In a key district of western Kandahar, the district government has made it a priority to keep children in school in order that they might better their future and decrease their chances of being lured into the anti-government insurgency. However, the winter months have taken a toll on student attendance.

Winter temperatures in the Kandahar Province dip down to the 30s at night and can even drop well below freezing. The Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) live and work at their checkpoints; most of these places do not have electricity. The police have started the winterization process by building hard structures at each site yet have no way to stay warm. As these men dutifully perform their tasks to patrol the area and combat insurgents, they need a vital heat source that would not only increase their motivation but also help prevent them from incurring cold weather injuries. It would also assist in making the Afghans more self-reliant and promote improved security.

A small clinic in a northern district of Kandahar Province has a limited staff of a doctor, nurse, and pharmacist yet they treat several hundred patients a month to include men, women, and children. The facility has no electricity so the employees have asked for a few solar panel lights to be installed for illumination after dark. Right now they are using flashlights, but it is not sufficient to see emergency patients who arrive in the middle of the night. Also, by having some more light, they could process reports and complete administrative tasks in the evening. With winter quickly approaching, it becomes pitch black these days usually before 6 PM.

As the winter months approach and the temperature begins to drop, Afghan Uniform Police are still outside protecting Afghan villagers. Here in Maiwand District, there are 350 policemen who work out of 15 different checkpoints. As the nighttime comes in, these policemen don't have much to keep them warm. This is why Spirit of America is partnering up with a Coalition Forces Training Team to provide 350 blankets to help the AUP, and in return be more successful in the security they provide.

For Afghans in arid Southern Afghanistan, life revolves around the use of water for agriculture, livestock and human consumption. Unfortunately, water for human consumption is often from unclean sources. Dirty water systematically causes health problems for Afghans throughout all stages of their lives.

Afghan police working with US Special Operations Forces in remote Zabul Province man checkpoints and patrol along critical roads. They are frequently attacked, but they often have no way to detect insurgents until it is too late; they also do not have a way to document the IEDs they find so that US troops can clear them more quickly and safely. A few pairs of binoculars would help the Afghan police react to attacks earlier, and cameras would allow them to pass the right information about IEDs and other incidents to their American counterparts.

Spirit of America is conducting a concrete vocational training program in western Kandahar Province. One of the poorest and least-educated parts in the country, this region sees its young men turn to poppy farming or violence because they lack the basic skills needed to find proper jobs. There is high demand for skilled concrete workers and masons but no one to fill those positions, so in conjunction with US Army advisors we have initiated a three-week concrete training that will help twenty local men find jobs, support their families, and keep away from illegal activities – this will improve the local economy and keep our troops safer.

Recently, your support allowed a US Army infantry company operating in a densely vegetated district partner with local Afghans to clear insurgent hiding places using Spirit of America-provided chainsaws. This donation proved so successful that another company has asked for similar support. They're also working in an area where the verdant undergrowth allows insurgents to easily set up ambushes that harm our troops and the local population, but the locals have no way to properly clear those places. All they need are a few chainsaws.

Afghan police units in Kandahar Province have one of the hardest jobs in Afghanistan – Zhari and Maiwand Districts have suffered numerous attacks by Taliban fighters, a problem which has intensified during the summer fighting season. Unfortunately, the policemen lack basic equipment that our police officers at home take for granted: radios. In the words of one of the US Army advisers: "The Afghan Local Police in Zhari and Maiwand need radios because they currently do not have the equipment to communicate while they are on patrol. Without these radios, they will not be able to coordinate with their partnered [US] units or higher headquarters. Every day they face a high enemy threat in the area and these radios will increase their ability to operate and provide security."

Afghan police in Zhari District, Kandahar Province, are running constant patrols to help curb the insurgent threat and keep their homes and families safe. Unfortunately, these brave officers do not have all the resources they need to accomplish this task effectively. The US Army unit that works alongside the policemen told Spirit of America that they lack any way to detect the improvised explosive devices and mines that are strewn throughout the district by Taliban fighters; additionally, they do not have the means to thoroughly search vehicles that pass through their checkpoints, a problem that leaves them vulnerable to vehicle-borne IEDs (car bombs). This lack of equipment has resulted in severe casualties, especially during the intense summer fighting season.

A Special Operations team operating in one of the most remote parts of Zabul Province alerted Spirit of America to a critical shortage caused by impenetrable terrain and Taliban intimidation. The villagers of Naw Bahar District rely on agriculture to eke out a living on the high plateau where they live, but they are losing access to water. The simple, hand-crank well pumps they use to draw this water are all far past their useful service date, so the components are wearing down, rendering them inoperable. Unfortunately, the roads leading to this mountainous area are virtually impassable, and any vehicles that do get through are subject to Taliban threat, so locals have no way to obtain spare parts.

A few months back, Spirit of America field rep Chrissy Burbach provided two dirt bikes to Afghan Security Forces with the aid of US Army units and US Special Operations forces. These dirt bikes play a major role in the work of the Afghan Security Forces and give them a tactical advantage over the insurgents they face. Army Master Sergeant Chuck Ross, the advisor to a US Army Special forces team in Zabul province is now in need of one motor bike. MSG Ross expressed to Spirit of America that a motor bike would make a huge impact on the success of the Afghan Security forces, and will allow them to continue carrying out their mission successfully:

In Zhari District of Kandahar Province, one of the most dangerous places in Afghanistan, CPT Lawrence Czaszar and his infantry company are working with local elders to help secure their villages. Standing in stark contrast to the rest of southern Afghanistan, the terrain in this particular area is very lush – the Arghandab River provides sufficient water for trees and dense vegetation to flourish. While this might seem like a blessing, it actually provides the insurgents with ample cover and concealment, allowing them to strike with relative impunity. CPT Czaszar told us that the locals want to clear their land to prevent these attacks, but they lack the necessary tools. With your help, Spirit of America can provide much-needed chainsaws for this purpose.

In Kandahar province, an Army lieutenant colonel serving as the Maiwand District Augmentation Team adviser, approached Spirit of America about supporting a model farm that educates local farmers about agricultural best practices. The farm was successfully launched with the support of a US-funded grant. Now as the US mission focuses on transitioning initiatives to Afghans, this farm only needs a small amount of support to add to and continue its operations. By the end of this year, the local Afghan government is slated to take full ownership of the farm. With your support, we can keep our troops safer, educate local farmers, and help build greater faith in the Afghan government in a remote district in southern Afghanistan that can use all the help it can get.

Thanks in large part to the work of US Marines in the area, existing schools in Helmand and Nimruz Province in southern Afghanistan are experiencing dramatic increases in attendance and new schools are being built to accommodate rising enrollment in the region. You can support the Marines efforts by helping us provide swings for these schools to give Afghan students what all kids need—playtime with friends and a way to exert energy during the school day.

A few months ago, Spirit of America field reps delivered motorbikes to Afghan police working with US Army units and US Special Operations forces in southern Afghanistan. Those motorbikes proved to a great asset for the Afghan local police working the Special Operations forces. Army Master Sergeant Chuck Ross is an advisor to a US Army special forces team in Zabul province. He and his team received two motorbikes. Here's what he told Spirit of America: "The first one we issued was a hit! These bikes are a great asset to the ALP [Afghan local police] and our efforts to recruit more." MSG Ross told our field rep, Chrissy Burbach, they needed two dirt bikes for the commanders going through training by the special forces team:

An Afghan boy named Rafeullah and his sister from a village in Kandahar are both afflicted with cleft palates. US Special Operations forces and their female support element, the Cultural Support Team, with the blessing of local village elders, have coordinated with CURE International in Kabul for Rafeullah and his sister to receive corrective surgery. However, Rafeullah, his sister, and their father need Spirit of America's support to travel up to and stay in Kabul.

In the Arghandab district in Kandahar, Afghanistan, a significant proportion of the area's security risks originate from unemployed males who lack the skills to find work. These men are easy targets for the Taliban, because the Taliban promise them work and money if they'll join them. This is a huge hurdle for our troops on the ground to overcome. The US Army and the District Support Team in the area are want to start a pilot program to train these men in various skills that could be easily marketable. If they succeed they will significantly reduce the Taliban's influence and ability to inflict harm in the area.

A year ago Sangin district only had 3 schools, today as a result of security gains resulting from Marines operations the population has far more confidence in the stability of the area, parents are willing to send their kids to school and the Government can recruit teachers to work. The result is that today there are 12 schools functioning, educating 4,000 students. The problem is that this rapid success has left the Afghan Government unable to supply the dramatic increase in need and therefore short term assistance with school equipment such as books and pens are needed. Additionally temporary buildings are being pressed into service which lack facilities, so the kids needs some plastic carpets to sit on in the mud rooms that are their classrooms.

Glasses are one key to improving economic productivity of poor people and encouraging school success for children with poor vision, especially in developing countries.

An Army Major who is also an ophthalmologist has developed a technique to address vision problems that is simple enough to be used in rural areas of Afghanistan. It will be used in remote areas of Afghanistan where there is very little medical infrastructure, and usually no access to vision services or to spectacle fabrication services.

Women of the Maiwand District in Kandahar Province are in the midst of opening the village's first Women's Center. Scheduled to open around the end of February 2012, the center will provide a place for the local women to work together in a positive environment.

Spirit of America is teaming up with COL Daniel Kinsey to help jumpstart the Women's Center by donating three sewing machines to sew items such as outfits for men, women and children. They are also talented in hand embroidery and beading to decorate the sewn items. Each woman specializes in her own design of work.

In a recent poll, 79% of Afghans listed "education" as their top priority.  However, Major General Richard Mills, former commander of 20,000 Marines in Afghanistan, said that Afghan families "lack the tools to turn their desire into fact."

The Afghan Children's School Project is a joint effort between the Marines and Spirit of America. Our mission is to connect Americans with one of the most important efforts of Marines in Afghanistan: to open and supply schools. Functioning schools stabilize communities and when communities are stable, less violence occurs.

In Panjwai District, U.S. Army Rule of Law advisor Staff Sergeant Fatimah Muhammad is working to improve local justice and criminal investigation capacity. Currently, the district prosecutor and police investigator have no way to effectively record or track their work – with no cameras to document suspects or evidence and no computers to manage their cases, these men are at a severe disadvantage when it comes to hunting down insurgents and other criminal elements.

A Marines Female Engagement Team (FET) in the Sangin area of Helmand Province have renovated a shura room to give local women a safe place to get together, share ideas and provide for themselves and their families. Spirit of America will support their efforts by donating 5 sewing machines to be housed in the shura room.

An Army special forces team working with the Afghan Local Police (ALP) has alerted us to an urgent need. The police officers, men from local villages who have joined to protect their homes and families, man checkpoints along very dangerous roads in order to increase security and expand the reach of the government. Unfortunately, they have no means to illuminate the area surrounding these checkpoints, so insurgents are able to attack them and emplace IEDs at very close range. Because of this disadvantage, ALP officers are being wounded and killed on a regular basis.

An Afghan Local Police (ALP) unit mentored by U.S. special forces in one of the most dangerous districts of Kandahar Province confronts IEDs, or roadside bombs, on a constant basis. When they are fortunate enough to locate one of these devices before it detonates, they enlist the help of explosive ordnance disposal teams to clear it. However, the ALP lack the proper equipment to accurately mark the location of the device, an issue which greatly prolongs response time – this in turn puts lives at greater risk and shuts down already-struggling commerce that relies on vital roadways.

The local radio stations in Howz-e-Madad and Hutal are struggling to connect directly with the local populace due to a lack of equipment. The citizens of the town have issues and concerns they want to speak publicly but are unable to do so. With no access to radio equipment, the issues involving Afghanistan will go unheard and civil leaders will fail at communicating their message.

Spirit of America Field Rep Mike Press is working alongside and providing support to US Special Operations units in southern Afghanistan. Mike, a former Army Staff Sergeant, has been in Afghanistan for SoA since September.

Spirit of America was asked by one of the Special Ops teams if we could help them help a 2-year old Afghan boy. The boy suffers from a tumor the size of a grapefruit near his pelvis.

The people in the Zhari district of Afghanistan are having continuous battles rejecting insurgent presence within their communities. The Taliban is a constant threat and the local Police unit can only be in so many places at once. Locals in the Zhari district are not being protected and their lives will continue to be put in danger until there is stable protection.

Afghanistan's Kuchi people are much like the Bedouin of the Arab Peninsula, traveling from place to place, always taking their families, belongings and livestock with them. But in the case of Kandahar City, many have de-facto settled here. This has caused a lot of friction between these settled Kuchi and the local government.

Afghan National Police forces in the Arghandab district of Afghanistan are currently at a huge disadvantage when pursuing Taliban insurgents through mountain trails, orchards and open deserts. Not only do they only have old pickup trucks with limited mobility due to their poor quality, but the police only have a few of them to begin with. Even when giving pursuit in these pickup trucks, the police often have to give up the chase, as their larger vehicles can't follow the motorcycles that the Taliban have. The Taliban, in contrast, make heavy use of motorcycles for scouting, quick attacks and getaways, as well as IED planting. The Afghan National Police force needs our help to create more security in the region.

US Army soldiers serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan need your help to provide hygiene kits to woman and young children living in terrible conditions in run down prisons. These women and children are living in abject poverty and have almost no access to basic hygiene products. Things as simple as access to feminine hygiene products and nail clippers can help curb rampant disease and save lives.

Midwives in the Maiwand district are battling with pregnancy-related deaths due to their lack of training. After 30 years of almost continuous warfare, basic services like healthcare are lacking in Afghanistan. More than 85% of Afghan women will deliver their babies at home and unattended by a skilled provider like a midwife. This doubtless contributes to the high rates of infant and maternal mortality associated with childbirth in this country.

Soldiers serving in the Maiwand District need your help to get the Local Afghan Police to stand-up and take charge of certain operations. The only way that the Afghan Police can function without supervision of the United States is if we give them the tools necessary to do so. For this local Police Unit, operating in the dark has become an everyday thing and is stopping them from being able to identity who is entering their communities.

In the Arghandab district in Kandahar, Afghanistan, a significant proportion of the area's security risks originate from unemployed males who lack the skills to find work. These men are easy targets for the Taliban, because the Taliban promise them work and money if they'll join them. This is a huge hurdle for our troops on the ground to overcome. The US Army and the District Support Team in the area are want to start a pilot program to train these men in various skills that could be easily marketable. If they succeed they will significantly reduce the Taliban's influence and ability to inflict harm in the area.

Under the rule of the Taliban, the Afghan people had almost no access to information besides what the Taliban told them. Our troops are on the ground in Helmand Province, Afghanistan fighting to change that.

The Marines have identified the need for handheld radios to hand out in remote areas and villages so that those people have real access to information. This will help to defeat the Taliban by providing Afghans a connection to the outside world and access to true information.

Mike Press, our field representative in western Kandahar province, is working with the US Army and a representative from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help a local Kandahar district create a demonstration farm.

In western Kandahar province more poppy, which is used to make the drug Opium, is grown than anywhere else in the world. The goal of this demonstration farm is to instead provide farmers with the means to grow legal crops. This will allow them to provide for their families outside of the drug trade, and make everyone in the area, including our troops safer.

Almost half (45%) of the Afghan population of 30 million people is under 15 years old. These girls & boys are crucial to the future of Afghanistan, but their isolation from the outside world puts them at high risk.

Spirit of America’s School Partners/Afghanistan provides a direct, unfiltered connection between Afghan school students and their American counterparts to change lives by changing minds.

Soldiers serving with the Army "Warhorse" battalion want to provide desperately needed winter clothing and school supplies to children in Herat Province, Afghanistan.

Lieutenant (LT) Kim Duenow, an Army nurse deployed to Kandahar province, needs your support for Afghan women.

LT Duenow’s unit is starting a birthing assistant program in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan and needs supplies to create birthing kits. These kits will be distributed to the local Afghan Women in conjunction with a training program that the Spartans will be conducting within their area of operation. These kits will help save lives while positively connecting our troops with the local people.

Panjwai District in western Kandahar Province, Afghanistan is known as the "birthplace of the Taliban" and widely considered to be the Taliban's spiritual home.

This is one of the most dangerous areas in Afghanistan and the New York Times recently reported that "clearing and securing [this area] is expected to change the entire balance of security in Kandahar Province." Because of this history, it is especially courageous for Afghans in this region to embrace the US military.

Villagers in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan have seen decades of conflict, and the new generation of children face austere conditions and an uncertain future. This region is one of the most undeveloped in Afghanistan and agriculture is the primary way of life.

The temperatures vary from extreme heat in summer to below freezing in winter. Resources and access to basic necessities, such as shoes and clothing, are often scarce so a small thing like a pair of shoes can make a big difference for the quality of life for village children who often travel long distances to herd cattle or attend school.

Almost half of all deaths of women age 15-49 in Afghanistan result from complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Most of these deaths could be prevented with increased access to maternal health services. Our troops in Afghanistan are working to address this situation by training and equipping midwifes to provide local care and education to Afghan women.

Marines from Camp Pendleton, California are deployed to the Garmsir District of Afghanistan. You can help the Marines help the people of Garmsir begin to rid their district of Taliban influence with your donations. Your contributions will be used to purchase school supplies, infant formula, and mosquito nets identified by the Marines as priorities for establishing positive relations with the people of Garmsir.

Marines and Soldiers in Afghanistan today are making progress. Schools are re-opening in many areas of the country for the first time since the Soviet invasion of 1979. Local elders have told our troops the children need jackets and blankets to continue to stay in school during the winter months. You can help keep Afghan children stay in school and stay warm this winter with your support.

US Marines are deployed to the northern Helmand Province districts of Musa Qalah and Now Zad in an important phase of the American effort in Afghanistan. From sewing machines to mosquito nets to cold weather clothing, there are a number of different projects that need your support. By donating below, your support will go directly to support the Marines' efforts to support the people of Musa Qalah and Now Zad.

We can only imagine what it's like to grow up in Afghanistan today. Despite their circumstances, Afghan kids only want an opportunity to go to school and play with their friends. You can help give them that opportunity by helping Spirit of America, in partnership with the US Marines, deliver swing sets to schools throughout Helmand Province.

Our troops say that sewing machines help bring stability to Afghan communities. It may be hard to connect a Soldier and a sewing machine to diplomacy and peace. But when our troops give an Afghan woman a sewing machine it has a ripple effect. It helps her provide for her family, which allows her children to go to school instead of work or fight. And the progress and goodwill it creates helps our troops be more successful and safer.

As summer enters its warmest months in the Helmand River Valley in southern Afghanistan, the spread of infectious diseases like malaria from insect bites is a serious problem that is unfortunately all too common for the people of the Garmsir District. The Marines want to help the Garmsir people mitigate the risk of infection with mosquito nets that the people can set up in their homes to protect themselves and their children. Your donation could will have a significant impact on the people of Garmsir.

US Marines from Camp Lejeune are deployed to southern Marja and serve there at a critical moment in the war in Afghanistan. Marja, a city in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, was and continues to be a focal point in the US military's effort to counter a persistent Taliban insurgency that exists in pockets throughout the country. Items that are in particular need include playground equipment, sewing machines and school supplies.

One of the Marines' greatest tasks is increasing the effectiveness of Afghan security forces. Local security forces will have a better understanding of the people they and our Marines are protecting. To that end, the Marines have recognized that their Afghan army counterparts would be a more efficient and effective unit if they had two-way radios to communicate across distances in rural areas.

A new Marine unit is now operating in Nawa, Afghanistan and they plan to continue the efforts of previous Marine units who came before them to improve local condition which will help to sever ties with and need for the Taliban. The Marines have identified school supplies, farming tools, medical necessities and many other items that are needed throughout the Nawa District.

Marines in Afghanistan have asked us for help with a range of items to support them and their mission. They need humanitarian goods like clothing, winter blankets, shoes, medical supplies, school supplies and irrigation equipment.  These goods help them build trust and improve relations with local people which, in turn, helps the Marines be safer and more successful.

Marines in Helmand Province have asked for winter clothing, fleece pullovers, caps, and boots to give to the Afghan Army and Police personnel who the Marines are training and with whom they are patrolling. The clothing and boots will make the Afghan forces more effective and productive in the tough winter months.

The Marines use instant photos as an opportunity for positive interaction with local people in Nawa, Afghanistan. This builds closer, more positive relations and makes the Marines safer and more successful. Lt. Mike Kuiper says, "Taking pictures of kids has helped them not be afraid of us, and shows we are friends. Winning over the kids makes us much more approachable by the adults too."

Due to troop rotations and the dynamic situation in Iraq, the USMC was never able to implement this project as hoped. Though SoA offered to make purchases on behalf of the Marines to provide for vet assistance as requested under this program, our primary point of contact rotated back to the States before any progress could be realized. We are grateful to all who contributed to this initiative. All donated funds have been transferred to the Marines Fund to be used for future Marine-sponsored projects.

For most of its history, Iraq has maintained a strong agricultural heritage. Unfortunately, during the previous regime, investments and resources were diverted away from farming and food production. The Marines of 5th CAG are working with local farmers to help rejuvenate the land so that they can reclaim successful agricultural production.

It is estimated that in Baghdad alone, there are 5,000 orphaned children scavenging the streets daily to secure food and a safe place to sleep. While looking only for what they need to endure another day, they are being strongly recruited into the terrorist networks that oppose a new democratic Iraqi State. Ignored and left to fend for themselves, with no hope for education or good instilled values, many will inevitably slide toward destructive activities.

With the enormous success of the Iraq elections, the international focus has turned to the build-up of the Iraq security forces. Many look to the stability of these forces as the next critical step in the ongoing mission to secure freedom and democracy in Iraq. As a result, insurgents are targeting violence towards these courageous Iraqi troops in an effort to decimate their ranks and their morale. You can help to bolster the resolve of these troops, at least in one training camp at Fort Tal Afar, Iraq.

Nine years ago in Abu Ghraib prison, nine Iraqi men were punished under Saddam's regime for questionable crimes with an unthinkable sentence: their hands were amputated and black tattoos of crosses were carved into their heads to label them as criminals. As incomprehensible as it may be, these men were some of the lucky ones. They survived to tell their story, and sponsors in the US are giving seven of the men the opportunity to restore their limbs and take a step toward returning to the life they knew before their torture.

With the help of Spirit of America donor support Friends of Democracy was able to create their very own news network that provided coverage of Iraq's national elections on January 30, 2005. This network, centered on the Internet and Iraqi blogs, provided a ground-level first-person view of campaigning before the election, voting on January 30, and the post-election results. Friends of Democracy posted their election coverage in English and Arabic. And, a live television show on Iraq's elections was shot live in National Geographic's TV studio in Washington D.C. and was broadcast on C-SPAN. If you missed us on TV you can still watch the show on streaming media. Approximately, $1,810 was donated to this project. These funds were transferred to Friends of Democracy for compensation of election news correspondents.

Your donation will enable Yarmouk University and Baquba Technical Institute to continue preparing young Iraqi men and women to contribute to the transformation of Iraq.

We are providing children's books identified by Iraq's Ministry of Education. The books will be used to create children's libraries in community centers, hospitals and schools.

While Major Mark Sherkey was stationed in Iraq in 2003, he realized that providing for the education of children was a key piece of the puzzle in completing their mission. Through friends, family and colleagues, Major Sherkey was able to provide over 2,000 Iraqi children with 2,500 pounds of school supplies donated by generous Americans in 26 states. This outreach to the local population helped to create an umbrella of protection around Sherkey's unit.

The Voice of Women Radio Station in Baghdad, Iraq (Radio Almahaba) is the first independent, non-governmental, non-religious media forum addressing women's rights and issues. The quickest, most effective way to educate or influence the masses is through media outlets, especially radio which has the potential to reach millions in a matter of seconds. Such a force is needed to empower Iraqi women to participate in advocacy for their rights and the electoral process. Funds are needed to replace the radio transmitter which was damaged in the recent bombing of the Palestine Hotel. Support is also needed on an on-going basis to keep the station up and running until it is self-sustaining through advertising revenue.

Major Julian "Kip" Avent had previously worked with Spirit of America while he was deployed to Yemen. So on his tour in Iraq, he wanted to help the local population. Developing a trustful and helpful relationship with the local population is a major goal for the troops. His team is in contact with the local Iraqi people on a daily basis and could use school supplies, clothing, and hygiene kits. Until now, they had been buying items out of their own pocket and giving them out while on missions. SoA is working together with MAJ Julian "Kip" Avent's replacements, SSG Krista Englert and PFC Anice Murray to continue the work started by Maj. Avent to provide supplies to the children of Iraq.

Staff Sergeant (SSG) Steven Gardner has been in Iraq since April of 2003. He has been "all over" the country and is currently on a mission serving with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) or the base exchange store in the remote site of Habur Gate on the Iraq/Turkey border. He wants to leave Iraq "knowing I came, I fought and I made a difference in someone's life here". With your help, SoA will honor SSG Gardner's 4+ years of continuous service in Iraq by helping him provide for the local school in this poor region which is in made need of an overhaul in all areas.

Major Owen West, US Marines, requests assistance with fingerprinting and information system to be used by Iraqi Army to identify and track insurgents and terrorists in Khalidiya, Iraq.

US Military and State Department personnel, in cooperation with the "Green Zone Council", are asking your help to re-energize involvement and opportunities for Boy & Girls Scouts in Iraq. Iraq was one of the first founders of Scouting in the Arab Region but lost international backing in the 90's when Sadaam Hussein changed the organizational goals and mission. However, the "Green Zone Council" a group which includes state department and military personnel in collaboration with local leaders, is working to foster the rebirth of Scouting in Iraq as a way to teach, coach and mentor youth in values and skills that will set them up for success in life. With so much riding on the leadership of the next generation of Iraqis, this is an important way to build up the country's youth to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Agricultural has historically been a dominant and critical economic activity for both Iraq and Afghanistan. But years of neglect in Iraq and drought in Afghanistan coupled with the devastation of war have decimated the once prominent agriculture sector in these countries. Coalition Forces recognize the importance of rejuvenating and sustaining successful agricultural production to insure adequate food supplies, boost economic growth and restore confidence in each country's ability to provide for its population. Your support of this project will allow SoA to respond to these troop requests to help local areas respond to one of life's basic needs.

Since women constitute a majority of Iraq's population, adequately addressing their issues and interests is an important step in insuring a stable and bright future for all of Iraq. The Marines Civil Affairs Group in Fallujah is partnering with two local NGO's to establish the Fallujah Women's Cultural Center which will ultimately offer employment training, an internet center, a daycare and maybe most importantly, a place for women to get together to share ideas and provide encouragement for each other. At the Marines request, SoA is providing sewing machines and computers and you can help.

Iraq's health system is in poor condition, wrecked not only by war but by decades of neglect and corruption. The Iraqi medical community and Coalition Forces are working to reverse the years of decline and restore vital medical services to the people of Iraq. The Army 415st located in Najaf, Iraq has asked for your help in improving conditions at the Najaf Teaching Hospital in the Holy City of Najaf, Iraq by supplying a Central Cardiac Monitoring System.

Lieutenant Colonel Jody Nelson is the Commander of a Special Troops Battalion in Nangarhar Province on the eastern border with Pakistan. LTC Nelson shared that the insurgents here "live among the people, quietly conducting an insurgency through corruption and coercion." LTC Nelson and her battalion combat the insurgency in a large part by encouraging, equipping and training local security forces. Since these forces are often under-resourced which is not only demoralizing but also practically inefficient, supplies such as flashlights, tshirts, socks, rain ponchos, and blankets can make a critical difference.

Spirit of America supported a range of projects and activities intended to increase voter participation in Iraq's January 30th election; and (2) encourage the Iraqi people to make informed decisions on the candidates.

In response to a request from the U.S. 1st Marine Division, Spirit of America donated 10,000 school supply kits, 3 tons of medical supplies and 2 tons of Frisbees printed with "Friendship" in English and Arabic. These items will be given to Iraqis by the Marines as gifts of friendship from the American people. The goal is to help the Iraqi people and to build better relations between Americans and Iraqis.

In response to a request from Captain Justin Thomas for musical instruments for Kurdish villages in Northern Iraq, Spirit of America provided $6,000 for pianos and violins. These instruments were presented to village elders in Byara and Khormal where people had been forbidden to listen to or play music for years under the Islamist Government of Kurdistan.

U.S. Marines and Seabees are training Iraqi men as carpenters, electricians, plumbers and masons. Donated tools will be presented as gifts of friendship when they complete trade school. Your contribution will support Iraqis who are working with the Marines to rebuild their country.

We first heard about First Lieutenant (1LT) Jason Karluk's interest in reaching out to help Iraqi kids through his Aunt Lori Jean. 1LT Karluk, who is serving his 2nd tour of duty in Iraq, enlisted his Aunt's help in finding organizations who could help to send items such as school supplies, soccer balls and small toys for local children in these remote Northern towns which haven't been a focus for Civil Affairs outreach. 1LT Karluk shared that "the future of Iraq lies in the education of its children. We owe it to them, and to the hundreds of American men and women who gave their lives to bring them freedom, to give these children the basic tools of learning."

Training and equipping Iraqi and Afghani security forces are vital to each country's ability to create a stable environment for democracy and peace to take root and grow and a critical component in allowing the safe withdrawal of U.S. troops. Spirit of America has recently received several requests from American military personnel for safety equipment needed to protect the forces who are being trained to protect their countries.

A cornerstone of freedom is the ability to openly express and exchange information and opinions. While that's a concept often taken for granted in America, its a practice that can be dangerous, even life-threatening, in the world's most repressed countries. The emergence of blogging technology offers an opportunity for the unrestricted sharing of ideas but very real concerns about personal safety can deter those who could benefit most from creating blogs. The Anonymous Blogging project will provide an accessible synthesis of available information on how to blog more safely in the most restrictive countries.

Poverty, lack of education and limited access to basic utilities make circumstances difficult for many in Senegal. Army Major Michael Poirier contacted Spirit of America to help provide basic supplies such as school kits, hygiene kits and soccer balls. In addition, solar powered lanterns are needed to bring light where no electricity is available. Your generous contributions to this project will allow Spirit of America to provide all of these supplies and more.

The US Army Civil Affairs Team working in Garissa, Kenya has a mandate to counterattack the influence of violent extremist organizations and the team sees supporting education, women's education in particular, a key way to fight extremist ideology. Educated women provide better nutrition, health care, and education to their families. Army 1LT Jeffrey Moye in cooperation with a local organization, Womankind Kenya, seeks your help in supporting vocational training for women by providing 10 sewing machines for its efforts to give women a skill they can use to support themselves.

You can help U.S. Army Forces educate children in Africa by providing school supplies, soccer balls and circus equipment. A local acrobat troupe in the area showcases children under 20. While the children train, they are taught about HIV/AIDS, gender roles and other important "life" topics.

In 2004, Spirit of America responded to the request of the 1st Marine Division asking to help women in Ramadi by providing sewing machines for centers being established by the Province's director of economic development. Through the generosity of our donors and friends, SoA was able to respond to that request by providing 100 machines.

SFC Brian Soper is from Minneapolis, Minnesota. As his National Guard unit traveled outside of Baghdad he noticed many Iraqis walking miles to get drinking water. He estimates that 250 barrels should get them through the heat until Civil Affairs develops a permanent solution. Help Spirit of America assist these rural Iraqis in getting through the difficult summer months.

In anticipation of the new school year, Chaplain Foskett wants 27,000 more school bags for Iraqi school children.

Chaplain Garvey writes, "Americans in uniform delivering supplies to schools and orphanages demonstrates that Americans care about helping Iraqis move toward a brighter future. Let's give our servicemen the supplies that are most needed for them to help Iraqi children. If we don't who will? There is no one else."

Spirit of America has launched the America-Iraq School Partners Program to create partnerships and friendships between American and Iraqi schools. In this program American and Iraqi schools are matched (elementary, middle school, high school) for at least one school year.

U.S. Marines and Iraqis work together to build a modern hospital.

News broadcasts in Iraq can be biased, inaccurate and incomplete - to put it mildly. Spirit of America and the US Marines have created a television alternative owned and operated by Iraqis. This is leading to better information, countering efforts to provoke and helping reduce tensions.

Sergeant First Class Brian Soper recently helped us provide 250 water barrels to Iraqis living outside of Baghdad. Now, he wants to help Iraqi farmers irrigate their crops. Spirit of America is sending water pumps to help Iraqi farmers get water from water wells and canals. Additionally, we are sending drip irrigation hoses which will help farmers to water their crops while minimizing water loss from evaporation.

Spirit of America raised funds from individual donors in the United States to purchase 2,000 dental care kits (toothbrushes and toothpaste). The kits included an insert with images of the American and Iraqi flags, photographs of American men, women and children and the greeting "A gift of friendship from the people of the United States to the people of Iraq." Federal Express donated express shipping of the kits to the Marines.

Spirit of America raised funds from individual donors in the United States to purchase 480 red, white and blue soccer jerseys. The kits included an insert with images of the American and Iraqi flags, photographs of American men, women and children and the greeting "A gift of friendship from the people of the United States to the people of Iraq." Federal Express donated express shipping of the jerseys to the Marines.

A new Marine unit is now operating in Nawa, Afghanistan and they plan to continue the efforts of previous Marine units who came before them to improve local condition which will help to sever ties with and need for the Taliban. The Marines have identified school supplies, farming tools, medical necessities and many other items that are needed throughout the Nawa District.

LTC Linda Holloway serving with the Army Reservers as part of RCT-2 team in Western Anbar Province, Iraq needs your support to equip 25,000 Iraqi schoolchildren with supplies for the upcoming school year. In her own words, LTC Holloway describes the current situation and how this outreach can have an impact: About year ago Western Anbar was extremely an unstable environment with an incredible influx of extremities but has improved tremendously which has allowed the Civil Affairs Units to conduct several civil affairs operations for the improvement of the quality of life of the local Iraqis through out the providences. After traveling outside of the wire and seeing the conditions of the schools, great degree of poverty, and witness first hands children running up to service members begging for paper, pens, or pencils. It dawn on me that one of the ways we could have a tremendous impact on the community was to provide the children with back packs that are filled with school supplies".

The Marines of the 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion are engaged in a fight for the future not just of Afghanistan as a country, but for the welfare of the children who are its future. By contributing to this project, you allow us to buy them warm coats, sandals, school supplies, and toys for the children of the Helmand River district. By arming the Marines with these gifts, you are also making them safer, by tangibly demonstrating to tribal elders that Americans are there to help.

Though incremental improvements are being made, Afghanistan has historically had one of the lowest standards of living in the world. This coupled with the fact that the Afghan economy continues to be overwhelmingly agricultural despite the fact that only 12% of its total land area is arable creates a ripe environment for extremists to prey on destitute citizens. An Army Sergeant Major wants to provide for Afghan farmers and their families in Southern Afghanistan. The SGM wrote to us that "the Taliban's biggest ally is that the local people are destitute and hungry for any good deed. We could use some good deed on our side, with your help".

When troops serving with the Coalition Joint Task Force Phoenix V serving in Kabul, Afghanistan asked their local interpreters to help identify a potential outreach project that would represent a non-biased, Afghan approach to what the community needs the most, every interpreter came back with the same suggestion--the Ibnisina Emergency Hospital. With your help, SoA will provide critical supplies from necessary medical equipment to basic items like stethescopes to improve the conditions and capabilities at this vital hospital in one of the busiest and poorest parts of Kabul.

Educating the children of Afghanistan is crucial to improving the lives of the children and the future of the country. Spirit of America is pleased to continue our support of a brighter educational future for Afghani kids through a new request from 1st Lieutenant Roger Chen, stationed between the towns of Saturi and Khangukay.

Currently all medical knowledge in Afghanistan is passed verbally. Spirit of America has been asked by the doctors of Afghanistan and the U.S. Military at Bagram Airfield to help fill this need by establishing a medical reference library. The library will be used by the El Salam Egyptian Military Hospital (at Bagram) and by doctors throughout Afghanistan.

The military have requested bullet-proof vests and helmets for training the Iraqi and Afghani Army and Police. Last year, Captain John Skipper of the Redondo Beach, California Police Department collected 600 bullet-proof vests to protect Afghanistan Police Forces. Captain Skipper came to Spiriti of America for assistance in shipping these vests. The first shipment was so successful and appreciated by Afghani Police that SoA will partner with Captain Skipper on an ongoing basis to provide security equipment for local Afghanistan law enforcement.

"We do not garner the media attention that Iraq does, but I bear witness that the conditions and efforts are nearly the same. In deed, the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan are one in the same - Providing Enduring Security and Freedom." U.S. Army Captain Todd Schmidt.

Coalition Forces in Afghanistan consistently call to SoA for assistance with everything from clothing to school supplies to soccer equipment. With your help, we will continue to provide requested supplies that help our troops empower and care for the Afghani people.

"We're currently working on a project for early spring time. We especially need shoes and shawls. Women usually get nothing in these areas. We'd like to help that."

US Soldiers would like to do our part not only to provide security but also to reach out to the local nationals and leave a positive image...as we depart Iraq. Providing work clothes, shoes, soccer gear and school supplies to Iraqis who have none will "provide stronger ties between the US and the Iraqi citizens".

The Good Neighbors program is designed to supply basic necessities such as hygiene kits, clothing, school kits and more to Iraqis living near Sather Air Force Base. Through Good Neighbors, a group of military personnel volunteer their time to distribute the much-needed supplies to over 80 families and about 150 children on a regular basis.

Army Captain Douglas Ray, Executive Officer for Team Nomad a Border Transition Team wants to bring musical instruments to Iraqi children in Kurdistan. Captain Ray is working with Mayor Serwan Sereni of Rwandz City who is an accomplished musician originally from Kurdistan. Mayor Sereni knows first-hand from his days waiting in line to play a school-owned violin the importance that access to instruments can have for budding musicians. Your donations to this project will supply violins, guitars, woodwinds and more for the 70 schools in the region.

After the rule of the Taliban and decades of war, Afghanistan's healthcare system has been neglected. Equipment is in short supply and hospitals are in disrepair. Army Colonel Wendell Hickman in cooperation with attorney Melinda Lord seeks your help in improving conditions for at least one community --Herat, Afghanistan.

SSG Dale Race stationed near Kunar Province Valley Afghanistan contacted SoA to help with the need in this rural area in Northeast area of Afghanistan. SSG Race wrote, "I would like your help with providing basic subsistence items to a few local Afghan farmers and their children in our area of operation in the Kunar province. Most farmers and families lack some of the things we take for granted every day such as fresh water, food, education and clothing." With your contributions to this project, SoA will supply items such as shovels, rakes, baby blankets, clothing, school supplies and more.

A very sad fact is there is a large number of children in Afghanistan who have become victims of land mines. As a result they have lost limbs and suffered various injuries. As MAJ Eric Ruthman writes:

The female literacy rate in Afghanistan is estimated at only 12% (UNICEF). Educating and empowering young Afghan women is an important component of change and a harbinger of a better future for the country. Rachel Hudak stationed at Bagram Airfield has a heart for being part of the change for a school near the base. Hudak shared that "...this is an exceptional opportunity that we can provide some very needed basic necessities to [the girls seeking an education]."

You can make an impact in the lives of hundreds of villagers who are struggling to raise life-sustaining crops in the drought-stricken region of Helmand Province. The Marines of the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion swept out the Taliban from villages along the Helmand River in hard fighting last spring and summer. Now they are committing themselves to helping the villagers build sustainable agriculture. This drought-devastated area desperately needs to bring the waters from the Helmand River up to the farm fields to raise crops. If they are successful, the villagers will be able to earn enough money to open schools, support a police force, and resist the Taliban for the long term.

Spirit of America is aiming to help Chaplain Scott Koeman in his efforts to provide for children in Southern Afghanistan. In his initial email to us, Chaplain Koeman illuminated the hardships he experiences in the country:

The winter in Afghanistan is quickly approaching and the majority of locals do not have items that we consider necessities in cold weather. CPT Anna Talerico wants to make this winter safer for Afghan locals by distributing winter blankets.

Medic William Seo is passionate about helping the people of Afghanistan. Having been in Afghanistan since January 2009, Seo has made it a priority to help better the lives of the local people. Spirit of America hopes to aid Seo in his mission and provide for what he has named Project Afghan Literacy.

CPT C.J. Scott, a company commander with the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion serving in Nangarhar Province, and his combat engineers have a "long-term goal...to improve female education and opportunities in a sustainable manner." They are focusing on the female population for "education and economics as they are the forgotten and underappreciated demographic in this complex region." Your donation will purchase the book bags, domestic items and sewing supplies requested by CPT Scott to empower Afghan women.

Sergeant Major Mack McDowell is looking for help to provide Afghan farmers a cash crop alternative to poppy. In 2007 Mack made a similar request and we provided 40,000 saffron bulbs and farm tools. Mack was chosen as a CNN Hero for his efforts. Mack is back in Afghanistan and again asks your support for local farmers. Your contributions will buy saffron bulbs, farming tools and other items to benefit the farmers and their families.

Sometimes big things start in small ways. Take the efforts of US Army Specialist Gerardo Llamas stationed with the HQ ISAF forces in Kabul. SPC Llamas simply recognized that the people he encountered had very little, if nothing, in the way of cold weather gear to combat what can be frigid winter temperatures in Afghanistan. SPC Llamas had the idea to post a request on Craigslist to try and personally secure some blankets for the local community. That request was seen by blogger and author, Phyllis Zimbler Miller, and she posted it on her blog "Mrs. Lieutenant: A Sharon Gold Novel". She also emailed Spirit of America to see if we could help. Just like Ms. Miller, we were impressed with SPC Llamas' story which is exactly the kind of individual initiative that Spirit of America was founded to support. With your contributions to this project, we would like to help provide the supplies he requests.

Reports in recent years have placed Afghanistan's infant mortality rate among the highest in the world. Studies cite illiteracy, poverty, malnutrition, poor hygiene and a crippled health-care system as contributing factors to the high death rate for both infants and mothers shortly after or during birth. One way to combat this troubling situation in Afghanistan is to equip midwives to provide local care and education to Afghan women. Army Major David Gaitonde requests your help in providing supplies to a Midwife Training Center offering a 2 year program in Paktya Province. With your support of this project, Spirit of America will provide the tools for the graduating trainees to help Afghan women and families.

An unfortunate by product of the years of war in Afghanistan are the many wounded adults and children. Many Afghans have lost limbs due to land mines and adequate resources to care for these people are hard to come by for the hospitals and healthcare staff that work to treat these innocent victims of a country at war. Army Captain Terri Selph would like to help alleviate some of the suffering by providing wheelchairs so that amputees can regain some mobility. With your support of this project, Spirit of America will ship wheelchairs courtesy of SpinLife to Cpt. Selph.

Though much progress has been made in Iraq, there is still more work to be done, and the US military is still in country to help maintain and continue that progress. Army Sergeant (SGT) Terrence Carpenter and the 422nd Civil Affairs stationed in Mosul, Iraq are asking your support to provide ongoing efforts to build infrastructure with water purification kits, encourage educational opportunities with school supplies and provide for good, clean fun with soccer balls.

As the Team Chief for Team Weasel, which is a Military Training and Transition (MiTT) Team, Army Major James Mullin leads efforts to train and advise the 6th Iraqi Army (IA) Division (DIV) in Baghdad, Iraq. We are helping the 6th IA DIV take a more prominent role in operations by providing their own security and taking the lead on missions with US forces in support. One of our missions is to help ease the suffering of the Iraqi people in Baghdad and its surrounding communities. We conduct humanitarian missions alongside our IA counterparts to deliver food, water, medical supplies, clothing, toiletries, toys and school supplies. With your generous support of this project, Spirit of America can help Major Mullin and Team Weasel provide critically needed items such as medical, dental, hygiene and educational supplies.

Chaplain Assistant SPC Jonathon Kissam has reached out for Spirit of America's assistance in a very special project. Along with his Chaplain, CPT Steve Dunn, SPC Kissam plans to adopt an orphanage where they are stationed in Northern Iraq. Of course, this is no small undertaking, and many items are needed to improve the lives of the children in need- particularly blankets, children's shoes, and toys. Originally from FT Wainwright, Alaska, these soldiers will be in the country until next August and are eager to bring comfort to these orphaned children. SPC Kissam is already expressing his gratitude in his initial emails with us as he writes, "thank you for all you and your supporters do...God bless and take care!"

Army Staff Sergeant Charles Robinson serving with the 7th Sustainment Brigade out of Talill Airbase near Nasiriyah, Iraq needs your support to help the local community, particularly with supplies for a School for the Deaf and medical clinics. SSG Robinson wrote to us with the need for school supplies and other educational materials along with medical supplies. The Sergeant is particularly interested in helping the deaf children since he is completely deaf in his right ear. With your generous support of this project, Spirit of America will provide these items and more!

Army Civil Affiars Major Jorge Cintronolivieri arrived in Balad, Iraq at the end of 2007 and quickly identified supplies that could have an impact on their units ability to help the local community. The Major's "wish list" includes supplies to support the education, health and well-being of Iraqis in this region where political and economic stability has been a struggle. With your support of this project, SoA will help Major Cintronolivieri and his team reach out to these people in need.

With the flow of additional troops into Iraq, Anbar Province, long the lawless heartland of the tenacious Sunni Arab resistance, is undergoing a surprising transformation. Violence is ebbing in many areas, shops and schools are reopening, police forces are growing and the insurgency appears to be in retreat. As Iraqi children return to school, there is a real need for school supplies. SFC Michael Maples stationed at Camp Fallujah, Iraq would like SoA's help in supplying 14,000 school backpacks for children in Anbar.

With the collapse of Saddam Hussein's dictatorial regime, Iraq's Bedouins are emerging from their desert isolation. Since U.S. forces moved into Iraq, the country's southern Bedouin tribes have started shedding their fear. They are returning with their flocks of sheep and camels to fertile grazing grounds near the Euphrates.

Army 1LT Christopher Mitchum first heard about the Al-Menar orphanage while attending the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) which is the most basic from of local government in Iraq. He attends this meeting bi-weekly to hear the local representatives of Shurta / Resallah area of Baghdad address the essential needs of the community.The council emphasized the Al-Menar orphanage's dire need for essential items such as clothing and shoes along with small toys. Though official statistics are scarce, many reports estimate that the number of children orphaned in Iraq number in the millions. We may not be able to reach them all, but with your support of this project, Spirit of America will help to make a positive impact for these 126 Iraqi orphans in need.

Maxwell Quqa contacted Spirit of America from his station at the US Embassy in Baghdad regarding the needs of Iraqi orphans. Working closely with SICF (Sponsor Iraqi Children Foundation), Quqa has been working to provide clothing and toys to children in five different Iraqi orphanages. 

LTC Linda J. M. Holloway, a United States Army Reservist with 22 years experience, is currently serving in Iraq as a Civil Affairs Officer on an ePRT, which stands for Embedded Reconstruction Team. During her many meetings with local Iraqis since the start of her tour in October, 2006, LTC Holloway has realized that "[t]he rebuilding of Iraq is more than just mortar and bricks; it is the rebuilding of people's lives that have been devastated by the many years of war in Iraq...There is indeed a cry for help and it is the cry of the "War Widows."

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Alexander Parker serving with the Army 287th Sustainment Brigade at COB Adder in Iraq is continuing the work started by his predecessor, Staff Sergeant (SSG) Charles Robinson, to provide for special needs children in Iraq. SFC Parker and the 287th will be working with a school for Iraqi children with a wide range of disabilities including hearing impairment and physical disabilities. In addition, SFC Parker and company want to install playground equipment in several areas throughout their area of operation. With your generous donations of this project, Spirit of America will provide the basic supplies needed such as school kits and soccer balls along with the more immediate needs for these disabled students such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, crutches and hardware for the playground equipment.

Just a few short months ago, the situation in Ramadi in Anbar Province Iraq was unstable to the point that just going outside was potentially dangerous. But the US military in cooperation with the Iraqi Army have improved the security situation significantly and can now work to improve the quality of life in the area. USMC Sgt. Brody Zeigler and the 3rd Battalion 7th Marines want to provide for local children by giving them school supplies and soccer equipment. Many of you are getting ready for back-to-school and the Fall soccer season, and you can help Iraqi children get ready, too!

Chaplain Damon Saxton and the 7th Sustainment Brigade serving near Nasiriyah have been busy making hundreds of desks for school kids in Southern Iraq. Now they need the school kits to go along with those! With your support, Spirit of America will provide school supplies which include a quality backpack filled with paper, pencils, scissors, glue, colored pencils, and more.

In the early Fall of 2008, several Marines had a dream to bring clean water to villages surrounding Iraq's historical Euphrates River. The idea is to provide sediment, bacteria and virus free water to 13 villages near the river that are too spread out and too small to make large water project cost effective. Those 13 villages currently drink water straight from the Euphrates even though the quality of the water has decreased dramatically in the last several years. With your support of the vital initiative, Spirit of America will partner with Water for the World in providing 13 complete water purification systems for each of the communities.

Army Sergeant First Class John Ingrum is serving his 2nd tour in Iraq and has " made it [his] goal for the area surrounding Habur Gate to have a positive lasting relationship with the American Service Member." He has identified a local non-profit, AVA, which can help him reach the children of this very poor area with school supplies, clothes, toys and computers. SFC Ingrum asks, " Won't you please help me protect the kids and help build them a better future?"

Since their arrival in May of this year, Marines deployed to Nawa, Afghanistan, have been actively supporting women's economic development initiatives. One way they plan to support economic development is to provide sewing machines to women throughout Nawa District, which will allow them to sell their tailored goods to people in the villages or watans. In addition to sewing machines, the village elders, in partnership with the Marines, have determined that by supplying fabric and thread, the women will be able to get a more productive head start in sewing and tailoring their goods for the local villages.

An Army Staff Sergeant has "the privilege and unique opportunity as a female to be attached to a Special Forces unit" in the mountains of Afghanistan. However, this rural area has a heavy Taliban influence with constant threats to the locals and basic resources are scarce.

US Marines in Nawa, Afghanistan understand the importance of good governance, especially at the local level, which is why they've identified the need to connect the people of Nawa to their district government with television and video capabilities. The Marines are already constructing a community center in the main bazaar in Nawa where they plan to train their Nawa District government partners to record, edit and broadcast Afghan and coalition messages with Spirit of America donated audio and video equipment. With your support, SoA can help the Marines help their Afghan government partners connect to the people of Nawa.

Kunar Province in eastern Afghanistan is described as one of the most beautiful but most dangerous regions of the country. People here are considered conservative, even by Afghan standards. Providing basic necessities can help the Army engage the local community and succeed in their mission to turn the tide against the Taliban.

Marines stationed near Khan Neshin in Southern Afghanistan are working to reverse the effects of the Taliban's presence and years of war by creating a new school, new health clinic and District Center.

US Marine Corps Ensign Jerry McNew, who is stationed in Iraq, has witnessed first hand the effect gifts have had in building the relationship between the soldiers and the Iraqi people. Ensign McNew has emphasized the importance of school supplies and toys for the local children. He has seen the benefits from the previous donations that he has been a part of and states, "I have seen a lot of children without and this can go a long way to bring a smile to the children of Iraq".

The 1st Marine Logistics Group (IMLG) doctors, nurses, and Corpsmen staffing the equivalent of Emergency Rooms in half a dozen locations in Helmand Province. Some are in some pretty tough and austere locations. Afghan patients brought to these facilities need the basics such as clothing (which is often cut-off to begin treatment), blankets and hygiene kits to help them feel well and cared for - a significant part of the physical and mental healing process.

The Marines of the 4th Civil Affairs group is tasked with helping local Afghans in Helmand Province rebuild their communities and put a positive face on the local government. Your support of this project will help them to achieve that goal by providing the supplies needed to care for (wheelchairs), empower (farm implements) and build relationships (blankets and shoes) with the local citizens.

Air Force Technical Sergeant (TSgt) Sherry Martin is stationed at Camp Victory, Iraq near Baghdad and her goal is to provide for 100 Iraqi children through project "Good Neighbors". She writes to us that a team visits the children every week and that during every visit "you hear gunfire in the background and the children just ignore [it] because it is so common to them." These kids, particularly those ages 9-16, are desperately in need of clothing, shoes, hygiene kits along with sports equipment such as soccer balls and basketballs. With your support of this Good Neighbors project, SoA will help TSgt Martin bring a little good into these children's difficult lives.

There are many innocent people who need basic quality­ of life support here in Iraq. A Civil Military Affairs Operation Center (CMOC) operates a medical/dental clinic at Radwaniya on Camp Victory, Baghdad. US service members volunteer to provide medical and dental care to the clinic. They have created an outreach program called "Hearts for Baghdad" to secure needed supplies for the clinic. SoA is working through Lieutenant Commander Dan Stallard, a military chaplain stationed at Camp Victory, to provide for these basic needs along with vital medical equipment.

An Army Major stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan has become somewhat of a hero to local village children. He goes to local stores and bazaars and purchases what he can in order to put a smile on their faces. He writes, "One of the ways to win the hearts and minds of the locals is to show that we care for them and I like to do that by taking care of the kids as much as I can." With your support, Spirit of America is providing school supplies, backpacks, soccer balls, bandages and other items to help make a difference in these kids' lives.

Troops in Ghazni, Afghanistan seek to provide basic resources for Afghan women who are often an overlooked demographic. In partnership with the Ghazni Department of Women's Affairs (DOWA) they will identify the most critically needed items such as hygiene kits, shoes and educational supplies to distribute to local women in need.

A Marine Civil Affairs team is seeking your help to provide basic necessities to school children in Nawa, Afghanistan. The civil affairs team recently visited a local school and found that the children need socks, hygiene kits and small rugs. Your donations to this project will allow us to meet those needs and more.

An often overlooked group in Iraq is the children and families who travel many miles with little resources over dangerous roads to visit relatives who are prison detainees. Reaching out in friendship to these families has the unique potential to present a positive impression of the US to a critical population. By showing these wives and children concern about their well-being during a difficult time, there is great opportunity to combat negative stereotypes. SSG Jennings has a wonderful heart and a commitment and has requested school kits, games and toys and playground equipment.

Without question, projects to support the needs of children continue to be SoA's most frequent requests. Whether it's because children are innocent and touch a nerve of compassion or because providing for children is literally providing for a better future, we receive appeals for school supplies, playground equipment, toys, etc. consistently. As we have provided for those needs through Gifts for Children, it has become clear that the project wasn't broad enough to encompass all that we want and must do to insure we can respond to requests to give children everywhere a chance at the education, medicine and quality of life that they deserve. With this new project, SoA will respond to a broad range of initiatives to improve the lives of kids in need.

In today's Afghanistan, life prospects for youth are very limited. Lack of resources on the one hand and scarce employment opportunities on the other make it difficult for them to find their place in society, a situation which is especially frustrating for young men who need goals and orientation points to spend their energy. Often, due to the lack of constructive activities, young people become involved in strife and conflict. As is frequently the case in the US, promoting sports is one of the most promising ways to channel competitive energy into positive activities. Army personnel in Afghanistan in cooperation with many local groups and officials have a wide-reaching plan to establish formalized soccer and volley ball leagues to improve the opportunities for at risk Afghan youth. With your support of this project, Spirit of America will work with Captain Greg Schaefer to provide uniforms and equipment for up to 83 teams.

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.

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.

With almost half of Iraq's population under the age of 18, the most frequent project request that SoA receives is for school supplies. With your help, Spirit of America will supply over 15,000 school kits and 250 chalkboards for the new school year. Time spent in the classroom is time spent off the street and is an important step toward a better future, for the children and for Iraq.

The California National Guard's 40th Infantry Division Agribusiness Development Team is working in Kunar Province, Afghanistan to support the needs of farmers and their families through a series of veterinary clinics held throughout the region. In this rural area where there are no cell phones, radios and few have electricity, farm animals are the only currency, and healthy animals mean increased wealth.

This project, previously titled "Gifts for Iraqi Children" and instigated by the 1st Marine Division in 2005 has been a long-time favorite, at the request of troops and with Spirit of America staff. Children are often the hardest hit by war and limited resources. Providing tokens of friendship to children not only helps to alleviate their suffering but also builds bonds of trust that can have a lasting impact. We've retooled this project to support a broader range of requests from Army and Marine personnel serving in any of the countries that SoA currently supports.

Operation Snapshot conceived by LtCol Jeff Vold of the 1st Marine Division at the beginning of 2005, remains one our most popular projects. Many military contacts have benefitted form this unique outreach to bring smiles to local citizens. As now Colonel Vold wrote in his original request, "Many teams report that they have been able to open many doors and break down many barriers with something as simple as a Polaroid picture."

Fleet Marine Force Corpsman (HM1) Charlotte Ward is serving with the 1/4 Battalion's Caleb Platoon near Fallujah, Iraq. She wrote to Spirit of America to secure supplies for women and children to provide them a support system to combat the instability they face on a daily basis and to empower their self-sufficiency through education, literacy and a sewing center. Your contributions to this project to benefit HM1 Ward's request will help to bring practical assistance and hope to Iraqi women and children in need.

Spirit of America in cooperation with Columbia St. Mary's Hospital and the Afghans for Civil Society organization need your help to transport three 40' ocean containers full of vitally needed medical equipment to the people of Afghanistan.

Spirit of America supported the efforts of Chief Wiggles and Operation Give to provide toys to children in and around Baghdad.

Because of the uncertain security situation in Garmsir, Afghanistan women have little to no access to important items like formula to support their infants and toddlers. Recently, a woman in the Garmsir District came to the Marines seeking support for her malnourished six-month old infant. The people of Garmsir know our Marines are there to help them. You can help our Marines help their Afghan friends with your contributions.

Second Lieutenant Genevieve Studer, USMC, is doing an incredible thing in to benefit Spirit of America and our work with US troops overseas. 2nd Lt Studer has challenged herself to raise US $10,000 in support of Spirit of America's mission by running the "original marathon" in Athens, Greece on the 12th of April 2010. Her mother, Laura A. Maness, will pedal beside her. With your help, 2ndLt Studer will meet her goal of raising funds for Spirit of America to support American troops and their efforts to encourage peace by winning hearts and minds.

The Army National Guard is tasked with mentoring and training the 50 plus Afghanistan Policemen in the immediate area. They need to equip these local policemen to allow them to better perform the important task of providing security for their community.

Clean drinking water is a basic necessity and something that most Americans take for granted. However, United Nations figures suggest that barely one in three Iraqis have access to clean drinking water. Waterborne diseases like diarrhea — the most prolific killer of children under 5 — remain a problem. Though providing essential services is a cornerstone of the US military's counter-insurgency strategy, the scope of the problem, particularly in rural areas, has left many Iraqis without clean water. Army Chaplain Brian Murphy would like your help in changing this by providing solar-powered water purifiers to Iraqi communities and individual families in need.

We helped fund the development of an Arabic blogging (Web logging) tool and, with donor support, we are hosting the blogs at no cost to the bloggers. This allows Arabic-language blogs to be created easily. It gives voices to those working for freedom and democracy in the Arab world. And it enables them to easily connect and share ideas with their peers. Background on the Iraq Election News project is here.

The Marines and Sailors are providing security, health care, civic, and agricultural assistance to rural Afghan farmers in Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan. Physical government intervention has not begun for the villages northwest of Lashkar Gah, and the population of 2,700 adults and 300 children less than 5 years old are in need of subsistence products to fend off malnutrition.

Chess has a long history in Afghanistan but was prohibited under the Taliban's reign of terror. A Navy Commander wants to provide chess sets and clocks for a Chess Tournament to encourage renewal of this popular game and reinforce the efforts made to rid the area of Taliban influence.

Army medic William Seo is very active in humanitarian efforts where he is stationed in Afghanistan. One of his goals is to provide for Afghan girls. Seo writes: "We are committed to provide 200 elementary school children with a pair of running shoes and Afghan traditional clothes (top and bottom), plus school supplies."

US troops are working hard to build schools to encourage educational opportunities for Afghan children. But most Afghan children lack the basic supplies to make the most of their school experience. Your contributions will provide the "little things" like paper and pencils that make a big difference. School and classroom supplies are one of the most frequently requested items from our military contacts in Afghanistan. Not only does providing for schools help promote a better future for the country through increased opportunities for the next generation but also handing out supplies to children, teachers helps to create a better relationship with the local community.

Oftentimes, the simpler things in life can make all the difference, particularly for the kids who live in and around the Nawa District of Afghanistan. Marines are in the process of constructing spaces throughout Nawa that will serve as both soccer fields and volleyball courts. With your support, Spirit of America will provide the kids of Nawa soccer balls, volleyballs, as well as soccer and volleyball nets. As we mentioned last week, Nawa continues to make progress and these items, albeit small, really help make a difference in those kids' lives.

Lebanon is at an historic crossroads. It has been under foreign occupation for more than a generation. But, as the result of pro-democracy demonstrations in Beirut, free elections and independence are now within Lebanon's reach. The focal point of these demonstrations is a "tent city" where pro-democracy demonstrators representing many different religions and political groups have united to form a permanent presence until Lebanon wins its independence. The tent city demonstrators keep the pressure on for political change, and they maintain world attention on the struggle for Lebanese independence. Your donation will support a new free and democratic Lebanon.

Operation Care is comprised of military and civilian volunteers dedicated to the welfare of the people of Afghanistan and, especially, to the children. Based at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Operation Care accepts donations of basic necessities including school supplies, shoes, clothing, blankets, hygiene items, nutritional supplements and similar items from a multitude of sources, and distributes humanitarian aid throughout the Afghanistan theater of operations where it is most needed. With the generous support of the American people, Operation Care works to ensure the future of a free and democratic Afghanistan, and to provide a secure, peaceful, and nurturing environment for its children.

Afghanistan has one of the highest proportion of school age children in the world and also one of the highest illiteracy rates in the world. Giving children books in their native language (Dari-Pashto) improves reading for even those children who aren't able to attend school.