As part of Spirit of America's efforts to Support Marines in Afghanistan, the 1st Battalion, 2nd Division Marines (1/2) are handing out supplies to those in need in Southern Afghanistan. The 1/2, deployed from Camp Lejeune, NC have been in Afghanistan since early Spring to provide relief in place for Coalition Forces. The 1/2 is tasked with integrating with the Afghanis and teaching them police and military operational methods in order to allow them to maintain control of their own country.

Spirit of America has the privilege of working with LtCol Michael Manning, Commanding Officer of the 1/2 who was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for his contributions to the stability and security of Anbar Province, Iraq. LtCol Manning reports that the majority of items sent by SoA have been receiving including 750 school kits, 106 solar lanterns, 100 pairs of Crocs shoes, 4 solar-powered water pumps, 200 soccer balls with 5 nets and 200 volley balls with 5 nets.

LtCol Manning sent some initial photos of the SoA supplies being given out with more to come. As the Marines persist in their push to rid Southern Afghanistan of the Taliban, their ability to positively engage the local population remains of vital importance. Spirit of America will continue to use your contributions to Support Marines in Afghanistan to help our Marines succeed in their mission.

The 1/2 Marines in Afghanistan hand out supplies


Solar lanterns and rugs from SoA help 1/2 Marines make a difference in Southern Afghanistan

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Posted by: Michele Redmond

Afghan school boys receive backpacks distributed by 1/6 Marines


Officials and students in Marjah at school kit drop in Marjah


School courtyard in Marjah during schoolkit distribution

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Posted by: Michele Redmond

Thanks to your contributions to our Support Marines in Afghanistan and Marines Request Fund, Spirit of America has scores of supplies on the way to the Marines 1/6 serving in Southern Afghanistan including 750 school kits, 20 prayer rugs, 200 soccer balls and nets, 20 volley balls and net and 20 pairs of crutches. Major David Fennell of the 1/6 sent this message of thanks:

"I just wanted to take the time to write my thanks for all the help that you and Spirit of America have offered during our civil military operations in Marjah District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.  The 750 school supplies that you all have offered to supply will go a long way to schooling hundreds of children.  Already, 1st Battalion 6th Marines has 5 temporary schools enrolling app. 350 children in its area of operations- all with the approval of the District Director of Education in Marjah (Mallen Nazar Mohammad).  The contract teachers are clamoring for additional school supplies until such time as the Government of Afghanistan can more consistently fill that need.  Spirit of America has helped to immediately fill that need by sending the school supply kits for the children in Marjah. Thank you for your generosity and patriotism!"

Semper fi,

Major David Fennell, Team Leader
Civil Affairs Team, 1st Battalion 6th Marines   

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Posted by: Michele Redmond

As the Marines push forward with their mission in Southern Afghanistan, particularly the recent taking of the former Taliban stronghold of Marjeh, Spirit of America is pushing forward as well--with loads of supplies to support their efforts. 

A vital component of the Marines' objectives, and of the overall US strategy, is to build trust and forge relationships with the local community.  Like this recent report in the New York Times highlights, After Push in Marja, Marines Try to Win Trust, the hard work may just be beginning. The idea of building trust is multi-faceted and complicated but at the most basic level it boils down to reaching out one-on-one, building families and communities.

That is where Spirit of America, and you, come in. Through our Support Marines in Afghanistan and because of the incredible generosity of our donors and friends, SoA has spent $33,376 on supplies since the beginning of March; all requested by the Marines in Southern Afghanistan.  These include

• 3rd Battalion, 6th  Marines (LtCol Brian Christmas):

-225 pairs of children's shoes
-1,000 school kits

• 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (Major Rudy Quiles):
  

-250 Korans
-250 Prayer Rugs
-250 packs of Gel Pens
-250 packs of Construction Paper
-250 Soccer Balls
-300 pairs of Reading Glasses
-25 Wheelchairs

• 1st Battalion, 6th Marines (Major David Fennell):
  

-750 school kits

• 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines (Lt Col Mike Manning): 

-750 school kits

And that is just the beginning of responding to needs that continue to come in daily. In addition to the purchases above, we have active  requests for sewing machines, tractors, more equipment for Afghan Security Forces, additional school kits, sports equipment (including soccer balls and goals to equip 6 soccer fields), solar lanterns and much more. For the sewing machines and tractors, SoA is working with a local vendor near Nawa.  As you can see from the photo below, the roads are in very poor condition and the tractor will not only help to make transport easier but put Afghans in the area to work.

Focused humanitarian outreach can make a significant impact on the Marines ability to win trust and engage communities to build on the gains in the area. The New York Times article quotes LtCol Christmas with the 3/6 and another SoA contact, Captain Stephen Karabin with the 1/3. These Marines are asking for our help, and we can't do it without you. Every donation to Support Marines in Afghanistan , whether $10 or $1,000 will allow us to purchase what is needed by these Marines and deliver it quickly.

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Posted by: Michele Redmond

The supplies requested by the 2/8 Marines in Afghanistan were received and distributed at the end of 2009. With donations to Spirit of America's "Support Marines in Afghanistan" project, 300 each combat boots, ballistic sunglasses, Camelbaks and water purification tablets worth $23,505 were purchased for the 2/8 as part of their effort to equip Afghan Security Forces. By all accounts, improving the capabilities and competency of Afghan Forces is vital to success in the region.

According to Captain Lance Pugsley serving with the 2/8 under LtCol Christian Cabannis, "the donated items were divided up between the Afghanistan National Army, Afghanistan Uniformed Police, and Afghanistan Border Police. All these organizations are represented in our current Area of Operation. We coordinated a meeting at each of the units positions and their soldiers and policemen were issued the items. The camelback will be essential for the ANA as they do many foot mobile patrols along side our Marines. All items were received graciously and with open arms. The efforts on the part of everyone involved to acquire the items and get them shipped to us was greatly appreciated by all. Many Thanks."

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Posted by: Michele Redmond

The 500 school kits sent to the Marines 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment in Nimruz Province, Afghanistan as part of Spirit of America's Support Marines in Afghanistan project have been delivered to a local school. Master Gunny Sergeant Warren Coughlin sent a message of thanks along with a few photos of the children and local officials on hand for the distribution: 

"Here we are distributing more school backpacks full of supplies to the boys’ school today. We’d love to visit the girls’ school, but that is a bit sensitive right now. We’re not even sure it’s open. Another elder from a village stopped by our base and we were able to give him supplies for the small school in his village. Two more boxes of t-shirts and flip flops arrived today. Please send our thanks to all who have contributed. You are really helping our mission here."

Regards, MGySgt Warren Coughlin
Delaram CMOC

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Posted by: Michele Redmond

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Posted by: Jim Hake

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Posted by: Jim Hake

Leatherneck - winning hearts and minds

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Posted by: Jim Hake

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Posted by: Jim Hake

I had the great privilege of being the Guest of Honor at the Marines Evening Parade on May 22nd at the Marine Barracks in Washington, DC. I was invited by Lieutenant General Joseph F. Dunford, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations. The Evening Parade has a long tradition and is held at the oldest post of the Marine Corps at 8th and I in Washington: home to the Marine Corps Commandant.

I blogged about the experience with photos here and here. I finally had a chance to watch video of the evening. 

In presenting me with the award shown above Lt. General Dunford said, “It would be hard to describe a more patriotic American than Jim Hake or someone more dedicated to the values that we hold dear. After 9/11 Jim’s mission in life became to give something back to our country. In 2003 he started Spirit of America and since that time has raised millions of dollars in support of our efforts overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa.  It has had an extraordinary impact as we try to offer a competing narrative to the narrative of extremism.  As importantly is what it has meant to Marines. One of the biggest reasons we are so honored to have Jim here tonight is because of the contribution he’s made to the will and spirit of our Marines in harms’ way.”

I also had a chance to say a few words. “We are part of something much, much bigger than ourselves and a night like this is a chance to reconnect with that. To be able to support the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen on the front lines is the privilege of a lifetime.”  And, “In working with the Marines over these past 6 years I’ve never known men and women that more embody the initiative and can-do spirit that truly is the spirit of America."



Again, an incredible evening.

Posted by: Jim Hake

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Posted by: Jim Hake

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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Posted by: Michele Redmond

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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Posted by: Michele Redmond