Blog
November 26, 2008
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With over 40% illiteracy rates and exposure to formal education limited to roughly one-third of school age children, providing the necessary tools to make school accessible and viable is critical to the future of Djibouti, a front-line state in the war on global terrorism. Spirit of America is pleased to support LCDR Lya Theodoratos' outreach to children in Djibouti. Thanks to the contributions to SoA's Unrestricted Fund, 100 school kits have already been distributed and 200 more are on the way to LCDR Theodoratos and those serving with her. The LCDR provided this update on the distribution of the initial school kits:
On November 23, 2008, Navy military personnel from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa visited the Douda Elementary School which is a small town on the outskirts of Djibouti City, approximately 30 km from the Somalia border.
This elementary school has approximately 250 students. LCDR Lya Theodoratos is the point of contact for Spirit of America and is very supportive of providing support to the local community. LCDR Theodoratos is the Facilities Engineer and Acquisition Division Director in the Public Works Department of Camp Lemonier, the Navy’s only expeditionary base. Accompanying her on this humanitarian outreach mission were LT Antoine Thornton, Camp Security Officer, LTjg Stephanie Lastinger, Camp Financial Officer, and MAC Luis Arboleda, Master at Arms Chief. The children were very excited and waited in anticipation to get the much needed school supplies. The children started to congregate around us as we began to stage and open the boxes, but their teachers were quick to order them back to their classrooms. The children were then brought out by class and received the supplies in an orderly fashion. This visit was made possible by Mr. Mohammed Waberi who works for LCDR Theodoratos as a translator. His support was crucial in arranging this visit and to communicate with the school director and teachers during out visit.
LCDR Lya Theodoratos and friends at school drop
LCDR Lya Theordoratos hands out school kits in Djibouti
All smiles in Djibouti after school kit distribution |
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November 25, 2008
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As part of your contributions to the Unrestricted Fund, Spirit of America sent 200 school kits, hygiene kits and soccer balls at the request of LCDR Jon Lindsay serving with Special Operations Task Force West in al-Anbar Province, Iraq. Though LCDR Lindsay has returned home, Jim Conway serving with the Task Force confirmed for us that the donations have been distributed to the delight of Iraqi children in the area.
Boys in Anbar receive soccer balls from Special Ops Mr. Conway writes, "Thanks again for your support, we have actually already distributed a very large amount of everything you had sent us. I was out with some Marines yesterday and we handed out a ton of soccer balls and school kits, the kids loved them and we actually didn't have enough for the amount of kids there were. Then tonight we also handed out an entire bag of soccer balls. I have pictures from both I will get together and send your way. We passed out the materials to our other detachments throughout the region and they have been handing everything out as well. We would love for you to continue supporting us here with anything you can send, the soccer balls and school kits are definitely the most popular items. Thanks again." Respectfully,
With your continued support of SoA's Unrestricted Fund, we will provide for additional item for the Special Operations Task Force and other projects in need. More photos of the distribution of supplies:
Sharing Supplies in Anbar
Handing out supplies in Anbar Province, Iraq
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November 24, 2008
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As part of SoA's support of US Army Corps of Engineers Angela Drinkwitz's project to support a Community Learning Center for Girls and Young Women, sewing supplies and jump ropes are on their way to Baghdad.
Crochet class led by USACE Angela Drinkwitz |
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November 21, 2008
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My name is Dennis Norris, and I am the new executive director of Spirit of America. I am a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, and I also served for ten years as a San Francisco police officer. There were a few issues that caused me to change careers, not the least of which was an on-duty injury, but I have always defined myself most in life by these military and quasi-military experiences. It was in these environments that I matured and learned to become a leader. For the past 20 years I have enjoyed a successful career in nonprofit management thanks to this early exposure to discipline and preparation, which brings me to the here and now.
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Greetings Friends and Supporters!
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November 18, 2008
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I’m very pleased to report that Dennis Norris has accepted our offer to join Spirit of America as our new Executive Director. Among many other things, Dennis served in the US Coast Guard. Fittingly, our offer was made and accepted on Veterans’ Day.
Dennis brings a rare combination of successful nonprofit leadership, a hands-on entrepreneurial approach and service to our country. He has served as the Executive Director of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Indiana. He built the Paws for Patriots Program at Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, FL, which provides guide dogs for soldiers blinded in Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition to the US Coast Guard, Dennis served in the San Francisco Police Department. Dennis is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley. He’s an accomplished drummer and triathlete. Earlier this year Dennis was competing in an Ironman triathlon. He had completed the 2.4 mile swim and was 70 miles into the 112 mile bicycle race when another competitor made an errant right turn into Dennis’ path. Dennis hit the bike, flew over his handlebars and broke his collarbone. With his injury Dennis went on to complete the triathlon – biking another 42 miles and running a full marathon. The men and women Spirit of America serves will benefit from determination like that. He has been on the job only 5 days but has already begun making a significant contribution. I am very excited about Spirit of America’s future under Dennis’ leadership. Most importantly, we are seeing a greater need for our assistance from American soldiers and Marines in Afghanistan, Africa and Iraq. Dennis will ensure we are able to meet those needs. You’ll be hearing directly from Dennis soon. More on his background is here: http://www.spiritofamerica.net/site/who/Dennis_Norris All the best, Jim Hake Founder & Chairman |
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November 14, 2008
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Thanks to your generous contributions to Spirit of America's Unrestricted Fund, Iraqi children near Forward Operation Base Kalsu about 25 miles South of Baghdad have school supplies and toys. In response to the request from Army Chaplain (CPT) Shannon Philio, SoA sent 250 school kits which include backpacks, packs of notebook paper and a pencil box filled with supplies along with beanie babies, soccer balls and other toys totaling over $5,000. Chaplain Philio sent a big "Thank You" (literally!) with the following note: "I loaded up the milvan with the school supplies that you and others sent. The truck left this morning. The team that is going to distribute it at the local school will call me the once a date is determined. I may or may not be able to attend, but the Soldiers who go into the schools regularly promised to take pictures and send to me. My leadership frowns upon chaplains getting out in public venues. It can be overprotective at times. This close to redeploying, I’m now being told to let these Soldiers who I know very well distribute the supplies. We are going to bring many smiles to the kids of Iraq. Just wanted to let you know the goodwill is not sitting gathering dust. More forthcoming! · 250 backpacks · 500 reams of paper · 250 school kits · 100 boxes of school supplies, i.e. pencils, scissors, glue, folders, crayons, etc. · 250 soccer balls · 500 shirts (S-M-L kids’ sizes) · 1000 Ty stuffed animals CH (CPT) Shannon K. Philio, USA
Beanies, beanies and more beanies!
Boxes of supplies from Spirit of America |
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November 13, 2008
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Army Captain Terri Selph has a passion for helping wounded Afghan citizens injured by roadside bombs. As we posted in her project page, Wheelchairs for Afghanistan, Cpt. Selph contacted Spirit of America to provide wheelchairs to give these wounded adults and children better mobility.
"This is awesome news and I am so excited about this! These wheelchairs will improve the quality of life immensely for the Afghan people who have lost limbs due to land mine accidents. I'm hoping to find a boy I met back in April who experienced such a tragedy who will benefit from your hard work and generousity...Thank you so much!"--Army Captain Terri Selph, Afghanistan
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November 12, 2008
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Spirit of America is now on Facebook! Come find our page and add us for updates, info, and to connect with other supporters like you!
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November 6, 2008
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Spirit of America was excited to receive a request from CPT Jason Hetzel, a member of the Army Humanitarian Assistance Team in Morocco, Africa. CPT Hetzel's primary work is to provide humanitarian assistance to the people in Africa. Here is an excerpt from his original request:
Humanitarian Assistance Team Members and African Locals We were more than happy to help this soldier from Ft Bragg, NC, spread good will in Africa. CPT Hetzel informed us he and his team have plans for a project at a local school in November and to aid that project, we have sent 100 backpacks with school supplies. He responds, "The children will be very excited to receive the backpacks as many of them use plastic bags to carry what little they have now. And I will most definitely send you a description and pictures of the event." We can't wait to hear about the distribution and to see the pictures!! |
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November 5, 2008
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Chaplain Assistant SPC Jonathon Kissam has reached out for Spirit ofAmerica's assistance in a very special project. Along with hisChaplain, CPT Steve Dunn, SPC Kissam plans to adopt an orphanage wherethey are stationed in Northern Iraq. Of course, this is no smallundertaking, and many items are needed to improve the lives of thechildren in need- particularly blankets, children's shoes, and toys.Originally from FT Wainwright, Alaska, these soldiers will be in thecountry until next August and are eager to bring comfort to theseorphaned children. SPC Kissam is already expressing his gratitude inhis initial emails with us as he writes, "thank you for all you andyour supporters do...God bless and take care!"
SPC Kissam with CPT Steve Dunn Visit SPC Kissam's project page here to donate |
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October 22, 2008
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Greetings Friends and Supporters! As Jim mentioned in the last email, we've made some military outreach efforts in the last couple of months to further spread the word about how Spirit of America can help, and the response has generated many new requests! It's going to take a couple of emails just to bring you up to date, so let's get started! Following are 4 new requestors, and any and all could use your support. The requests really run the gamut, from farming tools to sewing supplies and more. With your generous support, we can and will do it all! ARMY SSG DALE RACE NEEDS FARMING TOOLS FOR KUNAR PROVINCE IN AFGHANISTAN
"These people here in this country know that we are here to help and not here to take away any rights, religion or personal freedoms, for they have seen the good we have done. By building schools, police stations, energy stations and roads that have helped thousands benefit from this. I would like to go one step farther and start one on one and work with our current civil affairs to help these people in our area with your help. How do I get started?
Read More about SSG Dale Race in Asadabad. STAFF SERGEANT CHARLES ROBINSON REACHES OUT TO DEAF CHILDREN IN IRAQ
CHAPLAIN DAMON SAXTON AND THE 7TH SUSTAINMENT BRIGADE
As luck would have it, I found a familiar name along with a photo of many familiar faces! Many of my colleagues from the US Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Division were in the photo along with a message from MAJ Ben Rivera about wheelchairs provided to a prosthetics clinic here in Iraq. Upon my discovery, I ran right up stairs to speak with Ben about your organization. He was kind enough to forward to me your contact information...I would appreciate any assistance you may be able to provide.
Spirit of America will spend over $50,000 from the Unrestricted Fund in the next couple of weeks to give these projects (and more) a healthy "jump start". Help us keep up the momentum by supporting the efforts of our deployed men and women serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and Africa!
All the best, Spirit of America
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October 21, 2008
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Please take a minute to check out the new project page for Army Staff Sergeant Charles Robinson in Iraq for supplies for a Deaf School and Medical Clinics. With your support of his project, SoA will provide school kits, wheelchairs and basic medical supplies to help improve the lives of local Iraqis where SSG Robinson serves. SSG Robinson wrote to us describing some of their recent efforts to provide humanitarian aid:
SSG Robinson with kids during aid drop We put 346 school bags together yesterday and plan to put another 65 together Monday. It looks like our first school drop will be the 23rd. We will be taking 45 school bags to a school for the deaf and mute in northern Muthana Provence. I will take pictures and send them to you. For right now the School Drop for the new school that we are building should be done on 6NOV08. We will also be doing a all girls school soon for 300 students; we will also deliver around 132 school desks that the Chapel (with volunteers) have built for them. We will also be doing additional school drops in joint operations with our Romanian Allies that are stationed here. Each School Bag has paper, ruler, pencils, crayons, color pencils, eraser, pencil sharpener, scissors, pencil box, folder, and a toy. I will send you pictures of all of these events. The idea is to do school drops throughout October and November. We are especially short on pencil sharpeners. We will also hand out a soccer ball to each student.
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October 17, 2008
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Spirit of America is happy to report that SSG William Disoso in Iraq emailed us good news and pictures to share! We had sent soccer balls for he and his fellow soldiers to distribute amongst the children in the area of Iraq that they serve in. The distribution was a success and made many children smile. SSG Disoso writes:
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October 16, 2008
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The camping gear and art supplies purchased for the Iraqi Scouts under SoA's Green Zone Council Outfits Iraqi Scouts project and at the request of 1LT Greg Hembree have been delivered! We will share photos as soon as we have them. You will be pleased to know that I just got back from a week-long trip to Baghdad where I coordinated the delivery of the Coleman Camping gear as well as all of the arts and crafts supplies collected by our scouts in the US. The equipment for the Victory Base Council is safe and sound at their scout camp, ready for their scouts to use at their next outing. The equipment destined for the Green Zone Council is scheduled to convoy to the their location in the next few days and will subsequently be stored at the GZC's scout camp. I don't yet have any photos of the boys actually using their equipment, but I've asked the wonderful adult volunteers to get me some pictures at the earliest opportunity. " 1LT Greg Hembree |
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October 9, 2008
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We recently received another message from Colonel Jane Curtis stationed near Baghdad. Col. Curtis requested 150 school kits in August and, thanks to your generous contributions to Spirit of America's Unrestricted Fund, we were able to 250 kits which have already started to arrived! Just wanted to send you a couple of pictures to start. The kids in this picture belong to families that have fled from the terrorists and are in a sort of protected status. The lady handing out the bags watches out for the families.
Handing out supplies in Iraq |
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September 17, 2008
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Greetings Friends and Supporters! In this email, it's all about updating you on the efforts of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines to support, through Spirit of America, the children in Afghanistan, Iraq or Africa with what they need to have a positive experience when starting school,some for the very first time! We've got quite a few grateful requestors, so we'll be brief in order to mention as many as possible. Everybody wants to be part of this story!: *Army SSG Matthew Norsen in Afghanistan, pictured below, writes:
Backpacks and soccer balls are on the way to SSG Norsen! *Sgt Michael Aguero in Iraq said he has storage and anever ending supply of kids! The order has been placed and he will receive 2,000 school backpacks with supplies. We just got word that they are shipping now. *CPT Damon Saxton, a Chaplain in Iraq, writes to us in September after hearing we will send 200 backpacks and soccer balls. In his email response: "Thanks again for your support. Please let all your supporters know that we truly appreciate all that they do. I can't think of a better name for your organization. It will be hard for these kids to think that any bad things they hear about America are true when they see our love and generosity."
Pictured above are the local children who will directly benefit from CPT Saxton and his fellow soldiers rebuilding their desks and school. Spirit of America will provide the missing piece, the school supplies they need. The soccer balls are a welcome bonus and all part of the "big picture" to help these kids really BE kids! *Army SPC Kevin Christoffersen who is stationed in a very small rural area in Iraq looks forward to handing out the 100 backpacks sent by Spirit of America. *LCDR McDowell in Iraq requested 100 hygiene kits, they have shipped! *Air Force Chaplain Michael Baker in Iraq looks forward to receiving 250 soccer balls with pumps. NEW REQUESTORS IN AFRICA!
*Army Civil Affairs MAJ Michael Poirier in Senegal, Africa will be receiving 100 backpacks, soccer balls, hygiene kits, and the ever lovable beanie babies. They also need solar lanterns and we're sourcing them now. QUICK UPDATES ON PREVIOUS REQUESTORS:
"Hello there. I got the Sandals in just yesterday and they have already been sent to be distributed out to the local community. The locals were shocked when I showed them the shoes brand new in the box. You all are outstanding!
*Colonel Jane Curtis stationed in Iraq, should have just received her 250 backpacks. We have worked with her before supplying toys. She asks: "Would 150 be too many? We have started work in an area where a lot of farm kids live. They do not get the exposure or benefits of being near the American military so they have not received any of the goodies that the kids in the International Zone have gotten. We will be most grateful for anything you can send our way.
We are currently researching the best way to fulfill recent requests for more wheelchairs, large storage bins for grain, and solar lanterns. The winter weather will be settling in soon and we are also scrambling to fulfill multiple requests for clothing to help these poor families stay warm. We'll be back soon with more updates on how Spirit of America is putting your donations to good use!
Spirit of America
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September 5, 2008
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Spirit of America is always happy to help enhance the educational experience for a child in need. Luckily, we have had several opportunities recently to do just that. We currently have backpacks with school supplies en route to SPC Kevin Christoffersen in Iraq. He is stationed in a very small rural area and looks forward to handing out the backpacks to children saying:
"It's always great to see the smiles on the kids and their parents faces when we hand them out them as little as a small piece of candy" Also en route are 1000 backpacks to LTC John Boyle stationed in Afghanistan. After the happy response received from the children when LTC Boyle distributed backpacks previously, he could not wait to request more to hand out! Lastly, Chaplain Shannon Philio in Iraq returned from R&R to the school supplies and soccer balls we sent to him! He will not be distributing the items until the beginning of October as explained in his following email: "Ramadan is the 9th month of the Muslim Calendar. It began 1 September and ends at the end of the month. During this month, Muslims fast. They can't eat or drink, including water, from sunrise to sunset. School is on break during Ramadan. I'll deliver the supplies to the school upon their return in October. I'll take pictures and share with you. Thanks again to you and Spirit of America." We look forward with anticipation to receive the pictures from each one of these distributions and can't wait to share them with you as well! |
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August 29, 2008
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As we have mentioned before in our blogs and donor emails, sometimes we complete projects in just a few weeks and some projects can take many months from conception to delivery of the final goods. Though some initial supplies have already been sent for SoA's Help Army SFC John Ingrum Help Iraqi Children, we have been working to coordinate the delivery of 3,000 school kits donated by SoA's wonderful donor Bob Dohse. Several shipping challenges delayed the final pickup of supplies but we are excited to report that the kits are scheduled to board an ocean container on 9/10. The school kits are bound for SFC John Carro who is currently stationed in Habur Gate, Iraq and is waiting anxiously for the delivery which should arrive in time for the start of the new school year. A special thanks go to Doug Franco and Orchard International who have stored the kits for us for many months at no charge. |
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August 22, 2008
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When Chaplain Abe Dispennette contacted us from Afghanistan, he was looking to help the local children in the community he is stationed in. His request was for soccer balls and sandals. He wrote to us saying "I wish I could explain how excited these kids are to get something like that...it's like giving a kid in the states an XBox."
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