Message from the Grand Madam President

Margaret Cox became a charter member of Colonial Heights Auxiliary #3274 in Kingsport, Tennessee, when the auxiliary was instituted in December, 1988. Her enthusiasm for the Eagles Auxiliary is evidenced by her willingness to serve in many offices at the national, state and local levels, including Grand Madam Trustee and Grand Madam Vice President.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

When you are planning your summer vacation, you may want to consider a trip to Dollywood and the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The AEF is home to more than 70 birds of prey, including “Mr. Lincoln,” our own aerie/auxiliary mascot. You will also see “Liberty” and “Justice,” Mr. Lincoln’s parents, and Challenger, who is featured on a new U.S. coin and has appeared on many TV shows and during professional sports events.

As you may already know, Mr. Lincoln is a bald eagle that was hatched in 1998 and was released into the wild at 12 weeks of age. He was, however, too humanized to exist on his own and even though he devoured someone’s fried chicken as his first meal following his release, he was captured in an emaciated condition a month later and eventually returned to the AEF.

At Dollywood, you will be able to watch Mr. Lincoln and other eagles and birds of prey during the “Wings of America” show presented in the open air theater. Mr. Lincoln is a majestic bird with a seven-foot wing span and if you saw him fly across the room during the 2007 Grand Convention, you know he is a magnificent symbol for the Eagles and our nation. He will also make an appearance at the 2008 Grand Convention in Louisville.

Thanks to all of the aeries and auxiliaries who have already “adopted” Mr. Lincoln and sent other donations. We have received $750, $2,000 and even $5,000 contributions. All contributions benefit the AEF, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1985 to develop and conduct bald eagle and environmental recovery programs in the U.S. You can learn more about the AEF and its programs at www.eagles.org.

Please keep in mind that we must have all contributions for AEF, St. Jude Children’sResearch Hospital and other charities in hand at the Grand Aerie by May 31 for them to count toward this year. Our new fiscal year will begin on June 1.

Thanks again for all of your hard work to benefit our charities.

Yours in sisterhood,
Margaret Cox