Sometimes Heroes Need Help Too

The following needs to be forwarded to your senators and congressmen. We have a chance to help two of America's finest, let's do it.

From Gathering of Eagles:

A Tale of Two Heroes Betrayed

It has come to my attention that two of our brothers need a little numerical support. Both live in states where the Congressional delegation mouths the party line that they support the troops, but the opposite is truly the situation. One lives in Pennsylvania and the other in New York. Both were responsible for acts of valor so audacious as to be worthy of a John Wayne movie. Both performed acts of heroism in combat that are so extraordinary that they deserve, in my estimation, the Medal of Honor. At the very least they deserve the consideration involved with the MOH. Neither is getting even that because politics have, once again, trumped sacrifice and selflessness.

Neither man asked for help. Both have suffered with the stoicism so common to our most heroic brothers. The first, Richard Gresko, came to my attention back at GOE I. He limps badly and is in quite obvious constant pain, but there he was on that bitterly cold day in March standing up to A.N.S.W.E.R. and Code Pink. Long story short, Richie, a Marine in Vietnam, leapt upon a grenade to save his squad, and though painfully wounded continued to direct his unit until he was evacuated. The second, David Bellavia, came to my attention because I saw his book on the shelf in a local bookstore. After I got it home I realized he was one of our brothers from Vets for Freedom. David was a one man task force who nearly single-handedly cleared a building in Fallujah. Before all was said and done he had dispatched multiple terrorists to their final resting place; one with his helmet and a Gerber knife. Both men are the stuff of the type of lore we who have served respect, and neither know that I’m about to solicit your help.

I would like to ask that each of you read the citations below. When you are done I would ask that you then call your Congressmen and both Senators and tell them that these men are worthy of our nation’s highest honor. Email or snail mail a letter too, demanding that the politicians in Washington give these men the honor they are due. Richie has Arlen Specter and Bob Casey in the Senate and Patrick Murphy in the House. David has Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer and Reynolds in the House. Both men were recommended by their commanders for the Medal of Honor. Both have impeccable witness statements. Both have done the deed; now let’s get them the award to accompany it.

Seldom do I use this venue for such a blatantly personal reason, but I am asking each of you reading this to do me a personal favor. Please follow up on this request. I truly want nothing more than to see both David and Richie with that awe-inspiring light blue ribbon and medal around their necks. I can do many things alone, but this I cannot do without your help; each and every one of you. Read the citations and tell me that politics is not at play. I, for one, am through with building bridges to our elected officials. I am starting to demand that they remember they work for us. Please help me, or our brothers will just be another casualty of Capitol Hill. Manchu.

-Chris Hill
National Director for Operations

GRESKO, RICHARD W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Richard W. Gresko (2516983), Sergeant [then Lance Corporal], U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 11 March 1970, Sergeant Gresko was in one element of an ambush set up to protect a village from enemy attack. Around midnight, his element ambushed a Viet Cong unit which was attempting to enter the village. During the ensuing fight, Sergeant Gresko observed an enemy hand grenade land near his position. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and fully aware of the dangers involved, he unhesitatingly threw himself on top of the grenade, absorbing most of the blast fragments with his own body in order to protect his men from certain injury and possible death. Although painfully wounded, he continued to direct his men’s actions until the squad made their sweep. By his bold and heroic action on behalf of his fellow Marines, Sergeant Gresko reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Proposed Citation for SSG David Bellavia

For valorous and heroic actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving as a squad leader in Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq from 04 November 2004 to 20 November 2004. On 10 November 2004, during an attack on Objective Wolf, SSG Bellavia repeatedly showed incredible courage and complete disregard for his own personal safety. With a squad from his platoon pinned down inside a room in an enemy controlled building and taking casualties, SSG Bellavia entered the “fatal funnel” of the doorway, and directly in the enemy line of fire. With rounds impacting all around him, he suppressed the enemy, allowing the squad to break contact. His actions saved the lives of the squad. After coordinating for the suppressing of the enemy stronghold with 25mm BFV cannon fire, SSG Bellavia re-entered the house. After being forced out of the room by overwhelming enemy fire, SSG Bellavia identified an AIF preparing an RPG. Realizing the danger the RPG posed to his platoon, SSG Bellavia decided to assault the room and destroy the enemy with the RPG. With complete disregard for his own safety SSG Bellavia assaulted the room while under intense enemy fire. He immediately killed the RPG gunner and wounded another AIF with an RPK machine gun who escaped to another room in the house. With an un-cleared room behind him, SSG Bellavia continued his attack. While moving into the un-cleared room he was attacked by two AIF from behind. Despite rounds impacting all around him, SSG Bellavia held his position and returned fire, ultimately killing two AIF. Almost simultaneously a fourth AIF attacked from inside a closet of the room. Exchanging rifle fire at almost point blank range, SSG Bellavia wounded the AIF who fled out the door and up the stairs. SSG Bellavia courageously pursued the AIF up the stairs of the building, exchanging gun fire on the stairwell. Pursuing the AIF into a room, SSG Bellavia used a grenade in an attempt to kill the AIF. Following the detonation of the grenade, SSG Bellavia entered the room and found the AIF preparing to fire his weapon. The ensuing close quarters melee resulted in hand to hand, ending with Bellavia destroying the AIF using his rifle barrel, Kevlar helmet, sappy plate, and ultimately a Gerber knife blade. A fifth AIF leaped from a roof above SSG Bellavia onto the second floor roof. After engaging the AIF through the window, SSG Bellavia moved out onto the roof and continued to engage the AIF until he ran out of ammunition. The AIF fell off the roof into the garden, badly wounded. SSG Bellavia acted on instinct to save the members of his platoon from an imminent RPG attack and ultimately cleared the entire house, destroying four AIF and badly wounding a fifth. His incredible bravery and complete disregard for his own safety to protect the lives of his platoon members was an incredibly unselfish and courageous act. Staff Sergeant Bellavia’s dedication to his fellow soldiers on the battlefield upholds the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

It goes without saying that Hillary Clinton HATES our military and I'm sure it will be a cold day in Hell before she does the right thing on this.

So.

Let's make sure these two heroes get the recognition and help that they deserve. Contact your Senators and Representatives now.

Thanks.

Once and Always, an American Fighting Man

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Aren't there laws against filing false alarms and lying to the police?

A good 911 system can keep track of the source of origin for incoming calls. If the call is from a cell phone, it's a simple matter of contacting the cellular provider for records. False alarms tie up emergency services personnel on bogus runs and endanger others who could and often DO need those personnel elsewhere.

I really, really hope that these false alarms and reports are looked into:

More Stories from the Code Pink Panty Raid

Posted: 14 Oct 2007 03:44 PM CDT

by Kristinn Taylor, GOE/Free Republic

Okay, it wasn’t really a panty raid, but we did get the pinkos’ panties in a bunch. Besides, I like the headline. What the D.C. Chapter did do was hold a stealth freep of Code Pink at their Washington, D.C. headquarters Saturday afternoon. The part about the bogus police, fire and BOLO calls is true.

Six D.C. Chapter members, a member of Gathering of Eagles, Iraq war vet Phil Kiver and two of his friends went to the so-called Code Pink House at 712 5th St., NE (attn. Keith Olbermann, don’t get your panties in a bunch: Code Pink publishes this address all over their website) to call for their eviction over zoning violations. Specifically Code Pink is running a corporate lobbying office in a zoned residential neighborhood, operating a boarding house for transients and operating a kitchen. The house they are renting is zoned for single family dwelling. It sits right in the middle of a block of residences.

We arrived at 2 p.m. carrying copies of a zoning complaint that had been filed back in May with the D.C. government to give to the Pinkos’ neighbors. It appears the D.C. government has not taked action on the complaint.

As we were unloading our freep stuff from one of our cars up the road from the Pinkos’ office, a woman (not wearing pink, BTW) asked if we were there to protest Code Pink. When I told her, “Yes,” she immediately got on her cell phone and walked around the corner at 5th and H St. A couple minutes later she ran sprinting past me and hauled her ample behind down 5th St. to the Code Pink office where where she turned and raced up the stairs in to the front door.

About five minutes later, the first of many police officers to be called to check us out this afternoon arrived. I informed the officer, who was driving an unmarked car, that our intentions were to have a peaceful, lawful demonstration for a few hours. I explained that we were there to call attention to the neighbors of the failure of the D.C. government to act on the zoning complaint, as well as protest Code Pink in general.

The officer was satisfied that we were acting within the law and left.

The first of several neighbors came out to talk with us and shared her opposition to Code Pink roosting in her neighborhood. She said they are out in the street at all hours of the night, that they bring their buses down the street and park them, that vans with signs that say, “Our Troops Must Die” are parked on the street where her son, a three-tour Iraq vet home on emergency leave can see them.

She gladly took several copies of the zoning complaint to share with her neighbors.

The Pinko with the ample behind came back out of the Pinko office and walked back up to H St. She told us we should go to Iraq, which drew catcalls from the veterans and parent of a Marine currently in Iraq among us.

A few minutes later we received our second visit from the D.C. Police. This time it was a regular police vehicle. I spoke with this officer with the same result: we were acting within the law and he left.

A few minutes later we received our third visit. This time from a D.C. Police officer on bicycle patrol. I spoke with him as I had spoken with the previous officers.

One of the Pinkos came to the front door and asked the officer to come speak with her. She told him that she was “basically alone” in the office. We couldn’t clearly hear the rest of what she said, but it sounded like she was bothered by the presence of the protesters on the sidewalk.

While the officer was inside talking to her, several fire trucks came down 5th St. and stopped just past us. We didn’t smell any smoke (beyond the cigars and cigarettes we were smoking) and didn’t see any sign of a fire.

The police officer came back out of the Pinko office and told us that were acting within the law. When we told him this was the third time we had been checked out he told us that the police had to respond everytime a call is made, which we understood. While the officer was inside, we were joined outside by a couple more police officers on bicycle patrol. These two officers stayed watching over us until we were done after the first bicycle patrol officer departed.

The Battalion Chief for the fire department came over to talk with us about the call he was responding to. He said that they had received a call about ‘the smell of burning paper’ in the neighborhood, but there was no fire to be found. He lamented that large numbers of firemen were having to check out this bogus report.

All this happened within the first hour of us being there. In the meantime we were talking to more neighbors about Code Pink’s presence in the neighborhood. Some didn’t care, but many of them did. One even brought us bottled water to thank us for doing what we were doing. He told us how the Pinko’s improperly stored trash in their backyard was drawing rodents. Another neighbor walked up to us with a large axe in his hand and demanded to see our permit. I told him we didn’t have one. He went over carrying his axe to complain to the police about us but to no avail. We didn’t need a permit for what we were doing.

We spied one of the Pinkos up the block returning from a protest dressed in costume. When she saw us she turned around and went back up the block, presumably to use the alley entrance to the office.

The Pinkos did not want to dialogue with us today, like they usually do. Instead they hid inside their office and peeked out from behind the window blinds most of the time we were there.

We ended the freep after two hours and bid au revoir to the two bicycle patrol officers. A funny thing happened to Iraq war vet Phil Kiver, who had to leave a few minutes early, as he drove away. He had driven about fifteen blocks when he was pulled over by a marked D.C. police cruiser. The officer told him that there had been calls all afternoon that his car was being driven “erratically” all over D.C. Unknown to the officer, Phil’s car had been parked right in front of the Code Pink House for the previous two hours. I wonder who would have made calls like that to the police? Phil checked out okay and was allowed to go about his business.

I wonder what the penalties are in D.C. for making false police and fire reports? I guess I’ll have to find out.

Pictures from the freep should be posted tomorrow evening sometime.

We will be going back to freep the Pinkos again soon. Stay tuned for details.

Honor roll for today: Freepers Doctor Raoul; BufordP; Jimmy Valentine’s brother; Trueblackman; Mr. Trooprally and kristinn. Chief from the Gathering of Eagles, Phil Kiver and two friends.

OUTSTANDING WORK, Eagles!

Once and Always, an American Fighting Man


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Gathering of Eagles update...16JUL07

A Presumption of Innocence

Posted: 16 Jul 2007 06:21 AM CDT

From Eagle Tim Sumner, head of 9/11 Families for a Safe & Strong America:

You know the story. On May 17, 2006 — to celebrate the 6-month anniversary of his first demanding a timetabled withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq — John Murtha held a press conference in D.C. and stated that Marines in Haditha had, “killed innocent civilians in cold blood.” Even before the preliminary investigation had been completed and before the Marines under investigation had a chance to defend themselves, Congressman Murtha used his office to inquire and publicly pronounced them guilty.

Last week, the investigating officer recommended that the charges against LCpl Justin Sharratt be dismissed, in his strongly worded official report:

Ultimately, there is only one statement by an eyewitness to the events, LCpl Sharratt, and his version of the events is strongly corroborated by independent forensic analysis of the death scene… From as early as February 2006 LCpl Sharratt’s statements are supported by the forensic evidence.

Congressman Murtha did not mention that at his May 17, 2006, press conference for the investigation had not run its course, that independent forensic analysis had not been conducted and compared to testimony. He just rushed to judgment and pronounced United States Marines ‘guilty’ under Jack Murtha’s law.

Here is the not funny part: on July 11, 2007, his office announced that, “Congressman Murtha doesn’t have a statement because the investigation is still ongoing.” Meaning of course, he cannot take the political risk of repeating his slanderous allegations of last year.

I want Congressman Murtha to apologize or resign. Actually, I want him to apologize and resign.

As I live nearby, I will visit Congressman Murtha’s district office in Johnstown the week of July 23, 2007.

Send me your emails and I will gladly deliver a paper copy of them while I am there.

The Gathering of Eagles folks have provided a place to post your emails online. No email addresses will be displayed yet please tell us your name and city and state.

Regardless of where you live, I welcome your comments. Did you know that if you live outside of his district, his official site will not accept them?

Please, CLICK HERE AND BE SUCCINCT AND CIVIL, while telling Congressman John Murtha how you really feel.

Eagles up!


Sunday Reflections

Posted: 15 Jul 2007 12:21 PM CDT

Every so often I read something that inspires me, that lifts me up, dusts me off, and puts me back on the front lines to fight. These articles are admittedly few and far in between, but when I find them it is like a fresh clip of ammo dropped into my foxhole by Providence when I thought perhaps all was lost. This is one of those.

Written by Chris Hill, Nat’l Director for GOE, it is a snapshot of the things in my heart. I was reading it this morning, just toodling along, thinking, “Yes, this is how I feel…this is good stuff…” and then the last paragraph hit me.

This war must be won. I promised a Gold Star mother recently that I would not let her son’s, Sgt Brian Romines, sacrifice to have been in vain. I am prepared to do whatever it takes to support our brave men and women over in The Box. We have not lost Senator Reid, and I, for one am offended that you would say so. I would bleed on the flag to keep the stripes red. Is that too much to expect of an elected official? Sadly, the answer to that is probably yes. [emphasis added]

That one sentence brought me to my proverbial knees.

I feel this way.

I feel it with every fiber of my being, and I am moved to tears to be reminded that there are others in this country who feel the same–who would stand on the front with nothing but their hearts if need be, defending not only the freedoms we cherish, but the memories and honor of those who purchased them for us. Events like GOE 1 in D.C.–and the upcoming GOE rally on September 15th–are imperative. Our freedoms–and our children’s lives–depend on our ability and our willingness to face whatever evil may arise, with honor, conviction of soul, and the courage to do what needs to be done. These are not pretty words. They are the reality, the ever-sobering fact that we are a nation at war. We are a people fighting for our lives.

Bravo Zulu, Chris. See you on the front lines in September.



Letter to A Veteran: Was it worth the Sacrifice?

Posted: 14 Jul 2007 10:26 PM CDT

Dear Veteran,

I understand that you must go to war when our country asks you and I understand that going to war for you means leaving your families, friends, loved ones, and neighbors. I understand that the possibilities you face are more definite than what I know and that you realize you may not come back the person you were before you left, or at most, you may not come back alive. But, what I don’t understand is if you think the sacrifice was worth it? Did WE live up to your expectations for what you gave to us? When you heard of home, were you glad to hear that we were standing up for you? Or did we let you down?

Sincerely,

Was it Worth It?

San Francisco, CA

Dear Was it Worth It,

First I would like to praise your understanding of the meaning of patriotism. It seems like as our great nation becomes more assimilated over the past two centuries, and the free spirit on whom it was founded has become watered down taken for granted by many.

You asked whether or not if I believed the sacrifice was worth it. Without hesitation I will answer emphatically “YES”. Unlike a few, but like many fellow American patriots, I believed that protecting my country and family was like a “right of passage”. Throughout time, young men in every culture have in some form or another, participated in this passage from boyhood to manhood. So, whether you are out proving that you are a warrior by stalking a bear or mountain lion with a bow and arrow, or you kill a lion with a sling shot, or you march off as a boy to defend your beliefs and country, then come back a man of responsibility, it is all tied together in our history of manhood.

The next question is you ask of me is very disturbing deep in my soul and the soul of hundred of thousands from my era. You see, up till 1965-1973, previous wars were met with very little resistance. The majority of the nation felt threatened in some way, and supported the wars in whatever way they could. The spirit of patriotism ran like the mighty Mississippi River, deep and wide. However, something changed to that spirit when foreign sympathizers started poisoning the minds of Americans with the help of the left controlled media during the Vietnam era.

We as fighting soldiers were oblivious to what was happing back home in the states. Letters from home were more precious than gold, and our families would not discuss the politics and bad press in an attempt to shield us from an already ugly war.

So when the majority of us stepped off the plane expecting to come home to a hero’s reception, we were yelled at, spat upon, called “Baby Killers”, and any other name these weird dressed, sign carrying, crazy people could think of to call us.

I was in total shock and confusion. Here we had given the best four years of our lives to our country and no one would even look us in the face. When I got home no one wanted to discuss how it was or what happened. They really didn’t want to listen to any of the stories of the experiences I went through. After a while I just with drew into a shell and tried to pick up the pieces the best I could, and moved on trying to make a life for my family.

So to answer your last question, “ did my country let me down”. It may have let me down, but I have never let it down. I continued to serve as an Law enforcement Officer, helping the very people that turned their back on me, just like they are today, turning their backs on our brave men and women in Iraq who are protecting us from the GREATEST threat we have ever faced as a nation. Wake up America before it is to late.

Sincerely,

US Navy Veteran: Petty Officer, 3rd Class,

Dan Abernathy

* If you would like to write to Letters to A Veteran, please email your letter and contact information to the email address, gabrielle.pike@gatheringofeagles.org. Note: GOE reserves the right to choose to publish any and/or all letters submitted.

*If you are a Veteran and would like to contribute to this weekly posting, please email your name, military branch, and rank to gabrielle.pike@gatheringofeagles.org . Note” GOE reserves the right to choose to publish any and/or all submissions.


Facing Cindy Sheehan: Operation Welcome to Columbus is a SUCCESS!

Posted: 14 Jul 2007 04:12 PM CDT

This comes in from Matt Krause, dedicated Eagle down in Georgia. He and other Eagles faced up to Cindy Sheehan at the “rally” today in Columbus, Georgia, close to the gates of Ft. Benning.

I’m proud to announce that our little band of Eagles outnumbered Ms. Looney Bird and her band of society’s rejects by 2-1! We had our Eagle signs to hold up for her; reprints of the ones used against ANSWER back in March. Four of our local Eagles are also part of Rolling Thunder, so they brought their bikes down to the event. The bikers brought with them a beautiful American flag, which was proudly displayed for everyone to see.

The Columbus Police Dept. was out in force to ensure everyone’s safety. Beyond the gates of the base, we could see the MPs ready to take action in case one of the rejects tried to enter. While we did have to stay a bit flexible, the police did everything in their power to make sure we could exercise our Freedom of Speech. CPD was efficient and professional, and I
really appreciate their efforts in assisting with approval of our last minute event.

We were onsite at 9am, with demonstration permit in hand. We held our signs so passing motorists could see them as they entered and exited the base. After an hour, a rag-tag convoy arrived. It was quite a pitiful sight. They had a few cars, a tiny RV, a beatup pickup truck, and one of those little electric cars. Look everyone, it’s the Looney Bird Express! lol At
first they tried parking down the side street in our parking area, but the police made them move. Unfortunately the police ended up allowing them to park between us and our cars, meaning that any of our late arrivals would have to pass them in order to get to us.

An incident occured when a young man and his two kids arrived late; the kids holding signs showing support for their mom, who is deployed to Iraq. Details are a little sketchy, but it looks like some of Cindy’s group made hurtful comments as they passed, causing the little girl to cry. Their dad fired a verbal salvo back at the rejects, and we were able to tuck them under our Eagle wings when they got to us.

We could tell right away that the rejects weren’t expecting us. One of their organizers had quite a hard time trying to get through our line along the road. Beth, one of our most outspoken Eagles here in town, followed the guy around, holding her sign up so he could see it. (The first time I saw Beth in action, she was “escorting” two infiltrators back to their lines during GOE1.) Cindy’s organizer went over to the police in the hopes that they could move from the side street they were on, to the main road along which we were set up.

The police said they would allow Cindy & Co. to stand on the sidewalk across the side street from us. I had to giggle, as that sidewalk was 20 feet from the road, down a steep hill, making it almost impossible to see them from the main road! haha! When we first arrived we could have had that spot, instead choosing the other side, where we could stand along the curb of the street. An early Eagle gets the best spot.

After some polite pleading with the police, we were allowed to approach Cindy’s band of rejects. We got to within 10 feet of them before the police rethought their decision and asked us to fall back to our primary position. I tried not to listen to her lies,”blah blah torture, blah blah impeachment, blah blah blah”. Everything out of their mouths was just the most idiotic
bunch of bull manure that I’ve ever heard. I think I need to wash my ears. All in all, it was a great two hours. After a small rant, Cindy & Co retreated back to their convoy, so most of us began to pack up. A handful of us were still on the road when they drove past, with Cindy yelling things out the window of her RV. Such class!

Eagles, if you’re close to one of the Looney Bird Express’ proposed stops, please think about getting a demonstration permit and countering her message. We’ve got to make sure that our voices are heard.

Eagles Up!

Matt Krause


Intel Says Moonbat Group May Assault the Vietnam Wall

Posted: 14 Jul 2007 11:26 AM GMT-06:00

A “very preliminary” report by law enforcement in Maryland has come across the wire saying that an anarchist group is looking to deface the Wall on September 15th during ANSWER’s rally in Washington, D.C.

This will not be allowed to happen, period. We are acting on this intel and we’re certain that Eagles will be there in force to assure the safety and sanctity of our hallowed grounds.

Be aware–September 15th will be quite a showdown. Please consider either being there yourself or helping someone else get there by donating to GOE.

Thank you for your continued support. EAGLES UP!



GOE’s Samek Charges ALL Eagles to Counter “Retiree” Cindy Sheehan

Posted: 13 Jul 2007 10:45 PM GMT-06:00

An anti-war protest in Bryant Park at 1701 West Morehead Street of Charlotte, NC at 5:00 pm has led Cindy Sheehan to “come out” of retirement. Sheehan will be countered by GOE’s Eagle George Samek and his crew of anti-Moonbat ducks on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at 3:00 pm sharp.

GOE requests ALL AVAILABLE Eagles to join Samek and his ducks!

Samek requests ALL participating Eagles to bring all available anti-war material, flags, signs, and bullhorns.

Eagles-let’s show Ms. Sheehan we hacve not “forgotten” her during her short-lived retirement!

Eagles UP!


Daily Contemplation: The Evolution of America

Posted: 13 Jul 2007 10:12 PM GMT-06:00

Eagles,

I have to tell you that as I walked the halls of the Atlanta Home Dec. Show today, I saw an empty building which used to burst at its seams with bustling buyers looking for the next big retail “hit.”

I was saddened as I overheard a woman complaining about how she must close her store because she cannot get people to shop. I became enraged when the next comment she produced was, “The economy is so bad because we, as Americans, just had to elect the most retarded man in the USA as President…this damn war in Iraq has ruined us all!”

I was shocked and though, in a professional setting, was about to become unglued! As she approached me I lightly touched the bold pin of the American Flag on my breast and smiled wanly at her.

It was then that a heart-breaking satisfaction and patriotic pride soared thru my whole being as the woman she was walking with quietly whispered- “My son died in this ‘damn war’ so that you could continue keeping your doors open to commerce and free trade rather than close them under a dictator rule defined by old world religion.”

With that she turned on her heel and walked away.
The woman stood there with her mouth open and a look of horror on her face and as my eyes met hers and she realized I had overheard the conversation; it was then that the severity of what had transpired struck her and tears rolled down her cheeks.

I walked over to her and said, “Ma’am, that woman and her son represent America and you have been weighed, measured, and found wanting. God Bless You.”

As I walked away I meditated on the event and realized that this “minute” occurrence changed three women’s lives forever; a lamb became a lioness, a dove became an eaglet, and an eaglet became an Eagle- as the evolution of America should be.

May this event inspire you as it did me. God Bless and Eagles–Soar!

Your Eagle Sister,
Gabi


U.S. President, Key U.S. General in Iraq Praise Effort Connecting Americans, Combat Troops

Posted: 13 Jul 2007 09:46 PM GMT-06:00

Roseville CA - July 12th, 2007 - The President of the U.S., along with a key U.S. general in Iraq, have recognized how Troops Need You is enabling average Americans to deliver what U.S. troops need to win over Iraqi locals.

“Thank you for supporting those who sacrifice so that future generations may live in peace and freedom,” the President wrote.

The President continued to praise the work of Troops Need You, a citizen-led troop support effort that is mobilizing the American people in direct support of combat troops in Iraq.

Troops Need You completes shipments to U.S. troops in response to requests they receive from local Iraqis. Battalion leadership confirms that such taliored, local solutions help improve the lives of Iraqis, and can be leveraged to motivate Iraqis to stand up for their own government and security. Thus, the resources that Americans are delivering to the troops are actually contributing to overall mission success.

The letter from the President arrived shortly after similar letters of praise from General Petraeus, the top coalition general in Iraq, and Lieutanant General Odierno, the Commander of U.S. Forces in Iraq.Troops Need You fills a unique role by connecting the American people with the combat troops on the ground. High-level leaders understand the need for the troops to have the resources they need to motivate the Iraqi people to stand up for their own security and government. the American people with the combat troops on the ground. High-level leaders understand the need for the troops to have the resources they need to motivate the Iraqi people to stand up for their own security and government.
Need for Even Greater Citizen Involvement Increased attention from military command, media results in more combat troops requesting support

Troops Need You is growing quickly, as a result of the increased attention from government leaders, as well as increased media attention.More combat troops are requesting support, which means that more Americans are needed to get involved, by donating or volunteering to help organize support for specific units.

The vision of Troops Need You is to establish sponsorships between Americans, who raise the support needed to deliver $5,000 in goods per month, and the 50 battalions who are fighting in the most critical areas of Iraq. Groups like churches, political groups, corporations, and civic organizations are well-suited to carry out the role of a sponsor for a combat battalion.

Just as the President praised of “the wonderful things Troops Need You is doing for the troops,” this is the time for more people to get involved so Troops Need You can connect even more Americans with the troops who need their support.

About Troops Need You Troops Need You is a charitable organization dedicated to maintaining the American tradition of mobilizing citizens to directly enable wartime success. By using donated funds from people across the country, Troops Need You delivers what combat units need to win over local Iraqis. Donations are accepted online at http://www.TroopsNeedYou.com or by mail to Troops Need You, PO Box 387, Roseville California 95661.

About the Founder Major Eric Egland (Reserve) has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He earned a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence from the National Defense Intelligence College and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has discussed national security issues on Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, C-SPAN and NPR. Some of his experiences are featured in the upcoming Fox News documentary on Iran.


Sheehan Rally - Atlanta

Posted: 13 Jul 2007 08:12 PM GMT-06:00

Cindy Chavez (or I mean Sheehan) will be in Columbus GA on Saturday for a rally and Eagles in Georgia are preparing a response. Anyone wishing more info contact me and I will get you a contact.

As the state coordinator for the Gathering of Eagles for Georgia, I am so pleased to join the group (get the bail money out again) that will “welcome” her as she arrives for a speech at the Seven Stages Theater in Atlanta at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. She is speaking for the presentation of a play on Marxism.

She is a dishonor to her son who lost his life in Iraq while serving in a cause, a conflict, and a military that he chose to support. He had a short but distinguished career. Many Eagles will join me in standing to confront her in Honor of her son and his sacrifice on the altar of freedom.

On Tuesday the 17th I will join George “Bull Horn” Samek in Charlotte, North Carolina for a huge rally in response to her appearance there.

If you can’t be with us then please think about the servicemen and women who serve to protect and defend you everyday. Remember to add this verse I have written to sing whenever I hear the song “God Bless America” which goes like this:

“God Bless our servicemen, wherever they may be,

Stand beside them, and protect them, as they fight for liberty,

In the desert, in the mountains, o’er the ocean, white with foam,

God bless our servicemen. bring them safely home,

GOD BLESS OUR SERVICEMEN, BRING THEM SAFELY HOME.”

The war and support for or against it is something each individual must decide for themselves. But we should never abandon those who put themselves in harms way to insure our freedom.

Somewhere on a island in the Pacific, these words are carved on simple stone monument in memory of those who fought and died there during WWII:

“When you go home, go home to your families and say, to insure their tomorrow, we gave our today.”

There will be many events in the next few months in support of the troops. I will be in Atlanta tomorrow, Charlotte Tuesday, Walter Reed first Friday in August, back in DC 15 September for a huge anti moonbat and support and fund the troops rally and also in DC with another “Vets To Washington Project Trip”.

If anyone would like additional info on any event or info on what you as one person by yourself can do to support the troops please contact me. This is one place where one person can make a difference and you can do that by reaching out and touching the life of a servicemember.

Thanks and See you at the Rally.

Doug Hastings
GOE State Coordinator: Georgia

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Urgent Special Gathering of Eagles update...15MAY07

Hat tip to Snooper and Victory Caucus for this one.

"Come on saddle up, boys, we're gonna ride into town, we're gonna get a little out of control..." The Eagles, Out of Control

URGENT - EAGLES NEEDED AT TIMES SQUARE 5/19/07

May 15th, 2007

Saturday, May 19, 2007 – Noon to 4pm or whatever it takes.

The forces of the Left wing have decided to make a mockery of every
American serviceman or woman this Saturday at Times Square. They
have decided to perform street theater decrying the supposed torture
of inmates at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility at a time when
three brave American servicemen are in the hands of Islamic
terrorists in Iraq. They have decided to put on this travesty at
the recruiting station where we will be holding a Support the Troops
rally that day. They have effectively declared war on the United
States, our Military, and the Gathering of Eagles organization.
They have no concern for OUR soldiers who are likely being tortured,
mutilated and beheaded even as I write this, This is an OUTRAGE,
this is TREASON, this has got to be smothered by a display of
patriotism so great that even the news media cannot reasonably
assert that they are the majority in this country.

We need every one of you to contact your friends, family and
neighbors and turn out at Times Square to ridicule these leftist
morons. Spread the word and forward this alert to everyone you know.

If their actions in the face of the manifest results of ISLAMIC
captivity for our troops does not motivate you, if your blood does
not boil at the thought that these pissants will be featured on the
evening news, if you care not a whit that OUR men and women are
jeopardized by their seditious behavior, if something else is more
important than standing up for OUR soldiers, then email me to be
removed from the GOE email list because you have already surrendered.

If, however, you know that we need to support our troops who daily
place their lives on the line to protect our freedom. If you know
that their many sacrifices should be honored and praised. If you
know that the enemy is both foreign and domestic. If you know that
all it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
Then turn out with your flags and pro-troop signs and banners. This
is NOT a drill. We need you NOW!

Where: Times Square Recruiting Center, traffic island at 43rd
Street between Broadway and 7th Ave.
When: Saturday, May 19, 2007, Noon to 4pm or whatever it takes to
rout the opposition.

Directions:

N. Q, R, S, 1, 2, 3, or 7 subways to Times Square
A, C, or E subways to 42nd St. (Port Authority Bus Terminal)
From Penn Station take 1, 2 or 3 subway 1 stop to Times
Square.
From Grand Central Station take the S shuttle to Times
Square.
From Port Authority Terminal walk two blocks to E 43rd St
and one block to Broadway.

Eagles Up!
Dan Maloney
New York Coordinator goe.ny@earthlink.net
Gathering of Eagles
www.gatheringofeagles.org

Once and Always, an American Fighting Man

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Gathering of Eagles update...27APR07

You know, I wonder if Gathering of Eagles would get FLACK like this if they had come out as a Leftinistra organization? Somehow, I very, VERY seriously doubt it...

The Final Word on GOE Finances

Posted: 26 Apr 2007 07:30 PM CDT

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,” 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.” 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?”

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.

Can I GET an amen?

Once and Always, an American Fighting Man

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Gathering of Eagles update...22APR07

Preliminary AAR from Greensboro RallyApril 21st, 2007

Larry Bailey called in to report that there were approximately equal numbers of Eagles to protestors. The rally was well-attended by both the Patriot Guard and Rolling Thunder, and the Eagles had bullhorns in their designated area. Bailey says a fantastic time was had by all.

From Channel 14 News in Greensboro:

Hundreds protest war in Iraq

4/22/2007 12:23 PM
By: Stephanie Stilwell

GREENSBORO, NC -- Hundreds of protestors from all over North Carolina took the streets in downtown Greensboro to voice their opposition to the war in Iraq. It started with a march and ended with a nationally known activist speaking to the crowd.

(Personal note: won't he be so PROUD of those beautiful little girls when they learn how to give the finger JUST LIKE DADDY?)

“My brother was a disabled American Vietnam vet and he died.. So it's kind of personal for me I don't want another family to go through what we did and watching him spend 30 years dying from the wounds that he emotionally received in Vietnam,” said protestor Renita Courts.

Organizers at the rally had a nationally known activist to help get their message across, Cindy Sheehan.

(...)

Those against Sheehan’s calls for the end of the war say, “I don't believe in what she is trying to say, Killing is not nice but it's either over there or here” said Dan Wyatt, an anti-protestor.

These counter protestors said they remember when radical protestors affected policy in the '60s. They said that's not something they want to see again.

Thanks to Yakfisher of Military Appreciation Day for the pictures found at photobucket .

Again, to Cindy Sheehan, I say you dishonor your son and his sacrifice for his country and for something he believed in. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Eagles, fly high, fly proud!

Once and Always, an American Fighting Man



[Update] -From GOE:

The Gathering of Eagles together with the Conservative Women’s Voice of UNC-Chapel Hill is proud to announce a pro-America event!

UNC and GOE will unite and Support our Troops, Support their mission, and Support the United States of America!

This event is NOT a counter-protest. This is our time to make our voices heard! This is our time to speak out, and let the world know that we are PROUD to be Americans, that we are PROUD of our military, that we are PROUD to live in the Land of the Free because of the Brave!

What the GOE along with Rolling Thunder and others did on March 17th was a spectacular beginning. We will show the world that we are here to stay! We will be the Silent Majority NO MORE!

WHEN: Saturday, April 28th, 2007
Noon-3:00PM
WHERE: Polk Place, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Come join us for live music and speakers, including Iraq war veterans and UNC students. Check back for more details on presenters and musician–coming soon!

Of course, the event is free and open to the public, so if you are in the area or plan to be, feel free to join us! We are still trying to raise money for the event as well. Please consider a contribution to the Gathering of Eagles, or directly to the Conservative Women’s Voice of UNC. For GoE contributions, see the sidebar on the right. For CWV contributions, contact Anthony Stevenson via CWV -at- unc -dot- edu.

That’s CWV@unc.edu!

Checks may be sent to Gathering of Eagles, Box 291; Chocowinity, NC 27817. They should be made payable to “GOE” and noted “For UNC Rally.”

Directions to UNC-CH can be found here:
http://www.unc.edu/visitors/directions.html Information on parking
will be here available here soon, so check back for updates.

Polk Place is located off South Road on campus, next to the Wilson Library. An interactive campus map can be found here:
http://www.unc.edu/tour/LEVEL_2/polk.htm

The Eagles Will Soar–Again!

[End Update]


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The Eagles are Gathering in North Carolina

The "Flash in the Pan" is flashing again. I said the other day that we, the veterans of the United States armed forces, are tired of sitting quietly. We will be heard. And it seems that people are interested in what we have to say...

UNC-Chapel Hill to Host Pro-America Rally with GOE

The Gathering of Eagles together with the Conservative Women’s Voice of UNC-Chapel Hill is proud to announce a pro-America event!

UNC and GOE will unite and Support our Troops, Support their mission, and Support the United States of America!

This event is NOT a counter-protest. This is our time to make our voices heard! This is our time to speak out, and let the world know that we are PROUD to be Americans, that we are PROUD of our military, that we are PROUD to live in the Land of the Free because of the Brave!

What the GOE along with Rolling Thunder and others did on March 17th was a spectacular beginning. We will show the world that we are here to stay! We will be the Silent Majority NO MORE!

WHEN: Saturday, April 28th, 2007
Noon-3:00PM
WHERE: Polk Place, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Come join us for live music and speakers, including Iraq war veterans and UNC students. Check back for more details on presenters and musician–coming soon!

Of course, the event is free and open to the public, so if you are in the area or plan to be, feel free to join us! We are still trying to raise money for the event as well. Please consider a contribution to the Gathering of Eagles, or directly to the Conservative Women’s Voice of UNC. For GoE contributions, see the sidebar on the right. For CWV contributions, contact Anthony Stevenson via CWV -at- unc -dot- edu.

That’s CWV@unc.edu!

Checks may be sent to Gathering of Eagles, Box 291; Chocowinity, NC 27817. They should be made payable to “GOE” and noted “For UNC Rally.”

Directions to UNC-CH can be found here:
http://www.unc.edu/visitors/directions.html Information on parking
will be here available here soon, so check back for updates.

Polk Place is located off South Road on campus, next to the Wilson Library. An interactive campus map can be found here:
http://www.unc.edu/tour/LEVEL_2/polk.htm

The Eagles Will Soar–Again!

Can I get another WHOOWAAHH?

Once and Always, an American Fighting Man

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