CNN’s Jill Dougherty follows up on her excellent reporting on the first-ever official celebration of Christmas in Baghdad with this story on the American military’s effort to make that Christmas special for Iraqi children. It features our friend Major Eric Egland, who now works with Troops Need You:

It’s a great story to tell this week, but they could use some help in making this story come true for more Iraqi children. You can play a part in it by donating at their home page, or sending donations to:

Troops Need You
P.O. Box 387
Roseville CA 95661

Eric at one time considered a run for Congress. Instead, he went where he was most needed, even with his family growing this year. I’m proud to call him my friend, and thank him on behalf of all Americans for showing the world the best of who we can be. Merry Christmas, Eric and the Egland family.

Update: Eric sends this picture of his family, and says that Troops Need You got started with this 2007 Hot Air interview.

Update II: The first update jumbled the video code. I just fixed it. Sorry about that!