Here's a special message for our members from our friends at Spirit of America.
Dear Maj ,
There is a powerful way for you to help our Marines in Afghanistan now and those who will deploy in 2010: Spirit of America.
We wrote about Spirit of America in Leatherneck last month.
Spirit of America is a charity that has supported the Marines "hearts and minds" and counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2003. With donations from American citizens and businesses, Spirit of America has provided sewing machines, medical supplies, tools, shoes, blankets, toys and more -- all at the request of the Marines for the benefit of local people. This makes the Marines more successful in their mission and saves lives.
Lt. Gen Joseph Dunford, Commanding General MARCENT and IMEF, says, "Our challenge in Afghanistan right now is to gain the trust, confidence and support of the Afghan people. Spirit of America is tangible evidence of the good will of the American people. It contributes to a climate of trust and confidence between our Marines and the local people. In the current fight, it's clear that actions speak louder than words ... SoA is all about action!" See what other Marines say about the value of Spirit of America's support below.
We encourage you to consider supporting Spirit of America. You can specifically earmark donations for requests from Marines in Afghanistan and be assured that 100% will be used only to buy and ship the goods needed by our Marines.
You contribute by calling 800-819-7875. Or you can make a general gift to Spirit of America here
or earmark funds for Marines in Afghanistan here.
Spirit of America has provided support to every Marines Battalion in Afghanistan. This is the way to help our Marines come home sooner, safer and successful in their mission.
ps: This is what other Marines say about Spirit of America
General James Mattis, Commander, US Joint Forces Command: "Spirit of America's direct support is often as important as a resupply of ammunition as we work to turn the people against the enemy."
LtCol David Odom: "As an infantry battalion commander tasked with conducting distributed counterinsurgency operations across a broad and contested area of operations, Spirit of America enabled me to have 'deeper-pockets' to reach into and facilitate needs and requirements for the local Afghans. The ready, willing and available support from SoA has a significant and quick impact on winning the current fight."
1st Lt Mike Kuiper: "Support such as with Spirit of America is vital in convincing the people that we are not enemies of Afghanistan, but friends. This is the way we will win."
Staff Sgt Shawn Delgado: "The biggest benefit that Spirit of America provides to the Marine on the 'front line' is that it allows us to approach the populace of an area from another direction. It is easy to forget that the vast majority of the people are not hostile to us. Spirit of America allows us the tools to be able to approach them on a personal level and to connect with them outside of a hostile encounter."
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Topic: help our Marines in Afghanistan (Read 416 times)