After we launched our project to support Lebanon’s independence movement a few of our supporters emailed asking “what are you doing in Lebanon, what does that have to do with us?” And, “what does this have to do with helping the Marines in Iraq?”

You can also read our thoughts on these questions.

We asked several Marines (ones we have helped while they were in Iraq) for their perspective on whether Spirit of America should support projects like the one in Lebanon. Their unedited replies follow. Two are active duty Marines (Generals) and asked that their names be withheld to avoid perception that they would be endorsing Spirit of America.

Please note: the Marines and the U.S. Government had NO involvement in our support of Lebanon’s independence movement. Zero. None. We include the messages below to give you additional perspectives on our work. Also, these messages DO NOT constitute an endorsement of Spirit of America by the U.S. Marine Corps.

Message from LtCol Al Burghard

LtCol Burghard is a Marine Reservist (currently not deployed) and was one of the first two Marines we supported in Iraq in the summer of 2003. He asked if we could provide dental supplies for families in Al Hillah. You can read about that project here.

-----Original Message----- From: Al Burghard Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 7:09 AM To: Jim Hake Subject: RE: your feedback on something, pls Importance: High

Jim,

Lebanon is a perfect place for the Spirit of America to infuse the people with pro democracy support, and it WILL aid in the war on terrorism. I spent the first half of 1983 in Lebanon and was there where the Embassy was destroyed by a car bomb nearly killing Ambassador Dillon. I was later called to his residence when SECSTATE George Shultz (a former Marine Officer) was there and rockets were fired at it. I did the analysis and reported it to the world when Mr.. Hughes (media LN for the Embassy... later President Reagan's press secretary) stuck me in front of the likes of Peter Jennings and the global media A-Team.

Marines have been in Lebanon a number of times over the past decades, at the request of the Lebanese people. We have responded to terrorist issues, civil war and atrocities against refugees. Without getting political, after the bombing of the barracks in October 1983, we were unable to carry out our mission nor fulfill the policy mandate of the U.S. people. Our military presence could not continue. The Bekkah valley was (and likely still is) a Hezbolah training ground. Trans-National terrorists do not receive any support from the government of Lebanon, but the government is not strong enough to kick them out or fight them. They have been occupied by Syria for over 20 years, and in the south...Israel.

They have started to strongly voice and advocate principles of democracy and freedom....something we have had a hand in assisting one way or another for a very long time. We do not always need the U.S. Government or military to effect change.....the backing of the masses of Americans are quite capable and often more appropriate. Essentially, the Spirit of America would be carrying on that which was started a long time ago.

When there is true democracy, Lebanese style, hostile outside elements will not find safe haven. This denies them the luxury of basing in that great country, with easy access to bordering Arab nations. Lebanon has a huge homogenized religious mix and is very westernized. Once known as the Paris of the middle east....it can serve as a model for the rest of the region.

We were essentially "driven" out in 1984 by U.S. sentiment and the tragic loss of so many Marines. America, via the Spirit of America.....is being invited back. I'd accept that invitation..................

Regards.....Al Burghard

From Lt. General (Retired) Earl Hailston

LtGen Hailston’s last assignment was Commander of Marine Forces Central Command. He was General Tommy Franks' Component Commander of all the Marines in Iraq and the Middle East during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also commanded the Marines in Afghanistan during our earlier operations there.

-----Original Message----- From: Earl Hailston Sent: Friday, April 08, 2005 4:53 AM To: Jim Hake Subject: Re: your feedback on something

Jim,

In my humble opinion your answer is spot on target. Well done and well said. We need to help these folks all over the world, but particularly in the Middle East and Gulf Region. We need to somehow develop and expand our connections, friendships and trusts there. We need to help the common family and man on the street. If we don't then we just continue supporting a breeding ground for terrorists and the creation of an inevitable battlefield where Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines will be killed and wounded as we take the fight to them VS them bringing it here to our shores....which clearly they will do if allowed.

Your actions are correct and wise. I am much more worried about the situation in Iran and the way to "help." I don't have a clear idea on that yet. The picture is much more foggy.

Lebanon is a great place to start. We had a foothold there and it will be easier to regain that foothold. It will also help to contain Syria, a hot nest of Terrorist!

I hope that you are well.

Sincerely, Earl

Message from LtCol David Couvillon

LtCol Couvillon is a Marine Reservist (currently not deployed) and was one of the first two Marines we supported in Iraq in the summer of 2003. He asked if we could provide soccer jerseys for children in Al Kut. You can read about that project here.

-----Original Message----- From: David Couvillon Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 6:20 AM To: Jim Hake Subject: Re: your feedback on something, please

My great friend. I've read your responses. You have it exactly right. Remember that President Bush's intent was to change the dynamic in the Middle East (more broadly - of radical Islam) through freedom and democracy. Doing such would make the US, and the western world (and now that I think of it, the Islamic world), safer and more secure. Certainly providing opportunity for people in the Middle East AND extending the hand of friendship of the American People (note - that many in the world don't understand that the American government IS the American People) with the conotation of government will, in fact, make it safer for American servicemen by denying our enemies opportunity to recruit from disaffected, or unengaged, people. Jim, you, I and many others have seen first hand that engaging the American people to help oppressed peoples helps all the servicemen around the world

S/f Couv

From "General XYZ"

Name withheld on request.

-----Original Message----- From: GEN XYZ Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 11:08 AM To: Jim Hake Subject: RE: your feedback on something, please

Jim: I understand the nature of the questions you are receiving and Why Lebanon? has come to you from your sponsors. That said, we are in a war of ideas (more than bullets even, although bullets have their place against perverted fanatics), and boundaries between states don't mean what they once did. Especially states with varying levels of popular support or even self-government (read Lebanon under Syrian/Baath Party domination) can become breeding grounds for terror. Our oceans no longer insulate America as they once did to some degree, so if we wait for the world to find it's own way to peace and democracy, immature or failing nations can create havoc on other weak states or even our own country as we experienced on 9-11, when terrorists sortie out into the rest of the world that no boundaries can prevent.

I'd have to think more about this, but off the top of my head, the idea of boundaries is less relevant today in the face of Islamic terrorism than engaging with like-minded folks in those countries who prefer peace and the rule of law to govern relations between nations. That's the reason you find yourself reacting to events in Lebanon and I think you are on track here. You also read the waxing and waning of the Iraq situation correctly; there is enormous change coming much faster than I believed since the election so our military's needs there go up and down accordingly. Will cc Gen ABC to see if can add anything to this.

Hope this helps. Hang in there. Semper Fi, GEN XYZ

From General ABC

Name withheld on request.

-----Original Message----- From: GEN ABC Sent: Friday, April 08, 2005 11:44 AM To: 'Jim Hake'; GEN XYZ Subject: RE: your feedback on something, please

Jim--

Sorry for the delay in responding, I'm taking a few days of leave. In any event, I believe GEN XYZ hit the mark when he said that boundaries don't mean what they once did. In the information age, we are in a war of ideas. Ideas know no boundaries. If we are to win the war of ideas, we must have the ability to convey our message and influence perceptions about us throughout the world. We are portrayed by our enemies as a self-absorbed, morally corrupt, violent, imperialistic society. Locations in which our enemies have been allowed to control the message have become breeding grounds for anti-American venom and terrorists. Countries like Lebanon are particularly susceptible due to the socio-economic challenges they have faced for decades. Our enemies are able to exploit people's fear, ignorance, and misery. In many cases, the Bin Ladens of the world are able to convince people that their condition is a result of the 'imperial west' -- read: the United States As a Nation, the U.S. has been challenged to compete in the war of ideas. Frankly, we're getting our clock cleaned in a number of places. I believe organizations like SOA can play a critical role in countering the increased anti-American sentiment that has spread throughout the world particularly in the middle east and other Islamic nations (Indonesia for example). If we're able to drive a wedge between the terrorists and their support networks throughout the world by successfully articulating what it means to be a liberal democracy and clearly demonstrate the generosity and decency of the American people -- we will ensure that the message of hate falls on infertile ground. Reacting in places like Iraq where we are already at war is good -- acting in places like Lebanon and fostering the development of democracy BEFORE a crisis is much better. Press on Jim ... you're doing the right thing. The actions of SOA and other such organizations are the most effective method of spreading our message and undermining the message of hate. Your assistance in getting the message out will help us avert crises and save lives.

SF GEN ABC