US Troops Request Winter Clothing

With the approach of the winter months, many countries in the typically hot and humid Middle East ready for the often abrupt and extreme change to colder temperatures. In Iraq, the average temperatures range from higher than 120 Fahrenheit in July and August to below freezing in January. This radical shift in climate can leave many locals unprepared and unprotected for the frigid weather. Army and Marine personnel serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan ask your help in providing clothing and supplies to keep local citizens warm through this winter season.

Afghans receiving blankets from previous SoA projects

Make a donation to this project
We are not currently seeking donations for this project. Click here to see projects where donations are needed.

Messages From Our Troops On Why This Matters
"Thank you very much for your email and Spirit of America. I honestly think that there is a difference being made in Ramadi. Momentum has been building for some time and the people of Ramadi see the good things that Coalition Forces are trying to achieve. We are actually working with a couple of leaders in our area to help local mosques with distributions to the neediest of families. The people that are well off in Ramadi always state that it is the neediest of families that require assistance such as clothing, food, and other essential items. The items that Spirit of America will provide, will greatly impact the view of not only Coalition Forces in Ramadi, but also reinforce the fact/idea that it is the Ramadi leaders that are watching out for their people. As much as we can, we empower the Iraqi people to assist Iraqi people and the good will of Spirit of America provides us the means with which to make this happen. The reward of this project is Iraqi leaders providing assistance to the neediest people in their neighborhoods. I personally am trying to implement this project so that the Iraqi leaders that I am trying to work with, at the grass roots level, have the means to help their local families. It is important that any neighborhood leadership vacuums are filled with sincere Iraqi’s looking out for the neediest of families. This is why I am championing this project. It is about local Iraqi leaders watching out for their neighborhood." "I hope this explains my project. For me, it is empowering local leaders and [helping] them to assist their own Iraqi people... I could never thank you or Spirit of America enough! This is why our country is the greatest." Respectfully submitted and Semper Fidelis, Major Scott Kish, Civil Affairs Officer 1st Battalion, 6th Marines "Task Force 2d Battalion, 3d Marines is currently serving in the Al Anbar region of Iraq. Prior Anti-Iraqi insurgent attacks have left many Iraqi homes and much of the local infrastructure in need of repair in this area. As the winter months approach, it has been realized that the families of Iraq do not have the means to shield themselves from the harsh winter environment that they will face in the coming months. Unfortunately, it will be the children of Iraq that will suffer the effects of the winter cold the most. In an effort to address these harsh realities, we would like to propose a project that would render aid in the form of cold weather gear (blankets, children’s sweaters and coats, shoes, hats, rain parkas, and tarps), cooking items (pots, pans, utensils), and water heaters...These items, if received, would have a real and tangible impact on the quality of life of the Iraqi people." 2nd Lieutenant Jason Wengel

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.