Never Forget, An Eagle’s Tribute
May 31, 2007
Never Forget
Submitted by an IL Eagle
I walked among the falling snowflakes today and met a soldier at Valley Forge. He held his musket in his bloody hands; he stood barefoot in the snow, starved from a lack of food, wounded from months of battle and emotionally scarred from the eternity away from his family-surrounded by nothing but death, carnage, and war.
He stood tough before me, with a bright fire in his eyes and the air of victory on his breath. He looked angered and disgusted as he said these words to me, Read more
New Scam Targeting Military Families
May 31, 2007
WASHINGTON, Tuesday, May 29, 2007 — The American Red Cross has learned about a new scam targeting military families. This scam takes the form of false information to military families as described below:
The caller (young-sounding, American accent) calls a military spouse and identifies herself as a representative from the Red Cross. The caller states that the spouse’s husband (not identified by name) was hurt while on duty in Iraq and was med-evacuated to a hospital in Germany. The caller stated they couldn’t start treatment until paperwork was accomplished, and that in order to start the paperwork they needed the spouse to verify her husband’s social security number and date of birth. In this case, the spouse was quick to catch on and she did not provide any information to the caller.
Read more
A Request from SSgt Tim Chambers
May 30, 2007
The other day I wrote about a Marine who stood in the median of 23rd and Constitution, saluting the Rolling Thunder bikes as they rode by. He contacted me with this message.
I want to first thank you for your kind words of compassion towards my efforts to honor all those that have gone before me, the families that have made the sacrifice, and citizens that show their support. As the pain shoots through my body and arm, there are so many reasons to push on racing in my mind. America needs to see this demonstration of fortitude and commitment and understand that our men and women demonstrate this on a daily basis every where they are deployed too and have in every generation past. We are an out of sight out of mind society, and as long as I am not forward deployed my goal in life is to make a difference on the homefront. Our unity as a nation will be shaken time and time again and in order to strengthen our unity is through the spirit of volunteerism, by inspiring Americans to come together (despite religious or political background) and work together on improving the quality of life of our youth, less fortunate and our veterans, through means of nurturing, mentoring, compassion, and education. This country united will do more for people all over the world and in turn allow society’s to live not in fear or retaliation but in peace and harmony.
I would love to recieve any pictures you may have snapped and letters of what the salute meant to them so I can show this country how closely knitted we truly are.
If you took pictures of him, please consider sending them to me at kit.jarrell@gatheringofeagles dot org. If you were touched by his simple yet painful action, please write down how you felt and send that to me as well. SSgt Chambers is right–our country needs to see that we are united, that we are resolute.
Thank you for your support.
Eagles UP!
GOE II Photos Online!
May 30, 2007
If you missed the event last weekend, never fear! Eagles from all over the country took loads of pictures and we’ve got them up at Flickr.
You’re welcome to submit your own photos to the group as well, and you can do that here.
Don’t forget to tune in tonight to The Front Line for the official GOE Wrap-Up. 10 pm Eastern, 9 pm Central! Call and tell us your story at 646-915-9926.
From the NY Coordinator: West Point
May 30, 2007
Kudos to everyone who took part at West Point, to Larry, George, Tracey, Elyse, Kathy, Andy, Jim B., Jim F. and his son, Tim and his family, Raoul, Carolyn, Fernando, Pam and her husband, Tom, David, Coretta, Eva, Zhanna, Susan, Susan N., Dennis, Peggy, Joe, Tommy, Pat, Tom and his son, Lisa, Jim, Jeremy, The American Legion Riders, The Patriot Guard, Rolling Thunder, All the guys from Rockland County, the townspeople of Highland Falls who came out to stand with us, and all the others whom I forgot to name and I know there were dozens more of you.
It was a glorious day for us who were there. We met the opposition. We debated, argued, tweaked noses, satirized, used and confused them to no end. We didn’t do everything perfectly. Tons of mistakes were made. But individual initiative and flexibility enabled us to carry the day.
Read more
GOE: ‘No Longer the Silent Majority’
May 29, 2007
Excerpt from Power Line News & National Review Online
In his Lyceum Speech on the perpetuation of our political institutions, Lincoln referred to those who “belong to the family of the lion, or the tribe of the eagle” — potential Caesars against whom a free country must guard. The Gathering of Eagles stands on guard among our protectors. May the tribe of the Gathering of Eagles increase. And, true to the spirit of their founding, to take their message to the streets. [retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant] Larry [Hoffa], said, “We’re no longer going to be the silent majority….Any time, any place, any weather, we’re going to be there.”
Click here to view full story by James Robbins on Power Line News
Click here to view full story by James Robbins on National Review Online Read more
In the Company of the Brave
May 29, 2007
by Kit Jarrell
T oday I begin writing this at 36,000 feet in the air, looking down on Charleston or Little Rock or whatever other all-American places are in between Washington, D.C. and Dallas. I still have another flight before I get home to Tulsa.
My body is tired from walking so many miles this weekend, from staying up too late and getting up too early. I want my own pillow, my own shower, and my own kitchen. I am emotionally and physically exhausted, and yet when I get home a long list of tasks await me, including an exam that I haven’t been able to study for.
Underneath it all, none of that matters. I am on my way home from the Rolling Thunder/Gathering of Eagles II Rally. My soul is singing, for I have spent two days with heroes.
Dear Moonbats
May 29, 2007
By a NC Eagle
May 26, 2007
Dear Moonbats,
After driving for 11 hours to get from rural Johnston county North Carolina to Highland Falls New York, I find myself standing on a sidewalk in near 90 degree sun with sweat running down the insides of my sunglasses. I’ve had nothing to eat for 17 hours, and only 2 cups of sorry gas station coffee. I’m thinking that if there were no moonbats, I’d be at home right now - grilling steaks.
I’m also thinking, didn’t you people promise to move to Canada after the 2000 and 2004 elections? Yes, you did. And yet, here you are at the gates of West Point Military Academy. On Memorial Day weekend. Behaving badly.
GOE Live Wrap-Up Wednesday on The Front Line
May 28, 2007
If you attended GOE II in Washington D.C. last weekend, this is your chance to tell the world of your experience. If you missed it, it’s your chance to hear about what happened from those who were there.
The Front Line will be airing a special live edition of GOE Radio on Wednesday night at 10 pm Eastern, 9 pm Central. All those who attended are welcome to call in at 646-915-9926 and tell their story.
You can hear the show at BlogTalkRadio. Don’t miss it!
EAGLES UP!
AAR: West Point Counterprotest
May 27, 2007
By Dan Maloney, NY State Coordinator
Edited by KJ
The West Point action occurred on 26 May 2007 in response to scheduled protests by antiwar forces at the commencement of The United States Military Academy Class of 2007. The action was meant to protest Vice President Dick Cheney, keynote speaker at the event. The following is the official GOE After Action Report.
Hawaii Freedom Rally - Eagles Needed!
May 25, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007, HAWAII CONVENTION CENTER
7:00 PM
(Expect the demonstators to be there around 6:00 or thereafter)
The pathetic and mouthy anti-war whiners known as “The World Can’t Wait -Hawaii” are planning an anti-war rally at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu on Friday, May 25 in response to the Hawaii Freedom Rally in which Sean Hannity , Col Oliver North and Rep. Newt Gingrich will be present. Read more
ORA Captures CA Media Attention!
May 25, 2007
(Excerpt from The Californian)
“Local men and women charged with replenishing the country’s military in the face of rising disapproval got a break Wednesday when they were honored for their work.”
“Military recruiters from the Air Force, Army and Marine Corps who work in the Central Coast are honored for their service Wednesday in Monterey during an event titled ‘Operation Recruiter Appreciation Day.’
Click here to view full story by Robert Salonga
House Minority Leader ‘Cries’ for Iraq
May 25, 2007
(Excerpt from transcript of House Minority Leader John Boehner addressing the House)
“Today, we begin an extended debate on the resolution criticizing the latest effort by American forces to win in Iraq. There’s no question that the war in Iraq has been difficult. All Americans are frustrated that we haven’t seen more success and that we haven’t seen it more quickly. But war is never easy and almost never goes according to plan.
Al Qaeda and their supporters in the region have been steadfast in their efforts to slow us down and frustrate our efforts to succeed. But because they cannot defeat Americans on the battlefield, al Qaeda and terrorist sympathizers around the world are trying to divide us here at home. Over the next few days, we have an opportunity to show our enemies that we will not take the bait.”
Click here for Think Progress full story Read more
Site Upgrade Announcements
May 24, 2007
Eagles,
First, I would like to announce that the Gathering of Eagles website has been completely moved to its new home. As far as I saw, there was absolutely zero downtime and zero losses of data. The move has been a huge success.
Unfortunately, our databases need a bit of an overhaul. This process will cause minor downtime. However, since the rest of you are out at GOE II, I figure this weekend is as good a time as any. The database maintenance is scheduled for 0200 (Eastern) on Saturday. Downtime will be minimal, a maximum of 5-10 minutes will be experienced.
As the saying goes, “While the Eagles are away, the webmasters will play.” Actually, I’m not sure if that is the exact saying, however, I will be doing a lot this weekend. Work will begin on the new lightweight, fully integrated forum. This forum will be more secure, less prone to SPAM, will eliminate the need for multiple logins, and function faster than the previous.
Eagles Up!
Anthony
AAR: USCG Rally Pictures
May 24, 2007
Eagles stood proudly amongst Old Glory,showing overwhelming support for our service members, while anti-war leftists protested the most current graduation of the United States Coast Guard Academy.
BEFORE THERE WERE EAGLES
May 24, 2007
In the spring of 2003, before the war in Iraq had even begun, we would see a group of protesters flying the flag upside down, every Sunday, on the same corner as we came home from church in California. While my husband, Air Force Veteran, Jerry English, wanted to get some friends and march them into the nearby sea, cooler heads (Mine!) prevailed;we both have very strong feelings about our Flag! But we wanted to do something to let our local military people know that they were supported. We came up with the idea of printing out on our computer a simple business card.
On one side it simply says THANK YOU with a couple small graphics of the USA flag and a Ribbon with Flag motif. On the back of the card we printed:
During difficult times America’s
finest have put on the uniform of
the U.S. Military.
Your service is appreciated.
Thank You!
God Bless you and yours!
Eagles Make News at the Coast Guard Academy
May 23, 2007
The AP took a photo of Eagles at the USCG graduation event, and we’re proud to post it here. That’s our very own George Samek, with a snappy salute and a peace duck. Good job, George, and good job to all the Eagles who made the trip from so many states to be there and support our military and our President.
Grave Robbers
May 23, 2007
Kate O’Malley, columnist for Human Events Online and proud fellow Eagle, has a great column up this morning. The article explores the motives behind people like Dan Frasier, an antiwar activist who has produced T-shirts with the slogan “Bush Lied, Soldiers Died,” on top of a list of soldiers who have given their lives in Iraq.
West Point Graduation Protest Counteraction: NY
May 22, 2007
When: Saturday, May 26th, 2007 – Memorial Day Weekend
Where: West Point, Highland Falls, New York
Time: 8:00 am
Antiwar leftists are protesting Bush/Cheney at the commencement for the United States Military Academy’s Class of 2007. This is an incredible chance for Eagles to be seen as the strong force that we are.
Read more
‘Ride to the Wall’
May 22, 2007
As I look forward to this weekend with great anticipation of gathering with fellow veterans, I can’t help but think about the significance of the “Ride To The Wall” by Rolling Thunder, what it means to them, and this nation. Read more
