The Marines Who Liberated Baghdad Need Our Help. Now.

The 1st Marine Division is going back to Iraq. They need medical equipment, school supplies, frisbees and soccer balls for Iraqis.

The "No Better Friend" Plan

The redeployment of the 1st Marine Division to Iraq in February and March comes at a critical juncture. The Marines returned from southern Iraq in September. This time they are going to Al Anbar Province and will be responsible for half of the 'Sunni Triangle' including the city of Falluja which is one of the most volatile in Iraq. Relations between the current Coalition forces and the people there are strained. The Marines success in this region will play a crucial role in Iraq's transition to a stable and prosperous society.

A key element of the Marines plan is to build trust by demonstrating there is "no better friend" than a Marine, as the saying goes. Officers feel it is imperative to "show an immediate improvement" over current conditions to the local people. They know much of their success rides on the impressions and relations built in their first 30 days. As one officer says, "it's important to not go in empty handed." As they say, there is only one chance to make a first impression. The items they need - medical goods, school supplies, etc. - will be used immediately to assist the people of Iraq, establish better relationships and help win the "battle for hearts and minds."

$540 provides medical equipment and supplies for a doctor.
$325 provides a supply kit for a classroom and its students.
$100 buys 110 flying discs ("Frisbees").
Any amount helps!

100% of the tax-deductible funds donated for this request will be used for the purchase and shipping of the needed goods. All goods will be transported to Iraq and given as gifts to Iraqis in Al Anbar Province by the Marines. Spirit of America will provide cards that will be included with the goods with the message (in English and Arabic) "A gift of friendship from the American people to the people of Iraq." Medical supplies will be given to doctors, clinics and hospitals and educational supplies to local schools.