Dear Friend, I just got back from the Middle East where I met with American Soldiers and Marines. I was there to understand how Spirit of America can best support our troops in their mission to defeat and stop the tremendous suffering caused by ISIS. My time with our troops made me proud, encouraged, and optimistic about America. One night in Iraq I had dinner with a Marine Sergeant from Southern California. He is part of the effort to liberate Mosul from ISIS control. I told him about how American citizens are supporting his efforts through Spirit of America, providing metal detectors to find roadside bombs, generators to power health clinics and save innocent lives, and blankets to help children survive the winter and help our troops build goodwill. His response was direct. He said, “You guys are [expletive deleted] awesome.” Spirit of America is only “awesome” because our supporters are awesome. Because of our supporters, we are able to operate with a speed and flexibility that literally saves lives and limbs. My trip took place over Election Day. Our politics make it seem that Americans are polarized and divided. Personally, I think we are much more united and much less divided than we are led to believe. Whatever they may be, our differences quickly fade away when you are alongside the brave men and women who are defending our nation on the front lines. They are serving something much bigger than themselves. Despite adversity and difficult missions, our troops move forward. They set an example for us all because they do what they can. Right now, we have 20 projects underway to help our troops in Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe represent America as a force for good. In Iraq and Syria alone there are $228,664 unfunded needs in our troops’ efforts to deal with ISIS. Our website has some of the details. To meet these needs, our goal is to raise $350,000 by December 31st. We deeply appreciate your past support. As retired Marine General, and SoA Advisor, Jim Mattis has said, “It has truly saved lives. It is worth its weight in gold.” Please join with us again. All we ask is that you do what you can. Support the safety and success of our troops by making a year-end gift to Spirit of America. Please email me anytime with questions, comments, or ideas, or if you’d like to talk about Spirit of America’s work. My best wishes to you and yours for very happy holidays.             Jim Hake Chief Executive Officer [email protected]