One of the most dangerous tools of modern-day combat is the improvised explosive device (IED). IEDs have proliferated because they are easily made or acquired and placed before killing and maiming indiscriminately. Worse still is how their destructive violence is compounded by the immeasurable psychological effects of fear and uncertainty. The effects of IEDs have … Continued
Dear supporters, In the face of violent extremist organizations like al Shabaab and ISIS, our troops have made significant progress in helping local partners take back ground held by these terrorist groups in Somalia. One of the biggest threats to US troops in the region, however, are improvised explosive devices, strategically placed by violent extremists … Continued
Bonjour from Niger! I am on the tail end of a multi-week trip, following up on several SoA projects and getting the ball rolling on a few new initiatives. On these trips, I am always amazed by how hard our deployed US service members work despite harsh and austere conditions, how professional our local partners … Continued
Below a layer of cotton ball clouds lies the tranquil coastline of Somalia, surrounded by turquoise water and dotted with bustling beach resorts. This is a storybook beginning to a fiction that sadly couldn’t be further from the truth. Despite the geography and picturesque surroundings, the beauty of Somalia hides the dark side of this … Continued
Hello SoA supporters, We are supporting efforts to empower local governance and bring communities together to address security concerns in Diffa, Niger. Diffa has been affected by the scourge of Boko Haram since the first cross-border attacks in February 2015. Bombings, kidnappings, and looting have become commonplace in the entire Lake Chad Region and have … Continued
Dear supporters, We recently completed Spirit of America’s newest self-produced podcast “From Peacocks and Pygmy Goats to Project Management across Africa: The Path of an SoA Field Rep.” Click here to listen to the full podcast. During the podcast, I discuss how my upbringing on a small farm in Colorado led me from a career … Continued