August News - Around the World with KFN

August 2015

~ 43,501 Soccer Balls Distributed ~

Following is a quote from Nick in a letter he wrote to us from Iraq in 2006. We'd like to share it with you as it rings true and resonates for us all.

-Bill, Shalini, Marie & Chris Madaras

>>Being here, it's made me think and regret leaving without telling people exactly how I feel about them... That's one thing I've learned - to live without regret - live everyday like it's your last, so when you look back there are no "I shoulda" or "I coulda done this" >>

- PFC Nicholas A Madaras, Iraq, 2006

KFN Now in Northern Honduras

The organization "Food for the Poor" is now distributing soccer balls to the children who live in San Pedro Sula in Northern Honduras. Below are two photos from a recent ball distribution they conducted.

Not Just Soccer Balls But Basketballs Too!

The citizens of Wilton, CT have donated basketballs to KFN in addition to thousands of soccer balls over the years. These basketballs made their way to Djibouti, Africa. Basketball is the fastest growing sport in this area and the children were thrilled to receive them.

404th Battalion & Volunteers Deliver Soccer Balls

"So often we see these children on the side of the road asking for things, and we can't always give them something so it's nice being able to give them something they love and to see them smiling and playing," said Capt. Michael Silva, 404th CA BN dentist. "The American people need to know that they are making a difference through their donations even half a world away."

To learn more, click the photo to see the article on the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa website.

The Combined Joint Task Force also posted a great video about the soccer ball distribution, you can watch it here:

Kick For Nick in Djibouti with the Combined Joint Task Force

Support Kick For Nick

Balls Happily Received in Colombia

Soccer balls, as well as cleats, jerseys, socks & other equipment were distributed for the first time in Colombia by John Rios. John is a coach of the local soccer leagues in Wilton, CT.

Thank You From Joint Task Force Bravo - Honduras

Following is a recent letter of thanks from Iris Medina in which she takes the time to individually thank all of the donors of the soccer balls she and her team were able to distribute.

Mr. Madaras and Family,

Hope you are doing well and thanking you for your support with all the soccer balls and supplies you have shared through us with all the Honduran children.

For your information we have received all the boxes that you sent with the support of:

Emma Goldstein, Westport, CT

Citizens of Wilton , CT

Shivan Shukla, San Jose, CA

Patricia Waters, Tampa, FL

Gus Sr, GusJr, and Jessica Avalos, Ridgefield, Southport

Gia Pacella, Winder, GA

Pam Venn, Stamford, CT

Madison Youth Soccer League, Madison, CT

American Outlaws, Hartford, CT

Jesse Bignami, US Soccer Federation, Carson, CA

Mark and Janis Lindstrom, West End, NC

Greg Knese, Queens, NY

Long Island Junior Soccer League, Melville, NY

Leny May, NYC, NY

Lisa Petri, Franktown, CO

Westhill Elementary School, Rocky Hill, CT

O'Tooles Iris Pub and rest., New Haven, CT

And the spectators at the 8 th Annual KFN Memorial Day Challenge.

We will soon be sending soccer balls to three elementary schools in eastern Honduras, a very remote area of the country. I will send you pictures when we do and again thank you for your continued support.

Vr,

Iris Medina

JTF-Bravo, Civil-Military Operations Specialist

Soto Cano AB, Honduras

New Ball Donors from South Carolina

RUSH Palmetto United Futbol Club, Fort Mill, South Carolina collected soccer balls
at their tryouts in May 2015

New Destinations!

Coming soon.... First shipments of balls are now on their way to Haiti and Guatemala. Photos in the next newsletter!

Thank you for your support and if you know of anyone who might be interested in receiving this newsletter, please forward it using the link below.