Operation Eagle
“Operation Eagle” Will Help Meet Soldiers’ Personal Needs
“Fight the enemies of Freedom with Fraternalism"
-- Billy Ray Cyrus
Our military men and women do so much for our countries. Now, we have the opportunity
to show our support for them through “Operation Eagle.” Launched in May, 2008, “Operation
Eagle” is designed to show the FOE’s appreciation for Eagle members or the sons
and daughters of Eagle members who are serving in the military by sending items
needed by their units.
“Based on past projects, we found Eagle members have a great interest in helping
and supporting our service personnel,” said Janet Baker, program coordinator for
the FOE. “Our organization is very patriotic and ‘Operation Eagle’ gives aeries
and auxiliaries a way to say thanks to young men and women fighting for our freedom.”
Thank You From Our Recipients
Dayton, Ohio
Robert Gorfi, a five year member of Dayton #321 and one of the 3rd quarter recipients
in “Operation Eagle,” was nominated by his wife Pat. On the nomination form Pat
stated: “The unit is an ever evolving unit dedicating resources to the world theater
in whatever aspects needed. These resources include airlift of wounded and supplies,
humanitarian aid, construction and other civil engineering needs, force management,
security, and a mryiad of other noteworthy endeavors.”
As a thank you he sent the Grand Aerie a flag with a
certificate.
“All the stuff you guys sent us made life a lot easier for us over there.”
Robert was stationed in Afganistan in September of 2008 and returned home March
15, 2009.
Wish list
- Brush
- Tooth Paste
- Dental Floss
- Deodorant
- Chap Stick
- Shampoo
- Body Wash/Soap
- Baby Powder
- Baby Wipes
- Hand Sanitizer
- Flea Collars
- Toilet Tissue
- Razors
- Sun Screen
- Pillowcases
- Snacks/Food/Drinks (all non-perishable): Beef jerky, cup o' pudding, cup o' fruit,
trail mix, microwave popcorn, hard candy, snack crackers, gum, pop, juices, energy
bars Tuna/Chicken, instant macaroni & cheese, instant oatmeal, peanuts, sunflower
seeds, dry fruit
- magazines
- crossword puzzles
- word searches
- calendars
- used/new books
- local newspapers
- card games/board games
- post cards
- stamps
- envelopes
- writing tablets
- disposable cameras
- international Calling Cards
- playing cards
- batteries
- letters from home
How “Operation Eagle” works
Every quarter, aeries and auxiliaries will nominate military units to which an Eagle
member or son or daughter of an Eagle member belongs. The FOE will select a unit
and members of that unit—whether a battalion, ship or squadron—will be asked what
items they would like to receive from home. Depending on the number of nominations
received, the FOE will select up to four service men or women and their units each
quarter.
The Grand Aerie will ask participating aeries and auxiliaries to return the items
requested to the Grand Aerie by the specified deadline. Items will likely range
from phone cards and toiletries to books, video games and hard candies. The Grand
Aerie will ship requested items to the service man or woman who is nominated for
him or her to distribute to the unit.
“Several aeries and auxiliaries have prepared care packages for our military personnel
in the past,” Baker said. “This is the first time we have tried to develop an organized
international campaign.”
Logistics
Aeries and auxiliaries that want to support our military men and women through “Operation
Eagle” are asked to call the Grand Aerie Program Department at 614.883.2188. Or,
you may email programs@foe.com or fax 614.883.2201.
Aeries and auxiliaries that participate in “Operation Eagle” will receive the following:
- U.S.P.S. Priority Box that will be forwarded to the Grand Aerie. Postage is a flat
$12.95—regardless of weight
- A dry erasable board with pen to list items needed by the military unit. You can
display this board in a prominent location to remind members of items requested.
- Details about the enlisted service man/woman selected and the individual’s unit.
Deadlines for nominations and donations
Military unit nominations must be made and item donations received on or before
the following deadlines:
|
1st Quarter
|
- Nomination deadline, May 31
- Donations deadline, July 16
|
|
2nd Quarter
|
- Nomination deadline, August 31
- Donations deadline, October 17
|
|
3rd Quarter
|
- Nomination deadline, November 30
- Donations deadline, December 16
|
|
4th Quarter
|
- Nomination deadline, February 28
- Donations deadline, April 17
|
Spreading the word about the Eagles
We hope “Operation Eagle” will bring publicity for aeries and auxiliaries that are
“home” to the service men and women selected. We will publicize individuals and
units selected on the FOE Web site and in Eagle Magazine.
Because we will be able to ship items (including Eagle Magazine) directly to service
men and women selected, military units receiving items will know they are donated
by the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
“We hope to get the Eagles name recognized by thousands of military personnel,”
Baker said. “Even if only one percent of the individuals who receive items through
‘Operation Eagle’ check out a local aerie or auxiliary when they return home, this
program could have a tremendous impact on our membership.”