Ceremonial Presentation of Colors by Mdewakanton Color Guard |
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation.” |
— George Washington
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FREE ADMISSION |
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At the National Eagle Center, honoring our Veterans and active military
is a daily practice, not a sporadic event. Our five eagles have been
dedicated to those who have fought to preserve the freedom that our
nation and its people enjoy. If you are a Veteran or Active Military, you are invited to the National Eagle Center AT NO COST. You are our honored guests, greatly appreciated for your service and sacrifice. |
VETERANS AS VOLUNTEERS, GUEST SPEAKERS & ARTISTS AT THE CENTER |
| We often work with extraordinary veterans here at the NEC. As
volunteers, guests and traveling exhibitors, veterans contribute to the
overall success of our mission, programs and special events. As
authors, artists, musicians and performers, their powerful message of
hope and freedom is clear. The significance of the eagle is shared
through the eyes of these courageous men and women. |
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| Brigadier General Michael Walsh visits Center. |
OUR MISSION: VETERAN OUTREACH |
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We have made it part of our overall mission to connect our Veteran
soldiers and Marines with the majestic eagle. Our graceful 28 year-old,
Harriet, has played a significant role in many of our Veterans Outreach
programs. For instance, she and one of our volunteers, who is a Vietnam
Veteran, travel once a month to the VA Hospital in the Twin Cities to
visit new arrivals as well as other PTSD, TBI and poly-trauma
survivors.
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| The VFW and American Legion Ladies Auxiliaries send Holiday Greetings to our Troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. |
Harriet has also attended honoring ceremonies, met
with top Generals, and participated in other therapeutic sessions. In
fact, two soldiers have stated that meeting and spending time with
Harriet saved their lives. Comments like that inspired another vision
for our eagles.
To date, Harriet has been honored with over two
dozen medals and commendations for her work with soldiers and Veterans
across the United States. These acknowledgements are displayed with
pride at the Center and with her handlers. The greatest reward for
Harriet and the rest of us here at the NEC is connecting with persons
who serve or have served the country, and having him or her know that
the sacrifice they made is acknowledged and appreciated. |
FUTURE MISSIONSAccording to the US Veteran Affairs
Department, we have approximately 27 million Veterans alive today. Of
those, over 85% have served in wartime. While our country has learned
the hard way that solid support for soldiers is critical to their
health and well-being, only those who have served can imagine the
sacrifices made in service to America.
There have been
approximately 2 million US troops involved in the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan. For the Veterans who have returned home, several factors
complicate their reintegration.
Statistics reveal that of those 1.6 million Iraq and Afghanistan veterans:
- Almost
half of the total number of troops have been engaged in multiple
deployments, some with three and even four tours of duty in a span of
six years. Rotations are not expected to decrease in the near future.
- Tours of duty have been increased by three months for most branches of military, from twelve months to fifteen months.
- Reservists
and National Guard units have played more heavily in these two theatres
of war than any in history. Unprepared for engagement of this
magnitude, non-military families lacked support on many levels.
- 11.3% (over 216,000) of the participating troops are women.
- An
estimated one in three soldiers and Marines suffer from Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
- Suicide
has long been a concern for those returning from active combat. Veteran
Affairs data reveals a disturbing increase in recent years.
These
issues are compounded by the nation’s economic insecurities. The
National Eagle Center will continue with our current programs and will
endeavor to expand meaningful programs for our soldiers. |
Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, WWII, Korea and Vietnam War Veteran and Five-Star General, John William Vessey, Jr., was an honored guest at the NEC new facility Grand Opening.
Following are programs the National Eagle Center has in development:
The Warriors Return: A Sampling of New Programs in Extended Outreach
Eagle Eye Family Retreats – Reconnecting Soldiers with their Family and Community
Focusing on families that have experienced multi-deployments lasting 15 months each, the National Eagle Center is creating an experience for soldiers, spouses and especially their families to unite. Providing the eagle as a focus, this adventure will take the family on fun adventures, nature experiences and an eagle education and presentation course.
Upon completion, the soldier will be qualified as a Level I handler and his family will become “Eagle Experts.” When the family returns home, the NEC will arrange for a Live Eagle Program at the local school (preferably the school their children attend) and bring an eagle for the soldier and his or her family to present. Hopefully, the veteran will feel comfortable enough to share some of his or her own story.
With the help of other Veterans, their families and other professionals, this three-day outing will bring families together in many areas: as a strong unit united in purpose and enjoyment; as a pillar of strength for their returning soldier, and; as a gift to the community bringing the country’s national symbol with a story of freedom.
The NEC will bring an eagle to the family’s hometown and serve as an assistant at the presentation.
WWII Fighter Pilot, Elizabeth "Betty" Wall, autographs her book "And Still Flying" on Memorial Day Weekend.
Wounded Warriors -- Backwater Adventures
The National Eagle Center is currently in partnership with Wenonah Canoes and Creating Ability to develop backwater canoe and kayak trips for veterans, with a particular focus on disabled vets. With the assistance of Veterans of former theatres and licensed therapists, the NEC’s intent is to develop a safe, memorable trip into nature.
Viewing eagles, their habitat and nesting grounds sets the tone for relaxation, open discussion, and camaraderie. These sessions can be breakthrough experiences that identify a veteran's needs or can be an awe-inspiring day of relaxation as a gift for serving our country.
Warrior’s Haven -- Culture-Specific Experiences
Still in its preliminary stages, the NEC is endeavoring to create cultural retreats for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
For example:
- Women fighting in Iraq may have been affected by their military experience quite differently from the men fighting in the same theatre;
- Native American Sioux may honor their returning soldiers in a completely different manner than Asian-Americans;
- Because of the stigma attached to mental health concerns, soldiers diagnosed with PTSD may find help and healing more readily when brought together with others experiencing like symptoms.
These are three distinct areas where the Bald Eagle, embodying all our veterans have fought for in battle, can help the warriors as they reintegrate. Previous successes indicate that interacting with these symbolic creatures does indeed assist people in the transition from proud freedom-fighter abroad to dignified veteran at home.
Help Us Keep the Ball Rolling!
These programs, while vital, are not without expense to the NEC. That’s why we’re reaching out to veterans across the country to help us keep our Outreach Programs active by contributing via the NEC Veterans Outreach Challenge. We’ll provide extensive materials to help your post or group publicize the effort. Then, your organization’s contribution of $1,000 will earn a place in a book displayed at our facility, recording your group or post’s name and background.
If your post or group contributes $2,500 or more, the NEC will come to you! An NEC eagle and handler will do a full presentation in the name of your organization at the community location of your choice -- an unforgettable event at no cost to your group, and our way of saying “thanks”.
For additional information on how to participate in the NEC Veterans Outreach Challenge, call the NEC at 651.565.4989, or email us at
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