ALEXANDRIA, Va., USA  – “Operation Cookie” To Ship More Than 14,000 Boxes

Agility Defense & Government Services (DGS), a global logistics leader, and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) have teamed up to deliver 14,100 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to U.S. troops currently serving in Iraq.

The effort -- “Operation Cookie” -- was led by Girl Scout Troop 208 of the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey.

SAIC shipped the cookies from a warehouse in Dover, N.J. to Kuwait.  Agility moved the 8582-pound load, which included 1,500 boxes of Thanks-A-Lot cookies, to Iraq in refrigerated trucks. There, the shipment was turned over to the U.S. military for final delivery to troops stationed across the country. The New Jersey Army National Guard also participated in Operation Cookie and shipped an additional 276 boxes of cookies. 

“Agility is proud to be part of the Girl Scouts’ effort to bring a taste of home to our fighting men and women in Iraq,” said Maj. Gen Dan Mongeon, USA (Ret), the president and CEO of Agility DGS. “As the main provider of food to U.S. troops in Iraq, we recognize the planning and dedication behind this effort. Agility commends Girl Scout Troop 208 for all of their hard work in organizing Operation Cookie.”

Claire Marinello, a 16-year-old from Montville, NJ, coordinated the effort on behalf of the Girls Scouts. She was responsible for nearly doubling their 2008 goal of sending 7,000 boxes of cookies to troops. Operation Cookie originated four years ago as an effort by a Montville Township Girl Scout Troop to bring cookies to servicemen and women serving overseas. Since then, 8,412 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies have gone to U.S. troops abroad. 

“Shipping and distribution are the most challenging pieces of Operation Cookie,” Marinello said.  “I hoped to send as many Girl Scout cookies as possible to Iraq, so I had to have a more reliable and affordable way to do it.  I’m grateful to Agility and SAIC for their help and enthusiasm.”