A letter from General Joseph L. Votel
Before I retired after a 39-year career in the US Army, I was Commander of the US Central Command, responsible for US and coalition military operations in the Middle East and Central Asia. My teams turned to Spirit of America repeatedly to fill gaps between what our government could do and what was needed on the ground.
In Afghanistan, a platoon of female Afghan soldiers was formed to accompany their male counterparts in the Afghan Special Security Forces – a key partner to our US troops. The Afghan Female Tactical Platoon’s role was to search, question, and provide medical assistance to women and children during counterterrorism missions. These female commandos worked alongside men and assumed the same risks and dangers. But they didn’t have the right gear to properly protect themselves. Protective gear was sized for an American man, not a small Afghan woman. Boots were way too big, and they lacked basic supplies like headlamps and security wands.
Spirit of America stepped in to provide these female commandos with the necessary protective gear, which they immediately put to use during counterterrorism operations. I’ve stayed in touch with many of these women. Spirit of America’s donation, powered by generous Americans like you, had a huge impact on them. It demonstrated that we cared about them and wanted them to succeed. And most importantly, it kept them safe.
“Spirit of America has earned the trust of our troops and diplomats. Their team is a critical resource for our servicemembers because they help identify problems and bring the power of the private sector and American people to solve them quickly.”
General Joseph L. Votel
I’m happy to report that after the fall of Kabul, many of these women came to live in the United States, ready for a free and better life.
This is the type of immediate impact that Spirit of America is making right now in the Middle East, Ukraine, Taiwan, and West Africa – and the enduring, positive impression of America they leave on people around the world.
Spirit of America has earned the trust of our troops and diplomats. Their team is a critical resource for our servicemembers because they help identify problems and bring the power of the private sector and American people to solve them quickly.
Through Spirit of America, you can contribute directly to the important work of our US men and women serving in the world’s toughest places. You can show the world America at our best. Please consider making a year-end gift today.
Sincerely,
Joseph L. Votel
US Army, Retired
