Msg from a Marine, endorsements for SoA
Following is an email I received from a Marine now serving on at least his second tour in Iraq. I first met him in Ramadi, Iraq last June. He is an extraordinary young man. At the time he asked our help in getting sandals for children who couldn’t go out in the summer because of the hot streets. I encourage you to read his email. If you would like to post a comment that he can read, there is a link at the bottom of this message.
Many of you have encouraged us to increase Spirit of America’s visibility and to increase the scope/scale of our efforts. We have been working on that and have some good progress to report.
In the next month or so we’ll be kicking off a campaign (including televised Public Service Announcements or “PSAs”) intended to increase support for projects in Iraq and Afghanistan. General Tommy Franks, Senator John McCain, Senator Joe Lieberman and (retired) Senator Bob Kerrey have agreed to speak on our behalf and produce PSAs. We are very, very privileged to have the endorsements of such outstanding Americans.
The campaign was made possible (funded) by two large, anonymous donations from private individuals. Our two largest donations ever. One of the donors has a son who recently served in Iraq and who will be returning back there again soon.
We’ll have more news on the campaign plans in the coming weeks and we’ll have information on how you can try to get the PSAs aired on television in your community.
All the best,
Jim Hake and the Spirit of America team
http://www.spiritofamerica.net
MESSAGE FROM MARINE IN IRAQ
-----Original Message-----
Jim,
It has been a while since we last spoke, but we have been extremely busy here in the violence ridden Al Anbar province. We have lost a significant number of Marines and friends. We have not been able to assist the people because those that want the country to remain in turmoil, keep blowing us up and killing those who are trying to get this country back on its feet. I don't know how long it will be, or even if, before we will be able to assist the people who are in need of our help. That poem hits home more than most people know. The insurgents want the populace afraid to make decisions. They also want them ignorant, and without choices. Unfortunately, democracy cannot be theorized, it has to be implemented. In this case, implementation is by our commitment to the world that we will not leave this undone this time. I hope, with all of my heart, that people appreciate the sacrifices that these heroes are giving for their family, friends, countrymen, and the entire free world. They have/are giving their lives so that others may live in freedom. That is no small task and is hardly ever appreciated.
Thank you and "Spirit of America" for all that you do to assist us in swaying the uninformed to our cause. Also, thank you for persevering the elements and the insurgents to still try to help those here. I will write more later.
Thank you for your service to our country. Pleas know that our prayers are with you and that MOST Americans, perhaps not the loudest, know and appreciate the sacrifices that you are making on the behalf of freedom.
Sincerely James Powers Denver, CO
Posted on 2005-09-08 02:57:46 by James P.Thank you for your courage to stand for freedom against a terrible insurgency. I am encouraged when I hear our soldiers speak. Our prayers are with you. Grateful, Rick Dischinger Minneapolis, MN
Posted on 2005-09-08 03:20:05 by richard d.Thank you for acting boldly and remaining faithful to principles which mean so much to not only Americans, but most people everywhere. Please rest assured and share with your fellow soldiers that your example flys high for us to behold and honor. Clay Bullwinkel, CA
Posted on 2005-09-08 03:49:55 by Clay B.Thank you for your service and the brave work you are doing. My kids are 4 and 6 and we pray for our military each night. At a recent family event, we met a cousin who had just returned from serving in Iraq. My kids were wide-eyed to meet this hero. Believe me, they treasured the moment and asked my wife and I all kinds of questions later.
We all admire your service and the great works you are doing. We will continue to pray for you and your families. Don't let the shrill minority here at home discourage you - the vast majority of Americans are with you.
Mike B.
Posted on 2005-09-08 12:46:12 by Mike B.Millions of us think about your sacrifice every day. Words cannot describe the debt we owe to you. Thank you for giving us this great country. Thank you for giving Iraqis the same thing. You will succeed.
Bill Shine Rumson NJ
Posted on 2005-09-08 13:28:04 by William S.My husband and I have a son in the Marines who returned from Iraq several weeks ago. We are so proud of him, as well as you and the heroes serving with you. You are never forgotten by the American people and we can say that all of our friends are praying daily for your safety and perseverance. We believe in you AND your mission. THANK YOU for your sacrifices. They are for a just and noble cause. Barbara Mueller Lutz, Florida
Posted on 2005-09-08 13:36:12 by Barbara M.Thanks for your sacrifice and rest assured, we all appreciate it. Hang in there.
Tom Regan NYC
Posted on 2005-09-08 13:37:08 by Tom R.Rest assured that there are more of us in America and around the world that believe in what you are doing than the lamestream media wants us to believe.
If you don't give up, we won't give up - there is so much satifaction in fighing the good fight.
I thank God every day that we are blessed with people like you that can still feel for the human condition. Live long and be careful. Denny Mattheis Waterloo WI
Posted on 2005-09-08 14:06:30 by Dennis M.Stay strong and know that you are greatly appreciated. Our prayers and hopes are with you. Be kind when you can and kick butt when you have to. Semper Fi, David Franklin Georgetown, Tx
Posted on 2005-09-08 14:33:41 by David F.You are teaching all of us about democracy and charity. May the Lord bless and keep you and yours.
Ken Barnett, Managua, Nicaragua
Posted on 2005-09-08 15:41:53 by Synapse L.My husband and I think of you and the rest of our troops every day. You are doing a very difficult but extremely important job for us and the rest of the world. I'm embarrased that your job is being made even more difficult by some dissenters in the US. I don't believe they are willing to honestly think through the situation, and realize that the US is doing the right thing in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I'm confident that eventually your efforts will be appreciated by the vast majority of Americans and others who understand the situation.
Thank you.
Mary B.
Posted on 2005-09-08 16:31:01 by MARY B.My husband and I think of you and the rest of our troops every day. You are doing a very difficult but extremely important job for us and the rest of the world. I'm embarrased that your job is being made even more difficult by some dissenters in the US. I don't believe they are willing to honestly think through the situation, and realize that the US is doing the right thing in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I'm confident that eventually your efforts will be appreciated by the vast majority of Americans and others who understand the situation.
Thank you.
Mary B.
Posted on 2005-09-08 16:34:28 by MARY B.My husband and I think of you and the rest of our troops every day. You are doing a very difficult but extremely important job for us and the rest of the world. I'm embarrased that your job is being made even more difficult by some dissenters in the US. I don't believe they are willing to honestly think through the situation, and realize that the US is doing the right thing in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I'm confident that eventually your efforts will be appreciated by the vast majority of Americans and others who understand the situation.
Thank you.
Mary B.
Posted on 2005-09-08 16:34:42 by MARY B.HI- TO YOU AND ALL THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT JOB YOU ALL ARE DOING FOR OUR COUNTRY AND IRAQ .YOU ARE THE SUPER ENERGY THAT KEEPS US GOING BACK HERE. PRYING FOR YOUR SAFE RETURN. FROM A ARMY VET AND A USO VOLUNTEER SAN DIEGO CALIF. joe_uso@yahoo.com
Posted on 2005-09-08 18:29:39 by joe r.Your heroism and sacrificed is deeply, deeply appreciated. Susanna in chicago
Posted on 2005-09-08 20:33:49 by SUSANNA M.You are doing the right thing. Stay strong. Keep the courage of your convictions--for all of us. With the gratitude all the others are posting...Nancy in California
Posted on 2005-09-08 22:25:31 by Nancy M.Thank you for your courage and daily sacrifices. Most Americans are with you. Some are ill-informed by our mainstream media and a few just hate the U.S. and all that it stands for. Pity those wo hate the country they live in because they reap the benefits and offer nothing. God bless you and your comrades! Barbara and Sonny in New Jersey
Posted on 2005-09-09 00:09:26 by Sonny B."That is no small task and is hardly ever appreciated." My wife and I do appreciate what you and all your fellow soldiers are doing and the risks you are taking for us in the US and for the people of Iraq. Rest assured that the silent majority of the country understands how special all of you are and how much we want you to succeed and get home safely. Thank you!!
John & Janet - Morristown, NJ
Posted on 2005-09-09 01:22:44 by John S.If all of us who think and pray every day about what you and your fellow Marines, soldiers, soldiers, and sailors are doing for us and for demolished Irag could just for one minute shout THANK YOU all together--the atmosphere above the U.S. would shake! THANK YOU and know that you are prayed for in churches around the country, such as my parish of St. Margaret Mary (every Mass, every Sunday), and in countless secret night prayers. All we can do is pray--and send money to take care of you if you are injured and to take care of your families if they need it and to support the needs of the people of Iraq through organizations like Spirit of America. You are doing God's work and you are in God's hands. Carol K., Naperville IL
Posted on 2005-09-09 02:02:41 by Christopher M.Thank you for having the courage to honor your country through your service. Millions of us appreciate the importance of what you are doing and thank God that heroes like you and your comrades are willing to defend the precious gift of freedom and offer it to others. Stay strong! Gail in southern Utah
Posted on 2005-09-11 03:44:20 by Charles N.We thank each and everyone of you for serving your country. It is the most honorable of careers. We have a son in the 82nd Airborne and could not be more proud. Know, that the vast majority of us support you and your mission. I know you must hear negative things but this is coming from a biased media who only wants to report negative news. We are blessed to have organizations like Spirit of America. We are praying for you all everyday and you all are the true heroes!!. God Bless!, Dave and Colleen Maurer
posted 9\12\2005
Posted on 2005-09-12 17:55:43 by David M.I served in Iraq - I saw some amazing things - but nothing amazes me more than the bravery and compassion of our service members, as evidenced by this Marine's e-mail. Think about his message - he is losing friends and comrades, yet he remains committed to the mission. And what are his concerns? Sandals for the local children and freedom for their country. How can anyone in America not be moved to a sense of pride, of duty, and committment. America needs to here more about the good things we are accomplishing. Semper Fi, Marine!
Posted on 2005-09-27 18:47:21 by Jim W.I served in Iraq - I saw some amazing things - but nothing amazes me more than the bravery and compassion of our service members, as evidenced by this Marine's e-mail. Think about his message - he is losing friends and comrades, yet he remains committed to the mission. And what are his concerns? Sandals for the local children and freedom for their country. How can anyone in America not be moved to a sense of pride, of duty, and committment. America needs to here more about the good things we are accomplishing. Semper Fi, Marine!
Posted on 2005-09-27 18:48:23 by Jim W.God Bless, You are in many thoughts and prayers, continued success (never mind the doomsayers of the media). Come back safe and sound when the mission is complete. To all of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, may God grant the families and friends of those lost some measure of Peace. There are many of us here back home who know the heavy price that must be paid so we may enjoy the freedoms we enjoy (and on occasion take for granted). Have a Safe and Peaceful Thanksgiving and Happy Christmas and a Hopeful New Year! Tom Madigan, Sea Girt, New Jersey
Posted on 2005-11-22 10:22:05 by Tom M.
