OPERATION “SOCCER BALL”   has been “kicked” off (May 2006).   

                                                                                                        When we contacted our two supported units, the 1^st Marine Expeditionary                  Force, and the Army 3/67 Armor Task Force, regarding our support program,               their responses included the following comments:  “Thank you for all you do in support of the men and women deployed to Iraq.” Major R.T. Player - 1^st Marine Expeditionary Force, and, “Thanks again for all your dedicated and loyal support        of our troops” - Major Mark Solomon 3/67 Armor Task Force. 

I inquired about soccer balls as the Marines had previously received some.  The Marines were fine with what they had but Major Solomon responded that they could use 300 – 400 balls to pass out to schools and youth activities.  We have contacted a sporting goods wholesaler and will be purchasing them for approximately $8.00 per ball at 24 per box.  They are shipped deflated and re-inflated when prepared for distribution.  It’s far better to have the young Iraqi’s kicking donated soccer balls than being trained to make IED’s.  As Iraq gets stabilized we must convince the younger generation that our intentions are honorable and we are their friends.  

We need your financial support to make this a success! Send checks to MOAS “Support the Troops”

c/o BG (Ret) James M. Hesson

4612 Chase Oaks Drive

Sarasota, FL 34241

Here's an October 2006 picture of Iraqi children playing with one of our S-O-T soccer balls, distributed by U.S. military.

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