Fifth Gathering: 28 Jul-1 Aug 10
***Fifth Gathering Event Pics Coming Soon!
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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. |
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Third Gathering: 2-6 September 09
***Third Gathering Event Pics - Click HERE!
The third Gathering of Mountain Eagles was conducted from 2-6 September 2009. Twenty-one soldiers, Marines, wives and cadre members from the Army’s Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Eustis, VA; Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC; Marines Wounded Warrior Regiment at Camp Lejeune, NC; and two Army veterans associated with the Hampton Veterans Hospital in Hampton, VA participated in the challenging and fun activities.
We started at Smokey’s-on-the Gorge restaurant where the warriors had a great meal with our honored veteran, Army Ranger Hall of Fame member SGM (Ret) Andy Markovich. They also viewed the New River Gorge where they would participate in whitewater rafting the next day. That night we stayed at the beautiful Glade Springs Resort Inn with Greg Haynes as our host and sponsor.
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.
 On that same afternoon, we were treated to a very relaxing horseback riding session to the rim of the New River Gorge courtesy of Gary Bateman’s crew of Equestrian Adventures. The supper meal at Chico’s Restaurant in Oak Hill, WV where the warriors were met by Mayor Anna Lou Holt, Major General John Barnette and Command Sergeant Major Lawrence Vance, both of the WV Army National Guard, as well as three honored WW II veterans Gerald Hildebrand (Navy D-Day veteran); Frank Kidd, Army D-Day Medic and Adelia Dempsey, Army Nurse. That night we stayed in the cabins of Rivermen on the Gorge company.
  On Friday, 4 September, we started off early in the morning with the canopy zipline course courtesy of TreeTops Canopy Tours. Our host “Tiny” Elliott & Bud Frantz led a crew that resulted in great fun was had in “zipping” through the trees. That afternoon, we departed the Fayetteville area for the Stonewall Resort for the second annual Mountain Eagle Open. Our host, Leslie Gillum invited many local West Virginians to play with the warriors. Also, Major General Allan Tackett, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, several retired Guard soldiers, and local businessmen played in the tournament. Lynn Phillips, who is the West Virginia Governor’s personal representative to Northern West Virginia, read a letter of greetings and welcome to all the soldiers and Marines from the Governor. A great meal and relaxing opportunities was had by all at the Stonewall Resort where we stayed for our third night.
  Saturday started with the roar of nineteen Harley-Davidsons of the Patriot Guard Riders who escorted the warriors to Morgantown, WV in preparation for the West Virginia University – Liberty University football game. The warriors and other supporter of the Gathering of Mountain Eagles were introduced just prior to kickoff while positioned on the goal line. After the game, we were again treated to a great meal at the Elk’s Club hosted by the GME Morgantown representative, Gary Burch.
We left that afternoon for Camp Dawson where the warriors had a peaceful night at this premier National Guard facility. Sunday morning were we joined for breakfast by CSM (Ret.) Patrick St. Clair who was a participant in the Son Tay Raid to rescue American POWs during the Vietnam War. Closing ceremonies were then held where the warriors and others were presented their Gathering of Mountain Eagles coins. They then departed for home with the best wishes of the staff of the Gathering of Mountain Eagles.
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Second Gathering: 5-8 February 09
***Second Gathering Event Pics - Click HERE! |
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. |
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First Gathering: 24-28 September 08
***First Gathering Event Pics - Click HERE! |
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. |
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"One of our supporters, Donel "Don" Kinnard of Hurricane, WV, died on 19 Feb 2009. Mr. Kinnard, who received the Navy Cross during the Vietnam War while serving as a Navy SEAL, graciously greeted our Mountain Eagles at the Stonewall Resort last year. His presence, along with Mr. Woody Williams (Medal of Honor recipient for his actions on Iwo Jima) and many other Marine veterans was a special event for our wounded warriors. The passing of this great veteran and friend saddens us all. We had presented him with the Gathering of Mountain Eagles challenge coin for his support. See more pictures of Mr. Kinnard in our photo folder for 25 Sep-Whitewater Rafting & Vets Greeting." |
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