When I joined the US Navy, I didn’t know much about military life. But I did know this: I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself.

That calling led me to serve as a “Green Side” corpsman for 11 years — a Navy medic embedded with Marine units. I was proud to wear their uniform, to share their hardships, and to care for those who risked everything in service to others. Later, I was selected for a special program that sent a handful of women to work alongside Navy SEALs and Special Forces in Afghanistan. Our mission was to reach Afghan women — who male soldiers could not engage with directly — to listen, build trust, and gather information that could save lives.

It was during that deployment that I first met Spirit of America.

My team wanted to organize a medical outreach mission in a local village, but we couldn’t get the supplies we needed through normal government channels. I remembered a briefing from a Spirit of America team member I’d met early in my deployment. So when the need became urgent, I reached out.

Within two weeks, boxes of medical supplies arrived at our base in Afghanistan. Because of Spirit of America, we were able to provide care to families who had none. In doing so, we built relationships that strengthened trust and led to information that kept our troops safe. And, we demonstrated what America truly stands for: the compassion, generosity, and can-do spirit of its people.

That’s why I joined Spirit of America — the same organization that stood beside me overseas — after I left the Navy.

Today, Spirit of America’s mission is more important than ever. Around the world, our men and women in uniform are still building trust, fostering peace, and representing the best of America. But they can’t do it alone. Your support helps Spirit of America work alongside our troops and diplomats to deliver what’s needed, from critical supplies to life-changing opportunities, quickly and efficiently.

This work is only possible because of generous Americans like you. Please help me continue the spirit of service that defines our country by making a year-end gift to Spirit of America today.

Sincerely,
Terrell Chandler
Senior Regional Program Manager, Asia-Pacific