The Gratitude Project Honoring Those Who Put Their Lives on the Line

Every day, professional law enforcers, military men and women, and emergency responders risk their lives to save others. And The Gratitude Project hopes to bring honor to those who risk life and limb to protect and serve the general public. The charity looks to create and run programs that express gratitude to those who make sacrifices to defend others.

Nowadays, political turmoil surrounds the law enforcement community. With recent police brutality reports toward the African American and minority population, defending good lawmen isn’t a prevalent notion. But The Gratitude Project stands by the belief that there are still good men in the police force, and they deserve to be honored and even defended as well. The group maintains that policemen and women are people too, with families that have nightmares about losing their loved ones. So the organization hopes that they can do good for the multitudes of just law enforcers who give their all to serve the public.

The Las Vegas-based non-profit organization runs various programs to protect and serve those who protect and serve. One of The Gratitude Project’s many initiatives involves shipping K-9 enforcers to police agencies in need.

The Gratitude Project also hosts the Hidden Heroes Gala, an event meant to honor people’s service in law enforcement. The first gala happened in 2018 as an independent effort. But the following year, the LVMPD Foundation partnered with The Gratitude Project to make it an annual event. The event honors the unrecognized units for their service to the department and public. This year, the Hidden Heroes Gala honored the Communications Bureau and the K-9 Unit. Last year, the gala also honored the LVMPD’s Redaction Unit, who watched body cam video footage for months from the October 1 shoot out tragedy in Las Vegas.

Behind the vision of the non-profit is Nami Oneda, a Japanese philanthropist and professional fitness trainer. The founder is committed to gratitude as a way of life. Nami also believes that the best way that we express our gratefulness is through our actions. As an avid supporter of law enforcement, first responders, military, veterans, and K9 units, she has dedicated her work and life to give honor where honor is due.

The Gratitude Project founder Nami is a former ballet dancer and fitness instructor who resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her chocolate Labrador, Kona. She has been pursuing a career in fitness since 2008 but has continued to carve out significant time to help and volunteer for worthy causes. Closest to her heart are causes that work for the benefit of emergency responders, law enforcers, veterans, and military personnel. Some of the charities she supports include USO, Warrior Project, Canine Companions for Independence, Mission K9 Rescue, Wounded, and Injured Police Officers Fund.

Nami Oneda is also the author of Dog Teams, a book that sheds light on the LVMPD K9 section. The book aims to be a civilian’s perspective on law enforcement written for civilians, showing an unbiased account of K9 teams’ dangers. The books have received numerous praises from K9 handlers, maintaining that Dog Teams has given a voice to those who have not had the chance to speak up.

Dog Teams is a full account that explores K-9 handlers’ work and the sacrifices they have to make. Nami’s book also dives deep into the bond that officers build with their dogs and the many adventures they go into together. The book is currently available on Amazon as it has received positive reviews from dog lovers, law enforcement enthusiasts, and supporters. Dog Teams will give a great depth of introspection into the methods and challenges of these modern-day heroes.

The Gratitude Project hopes to increase more awareness and recognition for law enforcers. They also look to honor veterans and military men and women who serve their country selflessly. Through their initiatives, the charity hopes to shed light on the selfless efforts and sacrifices of those who look to protect the law and land.

To learn more about The Gratitude Project and their initiatives, visit their official website and Facebook page.