Greetings,

I’m writing with three reasons to consider a year-end gift to Spirit of America.

What we do works. In every field of human endeavor, the best results come from supporting the initiative of the people closest to the problem. What we do works because we support the initiative and abilities of those serving America on the front lines. Everything we do is need-driven. We listen to our troops and diplomats. When they see local needs that government can’t meet, we use private-sector speed and flexibility to fill the gaps and deliver exactly the assistance that is required. Our approach and impact are as practical as it gets.

Here is one example. Last spring, US Special Forces in Syria needed emergency food and water for 10,000 people escaping the last areas controlled by ISIS. When we received the call, innocents had already starved to death. Our assistance was delivered in just 96 hours. Lives were saved. There was another benefit, too. By improving conditions for these displaced Syrians, US troops and their local partners could better focus on the critical task of identifying ISIS fighters who were also trying to escape. As many as 45 ISIS fighters could be captured in a single day, keeping troops and locals safer. This is 1 of 55 projects we completed in the Middle East, and 250 we completed worldwide in 2019. We know how every dollar was spent.

Why we do it. Our team of veterans and I are sometimes asked, “why do you do it?” People ask because we could be doing lots of things and they wonder why we choose Spirit of America. It’s demanding, sometimes dangerous work that has us far away from our loved ones far too often. In my “previous life” I was an entrepreneur. I had benefited from America’s freedoms and, after the attacks of 9/11, I wanted to do my part to protect those freedoms. There’s nothing more important to me.

That same desire to serve something bigger than ourselves motivates everyone at Spirit of America. We know America is built on citizen service: ordinary Americans doing their part. We are doing our part to secure the blessings of liberty. We want to ensure the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness prevail, and all who seek a free and better life are able to achieve it.

Why it matters. Spirit of America is the way to help those who serve our nation abroad return home safely and proud of their success. Our work saves lives and limbs. We help our troops and diplomats build trust and goodwill, prevent conflict, and strengthen America’s security. In the world’s toughest places, people experience the best of who Americans are and what we stand for. We are the only nonprofit officially approved by Congress and the Department of Defense to do the work we do.

Please support us with a year-end gift. There is no other way to have an impact on the safety and success of those who serve America on the front lines.

Thank you for being part of our team of citizens serving the nation.

Jim Hake
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]