Operation Military Embrace to host annual Kroger Drive on August 29

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - Operation Military Embrace (OME) calls for the help of The Woodlands residents once again by participating in their annual Kroger Drive. Thanks to their partnership with Kroger, people will be able to go to the 14 participating local Kroger stores, grab a shopping list from the volunteers and donate the products listed so they can get sent to U.S. soldiers overseas.

The event will take place on Saturday, August 29 from 10am to 3pm at participating locations. Participants will get the choice of either buying the items on the lists provided or making a cash donation. OME is expecting to ship around 2,000 care packages this year.

“We send your packages to many deployed troops in various places around the world, and quite often we receive thank you notes back from these people,” Project Manager Dennis Bernhart said. “Obviously, they like the goodies inside, but there’s a common theme throughout all these thank you notes, and that is ‘thank you for not forgetting us,’ and that’s probably the greatest benefit and the most meaningful impact that we are making– sending a clear message to our deployed men and women that they are appreciated and not forgotten.”

People who wish to volunteer may contact Bernhart at (832) 515-0333 or bernhartd@comcast.net.

On their last drive, volunteers managed to raise more than $21,000 in cash and supplies which were delivered to the wounded and deployed military. OME not only organizes the annual drives, they are also dedicated to ensuring the military is treated with respect, and to raise awareness to the challenges they face both overseas and upon their return.

“I am determined for the American public not to treat our military the way the Vietnam vets were treated,” Bernhart said.

The participating Krogers for the annual OME Kroger Drive are:


6700 Woodlands Parkway—The Woodlands, Texas

18518 Kuykendahl Road @ Louetta—Spring, Texas

8000 Research Forest Drive (Alden Bridge Shopping Center)—The Woodlands, Texas

4747 Research Forest Drive @ Gosling—The Woodlands, Texas

12606 I-45 North—Willis, Texas

24350 Kuykendahl Road—Tomball, Texas

15802 Champion Forest—Spring, Texas

2222 I-45 North—Conroe, Texas

6060 FM 2920—Spring, Texas

14060 FM 2920—Tomball, Texas

220 South Loop—Conroe, Texas

10010 Cypresswood Drive—Houston, Texas

3410 Northpark Drive—Kingwood, Texas

19300 W. Lake Houston—Humble, Texas