A collection of letters and emails from around the world as well as links to related sites.

I served as a civilian with a group doing agricultural assessments in 8
provinces of Iraq. Our group represented the Norman Borlaug Institute for
International Agriculture at Texas A&M University. Most of us were faculty
members at Texas A&M.  We were in country from May to December 2008.

While in An-Najaf Province, we learned of the Kick for Nick program. We watched
and participated in the distribution of soccer balls signed with Nick's
name. It was a wonderful and touching sight. We also saw how it could be
enhanced even more--when soldiers and we handed the balls to parents who in
turn gave the balls to their children. In no way did it diminish the
connection with Iraqi children; in fact, I would say that it ENHANCED the
outreach. Now, an Iraqi adult could feel good as well about American
soldiers and about Nick Madaras. Now, not only were Iraqi children made
happy, but also their parents were allowed to participate. Just one
additional way that Kick for Nick is contributing to peace in Iraq. Nicolas
Madaras lives on in the minds of both Iraqis and Americans. What a
sacrifice; what a tribute; what a legacy.