ARLINGTON, VA–May 8, 2015—This past week, Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) partnered with Operation Gratitude to sponsor a unique, on-site volunteering opportunity. On Wednesday morning, the majority of IDT’s employees spent an hour writing letters and weaving paracord survival bracelets—to be included in care packages for U.S. troops.
Operation Gratitude sends over 100,000 individually-addressed care packages to members of the U.S. Military each year. The boxes are filled with a variety of items, but always contain handwritten letters of appreciation, which are often the most cherished items in the boxes.
In recent years, paracord survival bracelets have become very popular. Handwoven from eight feet of strong parachute cord, these bracelets can be worn at all times and unraveled in an emergency situation. They have many life-saving uses.
On Tuesday, IDT employees watched a moving video about the mission of Operation Gratitude. Then on Wednesday, they gathered in company conference rooms to find paracords, clips, and video instructions on making the bracelets. Employees worked together to produce over 200 bracelets and a large number of personalized letters of appreciation.
“As a defense contractor, we were thrilled to partner with an organization that is making a tangible difference in the lives of deployed US troops,” said Katherine Weller of IDT, “It was inspiring to see our employees working together for this important cause.”
All of the items IDT prepared are being shipped to Operation Gratitude warehouses in Van Nuys, CA to be included in an upcoming care package assembly session.
About IDT
Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) is an Arlington, Virginia based provider of automated software testing, data analysis and cybersecurity solutions for large, complex, mission-critical systems. Using patented Automated Test and ReTest (ATRT) technology, IDT delivers solutions that enable its DOD customers to test, assess and certify software with unprecedented efficiency and effectiveness. www.IDTus.com.