Operation Support Our Troops-America earns top rating from Charity Navigator for fifth consecutive year

Operation Support Our Troops - America's strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator. This is the fifth consecutive time that OSOT-America has earned this top distinction.

Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics, focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness, to its ratings methodology. These Accountability & Transparency metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity's overall rating, reveal which charities operate in accordance with industry best practices and whether they are open with their donors and stakeholders.

"OSOT-America's exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public," according to Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator. "Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This adds OSOT-America to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world's most pressing challenges. Based on its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support OSOT-America.

"OSOT-America's recognition for the 5th straight year is a testament to the stewardship of this great organization by those that came before me. We are proud of this accomplishment and remain committed to our mission and our efforts to not only follow best practices but to also help establish them. Thank you to our staff, volunteers and supporters for being there every day for our military community," said Scott Maxson, executive director of OSOT-America.

OSOT-America has developed multiple programs to support active duty military, veterans, and their families, including:

• Veterans Assistance Program which provides stopgap measure funding to veterans and their families in need who are experiencing financial crisis.

• Leap of Faith Program which helps support Families of the Fallen through a three-day grief healing collaboration seminar "Leap of Faith" with the Army Golden Knights Parachute Team or the All Veteran Parachute Team which provides a growth experience based around a tandem sky-dive.

• Comfort and Care Package Program for deployed troops serving in harm's way. In 2019 OSOT-America hit a milestone by shipping our 2 millionth pound to deployed troops since inception 18 years ago. We continue to support our active duty military that are deployed in over 70% of the world's countries.

• G.I. Yoga Program teaches stress relief methods and tools to manage symptoms of PTSD and traumatic brain injury.

to veterans and their family members by using the practice of yoga. All classes are taught by certified yoga instructors. Free to veterans and their families. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic classes are being taught online on the G.I. Yoga YouTube channel.

Visit www.osotAmerica.org to donate and for more information.

OSOT-America humbly began at the dining room table of founders Bill and Deb Rickert who wanted to support troops with needed supplies while serving their country and has grown into a top rated nonprofit charity with a four star rating from Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org), Great Non-Profits (www.greatnonprofits.org), a Platinum Award from Guidestar (www.guidestar.org) and the Best of 630 award from Chamber 630 for the most inspirational nonprofit organization.

The mission of OSOT-America is to support the morale and well-being of American forces by providing comfort, resources and education to all involved both while deployed and the soldier's return. As a volunteer-based nonprofit organization, OSOT-America provides the opportunity for community members to express their appreciation and also offer support for our troops. Engaged in the longest war of our country's history, and with our servicemen and women completing multiple tours of duty, OSOT-America is committed to showing them that "We Have NOT Forgotten." Volunteer opportunities are available and to donate, please call (630) 971-1150 for more information.