Find The Boots

I've been reading a lot about Anzac day (Australia's very lively Memorial Day) which is celebrated around the times that the diggers were bogged down in Gallipoli. Now, as a deep Southerner I know something about celebrating a thumping - the trick being to focus on the bravery of the common soldier doing his job, fulfilling his duty, and believing in his mates.

This year in Queensland there is a group of Muslims who are "fearful" of the celebration.

I'm just going to let that one sit there like the CAIR-esque turd it is. But I've been proud of the Aussies for being restrained but still letting the "get stuffed" message come through - this includes Aussies who are Muslims (they're the most direct).

But what this post is really about is not the normal dhimmiesque techniques of the so-called 'radical imams' all around the world, it's about our own boys 'over there.' Anyone who knows me knows that I can't get a request for help for our soldiers without opening my wallet - and I know that there are many like me, which is why it works.

Would that some of the Dumbo-crats currently controlling Congress would turn from their Peanut Policies and Vietnam-II strategy to take care of troopie funding.

But I digress - watch this (2M people have) and then do what you need to do.



If you're at a loss, one of my favorites is Jim Hake's "Spirit of America" charity - here is the text of the their last email to me. My family gave them over $1K last tax year - what will you do?
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Greetings,

This email includes:

*Updates on requests from Africa fulfilled by Spirit of America + new request
*An update from Iraq re: winter clothes and blankets sent by Spirit of America
*Afghanistan letter of appreciation from Brigadier General Douglas Pritt + new Army request for support for Orphanage in Gardez, Afghanistan

RECENT REQUESTS FROM AFRICA FULFILLED!
Supplies are on their way fulfilling our recent requests for support in the Horn of Africa. Sgt. Stephen Branstetter, Civil Military Operations (CMO) with the Coalition Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) in Djibouti contacted SoA to provide supplies to benefit children in the area and for medical supplies. Sgt. Branstetter writes that they "give the soccer balls to schools, churches, hospitals and to the villages we visit. They are a very welcomed sight for children who we have seen using old towels, blankets, fabric or trash wrapped with tape as soccer balls"!

In addition, SSgt. Kristopher Hesselbrock, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of a Civil Affairs team with the 489th also in Djibouti requested our support for beanie babies and school supplies for children receiving vaccinations along with dental hygiene kits for the locals. SSgt. Hesselbrock shares that "by rewarding kids that had received their vaccinations, we were able to increase the rate of vaccinations by over 50% in less then a two week period compared to the same time period before" by giving out gifts. We received his request in early February, and as of March 20th, all 50 boxes have shipped which included 250 sets of dental supplies, soccer balls, beanie babies and backpacks filled with school supplies. We hope to have pictures in the next email.

Since the start of this project, we have raised $28,000 and spent $22,000, leaving a balance of $6000 left in our Africa Fund, possibly just enough to fulfill the request received on March 20th from Major John Ling, Army Civil Affairs in Ethiopia for soccer balls and shoes. If you would like to help, here's the link to our Africa Projects.

WINTER CLOTHING IN IRAQ "CRITICAL TO ... SUCCESS"
Marine Major Scott Kish, one of several requestors under our US Troops Request Winter Clothing project, reports that the supplies including clothing, blankets and scarves were distributed and proved "critical to .. success". We've posted his message below so that you can share in our encouragement that simple things can have a big impact.

...The clothes made it here and were critical to our success. I will try to get some pictures to you.

The winters in Ramadi, Iraq are cold and the clothes were extremely well received. The Iraqi children loved the scarfs and the fleece jackets were the biggest hit. I wish that I could adequately describe the bond that has been established with the citizens of Ramadi. The clothes that Spirit of America donated has directly assisted us in improving our relationships with our neighbors and has shown them our dedication for their welfare.

We could never repay or say thank you enough for your support.

Thank you once again,
Major Kish

PHOENIX V TEAM LETTER OF APPRECIATION
Brigadier General Douglas A. Pritt, Commanding Officer of the Army Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix V Team serving at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan sent a certificate of appreciation to Spirit of America. He writes "on behalf of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of Task force Phoenix it is my pleasure to personally thank you and your team for all the great work you do to extend the goodwill of Americans to the people of Afghanistan." Since SoA considers all of our donors, supporters and friends as part of our extended "team", this letter is grateful thanks to you for contributing to the good that is being done in Afghanistan. Below is a picture of Phoenix V security forces on patrol.

As you may remember, SoA purchased medical equipment under our Hospital Supplies for Afghanistan project, for the Ibnisina Emergency Hospital a vital but under-equipped facility in one of the busiest and poorest areas of Kabul. Thanks to generous donations and the support of Welch Allyn Corporation, last month SoA purchased 2 EKG Machines, 10 ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) Diagnostic Sets,30 Blood Pressure Gauges and 50 Double Head Stethoscopes at a cost of $12,000.

In Brigadier General Pritt's letter he confirms that "In addition to confronting the enemy militarily, it is critical we also make a difference in the lives of the common citizens of this troubled country. Ultimately making a positive impact in their lives is what will save American lives, and I salute your ongoing efforts to support this."

NEED SUPPORT FOR LOCAL ORPHANAGE IN AFGHANISTAN
As we have noted in previous emails, children are the most vulnerable and most affected by the effects of a country in conflict and yet children represent hope for the future. In Afghanistan, an estimated 8,000 young boys and girls are orphans. Many of these orphanages struggle to provide the basic necessities and so they often go without "extras" like chalkboards and playground equipment, but you can help. Army CPT Gregory Mendez serving in Gardez, Afghanistan has requested blackboards, chalk and playground equipment for classes at the local orphanage which houses 75 children. Below is a picture of the old playground equipment which is in disrepair and badly in need of replacing. If you would like to help us fulfill this request from CPT Gregory Mendez, click this link to our Gifts for Children Fund.

As always, thank you for your generosity and support. Please don't hesitate to email us with any questions.

All the best,

Jim Hake and the Spirit of America Team

www.spiritofamerica.net

This e-mail was sent by Spirit of America, located at 12021 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 558, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (USA). To not receive further e-mails, please click here or reply to this e-mail with "unlist" in the Subject line.