Greetings,

As you know, a year ago the news from Iraq was very discouraging. Many thought the situation was hopeless. Recently there have been real improvements. The turnaround in Anbar Province (Western Iraq), where the U.S. Marines are responsible, has been especially encouraging. Anbar has transformed from the most dangerous area in Iraq to one of the safest.

As it turns out, the majority of Spirit of Americas support since 2003 has gone to Marines in Anbar Province. At their request we've provided items to help local people and build better relationships - everything from medical equipment, hand tools and sewing machines to sandals, toys and school supplies. The Marines' success in Anbar is an incredible achievement. We are proud to have played a small, supportive part.

We're always looking for ways to help the Marines do the things they want to do to improve the local situation. Marines General Jim Mattis calls this our "overwatch." Until November General Mattis served as the Commander of U.S. Marine Forces Central Command with responsibility for all Marines in Iraq (in November he was promoted to four-star general). He emailed us:

"Deeply appreciate your continual "overwatch" and support of us. I think we Marines are still unaccustomed to the focused and generous support that Spirit of America has provided us from al Anbar to Djibouti to Afghanistan and elsewhere ...

Again, thank you for your help and unflagging support. You've given to the Marines an example of patriotism that none of us will forget."

I'm sure you understand that getting messages like that really makes one's day (and year).

Here's a particularly relevant example of our "overwatch." Earlier this fall I learned, via a story in the Wall Street Journal, that Marines in Anbar Province wanted to give special ceremonial swords ("Mameluke swords") to the tribal sheikhs that had been cooperating with them. Immediately we made contact with General Mattis and offered to help. Within 72 hours of that contact we found the responsible officer, committed the funding needed to purchase the swords and got the project moving. This rapid response was made possible by the prior support of our donors. We had the funds on hand to make the commitment. Thank you.

Marines General John Allen, Deputy Commanding General of U.S. forces in Western Iraq, emailed us about the swords saying:

"We have made significant inroads into our relationships with the tribes and sheikhs of the province. We've been considering means by which we can further cement these relationships, and thought the idea of presenting the Marine officer's traditional sidearm, the Mameluke sword, a symbolic method of conveying a warrior's bond to desert leaders. Your role in this was, again, pivotal to our being able to cement a variety of relationships among the sheikhs. We are deeply grateful.

The results of the Coalition efforts with the tribes and brave sheikhs and tribal warriors in Anbar is nothing short of historic. We have arrived at this point through the tremendous efforts, over four years, of thousands of Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen who've sacrificed much ... sometimes everything ... to achieve what we now find in the Anbar Province. But the effort has been aided immeasurably by the good works of the American people and tremendously supportive organizations such as Spirit of America; and for this, all of us in MNF-W are deeply grateful.

I leave for the helicopter landing zone in a few minutes to pick up my replacement from the next MEF who will be here in January. I will be sure to tell him about Spirit of America, and that it truly does represent the best of the United States."

The swords have been purchased and will be presented to the sheikhs in a ceremony at the end of January when we'll be able to share photographs with you.

Lastly, an overdue thank you. I've spent a good bit of my time this year advising companies - particularly in the Internet, technology and media areas - and considering opportunities to serve on companies' boards. This is how I support my Spirit of America volunteer "habit." SoA has been operated day to day by our wonderful full-time staff of Peggy Findley and Michele Redmond with part-time assistance from Terry Eim. Please join me in thanking them for their great service and dedication. Those of you who have communicated directly with them know how special they are.

The work we do at Spirit of America is extraordinarily rewarding. We often get emails like those you've read above. We are privileged to have this opportunity to contribute. Your generosity makes that possible. Thank you.

Best wishes for a very Happy Holiday,
Jim Hake and the Spirit of America team

ps: Our annual capital campaign is underway. Our goal is to raise $107,500 in unrestricted funds to be used for our operating costs through 2008. These funds will also enable us to respond immediately to time-sensitive, high-impact requests - like the Mameluke swords. Complete info on making tax-deductible, year-end donations (credit card, online, check, stock) click here: Spirit of America