Ninth Gathering: 9 Feb-12 Feb 2012

The ninth Gathering of Mountain Eagles will be conducted from 9 February – 12 February 2012.

Eighth Gathering: 8 Sep-11 Sep 11

The eighth Gathering of Mountain Eagles was conducted from 8 September – 11 September 2011. Following are links to media coverage of the event.

http://www.wboy.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=107475

http://www.citiadr.idmanagedsolutions.com/news/global_story.idms?type=scrolling&ID_NEWS=204461603

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_756197.html

Seventh Gathering: 27 Jul-31 Jul 11

Sixth Gathering: 10 Feb-13 Feb 11
***Sixth Gathering Event Pics Coming Soon!

The sixth Gathering of Mountain Eagles was conducted from 10 February – 13 February 2011. Following are links to a news story, pictures and a video covering the event.

Daily Press story:
http://www.dailypress.com/news/military/dp-nws-cp-wounded-warriors-ski-trip-20110220,0,1914402,full.column

Pictures:
http://www.dailypress.com/news/military/dp-vets-thereapy-ski-pictures,0,5597588.photogallery

Video:
http://www.dailypress.com/videobeta/a9cd7811-5cfe-4f60-b7df-cca08fd681ca/Community/Gathering-of-Mountain-Eagles-Helping-Wounded-Veterans-Heal

Fifth Gathering: 28 Jul-1 Aug 10
***Fifth Gathering Event Pics Coming Soon!

The fifth Gathering of Mountain Eagles was conducted from 28 July – 1 August 2010. Nineteen wounded/injured Soldiers, Marines and cadre members from the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Eustis, VA; Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC; and the Wounded Warrior Battalion-East, Camp Lejeune, NC participated in the events that all of the “old hands” agreed was the best so far.

We first gathered at Smokey’s-on-the-Gorge restaurant near Fayetteville, WV.  Here we were welcomed by Frank Goff, a Korean War veteran with two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. Franks is a very active member of the Korean War Veterans and was instrumental in getting a monument to commemorate Korean War veterans in St. Albans, WV. Frank also thanked the Soldiers and Marines for their service – as they did to him for his. Later we presented him and Larry Poli, who coordinated our meal, with our GME coins. At Smokey’s, all could view the New River and understand why West Virginia is considered such a beautiful part of the country. (See more pictures)

The first challenge is always considered one of the best – whitewater rafting.  For the third year in a row, Rob Dobson of West Virginia Adventures coordinated a collection of whitewater rafting guides from a variety of companies. Those guides who donated their time to take us down the lower New River’s Class II-IV+ rapids included Nathan Plymale of West Virginia Adventures; Mark Lewis of the West Virginia Professional River Outfitters Association; Melanie Seiter of Songer Whitewater (who also donated the delicious noon meal); and  Jed Lawson of Alpine Adventures.  In addition, Robert Taylor of Ace Adventures expertly drove the bus over the narrow roads leading to the river. To say that all thoroughly enjoyed the combination of moments where we relaxingly floated down the river to moments where we took on rapids such as Surprise, Keeney Brothers, Double Z and Greyhound Bus Stopper is certainly an understatement. We presented GME coins to those who provided their services to help us.

After the river adventures, we had great meals at Chico’s restaurant owned by retired WV National Guard Colonel Ramon Lopez. Afterwards, we were escorted back to the hotel by the Oak Hill Police Department. Upon arrival, Robert Taylor and Matt Corbin assumed a familiar (??) position as shown in the picture. Just some fun after a great day on the river and a superb meal! (See more pictures)

Early the next morning we hit the ropes and wires of the zipline course at “Treetops” Adventures (http://www.newrivergorgecanopytour.com/). Our guides were Bud Franz, Josh “Fuzzy” Stover, Tabitha Erwin, and Chris Kurkland (all GME coin recipients). Most military personnel have been through some type of “slide for life” course, but as with our Soldiers and Marines, few have had as much fun and adventure on a course such as the one in the mountains near Fayetteville, WV. The Treetops webpage has an appropriate quote from a reporter at Popular Mechanics.

"By the time I glide onto the Almost Heaven platform - at 90 feet, the course's highest perch - I've zipped along 3430 feet of cable and teetered across five sky bridges so high I could see into squirrel nests.  I'm no longer chewing on my stomach with the first steps out of the trees, no longer scared to look down. Instead, I jump eagerly from the platforms. Hands off the harness, I spin in midair. I can't wait to fly."  T. Edward Nickens

We then went to a wonderful pizza place called “Pies and Pints” (http://www.piesandpints.net) in Fayetteville. There as GME staff member and much traveled retired “Green Beret” Dave Soczka said, “I’ve eaten pizza all over the world and this has to be the best I have ever eaten.” Thanks (and GME coins) went to Angie (Manager) and Allison (server) for the great food & discounts and the excellent service.

The next challenge was golf at the Resort at Glade Springs (http://www.gladesprings.com) in Daniels, WV. Very few of us had ever played golf and all those who have ever hacked their way around a course know just how hard that can be. Activities were all arranged by Greg Haines, Mike James and Rebecca Blaine of Glade Springs. Over twenty members of Glade Springs showed up to play on the beautiful course and to express their thanks to the Soldiers and Marines.     

After many thanks (and GME coins) to all those at Glade Springs, we went on a “picnic” at Grandview Park prior to enjoying the outdoor drama “Hatfields and McCoys” to end the day. It was a long day indeed, but all were up to the activities. (See more pictures)

Saturday started with the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) (www.patriotguard.org) of Southern West Virginia (organized by Pat Hanifan) and a West Virginia State Trooper leading our convoy of our six vehicles and 32 motorcycles from Beckley, WV to Lewisburg, WV. At Lewisburg, we had an opportunity to meet all the riders and see their motorcycles. Thirty-six PGRs and guests riders from a church group had a great time talking with the us. They will all be presented with GME coins as soon as we get another order processed to make them. (See more pictures)

We went from there to the Professional Golf Association’s Greenbrier Classic golf tournament at White Sulphur Springs, WV. Needless to say, there was little resemblance between our golfers playing at Glade Springs and those at the Greenbrier. Although, the hospitality tents helped sooth concerns anyone may have had about the comparison. 

The highlight of the day was a return to Lewisburg for the Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley concert. Some fast talking by SSgt Drew Bourne and the generosity of Security Manager Mike McGovern got us into the VIP section where food and close-up views of the concert were enjoyed by all. However, we could have done without the very realistic environment props (rain) that went along with Brad Paisley’s “H2O Tour”. (See more pictures)

On Sunday, we presented special GME coins to all and signed dollar bills for each to keep as a reminder of those who participated in the trip. The volunteer staff of the “Gathering of Mountain Eagles” were really pleased to provide the Soldiers and Marines of GME V with opportunities to challenge them and receive the thanks of Americans throughout West Virginia for their service. 

“Mountain Eagles are always free.”

Fourth Gathering: 1-4 February 10
***Fourth Gathering Event Pics - Click HERE!

The fourth Gathering of Mountain Eagles was conducted from 1-4 February 2010. Thirteen soldiers and cadre members from the Warrior Transition Units at Fort Eustis, VA and Fort Belvoir, VA participated in the challenging activities.

We started with two days of skiing and snowboarding at the beautiful Canaan Valley Resort north of Elkins, WV. On the first night we were also treated to a mix of bluegrass and other country music by the Jumpin' Tyme Band. Band members Wayne & Diane Cash, Danny Reed and Randy Tucker played their hearts out for over an hour.  We awarded them the GME Coin for their support.

Soldiers found the winter sports challenging, but exhilarating and were tired after exercising muscles not used on a daily basis. Several soldiers, some of whom had never been skiing before, met our challenge of skiing down from the very top of the highest mountain. We had great skiing/snowboarding instruction from the Challenged Athletes of West Virginia. Led by Dave Begg, they provided superb support. Other instructors included Jeff Coston, Mark Tracy, Warren Wix, and Chris Ugavi. Also, a special thanks goes to the staff of Canaan Valley Resort, particularly the event coordinators, Alicia Lewis and Cindy Martin.

On Wednesday, February 3rd, we moved to Morgantown, WV where we were met West Virginia University basketball player Joe Mazzulla who is also recovering from some nearly career ending injuries in 2008.  His recovery and return to basketball, as well as graduating in 3 ½ years served as an inspiration to all those who know his story.  We also awarded him a GME Coin.

Afterward we went to VFW Post 548 in Morgantown for dinner with other veterans and corporate leaders. Another special thanks goes to Gary Burch (our Northern WV Area Coordinator) for arranging the dinner and media coverage. We had local newspaper and two TV stations to cover the events.

We then attended the West Virginia University vs. University of Pittsburg basketball game where the "Mountaineers" soundly defeated the "Panthers."  Known as the “Backyard Brawl” it proved to be a very spirited and wild game – to say the least. 

Afterwards, we went to Camp Dawson, WV for the evening and our closing activities on Thursday.  The soldiers then departed for home with the best wishes of the staff of the Gathering of Mountain Eagles.

Finally, we thank the soldiers and leadership of Fort Belvoir and Fort Eustis Warrior Transition Units. It was a pleasure to have them attend the fourth "Gathering of Mountain Eagles."  We challenged them and they met the challenge. We thanked them for their service and they understand that Americans care about them and their sacrifices.

On 3 September the warriors were guests of several whitewater companies, all coordinated by Rob Dobson of West Virginia Adventures. This was Rob’s second time in coordinating the warrior’s rafting trips and we certainly appreciate all his great efforts. Also contributing were Caleb Button of Alpine Adventures, Justin Boyce of New & Gauley River Adventures, Joe Storella of River Expeditions, Mike Yoney of Ace Adventures, and Mark Lewis of the WV Professional River Outfitters.

The second Gathering of Mountain Eagles was conducted from 5-8 February 2009. Seventeen soldiers and cadre members from Alpha Company, Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Eustis, VA participated in the challenging activites. Mr. Clifton Gaines of Alpha Company was the master coordinator who organized the soldiers at Fort Eustis, and we thank him for his great support.

We started with two days of skiing and snowboarding at the beautiful Canaan Valley Resort north of Elkins, WV. Soldiers found the winter sports challenging but exhilarating and were tired after exercising muscles not used on a daily basis. Several soldiers, some of whom had never been skiing before, met our challenge of skiing down from the very top of the highest mountain. Our Dave Soczka (USA, Ret.), Dave Cochran (USAF, Ret.), Gerry Cummins (USA, Ret.) and Dave Begg (Challenged Athletes of West Virginia) made the skiing event go smoothly with their ski instructions. Also, a special thanks goes to the staff of Canaan Valley Resort, particularly the event coordinator, Alicia Lewis.

On Saturday, February 7th, we moved to Morgantown, WV where we were met by a large contingent of veterans, various civic groups and the city mayor for lunch (see TV and newspaper stories). This was a great surprise to the soldiers and they appreciated it very much. Another special thanks goes to Gary Burch (our Northern WV Area Coordinator) for arranging the lunch and media coverage.

We then attended the West Virginia University vs. Providence University basketball game where the "Mountaineers" soundly defeated the "Friers." Afterwards, we went to Camp Dawson, WV for a pizza party and our closing activities on Sunday. At those closing activities, Colonel Timothy Hill (Camp Dawson's Commander), Command Sergeant Major Lawrence Pnakovich, and about twenty other WV National Guard soldiers warmly greeted the Mountain Eagles.

Finally, we thank the soldiers and leadership of Alpha Company ("No Slack"), Warrior Transition Unit. It was a pleasure to have them attend the second "Gathering of Mountain Eagles." We challenged them and they met the challenge. We thanked them for their service and they understand that Americans care about them and their sacrifices.

Click on the events below for more detailed information the places we visited.

The first Gathering of Mountain Eagles was conducted 24-28 September 2008.

We coordinated with the US Army’s Wounded Warrior Transition Brigade at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC and the US Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, and offered our services, and 19 Soldiers/Marines attended the event. 

Click on the events below for more detailed information about our schedule of events.