Knee Deep in the Hooah!

Link to Spirit of America

Spirit of America’s Generous Support Aids Marines, Afghan Forces in Counterinsurgency Operations

Posted on 01.08.2009 at 08:22AM
By Lance Cpl. Brian D. Jones
Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan

excerpt

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Spirit of America, a nonprofit organization supported solely by private contributions, is offering their generosity to Marines and Afghan national security forces in their fight against the ongoing insurgency in the Helmand and Farah provinces of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Spirit of America has arranged to spend a start-up amount of $50,000 of its collected donations toward the purchase of supplies and equipment to be shipped to and distributed by 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), to Afghan national security forces and the local populace. Plans for the procurement of an additional $500,000 of much-needed medical supplies are also underway.

–Snip–

“The supplies will be given to the local governments of the different district centers in which we operate,” Mulvihill said. “In turn, with security and oversight from us, those supplies will be distributed to those most in need. This will enable the local government and security forces to take a bigger role in providing for their own people.”

The first shipment to 3/8, expected in March, includes an assortment of desired supplies, such as ballistic eye protection, hygiene kits, military-use first aid kits, personal hydration systems and water purification tablets. The second shipment of $500,000-worth of much-needed medical supplies will help sustain local Afghan medical clinics, which are in dire need of the supplies.

–Snip–

“The key to winning a counterinsurgency fight is to create stability for the local populace,” said Mulvihill. “The way the enemy wins is by destabilizing local government, or by creating the appearance that they are the ones that can provide the necessary security. These supplies will allow us to help legitimize the local government and security forces in the eyes of the people.”

“We are excited to work with 3/8 on this outreach effort to benefit the Afghan people,” said Michele Redmond, the program director of Spirit of America. “Spirit of America was founded as a means to channel the incredible generosity of the American people to help U.S. troops fighting the war on terror. Spirit of America has always supported requests to aid the Afghan people, but earlier this year we recognized the increased significance of success in Afghanistan and the vital contribution that winning the hearts and minds of the Afghan people could play in that success.”

Spirit of America was born out of the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. With possible future troop level increases in Afghanistan, the American public is focused on the challenges in the region.

–Snip–
LINK to article

And from the Spirit of America website, another opportunity:

SSG Dale Race in Afghanistan–Farming, Clothing & School Supplies
Help Army SSG Race bring much-needed supplies to Kunar Province Valley

SSG Dale Race stationed near Kunar Province Valley Afghanistan contacted SoA to help with the need in this rural area in Northeast area of Afghanistan. SSG Race wrote, “I would like your help with providing basic subsistence items to a few local Afghan farmers and their children in our area of operation in the Kunar province. Most farmers and families lack some of the things we take for granted every day such as fresh water, food, education and clothing.” With your contributions to this project, SoA will supply items such as shovels, rakes, baby blankets, clothing, school supplies and more.