A Soldier Reveals How He Executed “Operation Cantaloupe”

The simple comforts of home and what they mean to those serving in the armed forces were shared by Western Growers Board Member Steve Patricio of Westside Produce and his son Garrett, Westside’s vice president and general counsel.

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According to Western Growers, the story offers a narrative of how Vincent Onate planned and executed “Operation Cantaloupe” while serving on the front lines in Afghanistan in 2011. His story not only acknowledges the adversity faced by those in the military, but a reminder of why brand recognition is so important and what a high-quality product can mean to loyal customers.

While serving in Afghanistan, Ornate watched a supply helicopter unload fresh food and water. He spotted boxes labeled TRI, a box he recognized as being from Westside Produce out of Firebaugh, CA. The boxes contained cantaloupe grown by Ted Snyder, who has grown melons for Westside for nearly 20 years.

A mission caused Onate and his squad team members to miss out on the fresh food, but not on the fresh cantaloupe which was grown in Onate’s backyard. Having seen the “TRI” boxes being previously unloaded, upon return from his patrol, Onate created a plan that would allow him and his squad to partake in some of the cantaloupes. What ensued was ‘Operation Cantaloupe.’

Click here to read the full story from Western Growers.

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