SOCCER BALL DONATIONS

Our thanks to these organizations that donated many new soccer balls for our troops to hand out in Iraq and Afghanistan:  Pete's Tire Barns, Inc. of Orange, Massachusetts, and First Church in Ludlow, Massachusetts.  These balls were avidly received by the kids there.

I’d like you to meet Zakel.  He is 17 yrs old and last year, during a time of turmoil in his life, he was recruited by the Taliban to become a suicide bomber.  On the way to his target he broke the rules and called his mom to say goodbye.    Thankfully, his mom was able to talk him out of blowing himself up.  He had been adopted by an Afghan military officer, learning English and will be entering into the Afghan Army Officer Program. He heard about Americans at Camp Blackhorse helping the families of “martyred” Afghan soldiers and wanted to meet me.  I was instantly drawn to this young man. He has come through a tough experience and I truly believe he will be a great leader.  I asked him if there was something I could get for him and he said, “yes, a soccer ball.”  He knows it came from America and he says thanks! Charles C. Johnson, Capt, USAF  - ARSIC-C J9 Civil Military Officer

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