I would like to launch my year as Grand Worthy President by saying that I am very
proud of the Eagles and the millions and millions of dollars we have donated to
charities. And, I am not afraid to talk about who we are or what we believe.
I joined Ballard #172 in 1968 at the age of 20 after my in-laws introduced me to
the Eagles by taking me to the local aerie after work. Like many of you, once I
joined our organization, I went through the various offices at different levels
until I reached the international level.
Those of you who know me understand that the FOE is a family affair, with my wife,
Martha, and my two sons and two daughters Eagle members. I also have several brothers
who belong to the FOE.
I selected the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center as my charity
for 2010—even though my first inclination was to choose an organization that supports
cancer research since my first wife, Shari, died of cancer after 37 years of marriage.
I selected the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center because it has
the potential for such a widespread impact. The research conducted there and its
results will affect millions of people around the world.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center will also provide the Eagles
something we can hang our hat on, so to speak. When people visit or are treated
as patients there, they will recognize the facility is possible because of the hard
work and dedication of the more than one million members who comprise the FOE. I
hope to move our fundraising efforts on behalf of this facility forward in leaps
and bounds during the coming year.
While we will work hard for our various projects and charities during the coming
year, I know we will have a lot of fun because the Eagles are such social people.
With everything that is happening around the world, we know the Eagles club is one
of the safest places we can go and enjoy fellowship with good friends. And, it’s
a bargain, too. The cost is very minimal compared to the benefits our members enjoy!
I look forward to my travels and the opportunity to meet many of you. During the
coming months, you will learn that I love singing, karaoke and Texas Hold ‘Em. I
am also passionate about making a difference and I am setting our goals high for
various programs, including membership.
I believe that with your help, we will meet and exceed those goals because we are
the FOE. We work hard, play hard and commit to making the world a better place.