Disneyland Resort Representatives Welcome "Operation Uplift'' Partner USS Shreveport
The Disneyland Resort to Extend Surprise Welcome to USS Shreveport; Disneyland Resort Representatives Welcome "Operation Uplift'' Partner USS Shreveport
After seven months at sea as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, U.S. military personnel aboard the USS Shreveport will be warmly welcomed to their home port of Norfolk, Va., on April 20 by Mickey Mouse and Disneyland(R) Resort representatives.
Disneyland(R) Resort cast members "adopted" the Shreveport as part of the Resort's Operation Uplift program through which cast members send messages of support and thanks to United States servicemen and women on active duty outside the U.S.
The program began in 1995 when Resort cast member Mike Woodhall read a letter in the newspaper from a serviceman who expressed the appreciation felt by the troops when they received mail. The letter so moved Woodhall that he began writing to the troops regularly to thank them for their efforts.
Disneyland(R) Resort cast members began corresponding with the USS Shreveport last September, when it was deployed to the North Arabian Sea in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. More than 1,000 cast members wrote messages on postcards and the Resort sent a holiday care package to the Shreveport, including the postcards, as well as gifts, for the men and women on board the ship.
Captain William Valentine, commanding officer of the USS Shreveport, was so moved by the show of support, he has completely embraced the program and has expressed his appreciation.
"I am sending you this note on behalf of everyone aboard to extend a sincere and heartfelt 'thank you' to the entire Disney corporation, and in particular, Mike Woodhall and his team at Operation Uplift, for all of their wonderful support," noted Captain Valentine in a letter to the Disneyland(R) Resort.
"Mike and his team understood at once that our ship would be away from home for the holidays. The Operation Uplift organization flew into action to make sure our sailors and Marines knew how much their efforts were appreciated. The result was over 1,000 postcards, signed by the Disney family of characters, along with numerous gifts arriving aboard Shreveport in time for Christmas.
"It was a great gesture by the Disney organization, one that had a profound and positive impact on the readiness, safety and quality of life for each and every person aboard."
Disneyland(R) Resort cast members have continued the tradition of Operation Uplift by having postcard drives throughout the year and have participated in other initiatives to support our military personnel abroad.
Related Links
- Sailors and Marines on board USS SHREVEPORT (LPD-12) Send Special Thank You To Disney CMs
- Disney Cast Members Continue Operation Uplift
--Posted April 19, 2002
Formatted: LaughingPlace.com
Source: Disneyland Press Release