WHEREAS,  Operation Tribute is a nonprofit organization founded and operated by Marc Badeau in Gorham, Maine that in 2010 provided over 32,000 gifts to the children of military families living throughout New England, New Jersey, New York and Ohio, including over 7,200 children living in the State of Maine; and

WHEREAS,  Operation Tribute acknowledges the sacrifices, courage and bravery of the children of members of all branches of the military, including the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard; and

WHEREAS,  Operation Tribute considers the children of military families to be unsung heroes who silently shoulder a heavy burden during these difficult times; and

WHEREAS,  Operation Tribute acquired, gift-wrapped and individually distributed a holiday gift to each participating child of a military family in over 1,100 cities and towns throughout New England, New Jersey, New York and Ohio; and

WHEREAS,  each package sent to a child in Maine contained a letter that read: "On behalf of Operation Tribute and the people of the State of Maine, we would like to offer you this token of our appreciation for your sacrifice. You are the child of a Maine military family and the bravery that you show every day by sharing your parent to help protect our country is being recognized and honored. You should be extremely proud of your service to our country and should know that we, and the people of Maine, stand proudly beside you. We wish you and your family a Happy Holiday Season!!"; and

WHEREAS,  Operation Tribute seeks further expansion of its program to eventually encompass the entire country; now, therefore, be it