"OPERATION GRATEFUL HEART" TOLL-FREE HELP LINE: 1-866-452-4944

Focusing on assisting those who have answered the call to fight terrorism and the defense of freedom, “Operation Grateful Heart” is a statewide initiative for military personnel returning to civilian life and the families of Alabama troops still deployed overseas.  Through “Operation Grateful Heart,” they are able to make one point of contact to request assistance and answer questions regarding re-entry into the workforce, health benefits, and support organizations.

The information is available by calling the toll-free number, 1-866-452-4944.  Governor Bob Riley launched “Operation Grateful Heart” in June 2004.  The program is the first of its kind in the nation.

“As a state, we are committed to connecting our brave men and women in uniform and their families with whatever help they need,” says Riley.

Riley says that through “Operation Grateful Heart,” state, county, and nonprofit agencies are essentially brought under one umbrella in attempting to address any difficulties that troops and their families may face.  Another facet of “Operation Grateful Heart” is helping local communities organize events to honor troops and demonstrate support for the service to their country.

“We can not do too much for our service men and women and their families." says Tom Surtees , Industrial Relations director.  “Many Industrial Relations employees have been instrumental in this project, including Tom Karrh (director, U.S. Department of Labor, Veteran’s Employment and Training Service), Don Fisher (Industrial Relations assistant director), and Greg Niel (ES State Veterans coordinator).”       

For more information, contact Al Hinson, coordinator, “Operation Grateful Heart,” at 334-353-1173, (e-mail) ogh@governor.alabama.gov, or “Operation Grateful Heart” information sheet (pdf).

* The free Acrobat Reader is required to view online PDF files. Download the reader by clicking on the icon on the left.