As the war in Afghanistan enters its 19th year, Afghan security forces, their US advisors, and US special forces are engaged in some of the deadliest fighting in recent memory. They are providing the Afghan government and its allies precious time as they navigate crucial elections and ongoing peace talks that will determine both the future of Afghanistan and Central Asia. Fighting in the critical Helmand province has been particularly fierce where Afghan security forces and their US counterparts engage in daily fighting with both the Islamic State and the Taliban.

According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, civilians in Helmand are particularly hard hit. While they have endured some of the heaviest fighting in years, they are made increasingly vulnerable as winter approaches. The brave men and women of the United States Marine Corps are working tirelessly with their Afghan partners to meet the basic needs of the people of Helmand in this critical time. Working with US Marines and Afghan soldiers in Helmand province, Spirit of America will provide 600 blankets and 340 tarps to Afghans in Helmand province to help them battle fierce winter conditions as their Afghan security forces and US partners fight for the country’s future.