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.