SPC Gerardo Llamas Says It All

I started to post a blog about all the great things that US Army SPC Gerardo Llamas is doing in Afghanistan - collecting blankets for kids, passing out school supplies, making the most of a bad situation, etc. But then I got an email and some photos from him today and I realized that there was no way I could say it better than he does. He was describing for us his recent trip to an Afghan orphanage, and the supplies he passed out while he was there. SPC Llamas, you epitomize the mission of Spirit of America, and you are a true American hero and patriot. Take it away. . .


"It was a great experience. I can't believe how happy these kids were, the smiles on their faces said a lot and I of course was touched by this. When we got there we were received by the people that run the orphanage. They told us the kids were all outside on their patio waiting for us and that they were really excited. They helped us unload the boxes from the vehicles and took them inside the orphanage. As I was walking in I realized how much these people needed, as you can see in the pictures even the walls are falling apart. When I got in I saw all the kids lined up; girls on one side, boys on the other. We started giving all the blankets away. I must say that at the beginning I was scared that maybe I didn't have enough blankets for every kid. As the kids came to get their blanket they just smiled, some were shy and just walked away with their blanket, some tried to say thank you, some thanked me in their language, some just smiled, and one little girl, pretty as a doll, smiled and then gave me a hug. That was the highlight of my day, and she seemed so thankful. At the end I was really happy to see that every single kid got a blanket. I even had enough to give to the teachers that live with them and care for them. When we finished handing out the blankets we started giving away some jackets and coats. Unfortunately I only had about 60, and they were boys coats, so we handed these out to the boys, and some stuffed animals to the girls. After everything was all done we said goodbye to the kids. Some came and gave us hugs, some asked to us to come back. I will definitely try to go back soon to give out the school supplies and, if possible, to take them some bags of candy and other treats. I must say that all this was possible just because of your help and donations, I could not have accomplish half of this without you all. I am really thankful to every single one of you. I will keep in touch and inform you of future deliveries and projects. May God bless you all and your families!! P.S. Sorry if my writing is not perfect or is confusing, I'm not the greatest writer but I try. Sincerely, SPC Llamas Gerardo, US Army."

Thanks for supporting our troops!

Dennis