Greetings,

Your support of Spirit of America is crucial to the safety of our troops and the survival of our values. It builds the hope of a better life for people around the world. It is essential to America’s future.

Spirit of America shined in its response to the crisis in Afghanistan. They were on the ground in the Middle East less than 48 hours after Kabul fell to the Taliban, working alongside our military to provide urgent humanitarian aid in real-time. Spirit of America’s unique partnership with the US military positioned it to help coordinate evacuation efforts between private organizations, individuals, and US Central Command. There are scores of Afghans who made it to safety because of these efforts. Spirit of America also provided need-driven emergency assistance to more than 25,000 Afghans in Qatar, Germany, Kosovo, Albania, and Tajikistan. Thanks to the support of Americans like you, Spirit of America’s speed, flexibility, and responsiveness are unparalleled.

I have witnessed Spirit of America’s impact since 2003 when I met founder and CEO Jim Hake. I was commander of the 1st Marine Division. Jim was the first civilian to ever walk into my office and ask how he could help me.

Spirit of America helped immediately. They provided school supplies, medical supplies, and frisbees to help my Marines in Iraq build goodwill. Later, Spirit of America provided ceremonial Mameluke swords that cemented bonds between Marine commanders and tribal leaders who were instrumental in defeating the insurgency in Iraq as part of the Anbar Awakening. A Spirit of America videoconference between Afghan students in Helmand Province and high school students in Los Angeles changed views of America so much that attendance at the Afghan school doubled in just two weeks and attacks on the Marines in the local area dropped to zero. There is no doubt that there are troops with lives and limbs today because of Spirit of America.

Spirit of America’s unique capability is figuring out what needs to be done and doing it. They rapidly diagnose and solve problems. They aggressively close the vision/execution and say/do gaps. Spirit of America’s entrepreneurial capability is the perfect complement to our troops and diplomats.

I salute that Spirit of America unapologetically takes America’s side. This is unique in the world of international assistance where most organizations are neutral: as a matter of principle and policy, they will not directly support the safety and success of US troops and diplomats. Spirit of America is the opposite.

Taking America’s side may sound political, but it is not. It is patriotic, and it supports universal values. Spirit of America understands that, though far from perfect, we are the good guys. They embrace that America stands for the right values and ideals in our troubled world.

Imagine if you were a Marine, soldier, or foreign service officer on the front lines. Who would you rely on? Someone who is neutral, or an organization backed by the American people that goes all-in and takes your side? The question answers itself. That’s why Spirit of America is respected and embraced by those who serve our great nation.

I served 43 years in the US Marine Corps. After retirement, I served as the 26th US Secretary of Defense. I’ve served in muddy foxholes and at the highest levels of government. Believe me: with the growing challenges and adversaries we face, Spirit of America’s capability is exactly what we need.

Every generation shoulders a responsibility to pass along our freedoms to the next generation. We owe it to our fellow citizens, to our children, and to past generations that bled to defend our promise. Thank you for doing your part and supporting Spirit of America. Please keep it up and do more if you are able.

Sincerely,