ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
As former military members and supporters, we are deeply committed to caring for active military families. Drawing on our first-hand experience, we advocate for military families struggling with financial hardship. We seek to serve each individual with compassion born through our own active duty experience.
OMB is a Not-for-Profit registered IRS 501(c)(3) charity dedicated solely to help the most junior grade military families serving in the Air Force, Army, Navy, National Guard, Reserves, and Coast Guard.
Our President, Board of Directors, and Executive Advisory Board are all volunteers. OMB pays no salaries and no reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses. Our expenses are less than 1% of all donations. Each dollar donated goes directly to this vital emergency financial outreach.
WHAT WE DO
OUR MISSION
The OMB Crisis Financial Assistance Program provides prompt but vetted assistance with Emergency sustenance relief cards, through partnerships with Walmart, Albertson’s, Fred Meyer, the Defense Commissary system, and other major grocery and retail stores; plus special Crisis financial grants, marriage and family education, Health & Wellness Care, and other education. All of these are financed through individual donors, companies & Foundations.
Every military member is vetted to determine eligibility, and upon approval immediate help is provided to a family in need. Our program is structured with accountability to guarantee program integrity.
Our Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance provides high-end toys for the kids who would otherwise go without a Christmas morning. A full holiday meal including turkey, potatoes, gravy, rolls, vegetables, butter, eggs, and milk are provided with a loving message from our hearts.
OUR MISSION
Our Financial Assistance Program provides cash gift card assistance through partnerships with Walmart, Albertson’s, Fred Meyer, Defense Commissary Food, and other major grocery & retail stores.
Every military member is vetted to determine eligibility and upon approval immediate help is provided to a family in need. Our program is structured with accountability to guarantee program integrity.
Our Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance provides high end toys for the kids who would go without a Christmas morning. A full holiday meal including turkey, potatoes, gravy, rolls, vegetables, butter, eggs, and milk are provided with a loving message from our hearts.
TESTIMONIES
“A Military family experienced a traumatic, life threatening event resulting in the Soldier and one child being hospitalized in a location two hours away from the family’s home. Gift cards were provided to the Family to assist with the fuel expenses resulting from the commute to and from the hospital, and to help offset the cost of food incurred by the family during their extended stays at the hospital to be with the Soldier while he was recovering. Use of these gift cards helped alleviate the financial burden placed on the family, allowing them to focus on supporting the soldier through recovery.”
“Airman and Single mother of six navigating a difficult divorce while seeking full time employment. This service member received gift cards to assist with food and fuel to support her Family during this difficult time. Then tragedy struck last December in a domestic violence case involving her ex-husband. Through the use of the gift cards, we were able to provide her additional assistance through a difficult time and alleviate the stress of the situation she and her children were currently experiencing.”
“The spouse of a deployed Soldier did not have adequate money available for groceries, as her car had broken down causing her to spend all the money they had for repairs on her vehicle. Due to the gift cards we were able to immediately assist this Family with her needs for her and her children while the Service Member was deployed.”
“Coming up with the funding to secure housing has taken every dime that they have. When I inquired if he had food .. the response was.. “ I have $25 to spend on food for the next 2 weeks for me and my bride.” When I said that there was an organization that cared about him and wanted to assist he was in disbelief. The ability to provide for his new bride brought him to tears. He was so thankful.
Thank you Operation Military Blessings!”
“We approach the 1st year mark of our McDill AFB and Operation Military Blessings (OMB) partnership, we wanted to take a moment to share our appreciation and gratitude for the continued partnership with OMB. The partnership has provided emergency food and grants for 100+ McDill service members and their families throughout this past year. Hurricanes, family advocacy and domestic situations are the bulk of the support. We’ve depleted the resource with the last DECA card distributed to an AF Reserve family that lost their home due to a fire this weekend.”
ENDORSEMENTS
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF RECOGNITION:
… to a Board Member:
“Thanks especially for your good work through Operation Military Blessings. I’m grateful for all you are doing to support our troops and their families.”
– President George W. Bush
“Chaplain Westall is an exemplary leader and compassionate servant whose dedication to others is evident through years of firsthand observation, both in active-duty service and his work with Operation Military Blessings, Inc. His ability to provide unwavering spiritual guidance and emotional support in challenging circumstances sets him apart. Professionally, he exemplifies integrity, resilience, and a tireless commitment to uplifting those in need, whether in the military or the broader community. Personally, his genuine care for others and steadfast character make him an inspiration to all who know him. It has been an honor to witness his impact on countless lives.”
Jerry D Holmes, Major General USAF (Retired)
Vietnam Combat PilotCommander, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Airborne Early Warning Force (NATO), Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Mons, Belgium.
Jerry D Holmes, Major General USAF (Retired)
Vietnam Combat PilotCommander, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Airborne Early Warning Force (NATO), Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Mons, Belgium.
“Operation Military Blessings, Inc. is a remarkable organization that I have wholeheartedly supported financially for their dedication to supporting young active-duty enlisted families. Through compassionate outreach and practical assistance, they address the unique challenges faced by military families, from financial strains to emotional support. Their programs offer vital resources, ensuring that service members and their loved ones feel valued and cared for during demanding times. The organization’s commitment to fostering resilience and strengthening military families truly makes a lasting difference in their lives.“
Sam W. Westbrook, lll
Major General, USAF (Retired)
Combat Pilot
Deputy Chief of Staff, Air Training Command, (ATC) Randolph Air Force Base, Texas
Rhodes Scholar, Trinity College, Oxford, England
Sam W. Westbrook, lll
Major General, USAF (Retired)
Combat Pilot
Deputy Chief of Staff, Air Training Command, (ATC) Randolph Air Force Base, Texas
Rhodes Scholar, Trinity College, Oxford, England
“As a former senior military officer, commander and professor I have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices and challenges that military families endure. The demands of service—frequent relocations, long deployments, and unforeseen hardships—place immense strain on these families, often leaving them in urgent need of support. It is for this reason that I wholeheartedly recommend Operation Military Blessings, Inc., an organization that has proven itself to be an invaluable source of relief and stability for young military families worldwide.“
Calvin R. Johnson
Colonel USAF (Retired)
Vietnam Combat Pilot
Graduate, United States Military Academy
Air University, Maxwell AFB, Alai
Calvin R. Johnson
Colonel USAF (Retired)
Vietnam Combat Pilot
Graduate, United States Military Academy
Air University, Maxwell AFB, Alai
“Military families endure unique challenges, from frequent relocations to the financial strain caused by deployments and unforeseen emergencies. Operation Military Blessings, Inc. steps in as a beacon of hope, ensuring that these brave families receive the support they need when they need it most. Their financial assistance programs provide immediate relief during difficult circumstances, preventing hardships from escalating into crises.
Moreover, their focus on military children struggling with disabilities demonstrates their deep understanding of the additional challenges these families face. By offering specialized care and resources, they empower these children to thrive despite their circumstances. Additionally, their special education grants open doors for military families to access quality education and specialized programs tailored to their children’s unique needs.
The impact of Operation Military Blessings, Inc. extends beyond financial aid—it fosters stability, resilience, and hope for those who sacrifice so much for our country. Their work ensures that no military family feels alone in their struggles, reinforcing a sense of community and unwavering support.”
Jerry A. Singleton, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Retired)
Combat Rescue Pilot
Vietnam POW 8 years( Upon release became a Chaplain)
“Military families endure unique challenges, from frequent relocations to the financial strain caused by deployments and unforeseen emergencies. Operation Military Blessings, Inc. steps in as a beacon of hope, ensuring that these brave families receive the support they need when they need it most. Their financial assistance programs provide immediate relief during difficult circumstances, preventing hardships from escalating into crises.
Moreover, their focus on military children struggling with disabilities demonstrates their deep understanding of the additional challenges these families face. By offering specialized care and resources, they empower these children to thrive despite their circumstances. Additionally, their special education grants open doors for military families to access quality education and specialized programs tailored to their children’s unique needs.
The impact of Operation Military Blessings, Inc. extends beyond financial aid—it fosters stability, resilience, and hope for those who sacrifice so much for our country. Their work ensures that no military family feels alone in their struggles, reinforcing a sense of community and unwavering support.“
Jerry A. Singleton, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Retired)
Combat Rescue Pilot
Vietnam POW 8 years
CORE VALUES
Military Backgrounds
Each Board member has either served in the military, or supported the military, and understands the pressures and needs – especially of the young Enlisted families …
Executive Advisory Board
Professional & Family & Military friends connections. All using their expertise with a commitment to our Troops…
Who We Are
A group of committed, former military members, and military supporters, providing urgent financial assistance to our U.S. Military members and their families.
OUR SPONSORS
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST SPONSOR !!!
CapEd Credit Union
- Harold & Phyllis Thomas Foundation
- Blue Cross of Idaho – Idaho National Guard Sponsor, 19 Locations
- Support Our Troops
- Bridgepoint Church, Boise Idaho
- Heritage Bible Church, Boise Idaho
- All Seasons Dental, Dr. Alan Walker, Boise Idaho
- Northwest Christian Credit Union
- Idaho Central Credit Union
- Saint Alphonsus
THE STORY OF OPERATION MILITARY BLESSINGS
In 1976, Thomas Westall was sworn in and commissioned as an active-duty Protestant Chaplain in the United States Air Force as an Ordained Minister of the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA). Over the ensuing years, Chaplain Westall was assigned to military installations in the United States and overseas. His ministry as a chaplain continued upon his retirement from active duty in 1995. Initially, Chaplain Westall led Bible Studies and family counseling in support of active duty, retired, and other veteran military members, including the National Guard. That continued ministry to the military operated as an unincorporated charity for several years.
The military outreach grew over the years, meeting the needs of young military families. Each year at Christmastime OMB provides Christmas food boxes and toys for children of junior grade enlisted military families who would not otherwise have a meaningful Christmas. This quickly led to the distribution of large scale emergency subsistence aid and catastrophic grant relief to young enlisted families in crisis.
On July 3, 2003, Operation Military Blessings was incorporated with the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit IRS 501(c)(3) charity and was registered with the Idaho Secretary of State as a non-profit charitable organization. One hundred percent of individual donors all donations, whether from local churches, businesses and foundations, or by go to meet the needs of young military families.
Today, Operation Military Blessings, Incorporated, continues to grow as a vital and unique outreach to young enlisted military families around the world who are serving and protecting our freedoms here in the United States and overseas.
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Operation Military Blessings is not affiliated with or restricted to a particular religious group.
- Mountain Home AFB, Idaho (USAF)
- Gowen Field, Boise ID (National Guard)
- Idaho National Guard, 19 locations sponsored by Blue Cross of Idaho
- Camp Lejeune, NC (Marine Corps)
- RAF Lakenheath, England (USAF)
- U.S. Coast Guard Mayport, Jacksonville, FL
- Naval Submarine Base New London, CT (USS Idaho, etc.)
- Ramstein Air Base, Germany (USAF)
- MacDill AFB, Tampa FL (serving the USAF, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard)
- North Carolina National Guard, Raleigh NC
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NEW !! Marine Base, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan
- 2025 Q1: 4 New Bases in the Pacific
- NEEDED: Corporate "named" Sponsors for new Bases - click "Contact Us".