Testimonials

Honoring a Fallen Hero's Promise

While reading the Columbus Dispatch in March 2006, Eagle members across Central Ohio were introduced to a local family who tragically lost their husband/father during his tour of Iraq. Twenty-eight year-old mom, Lee Ann, was left on her own to raise three boys and a girl all under the age of seven.

The Dispatch story went on to explain how the boys, especially five-year-old Harrison could not wait until his father returned home from Iraq so he could take him and his brothers to a NASCAR race. Sadly, Staff. Sgt. Kendall Ivy of the U.S. Marines never returned home from Iraq as he was killed by a roadside bomb.

Eagle members and leadership were touched by the story of the Ivy family and wanted to do whatever they could to bring joy to a family who had been through so much. Eagle board members wanted to make Harrison's dream come true by utilizing the Eagles NASCAR sponsorship to make the boy's dreams come true.

During the August 2006 board meetings at the Grand Aerie, Jr. Past Grand Worthy President Bill Loffer and Jr. Past Grand Madam President Stephanie Smith presented Lee Ann and her boys each a seat in the grandstands, hospitality tent passes, pit passes and the opportunity to meet Jason Leffler, the Eagles driver during the Busch-Series NASCAR race at the Michigan International Speedway.

Lee Ann was more than grateful for the opportunity the Eagles had provided for her boys. "The Fraternal Order of Eagles is a wonderful and caring group of people who really care about others and show it through everything they do," said Lee Ann Ivy. "The Eagles have made one of my boys' biggest dreams come true, and we will never forget that."

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.