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A few more photos from the Marines Evening Parade, May 22, 2009.

More below ...

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As part of Spirit of America's US Troops Request Winter Clothing project, we recently funded the shipping of over 75 boxes of donated winter coats bound for the people of Paktya Province, Afghanistan at the request of Major David Gaitonde, physician with the 1-40th Squadron stationed in Gardez.  As Maj. Gaitonde pointed out in his request letter to us, "Afghanistan is one of the five poorest countries in the world and its winters can be extremely cold, especially at higher elevations." Thanks to your generous contribution, Spirit of America was able to facilitate shipping of the boxes which should arrive in mid-July.

We will update you on the arrival of the coats, but in the meantime, take a minute to read the article, Church sends coats to Afghanistan, from the Columbia County News-Times in Evans, Georgia about the efforts of the Wesley UMC Youth Group to collect, clean and box these coats to help Maj. Gaitonde and the Afghan people.

Wesley UMC Church Group from Evans, GA collected winter coats for Major Gaitonde

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Check out this link for a short video "from the frontlines" featuring the Marines of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Spirit of America has purchased over $40,000 worth of supplies for the 3/8 through our Support Marines in Afghanistan project with more to come!

A 40' ocean container full of medical supplies and an ultrasound should arrive to the 3/8 courtesy of you and Spirit of America in the next few days.  In addition, we are purchasing the 2nd wave of requested supplies submitted by Lieutenant Colonel Dave Odom and coordinated with the help of Marine Major Brian Mulvihill. We'll post information on those supplies along with photos and updates of the receipt of the initial donations as soon as we can. 

In the meantime, please consider donating to the 3/8 project! We've made a dent in their list of items needed for the local civilians and security forces, but there is much more to be done. As the fight in Afghanistan changes from the "forgotten war" to the US military's top priority, the Marines are playing a crucial role. Your support of this project will directly help the 3/8 improve conditions and forge positive relationships with the local citizens.

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Given that our "customers", i.e. the military contacts that we work through to provide supplies in Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa, are thousands of miles away while we are partnering with them, it's not often that the SoA staff gets to "meet and greet" our wonderful project requestors. Recently however, Executive Director Dennis Norris and Project Director Michele Redmond traveled to Fort Stewart, Georgia near the city of Savannah, to spend the day with Army Chaplain (Captain) Shannon Philio. A very warm "Thank You" to CPT Philio for being so hospitable and for being such a natural on camera!

Through contributions to SoA's Unrestricted Fund, CPT Philio received over 250 school kits, soccer balls and toys that were distributed to the children of Iraq. We visited with him to get his thoughts on how the supplies truly made a positive difference for the citizens he countered and to hear his story of how being involved in the humanitarian outreach helped make his time in Iraq meaningful. Over and over CPT Philio shared the message that giving out needed supplies helps to form friendships and provides a tangible reminder that the Americans care about what happens in Iraq.

Our goal is to publish a short video of his message on the SoA site for all to view so that you can hear first hand the tremendous difference your support makes in the lives of these soldiers and the people they assist.  We'll keep you updated on the progress of editing the video into a polished format but in the meantime, please enjoy these photos that CPT Philio provided of his last engagement to hand out the SoA school kits:

Army CPT (Chaplain) Shannon Philio with friends

CPT Philio and an Iraqi Army soldier share a smile
Outside an Iraqi primary (elementary) school

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In September of 2008, Army Captain Terri Selph contacted Spirit of America in a quest to provide wheelchairs to Afghans injured by land mines. Unfortunately, despite recent progress, Afghanistan's continued state of conflict over the last several decades has made it one of the most mined countries in the world. Medical facilities and resources are in short supply to treat those who lose limbs or are disfigured due to land mines.

Thanks to your support of the Wheelchairs for Afghanistan project and to SoA's Unrestricted Fund, Spirit of America was able to respond quickly to Cpt. Selph's request by providing 15 wheelchairs. In the last several weeks, the wheelchairs have arrived in Afghanistan and Captain Selph has been promoted to Major!  Please join our staff in congratulation Major Selph for a job well done and read her message concerning the distribution of wheelchairs. It will sadden and inspire you all in the same breath:

"Attached is one of the little ones that has benefitted from the wheelchairs that Spirit of America sent recently.  He is five years old and, unfortunately, an incident with a land mine took his foot and part of his leg.  In spite of the accident, he continued to smile and was adorable. 

During the same visit a few weeks ago, I met an 11 year old boy who also was injured by a land mine.  He lost his right arm and had significant injuries on his back and side. This little boy was more concerned about his grandfather receiving a new pair of shoes than himself. 

It's truly amazing what the Afghan people overcome on a daily basis. They are kind and generous and are extremely grateful for the donations they receive.  I have been touched by them and will continue to act on their behalf for as long as I can.  I will be redeploying in the May timeframe.  Thank you again for your contributions and for making a significant difference in the lives of the Afghan people."

VR
MAJ Terri Selph

Army Major Terri Selph brings smiles during visit to clinic

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Through donations to Spirit of America's Unrestricted Fund, children in two villages in Iraq now have school supplies to support their learning experience. Army First Sergeant (1SG) Dean Parks spent the end of 2008 (even Christmas Eve!) visiting local school children and handing out much-needed school kits. Please read on for more information on the distribution and the progress being made to encourage a better future through education for Iraqi kids. 

Iraqi schoolgirls enjoy SoA school kits

 "I finally was able to go out and contribute to the community! I have a lot of fun it was great to put a smile on the kids faces! We visited a school called Villa Al Ahohania. It was a village of about 300 kids and I had a blast! I have attached some pictures I hope you can enjoy them, I have a lot more but restricted on the size of file that we can send out!  On Christmas Eve I had the pleasure of visiting another school located at Andalucia Village. There was not as many kids there the Seik said that some of the kids were on holiday. This school was also a lot of fun! They were spelling and counting in english. The teachers are doing a really great job there! One of the items that they keep asking for are soccer balls, footballs, basketballs (toys) and school supplies! The soldiers had a great time! There is not just one school that we visit we try to visit as many as possible!

I am from Harker Heights Texas and I am stationed at Fort Hood Texas. I am interested in doing this because it doesn't matter where you are in this world it is all about the kids because they are the next generation. If you can change one opinion for the better it might save a life on either side and make it better! It also helps out with the mission because if the locals realize that we are friendly and that we are here to help then they might help us against our enemies."

1SG Parks visits an Iraqi school on Christmas Eve

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Army Major Michael Poirier's project to Bring Light and Hope to Africa brought smiles to children in the villages of Kassack Sud and Diambo Soubalo in Senegal. Thanks to your generous donations, SoA was able to send 100 each of soccer balls, hygiene kits, beanies, pocket toys like hacky sacks, and school kits. 

In addition, solar powered lanterns are on their way and should arrive soon. With your help, we will keep continue support of projects in Africa and we'll keep you updated. 

In the meantime, please enjoy this update and photos from Major Poirier of the Senagalese children having fun:

Little girl enjoys beanies courtesy of Spirit of America

WHO: Civil Military Support Element (CMSE)-Senegal
WHAT: Humanitarian Assistance Drop
WHERE: Village of Kassack Sud & Village of Diambo Soubalo

WHY:   Intent was to distribute Humanitarian Assistance Supplies to foster an environment of goodwill, cooperation and continued investment in the citizens of Senegal.  At both villages, CMSE Senegal distributed over 30 small children’s toys and soccer balls for the villages’ soccer team.  The distribution will have lasting effects by establishing and/or maintaining the citizens’ attitude that the United States is committed to helping the Country of Senegal.  Both villages have a population of about 1,000 citizens and a primary school with about 200 students in each. 
  
ENDSTATE/EFFECTS:
1. Strengthened US – HN relations
2. Built Positive Rapport between the CMSE and the villages
3. Village citizens see the US commitment to their village



                               Major Poirier with kids

Handing out supplies in Africa

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Through Spirit of America's support of SPC Gerardo Llamas' Blankets for Afghanistan project, orphans in Afghanistan have new blankets to keep them warm during the winter months. SPC Llamas describes the need and the distribution in engaging detail in his message below, so read on.  And, while you read, please consider supporting SPC Llamas project.  As his message points out, there is so much more to be done for these children, and this was just the first distribution event. With your support of SPC Llamas' efforts, Spirit of America will continue to purchase blankets and coats to keep these Afghans warm in the harsh weather.

Here are some pictures of my first delivery to a local orphanage.

An Afghan orphan receives much-needed blanket

It was a great experience. I can't believe how happy these kids were, the smiles on their faces said a lot and I of coarse was touched by this. When we got there we were received by the people that run the orphanage, they told us the kids were all outside in their patio waiting for us and that they were really excited. They helped us unload the boxes from the vehicles and took them inside the orphanage, as I was walking in I realized how much these people needed, as you can see in the pictures even the walls are falling apart. When I got in I saw all the kids lined up; girls in one side, boys in the other. We started giving all the blankets away; I must say that at the beginning I was scared that may be I didn't have enough blankets for every kid, as I the kids came to get their blanket the just smiled, some were shy and just walked away with their blanket, some tried to say thank you, some thanked me in their language, some just smiled, and one little girl, pretty as a doll smiled and then gave me a hug, that was the highlight of my day, she seemed so thankful. At the end I was really happy to see that every single kid got a blanket, I even had enough to give to the teachers that live with them and care for them. When we finished handing out the blankets we started giving away some jackets and coats, unfortunately I only had about 60, and they were boys coats, so we handed this to the boys, and some stuffed animals to the girls. After everything was all done we said bye to the kid, some came and gave us hugs, some asked to us to come back. I will definitely try to go back soon to give the school supplies and if possible take them some bags of candy and other treat. I must say that all this was possible just because of your help and donations, I could not have accomplish half of this without you all. I really thankful to every single one of you. I will keep in touch and inform you of future deliveries and projects. May god bless you all and your families!!
 

SPC Llamas and friends

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Lance Corporal Brian Jones serving with the 3/8 Marines in Afghanistan shared with us this "News From The Front" press release concerning Spirit of America's support of their mission through our Support Marines in Afghanistan project. 

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Spirit of America, a nonprofit organization supported solely by private contributions, is generously supporting Marines and Afghan National Security Forces in their fight against the ongoing insurgency in the Helmand and Farah Provinces of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Spirit of America has arranged to spend a start-up amount of $50,000 of its collected donations toward the purchase of supplies and equipment to be shipped to and distributed by 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, to Afghan National Security Forces and the local populace. Plans for the procurement of an additional $500,000 of much-needed medical supplies are underway as well.

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US Army Staff Sergeant Kaylan Jennings started our year off with a wonderful message of thanks to Spirit of America and our donors for supporting her Playground Project during her recent tour in Iraq. Though the timing wasn't right for us to send the actual playground equipment, we were able to send her hundreds of toys, school kits, hygiene kits at her request for distribution to families who visited detainees at a Southern Iraq prison.

SSG Jennings created a You Tube tribute and wrote, "This video is a thank you to everyone, especially Spirit of America, who allowed me to help these children in need. Thank you again."

Please take a minute to view the video here. We are grateful for the getting to know SSG Jennings and supporting her efforts and especially grateful to our wonderful donors who made our support possible.

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Thanks so much to our initial anonymous donor who got the ball rolling, the other generous donors who matched his challenge, and also to the many, many individuals who contributed over the past few days to meet the challenge and raise the additional $20,000.

The strength of Spirit of America is you, our donors, who recognize the innovative qualities of our mission and support our troops in their efforts to bring peace, stability and freedom to Afghanistan, Iraq and Africa. They contact us frequently to let us know how your gifts translated into life-changing projects. Their messages overflow with praise and gratitude. So, on their behalf, we at Spirit of America thank each and every one of you for your ongoing generosity.

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Thank you for your interest in our 72-Hour Holiday Matching Fund Campaign!

Several very generous Spirit of America donors have joined forces to create a pool of $20,000 to match your donations. Our goal is to raise at least $40,000 within 72 hours. In our 72-Hour Holiday Matching Fund Campaign, which runs from December 17th through the 19th, every dollar donated will be matched with a dollar from the $20,000 pool until we reach the $40,000 goal. Wouldn’t it send a terrific message of support to our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines?  Think of the many things we could accomplish to start the New Year with an additional $40,000 to assist their efforts on behalf of those in need in Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa.

You may click here to make your donation online, or you may send us a check. Checks dated during the match period will be applied to the campaign. You are welcome to designate your donation to a certain project, or simply make it unrestricted so that we can apply the funds where they are needed most. Let us know how you would like your donation applied and we’ll make sure it happens.

If you have any questions please call me. I have found that there is nothing I like more than conversing with Spirit of America donors. Each one has an inspirational story about why they’re connected to us, and it typically involves a lost patriot, a currently-deployed friend or family member, a longing to support our troops, or simply a great love for our country. Please, never hesitate to call me to ask questions, make comments or suggestions, or simply to talk about the great work in which we are all involved.

Let’s see if we can once again exhaust the entire matching grant. This past Memorial Day we started with a $10,000 match and within 4 hours met the goal of $20,000. We went on to raise $61,000 in only three days, and we are hoping for a comparable effort this time around. We realize the economy has weakened considerably since the spring, and wish to thank in advance all of those who can participate. Thanks also to those of you who choose not to participate at this time, but give to us in other ways throughout the year. On behalf of the brave American men and women fighting for freedom and democracy on foreign soil, a heartfelt thanks and best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and prosperous New Year!

Dennis Norris
Executive Director
dennis@spiritofamerica.net">dennis@spiritofamerica.net
(317) 518-8825

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Thanks to a request from Army Sergeant First Class (SFC) Kevin Albrecht serving at Camp Adder Tallil base in Iraq, we have a new project opportunity to help Iraq Bedouins disenfranchised during Saddam's reign.  SFC Albrecht has a strong commitment to leaving behind a legacy of hope for the Iraqi people, but we need your support to make that happen.

SFC Albrecht and friends

Please visit his project page, SFC Kevin Albrecht-Supplies for Iraqi Bedouins, to read more about the plight of the Bedouins in his area.  Your contributions to SFC Albrecht's project will go towards purchasing critically needed supplies such as tarps, shoes and baby clothes.

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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:

Visit to Douda Elementary School, Djibouti, Africa  

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.
We distributed school supplies that were donated by Spirit of America.

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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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,
Jim Conway

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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