--  Below is an excerpt from an email we received from Jim Jeffery who has helped to distribute Kick For Nick soccer balls in Iraq.  Jim is a civilian who has served four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He worked with the US Army as a Construction Supervisor and with the US State Dept. as a member of the Congressional Oversight Committee on Wartime Contracting.

 

"[...] I have been very fortunate, I have made many friends and have had the honor to work alongside our young, and not so young soldiers, sailors, airmen and civilians. These fine people are the very best our great country has to offer. All volunteers, patriotic and committed to bringing peace and freedom to the people of S.E. Asia, what a group.

[...] 

My prayer is that America's sacrifice in precious lives and treasure will not have been in vain. I pray that the people of the region will realize that our sacrifice  may be their last chance, for generations to come, to secure a degree of freedom and democracy that has eluded them for the last 5,000 years. Never have they had the opportunity they have now.

 

Whether they succeed as a people or not, the one thing I know for sure is that Nick's Legacy will remain in the hearts of all those he (and your family) have touched. They will always remember the soldier that laid his weapon down and picked up a soccer ball instead. A young man whose most effective weapon against those that wish us harm was his smile and his kind words to people that needed kindness the most, the children of Iraq. After all, they are Iraq's future and that is the memory they will carry forward. God Bless Nick and your family Bill, you have all done so much and have embodied the spirit of winning Hearts and Minds. In my mind that is the lasting and honorable legacy the Madaras Family leaves behind in Iraq.

 

Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of the Kick for Nick family.

 

Jim