The Final Word on GOE Finances
April 26, 2007
I am here, as part of the Gathering of Eagles leadership, to address–again–some underhanded and false accusations about the integrity of Gathering of Eagles as an organization, as well as the personal honor of its leaders.
Gathering of Eagles began as an event, a single stand by thousands who wanted to be heard. Early on, thousands of emails came in, literally begging us to never lose the momentum. Eagles themselves asked us how we could think of simply going home after the rally, back to our lives—back to silence. Troops in Afghanistan and Iraq cried out for continued support, even as they cheered our event. There was no way we could possibly say no.
As you know, there have been accusations leveled almost continuously since the rally. Men like Jere Beery and Gene Simes claim that Larry Bailey is somehow “anti-vet� because he chose not to involve GOE in a controversial political issue. What’s worse, Beery claims that we “helped ourselves� to the funds so generously donated to GOE by Americans all over the world.
“…[T]he ‘new’ GOE cut them selves’ in on the charity money,â€? claimed Jere Beery in an email to me yesterday. “Theoretically, any funds you are taking in NOW could be considered surplus to the expense of GOE-1 and rightfully belongs to charity. Apparently, someone at your end determined it would be OK to use the funds earmarked for charity to build the GOE. I take exception to that.â€? This statement is false and ridiculous, but I’ll deal with that in a minute.
Beery also says it should have taken us only $10,000 to pay for GOE 1.
“If I allow $10,000 for the stage, sound system, bleachers, extra tent, permits, clean up, and porta potties, that leaves $50,000,” he pontificates. “Can you provide me with a hint to where this money went? And at what point did GOE decide to change the ground rules and not send the entire surplus of funds raised to a charity as pledged?â€?
I realize that when Beery and Simes put on events, no one actually shows up, but to think that an event could be put on for 30,000 people on a $10,000 budget is insane. In fact, I’ll answer his first question now: Where did the money go? Exactly where we said it did.
All told, we raised a little over $62,000 and some change between when we first started taking donations and about 2 weeks ago, before the latest funds appeal. We had a little over $51,500 in expenses–almost $40,000 of that went to the rally itself. The rest was for online presence, press conferences, inventory in the GOE store, etc. We set aside all donations that have come in after the first event, to be put toward the second event and ongoing efforts, about $10,000. Once all bills were paid, that left us with a surplus of slightly over $200.
Now, I’ll answer his second question: “[A]t what point did GOE decide to change the ground rules and not send the entire surplus of funds raised to a charity as pledged?�
Here’s the simple answer: Never. We never “changed any rules.” We are excited about donating to Sew Much Comfort; so much so, in fact, that we will be making a $1000 donation in the next few days, in the name of Gathering of Eagles.
The facts don’t matter to Jere Beery, of course. A few moments ago, I received this email:
“I’m certain Sew Much Comfort is a great organization. And I know they are just blown away with the $201 donation. That equals out to less than 1/3 of 1 percent of 60,000 in DONATED funds. WOW! LUCKY THEM! You guys really went all out! Supporting your troops…?”
Like I said: facts don’t matter.
Mr. Beery claims that we had no right to apply donated funds to setting up the organization—that it all should have gone to the rally event or to charity. I disagree, and I stand by the GOE’s leadership decision to become more than a one-time flash in the pan, even though there were those who told us it couldn’t be done—and those who said GOE should stay as a single moment, instead of beginning a new age. Some even said we wouldn’t be needed after March 17th.
They were all wrong. It can be done, and it is being done, in cities and towns all over the country. In two short months we have become a force to be reckoned with, a vocal part of the majority of Americans who support our men and women in uniform. We have hundreds of volunteers, working in their own communities to bring back pride in our military and belief in what makes our nation great. We are answering people like Cindy Sheehan, matching her appearances and ensuring that she does not appear in public without her treason being answered. We are growing, and making it impossible for the media to continue to ignore the truth—that a large section of Americans support the troops AND their mission.
There is still so much to be done. Senators claim openly that the war is lost, Army deserters are being hailed as heroes by a cowardly and anti-American Left, recruiters are being banned from school after school, and our troops are being prosecuted for killing the enemy. There has never been in our history such a need for GOE to exist.
My having to defend accusations from disgruntled veterans like Jere Beery and Gene Simes is wrong. It is wrong because there are men dying in Iraq and Afghanistan as we speak, and there is a greater threat to our nation than the personal attacks these men have chosen to level against me and against Captain Bailey. It is wrong because there was no misconduct to answer for. There was no “fleecing,� there were no “illegal� tactics employed to raise money, and there was no misleading of the American people. In fact, the people involved with Gathering of Eagles are some of the most honorable, most open, most amazing people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. They love their country above all else, and they would never dream of mishandling or “stealing� funds, as Mr. Beery and Mr. Simes have so gleefully insinuated, all the while claiming, of course, that they’re “just asking the hard questions.� The Eagles I work with also wouldn’t engage in the type of sexual remarks and inappropriate questioning that I’ve seen addressed to me, and about me, from Jere Beery.
We did the best we could with the funds for GOE 1, and we did it proudly and honestly. The people who give so valiantly of their time, their careers, their money, and their lives to ensure that Gathering of Eagles is a viable and effective organization did—and do—so at great disadvantage to themselves. I am proud of myself for the work I have done, and I am even more proud of my countrymen, who continue to answer the desperate call of sanity and patriotism every day in their communities as “Eagles,� a breed of American much needed in our time.
I will no longer answer questions about our finances, or about my integrity. Neither of them needs defending, and it only detracts from the mission at hand. I will, however, keep my word, and appear on Stardust Radio next week to answer, one last time, the “hard questions� that Mr. Beery and Mr. Simes have demanded that I address. Hopefully none of those will be about my anatomy or sex life.
Thank you for your continued support and for your faith in us. We will not let you down.
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76 Responses to “The Final Word on GOE Finances”
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God bless the Gathering of Eagles and thanks for being open and honest about everything!
AmericanProtest.net is proud to help coordinate Arizona troop support events with Gathering of Eagles!
I’ll try to make this short and sweet…really!
You know, they say women are bitchy but these two really seem to take the cake.
Frankly, they are taking up way too much of our time with this nonsense and with all due respect to the insults that have been flung your way Kit, WE have WAY too much to do to be distracted by their pettiness. We have a country to change.
If I had even a hint that there was something funny going on I would have been out of here like a rocket ship. But I know better and really so do they. Like spoiled children who wail at the first sign of not getting what they want they think they are going to drive a wedge between us.
Sorry guys, right church wrong pew. All your incessant wailing does is push us closer together.
Eagles UP!
Wow. I had hoped Jere & Co. would leave GOE alone after I emailed him. I totally made the mistake of thinking it was just a misunderstanding. I thought they were just confused, but it turns out they are just mean spirited, slander spewing retards. It appears that there is no level to which they will stoop, including sexual comments about our highly talented webmistress. Rip them a new one Kit!
It’s a short simple word but I must say that “GOOD” will prevail.I’ve always been a firm beleiver in that. And to me ,GOE is “GOOD”.
Larry and everyone,
Operation Recruiter Appreciation has been in effect for nearly three weeks now. “Troop supporters” Jere Beery and Gene Simes have yet to sign up.
And other than the use of this site (a sunken expense) it won’t cost GOE a darned thing, thanks to the generosity of its members and other participants. People will be putting as much or as little money into honoring recruiters as they’re comfortable with.
Once again, “troop supporters” Jere Beery and Gene Simes have yet to sign up.
Perhaps I’ve been too shy…
I hate to think that the leadership of GoE is being put through this. It saddens me, but more importantly it makes me want to try harder and do more in support of the Gathering of Eagles. To make it a voice that is undeniable!
We are honored and blessed to have leadership such as Kit and Larry! Unfortunately, I don’t believe this will be the last we hear from Jere & Co. People like that thrive on their own negativity. All we can do is try to ignore it, knowing in our hearts and in our minds that WE are right.
Sour Berry, do not bite. Eagles up and up theirs.
I will stand by the GOE leadership, Sir, the road to our goal of supporting our troops is not easy, many wish we would fold our tents and fade away.
I question the motives of those who are attacking our great orginization. Do they suggest a better way,No?.
There are many with deep pockets who will attack the GOE. Sir, Stand Strong, and focus on the mission we have all signed onto. We will stand behind you, all the way.
Regardless of who they think they are, I for one will not bow to the Franks who ask us to give up our freedom to assemble together to support our troops.
Go forward Mr Baily, the GOE will stand behind you all the way. What Say You Eagles?.
Eagles, we have many speed bumps to roll over in the future, this will not be the last,When Attacted, Defend.
We will defend the Gathering Of Eagles, and never surrender, or be ordered about by a group such as this.
Without reservation or hesitation, GoE, it’s leaders,and especially Kit, have my full and unconditional faith and support. That faith in them is in all areas of endeavour, and I need never know any particular details of the execution of their duties and obligations as regards GoE. They enjoy my full faith, trust, and confidence.
As regards mr.Beery and mr. Simes: they can quite simply GO TO HELL!! No one here is buying what they’re selling. Bugger off assholes!
Capt. Bailey…Kit…
CARRY ON.
Just put them on ignore status, let’s keep our focus, and keep moving forward. We have an awesome organization here. I am sure there will be others that will be envious of our successes, and they will try to take us down and sidetrack our goals. There are enough of us out here in the trenches THAT WILL BE HEARD. We WILL NOT give up!
Keep up the great work guys and gals!
We’re behind you 150 percent!
Rick M
USAF Retired
Patriot Guard Rider
Eagles.May future funding be the least of the many worrys which face Mr Baily, and Kit.
Get out the tin cups group. lets hit the bricks to support the GOE. We have no need of special intrest groups to pay our way.
I will be talking with any civic minded group that I feel will be willing to help fund the GOE, I have talked with church leaders and they have expressed great interest in our work.
Please take time to figure out ways to raise funding suited to your home town, there are many ready to support our brave troops.
Eagles Up Defend The GOE!!.
Kit,,, IT SEEMS ME THAT berry & simes ARE REALLY FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE. HAS ANYONE SEEN A DD214 ON them. AND THEN CHECKED IT OUT WITH StLOUIS?..JUST ASKING. “EAGLES UP”
When the going gets tough the tough get going. Been resting 38yrs and now am ready to kick some butt. I too have been getting in contact with churches and church leaders. Funding is not going to be a problem for the Eagles nor is the liberal idiots that try to attack us. Most of us have seen battle face on and this is nouthing compared to that. As the Cable Guys say.. “Get r Done”….
A man doe’s what he must in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles. and danger, and pressure-And that is the basis of all morality
John F. Kennedy
Words of wisdom for all Eagles.
Eagles Up, Defend and On to Victory!.
Since I retired from active duty this group Gathering Of Eagles has given me a sence of purpose and once again belonging to a pro American Org. I am pleeding that you not let this in house foolishness bring our cause and our members down. Hell it sounds like the senate you did this or no you did that. We hope with all our hearts that this does no permanate damage.
I got a pet monkey called Charlie Chan!.
Jimi Hendrix
Had to chuck something in here to lighten the mood. Cheer up.
Did anyone notice both our Frank, and these two disturbed Sparrows both went stright into the sex attack. Conquense?, I think not!!
There is something rotten in Denmark!!.
As I read this I can’t help but compare this to one of the greatest atrocities in American politics. Accusations and unwarranted scrutiny or skepticism, such as this, are responsible for the deterioration of qualified and dedicated public servants that are willing to step forward and serve their country.
We look at the pool of politicians running this country into the ground and scratch our heads wondering, “HOW did they get there? WHO elected these people??” Yet, the answer to that is that NO ONE is crazy enough to subject him/herself and their family to the attacks that come with the “job”.
Sadly, there are so many wonderful, qualified and dedicated Americans that refrain from running for office or taking on a leadership role b/c “it’s just not worth it”.
WHY DO WE RUN OFF THE GOOD GUYS & PAVE THE WAY FOR THE EVIL DOERS????
100% committed to GOE. I expect there will be more mud throwing in the future by those who want us to go away. I think that will make it even more fun to be hanging out with a bunch of patriots and vets. Lets rock in roll Eagles!!
To Beery and Simes.
Shut Up. Go Home. Stay There.
Every time you open your mouth, I’m gonna donate more money to GoE, and not give a damn what they do with it.
Bite me.
Ross McDowell
Middlesex, NC
bubbashuv on GoE Forum
Carry on. We are with you.
Beery & Simmes do more to solidify support for GOE than they will ever know. As someone on here says “Eagles Up”!
They both sound like the type of people who, if God chose today to return and did it on their show, they would find a way to criticize him for not getting their permission first and issuing a statement of support for their cause and leadership beforehand.
I will bet if Eagle leadership had handed “THEM” a check for 5 or 10 grand we probably would only be reading and hearing nice things from them.
Larry & Kitt, keep up the great work, and remember that name calling and personal attack is the first refuge of a scoundrel. “When they throw crap at the Eagles they are the ones who end up with shitty
hands!”
Why in the hell does this always happen? We are the good guys. Yet there’s always someone’s ego and personal agenda that will try to derail the best of organizations. Is it any wonder we can’t get our country back on track? If ALL patriots do not stand together how in the world can we stand united against the evil running rampant in our beloved country? If there are allegations of financial wrongdoing, one way to shut them up is to publish an accounting. Can’t continue to insinuate financial wrongdoing with figures in black and white.
Cheryl
You are known by whom you associate with. Beery and Simes have U.S. legislator Frank Lautenburg listed as one of their official supporters on their website. That is a sad commentary; lying down with dogs and all that.
That pretty much tells me all I need to know about this pair.
GOE is here for the duration. Get used to it Mr. Beery & Mr. Simes. Grow up and get a life, guys. This ain’t about the Beery and Simes anything at all.
Lead, Follow or Get Out Of The Way. GOE has work to do. We intend to take this country back, one rally at a time. GOE is all about showing up and making a statement in support of the troops. GOE financing is not your business.
See all you Eagles in N.C. tomorrow.
Dwain Cleveland
As a State Coordinator for the GOE I fully expect to get crapped on by people who want to destroy what we stand for and undermine the values of this great nation. If it doesn’t happen I will not have done a good job for the GOE. My job is to strengthen the GOE at the State level so we can be strong and ready to counter the radical left groups and MAKE MORE NOISE THAN THEM!!! Of course they don’t want us to succeed. They are not used to competition. They never had any the last time they reared their ugly heads and for that I ask God to forgive me. But I hope and pray that they will soon fully understand that I WILL NEVER LET DOWN GOD NOR MY COUNTRY AGAIN!!!
Eagles Up - Forever!!!
to paraphrase Roseanna Danna (remember from Sat. night live?) “it is always something” or “It is always some whiner about something”. WE SUPPORT GOE and its efforts. MR. Beery needs to write to those that don’t support our troops and leave GOE leadership alone and STOP with FALSE ACCUSATIONS.
Also he needs to look at the charity SEW MUCH COMFORT and volunteer to sew for them. Don’t know how to sew? Spend you time learning Mr. Beery and do something worthwhile. Thats what I am going to do.
See you all May 26.
Friends,
I would like to make a couple comments related to the honorable Gathering of Eagles (GOE) March 17 event in Washington, D.C.
Most of you know I’m no longer in a operational/decision making role in GOE, so this is my personal observation based on my experience and understanding of GOE activities leading up and following the March 17 event. Most of you probably don’t want to hear or read this because it deals with a few festering issues that involve only a handful of individuals…
As with many operations, events, activities, etc., there is approval, constructive criticism, opinions, personal attacks, dissatisfaction of one sort or the other…much of the emotional negative stuff I let roll off my back as would a duck, but some of the personal attack, insinuation, is without factual justification and inconsistent with the professional reflection associated with GOE….disappointing as best.
Here’s a couple observations:
The men and women that took responsible roles in GOE during the short five or six weeks leading up to March 17, 2007 were dedicated, earnest, patriotic and sacrificial citizens that put their personal lives and families on hold in order to pursue what we all believed was a critical call to action.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that all funds donated to GOE were used for GOE purposes or the remainder is still in the control of GOE leadership. I stand by the fund expenditure I authorized, most by signed contracts, and believe the only way to put funding issues to rest is with detail………below is funding I authorized and as anyone can see, to suggest $10,000 would cover our event is preposterous…….to the penny detail will have to be provided by Kit Jarrell…….. I place complete trust, confidence, and faith in her handling of GOE donated funds.
Chantilly General Rental.(Don Berger)………$10,296.66 (Staging etc.)
SS Productions Sound System (Sharon Shapiro) $7500.00
Don’s Johns (Porta Potties) $5763.00
American Medical Response (Medical Support) 1440.00
Autumn Productions (Roger Aronoff) 7500.00 (Documentation’s of the event)
Expense Money to Kristinn Taylor $500.00
Holiday Inn Fees $1800.00 (Admin use of facility)
Bonus to several individuals $6000.00 (Harry Riley or Larry Bailey not included)
Travel for one performer $1300.00
GOE Store inventory $6000.00
National Protection Agency (Security guards) $800.00
Autumn Productions (Roger Aronoff) $4000.00 DVD Production (I’m not sure if I authorized this or not…don’t have details) I assume DVD’s will be available for purchase.
Misc $600.34
This accounts for $51,500.00
I answer for the above decisions…..
The decision regarding the remaining $10K+ to be used for future GOE events was not mine….it is a decision which reasonable people can disagree on…my guidance was, if the additional funds does not go to non-profit sources as the funding request stated, then tell everyone publicly that a decision was made to use the funds in other ways, e.g. for future events.
Every question will not be answered satisfactorily to some, select expenditure decisions will always be questioned by some and that’s fair……….it boils down to this “we did the best we could” with the time available.
Some email activity has publicly called into question the integrity of certain members of the national team…I reject this…..if any mistake was made, it was not dealing with issues rapidly and with the detail needed to clarify questions, accusations, etc………….some other email activity has reflected degrading sexual, hurtful comments toward our female patriots…..this stuff is immature, crude, disappointing at best, and I hope it would stop…..even apologies to selected people is in order.
If anyone has an issue with a specific individual, has a specific question, then please give that individual an opportunity to resolve any issue in a mature fashion before smearing a reputation publicly without factual data, understanding the circumstances, or perhaps basing perceptions on past personal conflict.
GOE reflects a concept, a model, that has great promise with gigantic potential to positively impact America…focus should remain on the GOE Mission Statement…
Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret
Beerbelly and Slimes,
Do you want some cheese with your whine???
Go back to your leftist hole in the ground and let us
get on with our work.
Doc Leeds
Letter sent to OP
I am writing this letter to you in regards to your comments about the GOE. I find it hard to beleive that you are accussing 30,000 GOE members and growing daily, of wrong doing. Why are you trying to tear down the vets that are going out on their own dollar to support our troups and country in time of war. Your effort is misplace and misquided. You have fallen into the same catagory as our not so fine Democratic leaders. You have your mission of protecting Veterans rights and we have a mission to protect our American God given rights. Do not mix the two together. I understand that you have a tough job before you with so many ant-war personel holding jobs at the VA, many of whom were the ones demonstrating against us during our tours in Nam. Yes there are impostors that have used our system for their gain and we must weed them out. That is not our issue and will not be in the future. We support your effort and would anticipate your support of us. Stop this infighting. We have enough of this crap coming from our elected officials. We have a country to save and that should be the top priority for all of us.
Thank You for your service
Dennis Evans
25th 2/14 69/70 11B SSG in the Mud
My advice is simple, do the radio show and speak honestly, truthfully and with complete control. Don’t get mad, just get it done and walk away. Then we all put this behind us. We let these folks do whatever they want to do and quietly collect all the statements they make. Eventually they’ll give themselves enough rope to get legally hung. Then take legal action. I’ve had to do so with events in my life too. Give them enough time and they do hang themselves. I applaud your handling of this and look forward to putting it behind us.
Semper Fi,
Chris Sebolt
When you get my check, it is with the expectation that you do with it whatever you please!
And after you answer these folks again, don’t waste your breath on them any more.
Good grief, firstly…you folks are doing a great job, thanks!
Then let’s speak to the ignorance of these two folks. These funds are “donations”. A donation is “a voluntary gift (as of money or service or ideas) made to some worthwhile cause”. Emphasis being placed on “voluntary” and “worthwhile”!
No one has been coerced or mislead into contributing. If they feel they have, they are free to cease their support.
Grow up, fellas!
THE MURTHA AND KERRY OF THE GOE.THESE TWO SHOULD SHUT UP BUT UNFORTUNATLY THE EMPTY DRUM MAKES THE MOST NOISE
Kitt and Larry,
We stand behind you both 100%. When they attack you it means you are doing good and they are running scared. Bravo Zulu !!!
Charley Mike
tvlr
Kit, why bother stepping back into the den of lions? You know they are going to stoop to using innuendo and chauvenist comments because they have nothing better than to attack you with, and they are trying to get under your skin. You don’t owe them or anyone any explainations. The finances have been laid out in black and white.
I do have some concerns about what is listed as bonuses, if they are paid for services rendered thats fine, but I would not call them bonuses, it just gives our detractors more ammunition to say that GOE funds were used for personal gain.
Let me qualify that, I know there are many individuals who worked their tails off, spending time, money and their talents to get this thing off the ground and they absolutely deserved to be reimbursed for their efforts. I’m not taking anything away from that. Just saying that it might fuel more controversy
I could be wrong but in my humble opinion I think these two juvenial detractors are displaying the old “sour grapes” syndrome. When GOE turned down their invitation to become associated with their cause(s)they immeadiatley began to act like destructive immature scorned children. In retrospect it seems GOE made the right decision.
We should ignore them as you do when a child throws a temper tantrum. What they need is a “time out” and a good long stint in their bedrooms.
Grow up boys - the GOE is the wave of the future and the best chance of turning this anti-war crowd on their heels. There is no corruption and your baseless accusations do nothing to further our goals. If you are patriots you would cease your pouting and pitch in to help. Don’t be a Harry Reid.
The truth needs no defense. Sit back and smile and it will speak for itself. Evidently there are a few who did not take the GOE seriously, didn’t think they could do it, and now they are pissed off that they did.
Anyone who would slam the efforts and credibility of GOE, are no better than the Jihadist our brave warriors are fighting now……they’re the enemy…F–K Um……
Semper Fidelis,
Dane Brown
USMC, 1/27, RVN68
MikeB. Suffolk said it all. Good always prevails! Since I’ve become involved with ORA you guys have in no way pressured me for money or given me reason to believe you aren’t legit. GOE is worth donating to, in my opinion, simply to keep this web site up! Keep up the good work!
goe leadership - i’m with you all the way!!!!!!!
EAGLES UP!
To the Fine leadership of G.O.E:
The very worst thing you can do to antagonist, commie, pukes is to ignore them completely!!!
You owe NO ONE any explanation of anything period!
Remember, ignore them and eventually they will shrivel up and blow away like all rotten garbage!!!!!
SEMPER FIDELIS GO WITH GOD
I was trying to give these two (Jere & Co.) the benifit of the doubt. But in reading, I see where they are associated with Frank Launtenburg.
NOW I get it!
They are painting Captain Bailey and Kit with their brush. They know what they would be doing if they had the chance to, so they assume Captain Bailey and Kit are just as sleazy as they are.
That’s how gutter trash like Launtenburg works, and since they have ties to …………get my drift?
Drive on Captian Baily I’m with you.
Kit, I’m so sorry sister that you are having to go through this. Hang in there, you’ll be okay!
Both of you go read Psalm 37.
Rev. Ed Anthony SSGT. ‘65-’73
National Co-Chaplain GoE
If it walks DUCK ie MOONBAT.
Do not let the one percenters ruin it for the majority. We are veterans damn it and should be proud of it. If you don’t want to join us fine, but don’t knock us down or make remarks that are hateful. Once a veteran always a veteran should be the order of the day. If you have something to say to someone say it to their face if you are man enough.
DIESEL BOATS FOREVER
In regards to Mr. Jere Beery and Gene Simes claim that Larry Bailey is somehow “anti-vetâ€? then these two are in fact calling all Eagles “anti-vet” because we too chose not to involve the GOE in controversial political issues…..The issue of the GOE is one of defending and standing watch not only over our Memorials but also of standing guard to see and make sure that never again will our troops nor veterans be treated like the Vietnam Vets were…And it seems to be that as for the “MONEY, MONEY MONEY” that Mr. Jere Beery and Gene Simes have no concept of the cost involved for such Gatherings…or for that matter, of any type of event.
One thing is for sure and that is many from with out the Eagles and as it looks, a very few from with in have a goal and that goal is aimed at trying to dismantle the GOE for the fear of having someone or one strong united group standing up and fighting back those who would destroy our nation and /or of envy of those who have been given the helm to guide.
For on 17 March 2007 a loud voice was heard through out the country and through the world by a unity of veterans and others who have remained silent for so long. What those who gathered on that special day said was, “Not On My Watchâ€? and what was seen on that day is in fact was and is “A New Chapter In American History”..,
If there is a political issue then it is one of, as I stated earlier; It is one of defending and standing watch not only over our Memorials but also to stand guard to see and make sure that never again will our troops or veterans or any who support them be treated like the Vietnam vets were…….
And That’s My Opinion…Robert Cody
I think you are doing one hell of a job & my husband, Robert “Cody” & myself, Cee “Snake” support you & all the Gathering of Eagles stand for. Tell these guys if they want this to become political they need to go to the hill of DC—-we don’t need this BS. We have a job to do for our troops & our country. My husband & I both feel alive again & love supporting our country & our beloved troops right along side of you….
Cee “Snake”
From the XO: Just got off the phone with Kit, may God Bless that young lady. She is everything these two (Beery & Simes) unspeakable, ungracious and indecent persons wish they could be. They have only strengthened our resolve. As I read all the comments there are more than just a few that stick in my mind, but I would refer all to read #23 Dwain Cleveland. I feel fortunate that I will get to meet him tomorrow at the Chapel Hill, NC “Support the Troops Rally” when he will perform his very emotional and moving song, to keep “Old Glory” from the flame.
As Dwain stated in his comment, “Beery & Simes GET OUT OF THE WAY………GOE has work to do!”
Eagles Will Continue To Soar!
Larry Hoffa, Executive Officer
“Gathering Of Eagles”
It is with a sense of deep sadness, coupled with more than just a whiff of Deja Vu, that I read this about Jere and Simes yet again.
Years ago we tried to start an organization on line called “ALL VETS”.
The infighting was terrible.
Money was raised, money was argued over, fractures in the Brotherhood of Vets opened into chasms.
I stopped going to Vietnam Vet chat rooms altogether; because I did not want to be put into a position of choosing what side I was to be on.
Vietnam Vets don’t have “sides”; at least back then I thought not.
But they do.
There are many agenda’s among America’s Veterans, both left and right … and some in the middle.
I was called names myself, “A chicken shit Bush Bot”, for standing with GOE and asking my old unit to back our effort in DC on March 17th …
And my request was denied as they did not want to appear to politically lean one way or the other.
(What !???!??!)
This by a high ranking official of the 173d Airborne Brigade …
Called names by a left wing Brother?
Denied by the HERD’s leadership as they did not want to appear partisan?
Absolutely ……………. UNTHINKABLE!
Not anymore.
This country is the greatest nation on the face of the earth.
And in reaching that goal we have the most open society on the face of the earth.
It is that openness, a legacy we should never relinquish, that has come back to bite us on our collective butts time and time again.
It did in the in the Cold war.
And again in the “Space Race”, where all our launches, failed or triumphant, were played out on the world stage in real time, warts and all.
Kit, I would take one exception to your post above.
And that is the last line of this paragraph;
“There is still so much to be done. Senators claim openly that the war is lost, Army deserters are being hailed as heroes by a cowardly and anti-American Left, recruiters are being banned from school after school, and our troops are being prosecuted for killing the enemy.
There has never been in our history such a need for GOE to exist.”
That exception is … we needed an organization such as the GOE, and its dedicated organizers and leadership, back during the Vietnam war.
A war we won in 1968 when our death toll was lower than 10 thousand. We had won the war after Tet.
48 thousand more died because Walter Cronkite went on his news broadcast, took off his glasses, looked America in the eye,
… and told them the war was lost. That to continue to fight was futile.
That was a blatant lie.
But the left ate it up.
The communist sympathizing protesters redoubled their efforts; and the defeatist in congress ratcheted up the pressure to cut and run.
This all came to a BIG surprise to General Giap … The North Vietnamese General who ran the North Vietnamese war machine;
an army that had been so badly mauled in the Tet offensive of 1968 that he was ready to SUE FOR PEACE.
Tet of 68 was a major defeat for the communist North and by Giap’s own words in his book that came out in 1986, a few years before his death, the North was ready to sue for peace. To surrender.
The same defeat Cronkite used to tell the world the war was lost, and 48 thousand more American service men died for that lie.
We could have used the GOE back then.
We damn sure need this organization now. With or without the distraction of malcontents.
Stay the course Kit … Stay the course Eagles.
We are having an impact on the way this Society perceives the looney left.
For the first time there is a voice coming from the silent majority. A firm, sane, and Patriotic voice.
Keep that voice alive!
Let’s make GOE II, the million motorcycle event, with millions more in attendance, carry our message of supporting our troops and their Mission heard all around the world!
We need to send a CLEAR MESSAGE to AL Qaida, to Congress, and to the Left Wing Socialists/Communist of today’s war …
We will not abandon the Mission and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Never again will we allow the left wing’s agenda to endanger our servicemen, or a traitorous congress to hinder them in their mission.
Nancy Pelosi and Murtha be damned!
The war on terror is not lost, nor is the front line of that war lost in Iraq.
God Bless the USA and God Bless our troops!
Drive on Eagles!
Sky~Soldier
A/4th/503rd Airborne Infantry
173d Airborne Brigade (SEP)
Vietnam 68/69
Mr. Gere Beery and Mr. Simes boost quite loudly on there website that their predominate supporters are far left antiwar politicians.
1. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY)
2. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)
3. Democrat Congressional Candidate Jack Davis for Congress (D-NY-26)
Seeing the pattern here?
Pretty obvious they are agents’ provocateurs and paid political operatives sent to infiltrate the GOE and try and cause discord and dissension within our ranks.
And, what sort of a sick and perverted human being makes sexually explicit, misogynistic, and lewd sexually harassing comments in emails to try and intimidate a female? (You picked the wrong gal here, Berry.)
And, on who’s orders, and in who’s behalf?
What IS their mission???
Pretty obvious…
Sky Soldier,
God bless you. You’re right. I wish we had had GOE back then. I wasn’t born until 1974, but I wish I’d have been there too. I’d have been there to cheer you on with every fiber of my being, and every breath I had.
Welcome home, soldier. This “young girl” may not remember your war, but she remembers your sacrifice.
Two people hit nail on head…….they are from other side of the tracks. Also, why does this happen? Because for 8 years the last so called President did what he wanted, when he wanted because he could. We are now paying for the damage he did to a whole nation.
Heck, the Carpenter had problems with the original 12. Right? HE will take care of this just as HE takes care of everything else. I would ask Colonel Riley that you not answer these bogus charges and just let them stew. Better yet, refer them to a couple of us.
May GOD ever hold you in the hollow of HIS hands.
Hang in there Kit & Larry. I will follow ya’ll to hell and back.Never mind the two IDIOTS. Just remember our survival training concerning getting caught in an ambush crossfire. Only war harden vets know the answer to this.
EAGLES, charge and rock n’ roll…..Never look back.
Eagles Up !!!!!!
just a suggestion to the goe ledership - find out how much jerry and gene donated to goeI, and return it to them - divest them of their shares in goe and then they truly have no “shareholder” speech rights.
The unlimited funding of AWARE failed to stop GOE, and they are mad as hell. For the first time since they united to bring defeat to America they see our movement growing before there eyes.
What you are seeing now is the rage toward the only enemy standing between them, and victory.
I ask you fellow Eagles, if not us, who?. I see no one, the troops are at war and the public is at the mall. We are fighting people who are useing these two attack dogs to bring down the GOE, if they beat us down who is left to face them? No one.
Better to remember, they might sell out the BATTLE in Iraq, The WAR will follow them home. Better to stand, and fight now, against all odds, then to face our troops when they come home, as we Vietnam Vets did, do you belive they would be treated any better?, look how they treat them now. Eagles victory, or defeat, IT IS OUR CHOICE, LET NO DISTRACTOR BREAK OUR WILL, NOW,OR EVER
Just another desparate attempt of the left, using thier underhanded attacks, dont expect this to be the last, they KNOW that silent majority is tired of the crap being forced down our throats, by the blatant anti-Americanism that is flowing in our streets.
They saw the power and speed of raw patriotism rise up and flow from the hearts of those Americans who truly realize what is at stake, they witnessed the energy of those that chose to stand for those that are standing for us now and then and will continue to stand, and they will stop at nothing to try to disrupt that flow of energy.
They are grasping for straws, they now thier smokescreen of BS is failing, they know the sleeping giant they woke up isnt just going to sit back down and “play nice” any more.
Eagles up!!!
Brian
PGR Rider - 78783
I was at the March 17th protest and spoke with most if not all of the GOE leadership, and being a homeless/ advocate for veterans rigths/benefits since my return home from in country, I know that without any question the GOE is doing the right thing. Its about time we let the world know althougth we do not want to be at war, we will stand up and support our MEN and WOMEN presently in HARMS WAY. So let beery & simes know that NEW YORK CITY says Kiss our *#%.I wiil not even call them mister,you can imagine what I really want to call them. K Wales
Kit Jarrell Says:
April 27th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Sky Soldier,
“God bless you. You’re right. I wish we had had GOE back then. I wasn’t born until 1974, but I wish I’d have been there too. I’d have been there to cheer you on with every fiber of my being, and every breath I had.
Welcome home, soldier. This “young girlâ€? may not remember your war, but she remembers your sacrifice.”
Kit, would you marry me if I cut my hair, quit cussin & drinking, and got a real job?
Keep up the good work you do so well for GOE, Kit. You are a National Treasure.
And thank you for your very fine words; they are really heart warming and very appreciated.
I know you would have been there in a New York heart beat.
See you in DC for GOE II! Let’s shake up the world!
Back to Back
Sky~Soldier
HERD
68/69
Sky~Soldier
May I suggest you forward your post, #48, to All our servants on Capital Hill. The history of what happens when politicans and anchormen tyr to “play army” should never be forgotten!!!!!!!!!!
Soapbox
IF NOT US, WHO? IF NOT NOW, WHEN?
LAUTENBERG?
Well that explains why this Jersey Girl is an Eagle, doesn’t it?
The pettiness and selfish motivations behind these sniveling “accusations” are obvious. These clowns are pests and should be viewed and treated as such.
Kit & Larry,
As the state rep for Michigan, I can confidently state that we, the MI GOE, unreservedly stand behind you two, in every respect!!! Keep up the good work, we trying our best to do the same, on a state level! I attended GOE1, and two other GOE events, and remain commited to our cause.
It’s obvious these two malcontents are posers, hired by the anti-war/liberals. The terror that their twisted version will NOT be the only voice heard has led them to such measures. Patriots can see thru their desperation of innuedo and personal attacks.
Remain confident that Michigan stands behind National, both in spirit and with our boots!!! I look forward to seeing you both, at GOE2, and shaking your hands! EAGLES UP!!! Radar Mi GOE
Kit, Larry and Heidi
It seems all has been said . As Vietnam veteran I offer my money, my time and most my heart to the ideals OUR organization stands for.
Berry and Slimes ( I know both to well) will falsify the truth with out right lies to upset you Kit.I salute you and the way you have handled yourself .
These two dont deserve your time. Simply (as stated) be honest, stand tall and rememeber the truth means nothing to these pukes.
We are all with you. It is OUR time, TIME of the eagles. Our troops are counting on us what could be more important. Bere and slimes aren’t even veterans are they?If they are they sure dont act a tho they have ever sacrificed for anyone but themselevs.
See how easy it is to start misinformation. I would like to see a DD214.
God be with you we are
Dave Rennie (amshadw@earthlink.net)
Vietnam Veteran with two Discharges and DD214s.
As was said: “There never was such a need for GOE as now”!
We need to fight the Enemy NOT each other !
Eagles Up ! Thank you ALL for what you have done.
Sounds like the loony left, with their politics of personal destruction. They have also tried to “shut up” Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly, etc., and they are becoming unhinged in the process, ie Rosie O’donnell.
Keep up the good work, Soldier on.
Heidi Smith
Sky~Soldier,
You made my heart pound because you wrote the absolute truth about the Vietnam War. Thank you for that.
For those of you not familiar with the history of the Vietnam War, here is another absolute fact. Our troops never lost a single battle during the entire war. Let me repeat that. American forces never lost a single battle during the entire Vietnam war.
General Giap made the decision to throw all of his forces into the TET offensive. It was a huge gamble that would prove to be disastrous. The fighting went on for several days, but when it was all over, American forces and their Vietnam allies had obliterated Giap’s army, and I mean obliterated.
For all intent and purposes, Giap’s army no longer existed. Giap suffered 50,000 casualties whereas our forces suffered 2000. Do the math.
The war was won. Our troops should have come home and should have been celebrated as the victors, for that is exactly what they were. They were victorious in every single battle they engaged in up to and including TET, the defining battle of the war.
Had it not been for the media, the defeatist Democratic leadership in Washington and the massive antiwar protests led by traitors such as Jane Fonda and John Kerry, the war would have been over and 48,000 of America’s finest sons and daughters would be alive today.
Instead, the war was prolonged. General Giap knew that he would never defeat our military forces on the battle field and that fact was never so true as it was after he lost his entire army during TET. However, after Giap watched our news reports claiming that American forces had lost the battle of TET and claiming that the war was lost, after he watched the antiwar protests which immediately followed and after listenening to the defeatist rhetoric coming out of the Democratic leadership in Congress, he correctly predicted that if he could hold on “one more day, one more week, one more month” then the media, the antiwar protesters and the so-called leadership in Congress would hand him the victory he could never attain on the battle field.
That is exactly what happened. Rather than suing for peace, Gen. Giap changed his mind. With no army left to command, Giap switched tactics and began to fight a guerrilla war. Within two years he was able to rebuild his army and the war, which should have ended after TET, continued to drag on and our troops continued to be killed.
After it was all over, after the media, the so-called Democratic leadership in Congress and the antiwar movement (sponsored and supported by the Communist parent organization of today’s ANSWER) succeeded in snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, another 48,000 American troops were killed.
Contrary to the media and certain revisionist historians, our troops didn’t lose the war in Vietnam. Our troops won the war in Vietnam.
Victory was stolen from them by the Democratic leadership, by media and by traitors who worked with the Communists in leading the antiwar protests. The defeatists in our own country were responsible for handing victory on a silver platter to the Communists and they have the blood of 48,000 American men and women on their hands.
Our Vietnam veterans were concentrated on the enemy before them. They were not able to fight the enemy within their own country that was attacking their flank. There were no American citizens willing to go to war with the enemy here at home. No one was there to cover their backs.
Had there been a GOE back then, history would have been quite different and The Wall would have had 48,000 less names etched onto its glossy black surface. THAT is a fact.
Kit, my advice may not matter but I’m going to give it anyway. Colonel Riley said it best when he wrote:
“…GOE reflects a concept, a model, that has great promise with gigantic potential to positively impact America…focus should remain on the GOE Mission Statement…”
Don’t honor Simes and Beery by appearing on their program. Don’t honor them by responding to their baseless accusations.
The mark of defeat in their agenda to undermine the growing GOE movement became obvious when they stooped to the gutter level and scornfully minimized you to a woman’s anatomical elements.
You owe them nothing. But if they are gentlemen, they owe you a very public and abject apology. However, given what they have already said of you, I don’t even consider them men, let alone gentlemen, and I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for their rightfully owed apology.
My advice is to continue to keep good books and shut down all commo with Simes and Beery. They are nothing but a freak show in a circus. They are impotent two loud mouths who have little to no positive effect on the important issues facing America today.
On the other hand, GOE and its growing membership has the realistic potential to support our troops and to positively influence American history. Lets drive on and focus on doing the work of the GOE mission statement.
It’s just my personal wish but I’d like to see GOE throw the shifter in gear, release the clutch, slam down on the gas peddle and leave those two chuckleheads choking in our dust.
Doing the right thing always brings out the idiots who are fans of the wrong thing.
Politics in an organization are the demise of that organization.
the Minutemen are going through this crap too, the best thing to do is take the high road, let them say whatever and let it go, the folks that matter know whats right.
When I give cash for a cause, I research the track record of the recipient. If they have been above board I give, after the cash leaves my hand, my conscience is clear, what happens with the money after that is not my concern.
Hang in there. This happens to any successful group
periodically. What is important is that you are
surviving this episode and growing and keeping on with what you’re doing. We’re now working with GoE
chapters in a few states, along with United American
Committee chapters, and a fast growing coalition of
other groups. Having Gathering of Eagles chapters in each of those state coalitions is a great strength.
Some of us realize this is a long war, and we’re
gearing up for it. I’m thankful every day that you
guys are there.
Regards,
Christine Brim
Director
Vigilant Freedom Center
703-425-3267
Beery’s got a case of the ass cause the POW Network Org caught him embellishing his medals and awards, and they are friends of Larry Bailey. Anyone that puts up a website honoring themself like he did just has a big ego and teeny penis. He needs to focus his attention on something more positive.
I fully support GOE, I’ll be in DC for the May rally.
God Bless all those who given the ultimate sacrifice.
God Bless those who have worked so hard to make GOE a reality.
God Bless all those who have made the rallies in Indiana, North Caralina, etc., etc. a success.
I continue to offer my personal time and expenses as well as another paypal donation to GOE.
Sky~Soldier,
You are 100% right! We need to leave those who would divide us behind. They can be replaced by others willing to put their petty personal political beliefs behind for the greater good of us all. Either you are loyal to the CAUSE or you are not. In 1776 our founders knew that if they didn’t put aside petty political differences the cause was lost; this is what separates a Politico from a Patriot.
Eagles Up !
OK Beery and Simms you got you answer now I have one for you two KEYBOARD WARRIORS.
How much do you two pocket a year from your organizations? Come on now tell us,don’t be shy.
Not going to tell us are you. Of course not as you are jealous HYPOCRITES.
The brave patriots of the GOE could have lost their butts on this event if only 500 people would have shown up but you two Vultures fail to mention that.
There were 30,000 in WDC Mar. 17th and remember we have 44,970,000 of Eagles in reserve.
You two slime balls can return to your cave and feast on you own diseased carrion.
GOE FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
The way I see it, we are on a Mission. And we approve of the “MISSION STATEMENT” or we wouldn’t be here. And for most of us this is our last chance to make things Right. Should we go out with our head between our legs or Standing Tall? I myself am Standing Tall. And until my death I will give 110%………”ALL EAGLES UP”
Please don’t worry yourselves over these two (beery & slimes). Our GOE will do what’s best for all of us. Thank you guys for your leadership. My donation will be forthwith. WC
Hi all this is my first post here. I am serving in Iraq currently I am a SSG in the Texas Army National Guard I am proud to be here and I am proud to put on my uniform and serve my country everyday. I have just reached 20 years of service today I am glad I have this opportunity to speak here in this forum. My cousin usmcdaughter filled me in on this website I haven’t been on here much but I liked what I have seen so far,believe me GOE is heard loud and clear here and I am thankful for hearing what they have to say.When my tour is over I will become involved with GOE.The left wing idiots finally have some real competition do not ever quit what you have started it is an honorable thing that you have begun.I am tired of hearing the news reporting lies and I am sick of Nancy Pelosi’s whining and political maneuvering even more I am totally disgusted with Harry Reid he is nothing more than a sniveling coward, a spineless jellyfish has he ever done anything to help America or has he sat in the Senate for too many years getting rich off of the American people and the blood and sweat of veterans.I am not sure what the problem with the funds was about but I will support the leadership of GOE from what I have read the 2 guys complaining are just having sour grapes for not getting their way. Keep up the good fight GOE never quit
That’s SFC Joe, as of yesterday it was official right LOL???
I fully support the GOE and it’s mission, 35 years ago we said nothing
while our Troops in Combat were disrespected, we must never allow that to
happen again! Do not let a few malcontents disuade you from our Mission!
I was proud and happy to attend the March 17th ‘07 Gathering and wish
I could attend the next one in May ‘07. The first gathering was truly
an historic event, the first time in my memory that so many Veterans have
come together for a worthwhile cause! Thank you for your hard work and
sacrifice in spnosoring and setting up the first GOE event, I sincerely
hope that more will follow. Never Again is the watchword! Please let me
know what I can do to better support you!
Jerry Turner
Warrior 25
A Co. 101st Avn. Bn.
Soc Trang RVN
1965-66