cards piled in boxes in Laura’s dining room, totaling close to 50,000 at final count. Cards were boxed up and mailed out to addresses around the World, to the Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and the Army, all of whom serve to protect our Country’s freedoms and our safety.