Spirit of America

Support US Special Ops Forces in Africa

Help our troops combat poverty and terrorism in the Horn of Africa

US troop presence in Africa has increased significantly, not only to reduce internal conflicts but also to combat extremism and terrorism. SoA has received requests from Special Operations Forces stationed in the area for education supplies, sports equipment, safety and survival gear and other items intended to provide tangible improvements in living conditions of the local people.

SFC Joseph Roberrts gathers with local people - Horn of Africa

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The Request

American soldier gives medical attention to young African boy

The Combined Joint Task Force in the Horn of Africa encompasses about 1700 American men and women engaging in an unconventional and little known part of the global war on terror. The efforts focus on Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, and Djibouti and they use drinkable water, food, medical care and even sports equipment as their weapons against terrorist recruiting and extremism.

Sergeant Joe Roberts with the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion is serving with the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, stationed in the Gode/Ogaden Region of Ethiopia. SoA will use the donations to this project to provide for the supplies outlined by Sergeant Roberts below and similar requests in this region.

Email from Sergeant Joseph Roberts:
"Here's an example of one way SoA may be able to assist. We [were] able to build some schools and clinics with our funds but have to find other organizations to provide desks, chairs, blackboards, uniforms etc.

Other things as well that can be of use are

Soccer balls, basket balls, jump ropes, etc.
Sewing machines [along with fabric and notions]
Solar lanterns, Solar radios, solar anything to make use of the sun's capabilities in this region
Bicycles/Trikes with carts to hall water, trash, food, act.

I can send any type of project information that is needed. We keep a detailed list of projects from start to finish with pictures to record the progress. I would also have no problem being the point of contact for anything down here in Ethiopia. I think overall anything that SoA has done in Iraq/Afghanistan needs to and can be replicated with great success here in Ethiopia and the greater Horn of Africa.

Our goal for the first phase of this project is $11,250 that will be used to purchase 250 soccer balls with pumps, 250 school packs with supplies and 150 solar lanterns to jumpstart our efforts on behalf of the troops in Africa.

Update: The supplies for the first phase of the project have been purchased and arrived in Africa in August, 2006. Here's a note from Sergeant Roberts on their potential impact:

Note from Special Operations Forces contact Joe Roberts:

"I just wanted to let SoA know that just the article alone on the website is having a very positive impact over here.

Please let all donors know that they have many new friends in the Horn of Africa without ever meeting them. Many locals who have seen paper copies of the web posting are overcome by the fact that Americans, whom they've never met are so willing to help them at an opportunity for a better life.

I can tell you right now that every soccer ball is going to allow teams of children play soccer whenever time permits.

Every solar lantern is going to allow children to study more at night. The lanterns will allow families to utilize renewable nvergy cutting fuel costs and helping the environment. Now instead of a family spending what little money they have on fuel they use it in other ways. More light at night means more quality family time.

The backpacks will allow children not only to carry school supplies but give them a better feeling of self worth knowing that Americans that they have never met feel very strong in improving their development in any way possible."

Clinic in need of supplies - Horn of Africa

Use of funds
We are a 501c3 nonprofit and your donation is tax deductible. 100% of all project donations (excluding credit card processing fees) will be used for direct project expenses (i.e., purchase and shipping of the needed goods and services). We do not deduct fees or expenses for organization overhead. Those expenses are funded separately. Donation Policy Your donation will be earmarked for this project. Donations in excess of those needed by this project will be used to support other Spirit of America projects.