Given that our "customers", i.e. the military contacts that we work through to provide supplies in Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa, are thousands of miles away while we are partnering with them, it's not often that the SoA staff gets to "meet and greet" our wonderful project requestors. Recently however, Executive Director Dennis Norris and Project Director Michele Redmond traveled to Fort Stewart, Georgia near the city of Savannah, to spend the day with Army Chaplain (Captain) Shannon Philio. A very warm "Thank You" to CPT Philio for being so hospitable and for being such a natural on camera!

Through contributions to SoA's Unrestricted Fund, CPT Philio received over 250 school kits, soccer balls and toys that were distributed to the children of Iraq. We visited with him to get his thoughts on how the supplies truly made a positive difference for the citizens he countered and to hear his story of how being involved in the humanitarian outreach helped make his time in Iraq meaningful. Over and over CPT Philio shared the message that giving out needed supplies helps to form friendships and provides a tangible reminder that the Americans care about what happens in Iraq.

Our goal is to publish a short video of his message on the SoA site for all to view so that you can hear first hand the tremendous difference your support makes in the lives of these soldiers and the people they assist.  We'll keep you updated on the progress of editing the video into a polished format but in the meantime, please enjoy these photos that CPT Philio provided of his last engagement to hand out the SoA school kits:

Army CPT (Chaplain) Shannon Philio with friends

CPT Philio and an Iraqi Army soldier share a smile
Outside an Iraqi primary (elementary) school