Whichever side of the fence you are on, Spirit of America is an organization and a group of fellow Americans who are making a difference in some of the toughest most violent places on Earth.

Spirit of America www.spiritofamerica.net

For far too long, the people in our country have been on opposite sides of the fence, only briefly coming together in the aftermath of 9/11. That’s why I was so excited to see two men from the Viet Nam war era who were friends then and are friends and co-workers, now. You see, one was a soldier in Viet Nam and the other was an anti-war protester. But they both work together now at De Anza College in Cupertino, California to make sure that the students there stay in dialog with each other and don’t demonize each other for differences of opinion.

I met them at a presentation by Sergeant Major “Mack” McDowell. You can read his amazing, moving story here Sargeant Major "Mack" McDowell . “Mack” was one of 18 finalists for CNN’s 2007 Hero Award. You would never know it. I have never met someone who has done so much for others who is so humble about it.

There are very few people who like war. Most people in the military would rather be home with their families. But some of our fellow citizens, like “Mack” are fighting in wars at this time. So, it is pretty amazing that these soldiers take their own time and energy to build relationships with the inhabitants of Iraq, Afghanistan and several countries in Africa.

It is also sad that we don’t hear of the success they are having in empowering people and making friends for themselves and the U.S.A., because their success stories are very moving.

A big part of their job is protecting civilians from attacks by terrorists. And while doing this, and also while off duty, they are helping the civilians get things that they need. The people ask them for help and they go out of their way to provide it.

Whether it is sewing machines to empower women to earn a living, or shoes for shoeless children, or a soccer ball for young children to play with, these men and women of our Armed Forces are doing what they can to make life better for the people in these countries.

They have been doing it on their own, asking their families, friends and churches to help. And, now with Spirit of America, they have hundreds of people whom they don’t know and who don’t know them helping them help others.

Spirit of America is NOT a government or military funded or operated program. It is a private charitable organization and volunteers who are helping soldiers, on the ground, one on one, help the inhabitants of these countries.

I invite you to go to the web site, Spirit of America www.spiritofamerica.net and look at some of the projects these men and women are undertaking under very difficult circumstances. They are helping men, women and children, who themselves struggle every day to survive. I have been a donor for several years, now. Perhaps you will find a project that touches your heart and if you do, I invite you to become a donor, too.

Please share this with a friend. If we are to heal the rift in our country we have to find a common purpose. We have to find a way to work together in a noble cause in spite of our differences.

Harry Mason