DONATIONS FROM PETE NOEL, LANGHORNE PA & THE GRAY AND GUENTHER FAMILIES

Pete Noel has helped us all again this year by collecting more soccer balls and equipment. This time they will be sent to our military men and women in Africa for distribution to the children there. Many will go to kids in orphanages.

Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Pete Noel for meeting me to deliver the goods. And thank you to the Gray and Guenther families from Langhorne PA for their donations. Many children will enjoy the fruits of your labor! Just picture the smiles you are creating.

Above is a list of donated items provided by Pete Noel. Thank you again!

FREEDOM TEAM SALUTE

A few months ago I received an envelope in the mail addressed to me from the U.S. Army. I was not only surprised by the contents, but truly humbled. I found a Freedom Team Salute Certificate of Appreciation and a letter from General George W. Casey, Jr.!

I accept this wonderful salute on your behalf, in your honor. There would be no Eric's Goal without all of you who have collected, contributed, sorted and packed all of the donations we have received over the past few years.

An Army lapel pin was also enclosed and I wear this pin with pride as it was offered: "as a statement of our shared commitment to support America's Soldiers."

Thank you all for your generosity and kindness in supporting our American military and the children of this world. Together we can make a difference.

LETTER FROM COL. MIKE MOURI

We have been most fortunate to have contact with some very amazing people. Col. Mike Mouri is one of them! He has taken the time to write a hand written thank you note for the soccer supplies we have sent to him. The donations have been given to children in orphanages located in the Horn of Africa. His note is copied her so than you may all know the appreciation of these children and of our military men and women.

Many thanks to Col. Mouri and his soldiers for all that they do on a daily basis.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND AFRICA

What an honor to receive this certificate and these incredible letters. Our donations that have been shipped to Africa have been appreciated by many! The Operation Enduring Freedom Certificate of Appreciation above is for all who have contributed to Eric's Goal, as are the attached letters.

How humbling to have Col. Christopher G. Torelli and MSG John W. Capuzzzo take the time to write to us on Memorial Day. We do have an amazing military force that work daily to protect and serve and even go the extra mile to provide services to those less fortunate and then take the time to say thank you to us at home for our support.

Many thanks to our Special Operations Command in the Horn of Africa and to all of our military men and women!

Giving Soccer Balls to the children of Afghanistan

Here are some wonderful photos from Mary Z. in Afghanistan. It seems that children the world over can relate to this common sport! How terrific to be able to support our troops and reach out to children in other countries as well! Thank you all for your participation - you make this possible.

"We did receive the three boxes of soccer balls, net bags and flags. Thank you so much.... Attached is a photo of a HA drop we did on 30MAR09. The faces on the children tell the whole story of how happy a soccer ball can make them..... Please thank everyone who donated and we would greatly appreciated more soccer balls. Thank you for supporting the troops.

Mary Z.

Thank you Mary for all you do for our country and the children of Afghanistan!

Sending Soccer Balls to Ethiopia!!!!!

We have expanded our horizons and have begun shipping some of your donated soccer balls to Ethiopia and also to Afghanistan.

We were recently honored to receive the following letter from the Embassy of the United States of America, in Ethiopia!




Our continued thanks to all of you who have donated to Eric's Goal! You are making a positive difference in the lives of many children. We are grateful to each and every one of you.

Thank You to Tom Cruise in Iraq!!!!!

We received the following post card from non other than Tom Cruise - yes that is his real name! But this Tom Cruise is busy handing out soccer balls to the Iraqi children. Tom is with SAIF - Soccer for American Iraqi Friends! He has been handing out soccer balls for quite some time now. Recently we began sending your donations to him. See the post card below for comments from Tom.

Tom has also sent us photos he has taken with the Iraqi children and adults. We have posted them and Tom's comments here, with his permission. Enjoy!!!



"Two teenage boys late at night a few months ago who were very pleased to receive an unexpected gift! Soccer is their only sport and they love it so the balls really do spread cheer!
Shu kran jazeelan Tom"

"Just one photo of my soccer ball give-away program. This little boy was walking home about 7am with a bag of bread and when I stopped him he ran so fast to get the ball it was heart-warming to see his smile! It was a cold morning as you can see a few months ago. Thanks for your help. Tom Cruise"

"Everyone loves soccer balls and the adults all have children so they are pleased with a soccer ball too!
Ma salama Tom"

"Beanie Babies have been a big help for the little girls...and they are not allowed to play soccer so the babies are a great gift for them.
Tom"


"I visit a prosthetics clinic often and give soccer balls to many people who lost limbs in explosions and the victims are seared into your heart and mind. Some might think this is wrong because they are missing limbs, but the fact is the advances in prosthetics have allowed many to still be able to carry on somewhat of a normal life and even play soccer so they lovethe balls even more than most because it shows they can still have a life in many ways. They all are asked first and I have never had anyone refuse and they allhave been very grateful of the soccer balls. Thanks again."

Many thanks to Tom Cruise and fellow members of SAIF. We admire all that you do!