Op-Ed: More Than Just a Box of Cookies

By Col. Thomas Sullivan

During my deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan, some of the most meaningful moments came in the form of something simple, a box of Girl Scout cookies. I received these packages many times during my 30 years of service, and each one carried more than just treats. They were reminders that, even thousands of miles from home, people were thinking about us and supporting us.

In those environments, small gestures go a long way. Opening a box of cookies and sharing them with fellow service members brought a sense of connection and a brief moment of normalcy. It reminded us of home, of community, and of the people who stood behind us. Those boxes had a real impact on morale, and it is something that has stayed with me long after my service.

That is why it was especially meaningful for me to be invited to join the Girl Scouts of Nassau County for their Operation Cookie program. Since 2005, this initiative has given people the option to donate Girl Scout cookies to U.S. troops overseas, resulting in tens of thousands of boxes being shipped each year. In recent years, the program has expanded to also support local hometown heroes, continuing that same spirit of generosity.

The 2026 Cookie Run, which transports donations from Nassau County to JFK Airport for shipment overseas, is a powerful example of that effort in action. With support from partners like DHL, who provide free shipping, these donations reach service members stationed around the world.

I was invited to speak with the Scouts because I had experienced firsthand what those boxes mean. I was able to share that it is never just about the cookies. It is about the message behind them and the reminder that people back home care. Being able to come full circle, from receiving those packages during deployment to thanking the Scouts in person, was truly meaningful.