Why Our Initiation is So Important?

Throughout different aspects of our lives we often see folks or find ourselves loosing the meaning and the importance of things. This typically happens over time or loosing or attention on an issue. In our personal life's, at work, and with our families things that are truly important to us and remain important to us often start from a well rounded foundation of care, trust, and understanding. A persons adventure of becoming an Eagle should be no different. If we are truly going to campaign on great aspects of the FOE, it behooves us to establish a good foundation and a base of understanding of what being an Eagle is all about. This not only educates the young Eagle, but also creates with this understanding a better chance that this new Eagle will remain active in our Aeries. Give me 1 member who will be active and volunteer at their Aerie and they are worth 5 that just pay there dues. And this friends, I will argue with anyone......

The Grand Aerie has done a fabulous job at refurbishing the Enrollment Application to include information regarding the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. This education is no better ingrained then when the prospect takes the oath and participates in the rituals of the initiation. This to me is one of the most crucial parts of the Eagles indoctrination and if taken seriously remains with that Eagle throughout their fraternal service.

Personally speaking when I attended my initiation I took this very personally and seriously. As some of you are aware it is important to me to be an Eagle because my grandfather was an Eagle and very fond of the Eagles. I went through a range of emotions throughout my initiation, but when I was done I truly felt that I belonged to a great organization. This feeling of belonging to something of importance and quality can make a difference and is something that appeals to a lot folks. Remember, when you sell the Eagles and go to sign up that quality individual, please emphasize the importance, meaning, and tradition of our initiations.

God Bless

Jeff

Why I am an Eagle (From Earlier Publication)

I was born in Waterloo, IA some 37 years ago to Larry and Judy Hughes. My parents still remain in Waterloo, where I grew up. My grandfather, Arthur Dale Ayres was my first exposure to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. I use to watch my grandfather play cards and participate in the social events at the Waterloo Aerie.

Since then and in most of my adult life, I have led of life of service. At the age of 17, I joint the US Army and attended basic training and advanced infantry training at Fort Benning, GA. I served in the US Army reserves from 1987 – 1994. As a career, I entered into law enforcement in 1992 and am currently employed with the Grinnell Police Department as a Detective.

I attended college in Cedar Rapids, IA at Kirkwood Community College and completed my AA in Police Science at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, IA. In June of 2006, I successfully completed my Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology from William Penn University.

I was introduced again to the FOE in 2003, by the State Membership Chair James Virgil Stevenson; a great Eagle! Again, I was very familiar with the social aspects of the FOE, but I did not realize the community and public service the FOE also provides. I had witnessed the Grinnell Aerie 2545 significantly support the Grinnell Area Public safety efforts. My thoughts were and still are, that any organization that supports public guardians; this is a place for me.

In 2004 I was elected the Inside Guard of the Grinnell Aerie 2545 and in 2005, it’s Worthy Vice President. It is with honor, dignity, and commitment, that I have and will continue serve my Aerie, my fellow Eagles, and in turn my community in these post.

Squeak Sheet July 2007

Hello, Brothers and Sisters! I would like to thank all of you for my opportunity to serve you as President of the Grinnell Aerie 2545, for 2007. This will be an exciting year for us all. I truly believe in our adopted motto of "people helping people". This alone makes us stand out in the crowd as a Fraternity that aids and supports its community.

Membership

Effective immediately, all newly signed members are requested to attend an Aerie Initiation. Not only is this required by the rules and regs it also is a great foundation to help new members truly appreciate what it is to be a member of our great institution. The Aerie will be holding Initiations the 4th Monday of every month at the Business Meeting. Anyone wishing to become initiated please arrive by 630pm the nights of the meetings. Additionally, we are looking for members who wish to become more active in the Aerie. If you are interested in volunteering for Eagles Activities, please contact me at the below information.

Aerie Picnic

The Aerie/Axillary Picnic will be held Saturday Sept 8th, 2007 and will start at 11am with children activities. Grilled meat and refreshments will be provided but we are requesting persons provide a dish to pass. This will be held at Lake Nyanza, in Grinnell, IA. There will be a sign up posted soon for persons to attend and to volunteer a dish. This is great opportunity to share your favorite summer recipes.

If you have any questions or concerns, you are always free to contact me at Cell: 641-990-3179 or by email at gpd219@yahoo.com . Remember that our business meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month and encourage you all to attend. Also be sure to visit our website to stay on top of all Eagles Activities and Events. Thank you all again, and please enjoy the beginning of your summer.

Fraternally Yours,

Jeff Hughes, WP 2007