Greetings and belated happy New Year.

Thank you! Year-end donations to Spirit of America for 2009 were up 45% over 2008. Donations for the full year were up 29% over 2008. That is extraordinary. The economy is still in tough shape, yet our supporters really came through. Very encouraging and great news for the troops whose work we support.

1/5 Marines and 'Millionaires'
I've mentioned the "1/5" Marines who we helped in Nawa, Afghanistan and whose successes there give cause for optimism. They are back in the US now (welcome home!). I met one young officer from the 1/5 at Camp Pendleton last month. Referring to Spirit of America's support, the first thing he said to me was, "So who are all the millionaires you know? I mean, that was just incredible!"

I had a good laugh. The value of what we sent to assist the 1/5 wasn't millions. But the dollar value was magnified greatly by the speed with which we sent it. I explained that our average (median) donation is approximately $100. Spirit of America is real people power. So thanks to each of you who contributed last year. Know that every donation is a big one in the eyes of our troops because we provide precisely what's needed, when it is needed. Our speed and flexibility is a "force multiplier" to use a military term.

In December, I mentioned LtCol William McCollough, the Battalion Commander of the 1/5. He was wearing traditional Afghan dress presenting a Marines ceremonial sword to a local leader in Nawa (in case you missed it, read here, great photos). There is an excellent story on Bill and the 1/5 in the Los Angeles Times. It gives real insight into what the 1/5 accomplished in Afghanistan. Here is LtCol McCollough at a shura - a meeting with local leaders in Nawa.



A Wheelchair and an Afghan General
Two weeks ago, on my way to meet with Marines at Camp Pendleton (about 90 minutes from our offices), we learned that the Afghan Army General responsible for Helmand Province was also visiting the Marines at Pendleton. One of the Marines told us about the General's disabled son back in Afghanistan and asked if we knew where the General could find an electric wheelchair. Our Project Director, Michele Redmond, sprung into action. 5 hours after learning of the need, thanks to Michele, I presented the General with an electric wheelchair for his son at a dinner hosted by Lt General Joe Dunford. Here are the 3 of us and Brig General Rex McMillian with the wheelchair.



The Afghan General was very, very moved and appreciative. The Marines suggested this was a good idea. The Afghan General is "the real deal" - an effective commander and one who takes great personal risks for a stable, peaceful and free Afghanistan. He must move his family regularly to keep them safe (one reason why the electric wheelchair for his son was important). The success of the Afghan Army means our troops can come home sooner and be successful in their mission. The wheelchair was encouragement and an expression of thanks and solidarity, as well as a way to help a 15-year old boy.

Marines in Iraq
You may have missed this but the Marines have completed their service in Iraq. "RAMADI, IRAQ - The U.S. Marines marked the end of nearly seven years in Iraq on Saturday by handing the Army their command of Anbar province, once one of the war's fiercest battlefields but now a centerpiece of U.S.-Iraqi cooperation." Read more here.

We provided more support to the Marines in Anbar Province, Iraq over the years than anywhere else. Please read an email below from General Jim Mattis on how this helped. From 2004-2007 General Mattis served as the Commanding General (CG) of the 1st Marine Division in Anbar Province and the CG for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. To mark the end of the Marines' years in Iraq. Here are photos from two projects we supported.

Mameluke Swords presented to Iraqi tribal leaders whose cooperation in the "Anbar Awakening" led to a remarkable turnaround in Iraq.



Construction tools provided to Iraqis who successfully completed a joint Marines-SeaBees construction apprentice training program.



Again, thank you for your support.
Jim Hake and the Spirit of America team

General Mattis email
------ Forwarded Message
From: "Mattis, James N. Gen USJFCOM J00"
Date: Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:48:20 -0400
To: Jim Hake

Jim: In warfare we always need to seize the high ground. In today's
"wars among the people", the operational "high ground" now lies in the
perceptions of the people among whom we are fighting. The way we create
the necessary credibility among the people to dissuade them from
supporting our enemies is to show the people hope of a better future.

While the irreconcilables/terrorists who kill innocent will always need
to be stopped by the bullet/bayonet, we need to deny the enemy the
ability to swim anonymously among the larger mass of people. America
needs to use its military power to intimidate our enemies but also must
inspire the majority of people to resist the enemy who is trying to win
them to their cause.

Spirit of America provides direct support to our efforts to build the
hopes of the people we are trying to protect from the terrorists' grip.
SOA's direct support is often as important as a resupply of ammunition
as we work to turn the people against the enemy, something the Marines
and soldiers did so well in al Anbar Province (with SOA help). There,
for the first time in this war, turning a significant Mid-east
population against our common enemies, an effort that grew much more
broadly across Iraq.

I will be in California for Joe Dunford's change of command this next
Friday. If you're there, hope to see you. s/f Jim