Ohio evergreen trees head to US bases overseas

Christmas trees from Ohio head overseas to bring holiday flare to US military bases in Kuwait

11/24/2012

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Evergreen trees from Ohio will soon bring holiday cheer to U.S. military bases in Kuwait.

The Ohio Christmas Tree Association is sending 110 trees overseas as part of an annual effort to brighten the season for service members. The packages of trees containing some ornaments from Ohio schools and churches were expected to arrive around Thanksgiving.

Galehouse is the coordinator of Operation Evergreen, an effort the association started in 1995.

Galehouse operates a tree farm near Akron. She says about 40 tree growers in the state donated the trees this year.

The trees have previously gone to U.S. military installations in Iraq, Bosnia, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Ohio's Department of Agriculture helps inspect the trees to make sure no bugs or diseases hitch a ride.