About Us
What We Do
Operation: Quiet Comfort is an entirely volunteer-driven organization overseen by a dedicated board of directors. Members span across the United States, sharing information via email, Facebook, and Instagram. Numerous members organize events in their local communities to highlight the organization’s mission, recruit volunteers, raise awareness, and encourage participation. Additionally, some members find fulfillment in contributing to our projects from the comfort of their homes by writing cards, sewing, or knitting projects. Others participate in packing events located in Plymouth, Indiana supporting our brave military men and women.
Our Leadership Team
Ken Houin
President
Ken Houin resides in Plymouth, IN, with his wife, Jan, and has been an active participant in Operation: Quiet Comfort since 2006. A proud Purdue graduate and a retired industrial controls electrician, he is also an Army veteran of the 529th Military Police Company, giving him a strong connection to the military community.
Operation: Quiet Comfort aligns perfectly with Ken’s skills and passion for assisting others, particularly military personnel and veterans. His daily involvement includes fundraising, packing “Go Bags,” and preparing shipments to the troops, ensuring he makes a meaningful contribution to the organization.
Peggy Reynolds
Vice President
Peggy Reynolds lives in Plymouth, IN with her husband, Mike. They have a grown daughter and a grandson. Peggy began hearing about Operation: Quiet Comfort when her sister, Jan Houin, became involved. Her first “hands on” experience was when the 2009 Holiday Packing day was held in Plymouth, IN.
As all of the packing shifted to Plymouth, Peggy became more involved and committed to taking an active role in coordinating packing events. She has been active in fundraising and sharing the mission of Operation: Quiet Comfort with others to see that the packages of love and comfort continue to reach our injured troops.
Jan Houin
Purchasing & Shipping Coordinator
Jan Houin lives in Plymouth, IN, with her husband, Ken. They are the parents of 4 children and 10 wonderful grandchildren. Jan has enjoyed a home business as an Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay, Inc. for over 30 years. After joining a local club of Toastmasters International a few years ago, Jan combined her speaking skills and life experience into a speaking business called “Sharing Life’s Lessons.”
In 2006 Jan learned about OQC. With a son in the Navy at that time and a son-in-law in the Army, Jan wanted to do something for our troops but didn’t know what or how. OQC has given her a way to channel that energy. She is willing to share our mission with any size group that will listen — one or thousands — and give others the opportunity to show that a grateful nation truly cares. Jan has been a member of OQC since 2007 and a board member since 2008.
Naomi Podlesak
Treasurer
Naomi Podlesak lives in Plymouth, IN with her husband, Matt, and four children: Austin, Devon, Ethan, and Emma. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Valparaiso University, MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University, and is currently employed at Marshall County REMC as the CFO. Additionally, she is the Regent with the Tippecanoe River-Wythougan Chapter of the Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution.
Naomi was introduced to Operation: Quiet Comfort at the Plymouth home show around 2014. She has regularly donated her time to volunteering at the annual dinner, donating in-kind items, and telling others about the organization.
Aimee Blue
Secretary
Aimee lives in Warsaw, IN and teaches 3rd grade. Aimee is the mother of an energetic eight-year-old daughter and is married to a Marine. Chad served during the Iraqi War and was deployed to the front lines twice. He specialized in demolition and was part of a Sapper Unit. He is a Purple Heart recipient.
Her family is proud to have all branches of the military covered, except the Coast Guard. Her parents are both retired Air Force, her sister, Chief Elizabeth Huber, served in the Navy as a Nuclear Engineer, her brother-in-law is a Major in the Army and has been deployed twice to the Middle East, step-father served in the Air Force during Vietnam, and many uncles, one aunt, and even more cousins have served or are serving today.
“We are a proud military family and I am so happy to have found this organization so that I can show my support to our military and make a small difference to offer gratitude to those that are sacrificing for our country.”
Emily Chrum
Board Member
Emily lives in St. Charles, MO with her family, 2 cats, and 3 fish. She’s been involved in Operation: Quiet Comfort for over a decade. Several of her family members and her best friend were/are active duty in various branches of the military. Emily wanted to go into the Air Force but health issues prevented that. She still supports our troops in every way she can.
Emily is working on becoming a 911 operator and plans on attending nursing school. Now she is focusing on family and supporting our troops through Operation: Quiet Comfort.