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Things You Should Know

December 31, 2007

Much has been made lately about the impact our actions have had in the halls of Congress. All of you are, no doubt, aware of the major and minor actions we have undertaken. What you may not know though is that GOE has directly impacted the lives of multiple service men and women.

Since our incorporation back in February we have, with the help of Soldier’s Angels, The Military Order of the Purple Heart, The Philadelphia Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Society, the 82nd Airborne Association, Patriot Guard Riders and a number of individuals saved the homes of 5 soldiers, provided toys for the children of a half dozen others, arranged a vehicle for 1 Iraq vet in need, sent 600+ boxes of cheer to the combat zones and visited Walter Reed multiple times. We also helped the wife of a deployed Calvary Trooper. The 1st Sgt emailed me about her plight; a toilet that was leaking through the ceiling of her dining room. With the help of the local plumber’s union we got someone out to her house on the Saturday before Christmas and rectified the problem. We have supported funerals for our fallen and cut red tape with the VA for our wounded. We are, in my estimation, designated as the umbrella for veterans of all stripes.

I could go on, but you get the idea. Many times I have been told that these types of things do not truly fall under my job description as National Director for Operations. Well, I respectfully disagree. I see my job as the guardian of those who have suited up and shown up to protect freedoms we all hold dear; no matter when, where or how they have served. When I had the opportunity to meet the President of the United States I told him that all the kids serving now are “my guys.” He smiled and responded, “Chris you know they’re my guys right?” “Well Mr. President, I guess we’ll just have to share them,” I said. That is my job. I am the champion for anyone and everyone who is wearing, or has worn the uniform of this country. I do not wear my title as an honorific. It is an honor bound obligation to you, those who have served. I take that seriously because I consider my own service as something akin to hallowed, as do you all.

So, as this year comes to a close, please know that I stand ready to defend and protect the members of our military, past, present and future. I occasionally get the accolades, but they rightly belong to each of you who stand with me because I cannot do it alone. With your help though, all things are possible. When I arrived at the Infantry School at Ft. Benning, GA I was told that my job description as a US Army Infantryman demanded that “I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade.” That is how I have chosen to live my life. It is my distinct honor to be National Director for Operations for Gathering of Eagles, and I promise to never forget that I serve you, the American fighting men and women. Thank you for affording me that honor, and know that I love each and every one of you for your service to the country I love. Happy New Year my brothers and sisters. Manchu.

Chris Hill
National Director for Operations

Written by Kit Lange · Filed Under Briefings 

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