Spirit of America

The situation in Iran is evolving fast, and the ripple effects across the Middle East will be far reaching. In pivotal moments like these, Americans show up. Your gift helps us respond with speed and flexibility as we work to fill critical gaps and support U.S. missions abroad and partners in the region. United we can help strengthen stability and protect those on the front lines. 🤝 Donate and learn more: spiritofamerica.org/project/help-u…

#Lithuania sits on NATO’s frontlines — and its security depends on more than just their military. The country takes a total defense approach: a society that works together to respond, resist, and recover. That’s why Spirit of America proudly supports the #LithuanianRiflemensUnion (LRU) a volunteer, state-supported organization with over 17,000 members that play a vital role in Lithuania’s defense and crisis response.🇱🇹 At the start of 2026, we provided the LRU with $78,000 worth of aid bags carrying Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) supplies — things like tourniquets, pressure dressings, and trauma shears — and training kits so units can practice their skills before having to apply them in real-life scenarios.🩺⛑️ These kits are built for the realities of modern conflict, informed by learnings with the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces (@TDF_UA) over the last 4 years. Combat in Ukraine shows that survivable hemorrhage and chest injuries remain the leading preventable causes of death, so supplying the LRU with resources and training to stabilize these injuries in the field reduces preventable casualties. Early investment in basic skills and standardized TCCC kits has proven successful in strengthening the capacity and preparedness of voluntary units, who play a critical role in national security for countries in close proximity to Russia in the face of mounting aggression. When citizens are empowered to play an active role in the support and defense of their national interests, societal resilience is strengthened.

Experts Ambassador Crocker, @myacoubian, and Mary Bell Ruiz made one thing abundantly clear during our discussion on the crisis in the Middle East. Stability along the Lebanese‑Israeli border — and across the Levant — depends on one critical institution: the Lebanese Armed Forces. At a moment of strife in the midst of generational change across the region, continuing to support the @LebarmyOfficial isn’t just about supporting an important U.S. partner — it’s about preventing wider instability. 🎥 Watch the full conversation on Spirit of America's YouTube, and learn how you can support our work in Lebanon here: spiritofamerica.org/project/help-u…

She served 8 years in the @uscoastguard after graduating, commanding a Fast Response Cutter and leading counter-narcotics, search & rescue, and humanitarian missions across Central America, the Caribbean, and the Florida Straits. ⛴️🛟 Her service experience prepared her to be an excellent leader, communicator, and advocate for communities in need. This #WomensHistoryMonth, we’re proud to recognize Colleen’s commitment to service, dedication to country, and her never-ending work to preserve the promise of a free and better life for all. 👏 @USCGAcademy

Last week, Colleen Denny — Spirit of America Philanthropy Advisor and former Regional Director for Europe — returned to the @USCGAcademy as an honorary guest at her alma mater. She met with current students, gave a guest lecture to the Leadership and Development program, and was featured on #CorpsConversations, the academy’s student-led podcast. 2026 marks the 50-year anniversary of USCGA admitting women — the first of the major service academies to admit women, and the only one to do so before it was required by legislation. In June of 1976, 38 women joined the Corps of Cadets, and 29 years later, driven by passion for service, Colleen stepped onto campus and followed in their footsteps. #WHM

In the coming weeks, we’ll highlight some of the most successful projects completed in the first year of this program. This work reflects the Beninese Armed Forces’ commitment to innovation, partnership, and population-centered security — an approach that is increasingly recognized as essential for confronting today’s insurgent threats. 🤝 We are proud to work with the FAB, @abernard and her team at @StratStability, and other local partners to strengthen locally-led solutions to complex security challenges. #CivMilCommittees #CommunitySupport #Benin #WestAfrica

The #Sahel has become the deadliest region in the world for terrorism, and the violence is spreading into coastal West Africa, with Benin facing growing pressure along its northern border. Defeating insurgencies requires close cooperation with local communities. With Spirit of America's support, the Beninese Armed Forces (FAB) have taken proactive steps to strengthen their ability to protect both their territory and local families. 🇧🇯 In coordination with U.S. partners, we have worked with our regional partner, @StratStability (SSA) and the Beninese Armed Forces to develop a new model to rebuild trust between communities and security forces in the north. Through civil-military committees, civilians and security forces can now share information, identify risks early, and develop local solutions together. In the areas where these committees operate, trust between communities and the military has improved, access to key zones has expanded, and early warning has helped prevent attacks before they occur.

"Iran is here to stay... so we have to figure this out." Ambassador Ryan Crocker and @CSIS' @myacoubian joined Spirit of America last week to discuss how Iran’s regional escalation is impacting the Gulf states — largely unaccustomed to conflict — and how their collective response to the escalation will impact U.S. national security interests. ▶️ Catch the full conversation here: youtu.be/u0bnGrKQSOs

🚨Happening today🚨 This panel of experts will cover the situation on the ground in Iran and highlight the broader impact of this conflict on the region. Join us at 1:30 p.m. ET ➡️ us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

As we move into week two of the Iran conflict, we have a clearer picture of what these events mean for the Middle East. Spirit of America invites you to join an informative webinar to examine the rapidly evolving situation in Iran this Thursday, March 12. Featured speakers include: 🔸 Ambassador Ryan Crocker – State Department (Ret.) and Spirit of America Advisory Board 🔸 Mona Yacoubian – Director and Senior Advisor, Middle East Program at CSIS 🔸 Mary Bell-Ruiz – Regional Director, Middle East & Central Asia at Spirit of America Moderated by Jessica Reitz Curtin, Philanthropic Advisor at Spirit of America, the discussion will examine what we know so far and how partners in the region are adapting to a rapidly evolving landscape. 🔗 Register now: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

As conflict in the Middle East intensifies, experience in the region matters. For more than 20 years, Spirit of America has worked alongside U.S. troops and diplomats in the Middle East —supporting local partners in some of the world’s toughest places. Already embedded in the region and privately funded, Spirit of America can do what many organizations can’t: respond quickly, adapt as conditions change, and help fill urgent gaps identified by experts on the ground when every moment counts. Mary Bell-Ruiz, Spirit of America's Regional Director for the Middle East & Central Asia, shared updates from Jordan this weekend. Support the work of her team during this critical time for the Middle East: spiritofamerica.org/project/help-u…

The American spirit is bold, compassionate, and resilient —  just like the women who power our work around the world. Today, we honor the Spirit of America women who lead with heart, personify strength, and work to preserve free and better lives for all with unwavering dedication. #IWD #InternationalWomensDay

In the wake of military strikes in Iran, Spirit of America is mobilizing quickly. Our International Operations team is working closely with our network of trusted experts and partners to assess how we can respond constructively, and where support is needed most across the region. For more than 20 years, Spirit of America has operated across the Middle East, supporting U.S. troops, diplomats, and local partners with speed and flexibility. When crises erupt — whether during the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan or the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — we act quickly because we’re built to. As this situation evolves, your support enables rapid, flexible responses when they matter most. 👉 Give now: fundraise.spiritofamerica.org/campaign/68805… #Iran #RapidResponse #MiddleEast

If freedom has a cost, this is what it looks like. Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this civilian-made memorial stretches across Independence Square in Kyiv. Flags, photos, and tributes have been placed one by one to honor loved ones lost on the front lines of Russia’s brutal war. Each marker is a life cut short, a family forever changed, and a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by everyday Ukrainians to defend their future. At Spirit of America, we stand with Ukrainians as they defend their democracy, and believe the best way to honor the fallen is to keep their fight alive. If you believe freedom is worth fighting for, join us. Visit spiritofamerica.org/project/help-u… to take action and stand with Ukraine. 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine #Democracy #Freedom #Nonprofit

"For the cost of one vehicle, you can fix several..." 🇺🇸🤝🇺🇦 Spirit of America is continuing to support the 412th UAS Regiment "NEMESIS" in Ukraine in their fight for freedom. We recently delivered a mobile vehicle repair workshop to the 412th, in partnership with the military and local manufacturer Locker, allowing them to efficiently repair equipment and remain flexible on the front lines. Grant Peehler and the rest of our Europe team were present for the handoff on their most recent trip to the region, and thanked our partners at Locker for enabling us to continue delivering nonlethal, lifesaving support to Ukrainians fighting Russian aggression. @usf_army #SlavaUkraini

𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 → 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 ✨ In one of the areas most devastated by conflict in Syria, more than 3,100 children returned from winter break to newly refurbished schools and functioning classrooms. Working closely with local partners, Spirit of America funded urgent needs for 4 schools in the Damascus area in just a few weeks: 📚 Hundreds of desks delivered 🚿 Bathrooms restored with clean running water 🚪 Doors and windows replaced 🎨 Walls re-plastered and painted A community-led effort ensured that every classroom rebuilt honors the students, teachers, and communities who have refused to give up on education. Thank you to the volunteers who made these transformations happen, and to our supporters who make this critical work possible. 👏 #Syria #Education #BackToSchool

Spirit of America is pleased to announce that Tyson Voelkel has been appointed the organization’s first-ever President. A decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and former president and CEO of the Texas A&M Foundation, Voelkel will lead development, marketing, and communications as the organization expands to meet rising global demand for its proven model of delivering fast, flexible, and private support where America’s frontline partners need it most. At the Texas A&M Foundation, Tyson led a $4 billion campaign for the university, the largest higher education capital campaign in Texas history. During his nine-year tenure, the foundation provided over $1.5 billion in cash and assets to the university and added more than $1.5 billion to its endowment. His leadership and fundraising expertise will be critical as Spirit of America scales our mission-driven impact. Tyson’s commitment to service runs deep, and his connection to our mission is personal. A former US Army Ranger in the 82 Airborne, he earned two Bronze Stars on deployments in Iraq and was awarded the Department of the Army’s MacArthur Leadership Award. A values-driven leader with a powerful network and a track record of immense success, Tyson will no doubt expand Spirit of America’s reach and impact around the world. Learn more: spiritofamerica.org/tyson-voelkel-…

At Spirit of America, we know the best solutions start with the people who know the challenges firsthand. That’s why our #Africa team partnered with the U.S. Embassy Ouaga and a local NGO to address rising traffic accidents involving motorcyclists, a growing public safety concern shared by Ouagadougou residents. Together with the NGO ABPEC US-BF and the Embassy, we helped bring to life the Iron Guardians of the Road initiative, featuring Burkinabe strongman and national icon @IronBiby💪 as ambassador for road safety. The project included funding a community road-safety event with workshops run by local partners, and equipping riders with 1,000 reflective safety vests. This initiative showcased what’s possible when we listen first, empower local leadership, and collaborate to make communities safer. 🦺

The 2016 trend got us thinking... what was Spirit of America up to 10 years ago? ⏪ Our organization was younger and smaller, but the mission and entrepreneurial model to support our troops and diplomats was already at work. Take a trip back through some of our most memorable projects from a decade ago, when our all-veteran field team implemented 94 impactful projects across 34 different countries around the world. 👏 #Africa #IraqiKurdistan #Ukraine

✨ You made it happen! This #GivingTuesday, our community came together to bring light and hope to students across Ukraine. Thanks to your generosity, we delivered 6 powerful charging stations and 150 rechargeable lamps to provide emergency power to #UActive students in Chernihiv, Mykolaiv, and Kharkiv — communities facing blackouts lasting up to 20 hours a day. 🔌💡 Our friends at savED shared with us just how much this project meant: “You reminded us how vital it is to have friends who stand beside and support us… Now our teens are able to continue learning, meeting, and working on their projects with minimal interruptions.” 💛 #SpiritOfAmerica #SupportUkraine