Testimonials

Mary Ann Nissen

What does it mean to you to be an Eagles member?

I enjoy being an Eagles member. I believe strongly in what the Eagles do for other people and their charities.

I joined the Eagles because, as a young girl, I was raised in a home where my parents were involved with the VFW and the American Legion. While growing up, I helped by selling poppies, assisting with meals, putting up flags on Memorial Day, becoming a Girl Scout and doing things for others. My husband had not been in the service so he could not belong to either the American Legion or the VFW. When the Eagles came to our town to start an aerie, it seemed right to get involved with the Fraternal Order of Eagles and continue doing things for others as I was taught to do during my younger years.

What has being an Eagles member done for you?

I have met many new friends and learned so much about what the Eagles have accomplished during the organization's 109-year existence.

Why do you feel being a member of the Eagles is important?

Being a member of the Eagles is important to me because even though I am only one person, I can join with other members to make the Eagles what they are today.

Why should others join the Eagles?

Besides meeting many new people and learning about their many ideas for helping others, Eagle membership provides a sense of doing good things. Whether I am playing cards, overseeing a bingo game, cooking for others or developing the newsletter, I have a sense of doing things for others and making their lives more enjoyable.

What are the social benefits of being an Eagles member?

All of the points that I made earlier answer this question. Helping others makes us feel good about ourselves and allows us to share the joy of accomplishment. When I was asked why I like to go to state conventions, I answered that it gives me the chance to meet new people. And when I see all of the things the F.O.E. does for others, I can laugh and cry and feel great about our accomplishments.

Other Testimonies

• Curtis R. Johnson
  Being an Eagles member has helped me excel in my personal and business life. It has given me self confidence and a sense of belonging.
• Kim Kendall
  Belonging to the Eagles is a good way to meet those true friends with a heart of gold that you'll carry with you through life.
• Vince Kinman
  With today's busy schedules, people can invest a little time and accomplish great things in ways that would not have been possible if they had acted alone.
• Bob Kirkley
  There are many people from diverse backgrounds who have come together and work in harmony to make this organization what it is today.
• Joan Klit
  As a quiet person, being an Eagles member has brought me out of my shell. It has opened the door for personal growth far beyond what I could have ever imagined.
• Pat Lee
  I have loved meeting women and men from other parts of the country and realizing that we all share some of the same challenges.
• Garry Milam
  I would hate to think of the millions of people who would not have assistance without the help of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
• Mary Ann Nissen
  Whether I am playing cards, overseeing a bingo game, cooking for others or developing the newsletter, I have a sense of doing things for others and making their lives more enjoyable.
• Talmadge H. "Tammy" Payton
  When I ask someone to join the Eagles, I explain our charities, the memorial funds, our special events and the opportunities to make a difference.
• William (Bill) Post
  The camaraderie we share with our Sisters and Brothers from other aeries in Pennsylvania and in all of Eagledom is a type of family bond.
• Charlie Sperrazza
  It has enabled me to be more empathetic and understanding. The Eagles have also helped me to grow as a leader.
• Bruno J. Sukys
  We must keep up the good work and deeds and never forget our ultimate goal, which is to help/assist our fellow human beings who are in need.