Every so often, a Spirit of America project makes an impact in a way that we could never have imagined. Our work to send supplies to the small town of Habur Gate, Iraq on the Turkish border is one those projects.

Though we did fulfill our initial mission of providing school supplies and medical equipment along with other basic necessities which will make a long-term difference for the Iraqi citizens of this remote town, the real story of this project centers around a small donation of stuffed animals from a grieving family. The family and the Army personnel who distributed the supplies tell the story best:

From a release generated by Mia Chase, sister of Vincent Kamka:

In perfect concert Paxton International of Springfield, Virginia, Orchard International of San Jose, California, Spirit of America of Los Angeles, California and the 609th MCT in Habur Gate, Iraq realized fallen soldier Vincent Kamka’s dream of offering hope and compassion to Iraqi children.

While serving in Iraq, Vincent knew war was not the only answer to serving the people of Iraq.  Vincent dreamt of a time when he could serve Iraqi children by providing toys, games, and educational materials like books.  Vincent wanted Iraqis to see American soldiers as caring and compassionate; there to facilitate peace and hope.

After Vincent’s death in October 2007, his family chose to make Vincent’s dream a reality.  With generous donations from local businesses, friends, and family, wooden toys and stuffed animals were purchased in December 2007.  Miraculously, Paxton International was filling a container to be delivered to the very area Vincent served.  Doug Franco at Paxton International teamed up with Spirit of America and Vincent's pallet of goodies were loaded onto the container [filled with medical supplies and 3,000 school kits].

It was not until March 3, 2009 that Vincent’s gifts were delivered.  SFC John S. Carro, Detachment Sargeant of the 609th MCT, related that Vincent's efforts were “not in vain.  The battle-hardened soldiers were almost brought to their knees in tears by the survival-hardened children”.  The children, their teachers, and village elders were grateful for the donations and showed their appreciation through tears, hugs, and smiles!

The family of Vincent Kamka wishes to thank all who participated in realizing Vincent’s dream.  

And from SFC John Carro, SoA's current project contact and recipient/distributor of the container filled with supplies:

On Tuesday 3 March 2009, Members of the 609th MCT and KBR at Habur Gate dedicated the final remaining toys of the Vincent Kamka shipment. The toys were delivered to a local village about 2 miles from the facility. The people who occupy the village are refugees from Syria. They all live there in hopes of a better life.

They currently dwell in huts made from rocks, mud and have grass roofs. The only hardened facility there was the school house. The school was made from 4ea 20’ CHU containers. The classes were small and the children were young. All children of working age were gone into town to find work. The children and teachers there had no idea we were coming.  The only one that knew was the principle. He was purposely not given our arrival time. This was to ensure that the element of surprise was achieved to the greatest extent possible.

They were extremely poor, had hardly anything to eat and clothing was very tattered on the majority of the children. Yet, we the “Battle Hardened Soldiers” were almost brought to our knees in tears by these “Survival Hardened” children. The oldest child could not have been more than 12 years old. We were set aback and instantly humbled by the spirits of the children we encountered. The spirits and smiles of the children were of the highest caliber. We were greeted with open arms, smiles, hugs, warm hearts, and tears from some of the children and village elders.

The school principle was elated of the delivery as was the teachers. The Habur Gate interpreters were given the mission to find a town or village worthy of the shipment and they scored big time. I have personally spoken to the sister of Vincent since the delivery (via email). She was overwhelmed of the time and effort we have put into fulfilling the dreams of Vincent. She was in awe of the photos we had sent. She will ensure that Spirit of America is updated of the delivery.

The joy and happiness that has been spread from the endeavoring efforts and commitment of Vincent’s family, Spirit of America, the 609th MCT, KBR and the Habur Gate interpreters is overwhelming. Although Vincent was killed in Iraq; His efforts in the war effort of building a better Iraq, were not in vein. The gleam of hope and care that Vincent has bestowed upon hundreds of children of Iraq, has eternally touched everyone involved.

SFC John S. Carro
609th MCT Detachment Sergeant

Iraqi children enjoy toys donated in honor of Vincent Kamka