Many ways to help Operation Re-Connect

Many ways to help Operation Re-Connect
Non-profit hopes to host more than 100 families from April 18-24

American military veterans and their families will soon enjoy a one-week stay in paradise, thanks to Operation ReConnect. It’s the third consecutive year that the City of Orange Beach, property owners, rental management companies and many other local businesses come together and give more than a “Thank You” as a way to give back to U.S. military families who sacrifice so much. Veterans and their families will begin arriving on Saturday, April 18 at 3 p.m. Initial check-ins will take place out front of the City of Orange Beach Council Chambers.
There is a need for property donations. If you or someone you know has the ability to donate a property for the week of April 18 – 24, please complete our online property donation form at operationreconnect.org/reconnectweek. To contribute, email admin@operationreconnect.org or call 251-609-6772.
“As a current service member, there is not a better way to honor my brothers and sisters than by giving them 7 nights of uninterrupted time with their loved ones,” said Ryan Charrier, Founder & President at Operation ReConnect. He adds that generous support from individuals, organizations and businesses has enabled the expansion of the program and serve more families than initially expected. “Because of local donors, the families we serve do not have to pay for some of their meals, gas, snacks and activities, which eases their financial burden and helps them truly relax and enjoy themselves.”
Last year, local businesses stepped up to donate services and accommodations for 100 military families just in Orange Beach, with military men and women returning from Afghanistan.
Charrier (pictured) came up with the concept during his first deployment in 2014.
“A fellow service member brought to my attention that he and his family had never been on a true family vacation. With that information, I brought in a network of incredible people from Coastal Alabama to this family a free vacation to the Gulf Coast,’’ he said.
“At that moment, I realized it was my responsibility to take on the much neglected opportunity to help all combat vets returning from a deployed environment.”