Fraternal Order of Eagles
Encyclopedia
Fraternal Order of Eagles International (F.O.E.) is a fraternal organization that was founded on February 6, 1898, in Seattle, Washington
by a group of six theater owners including John Cort
(the first president), brothers John W.
and Tim J. Considine, Harry (H.L.) Leavitt (who later joined the Loyal Order of Moose), Mose Goldsmith and Arthur Williams. Originally made up of those engaged in one way or another in the performing arts
, the Eagles grew and claimed credit for establishing the Mother's Day
holiday in the United States as well as the "impetus for Social Security
". Their lodges are known as "aeries".
The Fraternal Order of Eagles was founded on February 6, 1898. The organization was formed by six theater owners sitting on a pile of lumber in Moran
's shipyard in Seattle, Washington
. They were competitors who had come together to discuss a musicians’ strike. After deciding how to handle the strike, they agreed to "bury the hatchet" and form an organization dubbed, "The Order of Good Things."
Early meetings were held on local theater stages and after taking care of business, attendees rolled out a keg of beer and enjoyed social time. As numbers grew, participants selected the Bald Eagle
as the official emblem and changed the name to "The Fraternal Order of Eagles." In April, 1898, the membership formed a Grand Aerie, secured a charter and developed a constitution and by-laws, with John Cort elected the Eagles' first president.
Touring theater troupes are credited with much of the Eagles' rapid growth. Most early members were actors, stagehands and playwrights who as they toured, carried the Eagles story across the United States and Canada.
The organization's success is also attributed to its funeral benefits (no Eagle was ever buried in a Potter's field
), the provision of an aerie physician and many other benefits.
The Eagles pushed for the founding of Mother's Day
, provided the impetus for Social Security
and pushed to end job discrimination based on age. The Eagles have provided support for medical centers across the country to build and provide research for medical conditions. They raise millions of dollars every year to combat heart disease and cancer, help children with disabilities, and uplift the aged and others.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles is also known as the F.O.E.
History of the Aerie
In nature, an aerie is the lofty nest of any bird of prey, such as an eagle or a hawk. Therefore in the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the word Aerie serves as the name of the building in which the group regularly meets and in which it hosts events.
History of the Auxiliary
A "new era for the women of Eagledom" was launched when an amendment to the Grand Aerie Laws passed unanimously, establishing a Grand Auxiliary. The event took place during the 1951 Grand Aerie Convention in Rochester, New York
, August 8–12.
While the institution date of the Grand Auxiliary is 1951, Eagles Auxiliaries existed long before the Grand Auxiliary was formed, with the first dating back to March 24, 1927 in Pittsburg, Kansas. Three days later, the second Auxiliary was instituted in Frontenac, Kansas
. By March, 1951, 965 local Auxiliaries were in existence, boasting 130,000 members. By the end of that year, 22 state and provincial Auxiliaries were operating.
The international headquarters, known as the Grand Aerie, is located in the Columbus, Ohio
suburb of Grove City
. Local Aeries are located in about 1,500 cities and towns throughout the United States
and Canada
(as of April 2008).
Aeries are known by their instituting number and the name of the city in which they are located. The Aerie instituting number is appointed based on the order in which an Aerie is instituted; at current date the Grand Aerie is instituting Aeries in the 4500 range. Naturally, Aerie #1 is located in Seattle, WA
.
The Grand Aerie Fraternal Order of Eagles International Convention is held each year in a different city in either the United States
or Canada
. During the International Convention, delegates from all Aeries and Auxiliaries vote on the new Grand Aerie and Grand Auxiliary representatives, new by-laws and other relevant issues.
Membership is open to any person of good moral character, and believes in the existence of a supreme being.
The organization is led by the two highest elected positions, the Grand Worthy President and the Grand Madam President. The Grand Worthy and Grand Madam Presidents serve a one year term touring the two countries meeting and celebrating milestone events with all Aerie and Auxiliary members.
The Grand Aerie is the operating body of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and works with the Board of Grand Trustees and the Grand Auxiliary. The Board of Grand Trustees, with the exception of the Chairman of the Board, is also an elected body. The Chairman of the Board is the immediate past Grand Worthy President.
The Max Baer Heart Fund’s primary purpose is to aid in heart research and education. Since the fund started in 1959, millions of dollars have been donated to universities, medical centers and hospitals across the United States and Canada for heart research and education.
Since the fund began in 1959, $50 million has been granted to various institutions for research and related projects. In addition to research, early cancer detection and education are areas that the charitable Eagle dollars have a direct impact.
, an active life-member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Jimmy entertained without charge at fourteen consecutive Grand Aerie International Conventions and at many other Eagle gatherings until his death in 1980. Because of Jimmy's gentle and kind manner, the children's fund was named after him in 1966.
All money raised for the Jimmy Durante
Children's Fund or Child Abuse Prevention Fund is returned to that state or province in the form of grants to children-helping organizations of the state's choosing.
This fund has partnered with the National Spinal Cord Injury Association to provide funds for research, and to develop and evaluate new ways of assisting middle-aged and older persons living with the long-term effects of SCI/D.
and the United States
. The Disaster Relief Fund was recognized at the November 2007 Board of Grand Trustees meeting as an official charity of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. This fund is the first in nearly 30 years to be recognized as a new F.O.E. public charity.
With the Memorial Foundation, children of deceased members who die while serving their country or at work are able to attend college or vocational school with grants up to $30,000. They can also receive medical assistance including payments to physicians, dentists, orthodontists, and hospitals. The cost of eyeglasses, prescriptions, as well as medical and dental devices is also included.
Aside from member support, the Memorial Foundation also provides educational benefits to graduates of Home on the Range in Sentinel Butte, North Dakota
; High Sky Girls Ranch in Midland, Texas
; and Bob Hope High School in Port Arthur, Texas
.
is a senior community open to any member who has at least 10 years of continuous membership in the Fraternal Order of Eagles, with priority given to applicants with the most years of service and those who have made outstanding contributions to their local organizations.
Eagle Village is a 26 acres (105,218.4 m²) complex, with 85 units and featuring a 3 acres (12,140.6 m²) lake, library, recreation center, exercise room, shuffleboard and pool.
, Jobs After 40 and Medicare
.
, was presented to the F.O.E. by the legislator who signed the bill or measure.
Old Age Pensions
"You Eagles have planted this seed… If the Eagles of the United States never do anything else, they have more than justified their existence in their advocacy of this great humanitarian movement." - Gov. Joseph M. Dixon, Governor of Montana
, signing into law America's first old age pension law (1923).
Social Security
"The pen I am presenting the Order is a symbol of my approval of the Fraternity's vision and courage. May its possession inspire your members to dedicate their efforts and those of the Fraternity… To bring a greater degree of happiness to our people." - President Franklin D. Roosevelt
, on the occasion of the signing of the Social Security Act (1935).
Jobs After 40
"The Eagles started this whole idea. That is why I invited the Eagles to be at this private bill signing, and the reason I am presenting this pen to the Fraternal Order of Eagles." - President Lyndon B. Johnson
, signing the federal "Jobs After 40" bill, outlawing upper age limits in hiring.
Medicare
"For your energetic and dedicated espousal of social justices, and for the generous support you have given to all measures designed to further economic opportunity and the compassionate treatment of the sick and disabled." - President Lyndon B. Johnson
, in a message to the Eagles on the signing of the Medicare amendment to the Social Security Act.
Frank E. Hering
, a Past Grand Worthy President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, made the first known public plea for "a national day to honor our mothers" in 1904. Twenty-one years later, the "Society of War Mothers" invited Hering
to participate in a special Mother's Day
ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery
.
There, at the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
," before a large audience including many congressmen and senators, Hering
was introduced as "the Father of Mother's Day
." That was 11 years after President Woodrow Wilson
by Proclamation officially made Mother's Day
the second Sunday in May.
The idea of Mother's Day
came to Hering
when he was a faculty member at the University of Notre Dame
. Walking into the classroom of a fellow instructor, Hering
found his colleague distributing penny postcards to students. Each student addressed his or her card and scribbled a message on it. Hering
was informed the students could write anything, as long as it was addressed to the students’ mothers.
A light bulb went on in Hering
's head and the idea of a special day that would provide formal recognition for mothers began to form. About the same time, Hering
was actively involved in an organization that was started a few years earlier on the Seattle
waterfront and was quickly gaining popularity — the Fraternal Order of Eagles. By 1904, Hering
was a past officer of the South Bend Aerie.
In 1914, legislation in the U.S. Congress requested a presidential proclamation that would designate the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. This date was encouraged by Anna Jarvis
, another crusader for a memorial day for mothers. President Woodrow Wilson
signed the proclamation and May 10, 1914 became the first official Mother's Day
.
Today the Eagles’ work to acknowledge mothers on Mother’s Day is still being acknowledged by the Anna Jarvis
Birthplace Museum. Grand Madam President Margaret Cox (2007–2008), has been named “2008 Mother of the Year” by the Anna Jarvis
Birthplace Museum in partnership with the International Mother's Day Shrine
in Grafton, WV
. Cox was honored at the 100th anniversary of the holiday during the Mother’s Day Founder’s Festival, May 10 and 11, 2008.
to past Fraternal Order of Eagles Grand Worthy President John M. Morin
.
CARES Act
Children’s Access to Reconstructive Evaluation and Surgeries (CARES) Act S. 1588 and H.R. 1655
"Children with birth Defects should not be denied life-altering surgery..."-- Senator Mary Landrieu
(D-LA), Sponsor of the CARES Act
"It is a tragedy that life insurance companies continue to deny treatment to over 50 percent of children who suffer from birth defects." -- Senator Norm Coleman
(R-MN), Co-Sponsor of the CARES Act
Every year in the United States
about 120,000 babies are born suffering from birth defects.
About 40,000 children require reconstructive surgery for their conditions, including cleft palate, cleft lip, malformations of the ear, hand, or foot, or for more profound craniofacial deformities.
The American Medical Association
asserts that “the treatment of a minor child’s congenital or developmental deformity . . . should be covered by all insurers” and that the treatment should seek to “return the patient to a more normal appearance.”
However, evidence suggests that insurance companies are increasingly denying access to reconstructive surgery to children with birth defects.
Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives that would require all group and individual health insurance coverage and all group health plans to provide coverage for surgery and other outpatient and inpatient medical treatments related to a minor child’s congenital or developmental deformity.
In the Senate, this legislation, the Children’s Access to Reconstructive Evaluation and Surgeries (CARES) Act (S. 1588), was introduced by Senator Mary Landrieu
(D-LA) and Senator Norm Coleman
(R-MN) and currently has 11 cosponsors. In the House, similar legislation, H.R. 1655, was introduced by Representative Carolyn McCarthy
(D-NY) and Rep. Patrick Tiberi (R-OH) and has 55 cosponsors.
Social Security Statement of Principle
Ensuring the long-term stability of the Social Security
system while protecting the fundamental principles on which it was founded
Whereas, the Fraternal Order of Eagles is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization with nearly one million individual members in more than 1,500 local Aeries across the United States;
Whereas, The Fraternal Order of Eagles served as a driving force in establishing the Social Security
system in the 1930s;
Whereas, President Franklin Roosevelt wrote a letter to the Eagles dated October 25, 1935 in which he said:
Therefore, it is resolved that the Fraternal Order of Eagles:
Believe that the Social Security
system is essential to the happiness, health, and financial independence of millions of families and individuals across the United States
and must be preserved consistent with the fundamental principles under which it was established;
Encourage the President, leaders in the United States Congress
, and others to take action to ensure the long-term financial stability of the Social Security
system consistent with the fundamental principles under which it was established;
Support enactment of laws and policies that will ensure the long-term financial stability of the Social Security
system while preserving the fundamental principles on which the Social Security
system was established and has flourished; and
Will actively advocate for laws and policies that ensure the long-term stability of the Social Security
system while protecting the fundamental principles on which it is founded.
Health Insurance
for Children Statement of Principle
Ensure that every American child has access to quality health insurance coverage
Whereas, the Fraternal Order of Eagles is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization with nearly one-million individual members in more than 1,500 local Aeries across the United States;
Whereas, the Eagles motto is “People Helping People,” and many of the Eagles’ charitable activities at the local and national level involve both assistance to children and health-related activities;
Whereas, since 1944 the Eagles have operated the Eagles Memorial Foundation which provides health benefits to children of Eagle members who die while serving their country or at work, including payments to physicians, dentists, orthodontists, and hospitals and the cost of eyeglasses, prescriptions, and medical and dental devices;
Whereas, in 2005, 8.3 million American children under the age of 18 – about 11.3% of all American children – lacked health insurance coverage;
Whereas, children without health insurance are less likely to be up to date on immunizations, to receive treatment for sore throat, ear ache, and other common childhood illnesses, or to have a regular doctor;
Whereas, children with health coverage tend to have fewer school absences;
Whereas, universal access to health insurance coverage is fundamental to ensuring that all children receive basic health services and lead full and healthy lives.
Therefore, it is resolved that the Fraternal Order of Eagles:
Believe that every American child should have access to quality health insurance coverage;
Encourage the President, leaders in the United States Congress
, and others to take action to ensure that all American children have access to quality health insurance coverage;
Support enactment of laws and policies that will expand access to health insurance for American children with an emphasis on initiatives that would make quality health insurance coverage accessible to all American children; and
Will actively advocate for laws and policies that make available quality health insurance coverage to all American children.
with a 6-foot-high monolith inscribed with the Ten Commandments
, which in 2006 became the subject of a divisive and controversial legal issue (Van Orden v. Perry
) that reached the U.S. Supreme Court
. The case was ruled 5-4 in favour of the defendant, the State of Texas, and the monument was allowed to remain on the grounds of the State Capitol.
Eagles Aeries and Auxiliaries conduct toy drives, send young victims of domestic violence to camp, hold baby showers for needy families, provide Christmas
and Thanksgiving
baskets, provide backpacks and school supplies, make quilts for nursing homes, and more.
, golfing and playing horseshoes to holding cookouts, riding in parades and attending NASCAR
races. Many social opportunities are also offered at regional and national conventions.
Eagle Riders is a group of Fraternal Order of Eagles member motorcyclists who promote the Eagles and its causes, while doing something that they love - riding motorcycles. The mission of the Eagle Riders is to have fun in a family oriented organization dedicated to the enjoyment of motorcycles, safe riding, while promoting the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Every J.O.E. club has its own officers and follows a ritual during each meeting. J.O.E. clubs plan their own activities, which range from dances and bowling to skating parties, hay rides, stunt nights, sports competitions, campfires and campouts. J.O.E. Clubs conduct their own fundraisers and perform many types of community service, including beautification projects, providing assistance to the elderly, spending time with disabled children and aiding the needy.
Seven United States Presidents held membership in the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Notable Aerie Members
Jeffrey J Dunkel, Youngest Mayor in U.S. in 2001
Notable Auxiliary Members
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
by a group of six theater owners including John Cort
John Cort (impresario)
John Cort was an American impresario; his Cort Circuit was one of the first national theater circuits. Along with John Considine and Alexander Pantages, Cort was one of the Seattle-based entrepreneurs who parlayed their success in the years following the Klondike Gold Rush into an impact on...
(the first president), brothers John W.
John Considine (Seattle)
John Considine was an American impresario, a pioneer of vaudeville.-Youth and arrival on the scene:Born in Chicago, Considine grew up attending Roman Catholic parochial schools, and eventually briefly attended St. Mary's College, Kansas. Briefly a Chicago policeman, he was involved in the raid...
and Tim J. Considine, Harry (H.L.) Leavitt (who later joined the Loyal Order of Moose), Mose Goldsmith and Arthur Williams. Originally made up of those engaged in one way or another in the performing arts
Performing arts
The performing arts are those forms art which differ from the plastic arts insofar as the former uses the artist's own body, face, and presence as a medium, and the latter uses materials such as clay, metal or paint which can be molded or transformed to create some physical art object...
, the Eagles grew and claimed credit for establishing the Mother's Day
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May...
holiday in the United States as well as the "impetus for Social Security
Social Security (United States)
In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
". Their lodges are known as "aeries".
History
The Fraternal Order of Eagles, an international non-profit organization, unites fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality, to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills, and by promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles was founded on February 6, 1898. The organization was formed by six theater owners sitting on a pile of lumber in Moran
Robert Moran (shipbuilder)
Robert Moran was a prominent Seattle shipbuilder who served as the city's mayor from 1888 to 1890.A native of New York City, Moran was 18 when, in 1875, he arrived penniless in Seattle, a frontier outpost in the Pacific Northwest, which had been settled in November 1851, and only incorporated...
's shipyard in Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
. They were competitors who had come together to discuss a musicians’ strike. After deciding how to handle the strike, they agreed to "bury the hatchet" and form an organization dubbed, "The Order of Good Things."
Early meetings were held on local theater stages and after taking care of business, attendees rolled out a keg of beer and enjoyed social time. As numbers grew, participants selected the Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America. It is the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. This sea eagle has two known sub-species and forms a species pair with the White-tailed Eagle...
as the official emblem and changed the name to "The Fraternal Order of Eagles." In April, 1898, the membership formed a Grand Aerie, secured a charter and developed a constitution and by-laws, with John Cort elected the Eagles' first president.
Touring theater troupes are credited with much of the Eagles' rapid growth. Most early members were actors, stagehands and playwrights who as they toured, carried the Eagles story across the United States and Canada.
The organization's success is also attributed to its funeral benefits (no Eagle was ever buried in a Potter's field
Potter's field
A potter's field was an American term for a place for the burial of unknown or indigent people. The expression derives from the Bible, referring to a field used for the extraction of potter's clay, which was useless for agriculture but could be used as a burial site.-Origin:The term comes from...
), the provision of an aerie physician and many other benefits.
The Eagles pushed for the founding of Mother's Day
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May...
, provided the impetus for Social Security
Social Security (United States)
In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
and pushed to end job discrimination based on age. The Eagles have provided support for medical centers across the country to build and provide research for medical conditions. They raise millions of dollars every year to combat heart disease and cancer, help children with disabilities, and uplift the aged and others.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles is also known as the F.O.E.
History of the Aerie
In nature, an aerie is the lofty nest of any bird of prey, such as an eagle or a hawk. Therefore in the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the word Aerie serves as the name of the building in which the group regularly meets and in which it hosts events.
History of the Auxiliary
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
, August 8–12.
While the institution date of the Grand Auxiliary is 1951, Eagles Auxiliaries existed long before the Grand Auxiliary was formed, with the first dating back to March 24, 1927 in Pittsburg, Kansas. Three days later, the second Auxiliary was instituted in Frontenac, Kansas
Frontenac, Kansas
Frontenac is a city in Crawford County, Kansas, United States. The population was 3,437 at the 2010 census.-History:Frontenac was established as a coal mining town in 1886 in the Cherokee-Crawford Coal Fields. In 1888, Frontenac had the worst mining disaster in Kansas history, when an explosion...
. By March, 1951, 965 local Auxiliaries were in existence, boasting 130,000 members. By the end of that year, 22 state and provincial Auxiliaries were operating.
Timeline
- 1898 — "Order of Good Things" established. Later that year, the organization changed its name to Fraternal Order of Eagles and formed the first Aerie.
- 1904 — First public plea for Mother's DayMother's DayMother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May...
- 1927 — Creation and formation of the Ladies Auxiliary
- 1935 — Support for enactment of Social SecuritySocial Security (United States)In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
Law - 1944 — Eagles Memorial Fund established
- 1954 — Nearly 10,000 Ten CommandmentsTen CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue , are a set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship, which play a fundamental role in Judaism and most forms of Christianity. They include instructions to worship only God and to keep the Sabbath, and prohibitions against idolatry,...
plaques distributed - 1955 — F.O.E. Ten CommandmentsTen CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue , are a set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship, which play a fundamental role in Judaism and most forms of Christianity. They include instructions to worship only God and to keep the Sabbath, and prohibitions against idolatry,...
monument placed in Ambridge, PA. F.O.E. Ten CommandmentsTen CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue , are a set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship, which play a fundamental role in Judaism and most forms of Christianity. They include instructions to worship only God and to keep the Sabbath, and prohibitions against idolatry,...
monument placed on the grounds of a state capital, Denver, CO - 1957 — Nationwide "Jobs After 40" program inaugurated
- 1967 — Jimmy DuranteJimmy DuranteJames Francis "Jimmy" Durante was an American singer, pianist, comedian and actor. His distinctive clipped gravelly speech, comic language butchery, jazz-influenced songs, and large nose helped make him one of America's most familiar and popular personalities of the 1920s through the 1970s...
Children's Foundation established - 1972 — Golden Eagle Fund established
- 1983 — Max Baer Heart Fund offered first grants for Aerie-sponsored CPR classes $405,000 donated to Eagles' Truman Cardiovascular Lab at Research Medical Center, Kansas City Golden Eagle Fund donated $5,000 in grants to institutions conducting Alzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's disease also known in medical literature as Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death...
research - 1985 — Donations to St. Jude HospitalSt. Jude Children's Research HospitalSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital, founded in 1962, is a leading pediatric treatment and research facility focused on children's catastrophic diseases. It is located in Memphis, Tennessee. It is a nonprofit medical corporation chartered as a 501 tax-exempt organization under IRS regulations.In...
top $1 million - 1988 — Eagles matched grants up to $500 to sponsor Drug Education Seminars
- 1991 — Eagles supported Operation Desert Storm with mail and food packages
- 1995 — $50,000 donated for the Eagle Alcove of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt MemorialFranklin Delano Roosevelt MemorialThe memorial's design concept of four outdoor "rooms" and gardens is animated by water, stone, and sculpture.The 1974 design competition was won by Lawrence Halprin; but for more than 20 years Congress failed to appropriate the funds to move beyond this conceptual stage...
in Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
(RooseveltFranklin D. RooseveltFranklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...
was a lifetime F.O.E. member) - 2001 — Memorial Foundation established Attack on America Fund and raised $500,000 F.O.E. purchased property to consolidate international headquarters
- 2002 — International headquarters opened in Grove City, OhioGrove City, OhioAs of the census of 2000, there were 27,075 people, 10,265 households, and 7,544 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,941.2 people per square mile . There were 10,712 housing units at an average density of 768.0 per square mile...
- 2005 — Eagles re-dedicated Ten CommandmentsTen CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue , are a set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship, which play a fundamental role in Judaism and most forms of Christianity. They include instructions to worship only God and to keep the Sabbath, and prohibitions against idolatry,...
monument at international headquarters F.O.E. generously supported development of a new scoliosis brace named the "Eagle Brace" F.O.E. signed first year contract with Braun RacingBraun RacingBraun Racing was a NASCAR racing team based in Mooresville, North Carolina. The team was sold to Steve Turner in September 2010. The Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series teams remain active under Turner Motorsports. Following the announcement of the purchase, Turner Motorsports announced that they had...
for FOE.com-sponsored car - 2006 — Eagles worked with local government leaders to keep "under God" in the Pledge of AllegiancePledge of AllegianceThe Pledge of Allegiance of the United States is an expression of loyalty to the federal flag and the republic of the United States of America, originally composed by Christian Socialist Francis Bellamy in 1892 and formally adopted by Congress as the pledge in 1942...
. F.O.E. signed second year contract with Braun RacingBraun RacingBraun Racing was a NASCAR racing team based in Mooresville, North Carolina. The team was sold to Steve Turner in September 2010. The Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series teams remain active under Turner Motorsports. Following the announcement of the purchase, Turner Motorsports announced that they had... - 2007 — Eagles supported American Eagle & Literary Challenge in quest to name June 20 National Eagle Day, The Disaster Relief Fund was passed which will allow the Eagles to have "trailers" stocked with supplies to be a first response team.
- 2008 — $25 million gift commitment to fund The Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center at The University of Iowa.
Structure and Organization
| Elected Officers | |
|---|---|
| Grand Aerie | Grand Auxiliary |
| Grand Worthy President | Grand Madam President |
| Grand Worthy President-Elect | Grand Madam President-Elect |
| Grand Worthy Vice-President | Grand Madam Vice-President |
| Grand Secretary | Grand Madam Secretary |
| Grand Treasurer | Grand Madam Treasurer |
| Grand Worthy Conductor | Grand Madam Conductor |
| Grand Inside Guard | Grand Madam Inside Guard |
| Grand Outside Guard | Grand Madam Outside Guard |
| Grand Worthy Chaplain | Grand Madam Chaplain |
The international headquarters, known as the Grand Aerie, is located in the Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
suburb of Grove City
Grove City, Ohio
As of the census of 2000, there were 27,075 people, 10,265 households, and 7,544 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,941.2 people per square mile . There were 10,712 housing units at an average density of 768.0 per square mile...
. Local Aeries are located in about 1,500 cities and towns throughout the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
(as of April 2008).
Aeries are known by their instituting number and the name of the city in which they are located. The Aerie instituting number is appointed based on the order in which an Aerie is instituted; at current date the Grand Aerie is instituting Aeries in the 4500 range. Naturally, Aerie #1 is located in Seattle, WA
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
.
The Grand Aerie Fraternal Order of Eagles International Convention is held each year in a different city in either the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
or Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. During the International Convention, delegates from all Aeries and Auxiliaries vote on the new Grand Aerie and Grand Auxiliary representatives, new by-laws and other relevant issues.
Membership is open to any person of good moral character, and believes in the existence of a supreme being.
Officers
Officers of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, on a local and international level, are elected each year by popular vote of their delegates. State and regional leaders are appointed each year by the Grand Worthy and Grand Madam Presidents.The organization is led by the two highest elected positions, the Grand Worthy President and the Grand Madam President. The Grand Worthy and Grand Madam Presidents serve a one year term touring the two countries meeting and celebrating milestone events with all Aerie and Auxiliary members.
The Grand Aerie is the operating body of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and works with the Board of Grand Trustees and the Grand Auxiliary. The Board of Grand Trustees, with the exception of the Chairman of the Board, is also an elected body. The Chairman of the Board is the immediate past Grand Worthy President.
Charitable Giving
People helping people is a statement that guides the charitable actions of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and has led the Eagles to donate more than $100 million annually. As part of the charitable philosophy, the Eagles give back 100 percent of the contributions received in the form of grants. All administrative costs are paid by the International Organization through membership dues.Fraternal Order of Eagles Charity Foundation
The Charity Foundation was organized to combine the many health care related funds, children’s charity funds and general undesignated donations.Circle of Life
The Circle of Life program was added in 2005 to answer the need of many members who fully believe in the Eagles, but may not have the opportunity to participate in the many activities held to raise funds for charity. Each member is eligible to be a Circle of Life patron by contributing a donation directly to the Charity Foundation. The member will then receive a sticker to attach to their dues receipt designating the member as a Circle of Life patron.Max Baer Heart Fund
Max Baer was a former heavyweight boxing champion and an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. When Max died of a heart attack in 1959, the Eagles created a charity fund as a tribute to his memory and as a means of combating the disease that killed him.The Max Baer Heart Fund’s primary purpose is to aid in heart research and education. Since the fund started in 1959, millions of dollars have been donated to universities, medical centers and hospitals across the United States and Canada for heart research and education.
Robert W. Hansen Diabetes Fund
The Robert W. Hansen Diabetes fund, named for the former two-time Grand Worthy President, was incorporated into the Max Baer Heart Fund in 1978 when research confirmed that diabetes is associated with heart problems. The goal of this fund is to find a cure for this disease.Art Ehrmann Cancer Fund
Art Ehrmann served as the first director of the Eagle's Cancer Fund, founded in November 1959, and as editor of Eagle Publications for 25 years. Art died of cancer and in his memory the Eagle’s Cancer Fund was renamed the Art Ehrmann Cancer Fund.Since the fund began in 1959, $50 million has been granted to various institutions for research and related projects. In addition to research, early cancer detection and education are areas that the charitable Eagle dollars have a direct impact.
D.D. Dunlap Kidney Fund
The D.D. Dunlap Kidney Fund was established at the 1978 Fraternal Order of Eagles International Convention in Spokane, Washington. Its purpose is to raise funds for grants to universities, hospitals and other institutions involved in kidney research and related projects. All money raised goes directly for research.Jimmy Durante Children's Fund
The fund was named in honor of Jimmy DuranteJimmy Durante
James Francis "Jimmy" Durante was an American singer, pianist, comedian and actor. His distinctive clipped gravelly speech, comic language butchery, jazz-influenced songs, and large nose helped make him one of America's most familiar and popular personalities of the 1920s through the 1970s...
, an active life-member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Jimmy entertained without charge at fourteen consecutive Grand Aerie International Conventions and at many other Eagle gatherings until his death in 1980. Because of Jimmy's gentle and kind manner, the children's fund was named after him in 1966.
All money raised for the Jimmy Durante
Jimmy Durante
James Francis "Jimmy" Durante was an American singer, pianist, comedian and actor. His distinctive clipped gravelly speech, comic language butchery, jazz-influenced songs, and large nose helped make him one of America's most familiar and popular personalities of the 1920s through the 1970s...
Children's Fund or Child Abuse Prevention Fund is returned to that state or province in the form of grants to children-helping organizations of the state's choosing.
Children's AIDS Awareness and Medical Research
The Fraternal Order of Eagles is pursuing a mission to increase the amount of available information for at risk families and educate young people as to the dangers of the AIDS virus. Donations are also set aside for medical research.Lew Reed Spinal Cord Injury Fund
The Lew Reed Spinal Cord Injury Fund is dedicated to improving the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Americans living with the results of spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D) and their families.This fund has partnered with the National Spinal Cord Injury Association to provide funds for research, and to develop and evaluate new ways of assisting middle-aged and older persons living with the long-term effects of SCI/D.
Golden Eagle, Alzheimer and Parkinson Funds
In the early 1970s the Eagles took to heart the statistics of the fast-growing ranks of the elderly, thus the National Golden Eagle Fund was founded. Since that time, donations to the National Golden Eagle Fund have provided $1,000 grants to charitable organizations for community-oriented programs primarily serving the aged.Golden Age Grants
Aeries and Auxiliaries can request Golden Age Grants for those organizations benefiting the community's aged. By 2006, more than 2,097 grants have been made. (Does not include larger grants made at Grand Aerie International Conventions.) The National Golden Eagle Fund is approaching $4 million in donations received.Disaster Relief Fund
The Disaster Relief Fund was developed to fund a first response program for national disaster situations in CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The Disaster Relief Fund was recognized at the November 2007 Board of Grand Trustees meeting as an official charity of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. This fund is the first in nearly 30 years to be recognized as a new F.O.E. public charity.
Memorial Foundation
The Memorial Foundation supports children of members who die while serving their country or at work. All Eagle members and their families are automatically protected by this member benefit.With the Memorial Foundation, children of deceased members who die while serving their country or at work are able to attend college or vocational school with grants up to $30,000. They can also receive medical assistance including payments to physicians, dentists, orthodontists, and hospitals. The cost of eyeglasses, prescriptions, as well as medical and dental devices is also included.
Aside from member support, the Memorial Foundation also provides educational benefits to graduates of Home on the Range in Sentinel Butte, North Dakota
Sentinel Butte, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 62 people, 30 households, and 18 families residing in the city. The population density was 55.3 people per square mile . There were 44 housing units at an average density of 39.2 per square mile...
; High Sky Girls Ranch in Midland, Texas
Midland, Texas
Midland is a city in and the county seat of Midland County, Texas, United States, on the Southern Plains of the state's western area. A small portion of the city extends into Martin County. As of 2010, the population of Midland was 111,147. It is the principal city of the Midland, Texas...
; and Bob Hope High School in Port Arthur, Texas
Port Arthur, Texas
-Demographics:As of the 2000 census, there were 57,755 people, 21,839 households, and 14,675 families residing in the city. The population density was 696.5 people per square mile . There were 24,713 housing units at an average density of 298.0 per square mile...
.
Eagle Village
Eagle Village, located in Bradenton, FloridaBradenton, Florida
Bradenton is a city in Manatee County, Florida, United States. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's 2007 population to be 53,471. Bradenton is the largest Principal City of the Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a 2007 estimated population of 682,833...
is a senior community open to any member who has at least 10 years of continuous membership in the Fraternal Order of Eagles, with priority given to applicants with the most years of service and those who have made outstanding contributions to their local organizations.
Eagle Village is a 26 acres (105,218.4 m²) complex, with 85 units and featuring a 3 acres (12,140.6 m²) lake, library, recreation center, exercise room, shuffleboard and pool.
Grand Worthy President and Grand Madam President Special Charities
Each year the elected Grand Worthy President and Grand Madam President each choose a special project to receive fundraised dollars. Members host fundraisers throughout the year and present checks to either the Grand Worthy or Grand Madam President for their charity.Government Relations
The Eagles have a long and distinguished history of helping improve the lives of American men, women and children by working to shape America's governmental policies through programs such as old age pensions, Social SecuritySocial Security (United States)
In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
, Jobs After 40 and Medicare
Medicare (United States)
Medicare is a social insurance program administered by the United States government, providing health insurance coverage to people who are aged 65 and over; to those who are under 65 and are permanently physically disabled or who have a congenital physical disability; or to those who meet other...
.
Four Pens
Through the years, the Fraternal Order of Eagles has encouraged programs and legislation that benefit many Americans — especially the young and old. The "Four Pens" are the actual instruments three United States presidents and a governor used to sign the documents that made these programs a reality. Each of these pens, which are displayed at the F.O.E. International Headquarters in Grove City, OhioGrove City, Ohio
As of the census of 2000, there were 27,075 people, 10,265 households, and 7,544 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,941.2 people per square mile . There were 10,712 housing units at an average density of 768.0 per square mile...
, was presented to the F.O.E. by the legislator who signed the bill or measure.
Old Age Pensions
"You Eagles have planted this seed… If the Eagles of the United States never do anything else, they have more than justified their existence in their advocacy of this great humanitarian movement." - Gov. Joseph M. Dixon, Governor of Montana
Montana
Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,...
, signing into law America's first old age pension law (1923).
Social Security
"The pen I am presenting the Order is a symbol of my approval of the Fraternity's vision and courage. May its possession inspire your members to dedicate their efforts and those of the Fraternity… To bring a greater degree of happiness to our people." - President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...
, on the occasion of the signing of the Social Security Act (1935).
Jobs After 40
"The Eagles started this whole idea. That is why I invited the Eagles to be at this private bill signing, and the reason I am presenting this pen to the Fraternal Order of Eagles." - President Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon Baines Johnson , often referred to as LBJ, was the 36th President of the United States after his service as the 37th Vice President of the United States...
, signing the federal "Jobs After 40" bill, outlawing upper age limits in hiring.
Medicare
"For your energetic and dedicated espousal of social justices, and for the generous support you have given to all measures designed to further economic opportunity and the compassionate treatment of the sick and disabled." - President Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon Baines Johnson , often referred to as LBJ, was the 36th President of the United States after his service as the 37th Vice President of the United States...
, in a message to the Eagles on the signing of the Medicare amendment to the Social Security Act.
Mother’s Day
Frank E. Hering
Frank Earl Hering was an American football player and coach of football, basketball, an baseball. He served as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1896 to 1898, compiling a record of 12–6–1...
, a Past Grand Worthy President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, made the first known public plea for "a national day to honor our mothers" in 1904. Twenty-one years later, the "Society of War Mothers" invited Hering
Frank E. Hering
Frank Earl Hering was an American football player and coach of football, basketball, an baseball. He served as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1896 to 1898, compiling a record of 12–6–1...
to participate in a special Mother's Day
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May...
ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Lee, a great...
.
There, at the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier refers to a grave in which the unidentifiable remains of a soldier are interred. Such tombs can be found in many nations and are usually high-profile national monuments. Throughout history, many soldiers have died in wars without their remains being identified...
," before a large audience including many congressmen and senators, Hering
Frank E. Hering
Frank Earl Hering was an American football player and coach of football, basketball, an baseball. He served as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1896 to 1898, compiling a record of 12–6–1...
was introduced as "the Father of Mother's Day
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May...
." That was 11 years after President Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson
Thomas Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States, from 1913 to 1921. A leader of the Progressive Movement, he served as President of Princeton University from 1902 to 1910, and then as the Governor of New Jersey from 1911 to 1913...
by Proclamation officially made Mother's Day
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May...
the second Sunday in May.
The idea of Mother's Day
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May...
came to Hering
Frank E. Hering
Frank Earl Hering was an American football player and coach of football, basketball, an baseball. He served as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1896 to 1898, compiling a record of 12–6–1...
when he was a faculty member at the University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States...
. Walking into the classroom of a fellow instructor, Hering
Frank E. Hering
Frank Earl Hering was an American football player and coach of football, basketball, an baseball. He served as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1896 to 1898, compiling a record of 12–6–1...
found his colleague distributing penny postcards to students. Each student addressed his or her card and scribbled a message on it. Hering
Frank E. Hering
Frank Earl Hering was an American football player and coach of football, basketball, an baseball. He served as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1896 to 1898, compiling a record of 12–6–1...
was informed the students could write anything, as long as it was addressed to the students’ mothers.
A light bulb went on in Hering
Frank E. Hering
Frank Earl Hering was an American football player and coach of football, basketball, an baseball. He served as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1896 to 1898, compiling a record of 12–6–1...
's head and the idea of a special day that would provide formal recognition for mothers began to form. About the same time, Hering
Frank E. Hering
Frank Earl Hering was an American football player and coach of football, basketball, an baseball. He served as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1896 to 1898, compiling a record of 12–6–1...
was actively involved in an organization that was started a few years earlier on the Seattle
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
waterfront and was quickly gaining popularity — the Fraternal Order of Eagles. By 1904, Hering
Frank E. Hering
Frank Earl Hering was an American football player and coach of football, basketball, an baseball. He served as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1896 to 1898, compiling a record of 12–6–1...
was a past officer of the South Bend Aerie.
In 1914, legislation in the U.S. Congress requested a presidential proclamation that would designate the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. This date was encouraged by Anna Jarvis
Anna Jarvis
Anna Marie Jarvis is the founder of the Mother's Day holiday in the United States.-Biography:...
, another crusader for a memorial day for mothers. President Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson
Thomas Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States, from 1913 to 1921. A leader of the Progressive Movement, he served as President of Princeton University from 1902 to 1910, and then as the Governor of New Jersey from 1911 to 1913...
signed the proclamation and May 10, 1914 became the first official Mother's Day
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May...
.
Today the Eagles’ work to acknowledge mothers on Mother’s Day is still being acknowledged by the Anna Jarvis
Anna Jarvis
Anna Marie Jarvis is the founder of the Mother's Day holiday in the United States.-Biography:...
Birthplace Museum. Grand Madam President Margaret Cox (2007–2008), has been named “2008 Mother of the Year” by the Anna Jarvis
Anna Jarvis
Anna Marie Jarvis is the founder of the Mother's Day holiday in the United States.-Biography:...
Birthplace Museum in partnership with the International Mother's Day Shrine
International Mother's Day Shrine
Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church, the "mother church" of Mother's Day, was incorporated as the International Mother's Day Shrine on May 15, 1962, as a tribute to all mothers....
in Grafton, WV
Grafton, West Virginia
Grafton is a city in, and county seat of, Taylor County, West Virginia, USA. The population was 5,489 at the 2000 census. The only two national cemeteries in West Virginia are located in Grafton. Mother's Day was founded in Grafton on May 10, 1908; the city is the home to the International Mother's...
. Cox was honored at the 100th anniversary of the holiday during the Mother’s Day Founder’s Festival, May 10 and 11, 2008.
Social Security
The following letter was written October 25, 1935 by President Franklin D. RooseveltFranklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...
to past Fraternal Order of Eagles Grand Worthy President John M. Morin
John M. Morin
John Mary Morin was Republican member of the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania.-Biography:Morin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but moved with his parents to Pittsburgh. He began working in a glass factory in 1882, and was employed in steel mills until 1885...
.
“I am very glad to give you as the representative of the Fraternal Order of Eagles a pen with which I signed the Social Security Securities Act. The measure will directly benefit 30,000,000 of our citizens by its provisions, among which are those for unemployment insurance and for Old Age Pensions. Its broad purpose is to “give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age.”
I have long observed with satisfaction the sponsorship by the F.O.E. of social justice legislation both in the states and in the nation. The records for more than a quarter of a century bear witness to the campaigns of education conducted, the literature distributed, and the addresses delivered by your socially-minded Order. These efforts have borne, and are bearing gratifying results. Our countrymen owe the Eagles good will for their unselfish services.
The pen I am presenting to the Order is a symbol of my approval of the Fraternity's vision and courage. May its possession inspire your 600,000 members to re-dedicate their own efforts and those of the Fraternity to the insuring of such economic and political conditions as will bring a greater degree of happiness to our people.”
Current Government Relations Initiatives and Statements of Principle
In 2008 the Fraternal Order of Eagles hired a lobbyist to begin assisting with government relations efforts in Washington D.C.CARES Act
Children’s Access to Reconstructive Evaluation and Surgeries (CARES) Act S. 1588 and H.R. 1655
"Children with birth Defects should not be denied life-altering surgery..."-- Senator Mary Landrieu
Mary Landrieu
Mary Loretta Landrieu is the senior United States Senator from the State of Louisiana and a member of the Democratic Party.Born in Arlington, Virginia, Landrieu was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana...
(D-LA), Sponsor of the CARES Act
"It is a tragedy that life insurance companies continue to deny treatment to over 50 percent of children who suffer from birth defects." -- Senator Norm Coleman
Norm Coleman
Norman Bertram Coleman, Jr. is an American attorney and politician. He was a United States senator from Minnesota from 2003 to 2009. Coleman was elected in 2002 and served in the 108th, 109th, and 110th Congresses. Before becoming a senator, he was mayor of Saint Paul, Minnesota, from 1994 to 2002...
(R-MN), Co-Sponsor of the CARES Act
Every year in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
about 120,000 babies are born suffering from birth defects.
About 40,000 children require reconstructive surgery for their conditions, including cleft palate, cleft lip, malformations of the ear, hand, or foot, or for more profound craniofacial deformities.
The American Medical Association
American Medical Association
The American Medical Association , founded in 1847 and incorporated in 1897, is the largest association of medical doctors and medical students in the United States.-Scope and operations:...
asserts that “the treatment of a minor child’s congenital or developmental deformity . . . should be covered by all insurers” and that the treatment should seek to “return the patient to a more normal appearance.”
However, evidence suggests that insurance companies are increasingly denying access to reconstructive surgery to children with birth defects.
Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives that would require all group and individual health insurance coverage and all group health plans to provide coverage for surgery and other outpatient and inpatient medical treatments related to a minor child’s congenital or developmental deformity.
In the Senate, this legislation, the Children’s Access to Reconstructive Evaluation and Surgeries (CARES) Act (S. 1588), was introduced by Senator Mary Landrieu
Mary Landrieu
Mary Loretta Landrieu is the senior United States Senator from the State of Louisiana and a member of the Democratic Party.Born in Arlington, Virginia, Landrieu was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana...
(D-LA) and Senator Norm Coleman
Norm Coleman
Norman Bertram Coleman, Jr. is an American attorney and politician. He was a United States senator from Minnesota from 2003 to 2009. Coleman was elected in 2002 and served in the 108th, 109th, and 110th Congresses. Before becoming a senator, he was mayor of Saint Paul, Minnesota, from 1994 to 2002...
(R-MN) and currently has 11 cosponsors. In the House, similar legislation, H.R. 1655, was introduced by Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Carolyn McCarthy
Carolyn McCarthy is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1997. She is a member of the Democratic Party. The district is located in central Long Island in west-central Nassau County and includes Mineola, the Five Towns, East Rockaway, Rockville Centre, Oceanside, Garden City, Hempstead,...
(D-NY) and Rep. Patrick Tiberi (R-OH) and has 55 cosponsors.
Social Security Statement of Principle
Ensuring the long-term stability of the Social Security
Social Security (United States)
In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
system while protecting the fundamental principles on which it was founded
Whereas, the Fraternal Order of Eagles is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization with nearly one million individual members in more than 1,500 local Aeries across the United States;
Whereas, The Fraternal Order of Eagles served as a driving force in establishing the Social Security
Social Security (United States)
In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
system in the 1930s;
Whereas, President Franklin Roosevelt wrote a letter to the Eagles dated October 25, 1935 in which he said:
"I am very glad to give you as the representative of the Fraternal Order of Eagles a pen with which I signed the Social Security Securities Act. . . . I have long observed with satisfaction the sponsorship by the F.O.E. [Fraternal Order of Eagles] of social justice legislation both in the states and in the nation. The records for more than a quarter of a century bear witness to the campaigns of education conducted, the literature distributed, and the addresses delivered by your socially-minded Order. These efforts have borne, and are bearing gratifying results. Our countrymen owe the Eagles good will for their unselfish services.
Whereas, the Eagles motto is “People Helping People,” and many of the Eagles’ charitable activities at the local and national level involve providing financial assistance to the elderly, disabled, and children;
Whereas, Social SecuritySocial Security (United States)In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
lifts about 13 million elderly beneficiaries out of poverty—about one-third of America’s elderly rely on Social SecuritySocial Security (United States)In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
for ninety percent of more of their income and two-thirds of elderly Americans rely on Social SecuritySocial Security (United States)In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
for more than half of their income;
Whereas, without Social SecuritySocial Security (United States)In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
, 55 percent of all disabled Americans and an additional one-million children would live in poverty;
Whereas, Social SecuritySocial Security (United States)In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
was founded on a set of core principles that have resulted in its long-term stability and success that include:
- Near universal participation
- Benefits are an earned right
- Benefits are related to earnings
- The system is contributory and self-financed
- The system is redistributive
- The system is not means tested
- The system is wage indexed
- The system is inflation protected, and
- The system is compulsory;
Whereas, Social SecuritySocial Security (United States)In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
has successfully reduced poverty among the elderly, children, and the disabled and has provided hundreds of millions of Americans a solid base on which to build a financially stable retirement."
Therefore, it is resolved that the Fraternal Order of Eagles:
Believe that the Social Security
Social Security (United States)
In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
system is essential to the happiness, health, and financial independence of millions of families and individuals across the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and must be preserved consistent with the fundamental principles under which it was established;
Encourage the President, leaders in the United States Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
, and others to take action to ensure the long-term financial stability of the Social Security
Social Security (United States)
In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
system consistent with the fundamental principles under which it was established;
Support enactment of laws and policies that will ensure the long-term financial stability of the Social Security
Social Security (United States)
In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
system while preserving the fundamental principles on which the Social Security
Social Security (United States)
In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
system was established and has flourished; and
Will actively advocate for laws and policies that ensure the long-term stability of the Social Security
Social Security (United States)
In the United States, Social Security refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.The original Social Security Act and the current version of the Act, as amended encompass several social welfare and social insurance programs...
system while protecting the fundamental principles on which it is founded.
Health Insurance
Health insurance
Health insurance is insurance against the risk of incurring medical expenses among individuals. By estimating the overall risk of health care expenses among a targeted group, an insurer can develop a routine finance structure, such as a monthly premium or payroll tax, to ensure that money is...
for Children Statement of Principle
Ensure that every American child has access to quality health insurance coverage
Whereas, the Fraternal Order of Eagles is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization with nearly one-million individual members in more than 1,500 local Aeries across the United States;
Whereas, the Eagles motto is “People Helping People,” and many of the Eagles’ charitable activities at the local and national level involve both assistance to children and health-related activities;
Whereas, since 1944 the Eagles have operated the Eagles Memorial Foundation which provides health benefits to children of Eagle members who die while serving their country or at work, including payments to physicians, dentists, orthodontists, and hospitals and the cost of eyeglasses, prescriptions, and medical and dental devices;
Whereas, in 2005, 8.3 million American children under the age of 18 – about 11.3% of all American children – lacked health insurance coverage;
Whereas, children without health insurance are less likely to be up to date on immunizations, to receive treatment for sore throat, ear ache, and other common childhood illnesses, or to have a regular doctor;
Whereas, children with health coverage tend to have fewer school absences;
Whereas, universal access to health insurance coverage is fundamental to ensuring that all children receive basic health services and lead full and healthy lives.
Therefore, it is resolved that the Fraternal Order of Eagles:
Believe that every American child should have access to quality health insurance coverage;
Encourage the President, leaders in the United States Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
, and others to take action to ensure that all American children have access to quality health insurance coverage;
Support enactment of laws and policies that will expand access to health insurance for American children with an emphasis on initiatives that would make quality health insurance coverage accessible to all American children; and
Will actively advocate for laws and policies that make available quality health insurance coverage to all American children.
Controversy
On August 30, 1961, the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Texas presented the State of TexasTexas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
with a 6-foot-high monolith inscribed with the Ten Commandments
Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue , are a set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship, which play a fundamental role in Judaism and most forms of Christianity. They include instructions to worship only God and to keep the Sabbath, and prohibitions against idolatry,...
, which in 2006 became the subject of a divisive and controversial legal issue (Van Orden v. Perry
Van Orden v. Perry
Van Orden v. Perry, 545 U.S. 677 was a case decided by the Supreme Court of the United States of America, involving whether a display of the Ten Commandments on a monument given to the government at the Texas State Capitol in Austin violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.In a...
) that reached the U.S. Supreme Court
. The case was ruled 5-4 in favour of the defendant, the State of Texas, and the monument was allowed to remain on the grounds of the State Capitol.
Community Involvement
With a motto of "people helping people," Eagle members are actively involved in their local communities. Many activities focus on children and improving their quality of life.Eagles Aeries and Auxiliaries conduct toy drives, send young victims of domestic violence to camp, hold baby showers for needy families, provide Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
and Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Thanksgiving is celebrated each year on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. In Canada, Thanksgiving falls on the same day as Columbus Day in the...
baskets, provide backpacks and school supplies, make quilts for nursing homes, and more.
Social Groups
Eagle social activities are almost endless and range from bowlingBowling
Bowling Bowling Bowling (1375–1425; late Middle English bowle, variant of boule Bowling (1375–1425; late Middle English bowle, variant of boule...
, golfing and playing horseshoes to holding cookouts, riding in parades and attending NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
races. Many social opportunities are also offered at regional and national conventions.
Eagle Riders
REAC – Retired Eagle Activities Club
R.E.A.C. clubs are developed to provide an opportunity for retired members aged 55 and over, to cultivate friendships, enjoy leisure time, social and cultural activities. This internal unit is the backbone of many Eagle Aeries; holding fundraisers, and providing a much needed social setting for seniors.Under 35 Club
The Under 35 Club was developed to support the interests of younger people and aid in their joining the Eagles. Members of the Under 35 Club range in ages from 21 to 35 and are members in good standing in their local Aerie and/or Auxiliary. Club members determine the activities which interest them; such as camping, cookouts, sports, etc. while promoting the ideals of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.JOE – Junior Order of Eagles
Junior Order of Eagles (J.O.E.) clubs represent the future of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. They are fun, educational, encourage responsibility and help shape the leaders of tomorrow. J.O.E. clubs are often self-supporting and guided by advisors from the local Aerie and Auxiliary. J.O.E. clubs are open to young people between the ages of 11 and 18 and any young person can join. Members do not have to be the son or daughter of an Aerie or Auxiliary member.Every J.O.E. club has its own officers and follows a ritual during each meeting. J.O.E. clubs plan their own activities, which range from dances and bowling to skating parties, hay rides, stunt nights, sports competitions, campfires and campouts. J.O.E. Clubs conduct their own fundraisers and perform many types of community service, including beautification projects, providing assistance to the elderly, spending time with disabled children and aiding the needy.
Notable Eagles buildings
- Eagles Auditorium BuildingEagles Auditorium BuildingThe Eagles Auditorium Building is a seven story historic theatre and apartment building in Seattle, Washington. Located at 1416 Seventh Avenue, at the corner of Seventh and Union Street, the Eagles Auditorium building has been the home to ACT Theatre since 1996. It was listed on the National...
, Seattle, Washington - Eagles Building (Dayton, Ohio)Eagles Building (Dayton, Ohio)The Eagles Building built in 1916 is an historic Fraternal Order of Eagles meeting hall-office building located at 320 South Main Street in Dayton, Ohio. It is also known as the City Mission....
- Eagles Building (Lorain, Ohio)Eagles Building (Lorain, Ohio)Eagles Building is a building in Lorain, Ohio. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986....
- Eagles Building-Strand TheaterEagles Building-Strand TheaterThe Eagles Building-Strand Theater is a building built in 1921 in Alliance, Ohio, also known as the Wallace Building. It historically served as a meeting hall and as a theater. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997....
, Alliance, Ohio - Eagles Club, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Eagles Hall (San Diego, California)Eagles Hall (San Diego, California)The Eagles Hall in San Diego, California is a Classical Revival building built in 1934. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985....
- Eagles HomeEagles Home (Evansville, Indiana)The Eagles Home also known as Lockyear's Union-Eagles Home, is a historic building located in Evansville, Indiana. It was built in 1912 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It has served as a college, clubhouse, and meeting hall....
, Evansville, Indiana - Eagles Temple (Akron, Ohio)Eagles Temple (Akron, Ohio)The Eagles Temple in Akron, Ohio is an Art Deco building from 1918. It served as a clubhouse. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982....
- Eagles' Temple (Canton, Ohio)
- Fraternal Order of Eagles BuildingFraternal Order of Eagles Building (Richmond, Virginia)The Fraternal Order of Eagles Building located in Richmond, Virginia, was built in 1914. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006....
, Richmond, Virginia
Notable Eagles
United States PresidentsSeven United States Presidents held membership in the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
- Theodore R. RooseveltTheodore RooseveltTheodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States . He is noted for his exuberant personality, range of interests and achievements, and his leadership of the Progressive Movement, as well as his "cowboy" persona and robust masculinity...
- Cheyenne, Wyoming, 26th President - Warren G. HardingWarren G. HardingWarren Gamaliel Harding was the 29th President of the United States . A Republican from Ohio, Harding was an influential self-made newspaper publisher. He served in the Ohio Senate , as the 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ohio and as a U.S. Senator...
- Marion, Ohio, 29th President - Franklin D. RooseveltFranklin D. RooseveltFranklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...
- Buffalo, New York, 32nd President - Harry S. TrumanHarry S. TrumanHarry S. Truman was the 33rd President of the United States . As President Franklin D. Roosevelt's third vice president and the 34th Vice President of the United States , he succeeded to the presidency on April 12, 1945, when President Roosevelt died less than three months after beginning his...
- Independence, Missouri, 33rd president - John F. KennedyJohn F. KennedyJohn Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy , often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963....
- Hyde Park, Massachusetts, 35th President - James Earl "Jimmy" CarterJimmy CarterJames Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. is an American politician who served as the 39th President of the United States and was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, the only U.S. President to have received the Prize after leaving office...
- Atlanta, Georgia, 39th President, Eagles Honorary Lifetime Member - Ronald W. Reagan - Santa Barbara, California, 40th President, Eagles Honorary Lifetime Member
Notable Aerie Members
- Tony OrlandoTony OrlandoMichael Anthony Orlando Cassavitis , better known as Tony Orlando, is an American show business professional, best known as the lead singer of the group Tony Orlando and Dawn in the early 1970s. Discovered by producer Don Kirshner, Orlando had songs on the charts in 1961 when he was 16, "Halfway to...
, musical performer and entertainer - Billy Ray CyrusBilly Ray CyrusWilliam "Billy" Ray Cyrus is an American country music singer, songwriter, actor and philanthropist, who helped make country music a worldwide phenomenon...
, musical performer and entertainer - Jack ChristianJack ChristianJohn "Jack" Christian was a businessman who served from 1957-1964 as the Mayor/President of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.-Background:Christian was born to John C...
, Louisiana politician - Bob HopeBob HopeBob Hope, KBE, KCSG, KSS was a British-born American comedian and actor who appeared in vaudeville, on Broadway, and in radio, television and movies. He was also noted for his work with the US Armed Forces and his numerous USO shows entertaining American military personnel...
, comedian, performer - Max Baer, boxer/heavyweight champion
- Gordie HoweGordie HoweGordon "Gordie" Howe, OC is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey player who played for the Detroit Red Wings and Hartford Whalers of the National Hockey League , and the Houston Aeros and New England Whalers in the World Hockey Association . Howe is often referred to as Mr...
, Hockey Hall of Fame member - William Allen EganWilliam Allen EganWilliam Allen Egan was an American Democratic politician. He served as the first Governor of the State of Alaska from January 3, 1959 to 1966, and the fourth Governor from 1970 to 1974...
, Governor, Alaska - Tony StewartTony StewartAnthony Wayne "Tony" Stewart is an American auto racing driver and owner. Throughout his racing career, Stewart has won titles in Indy cars and stock cars as well as midget, sprint and USAC Silver Crown cars, giving him the recognition of "one of the finest racers of his generation."Stewart...
, NASCAR driver - Sam Hornish, Jr.Sam Hornish, Jr.Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
, IRL and NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
driver - Jimmy DuranteJimmy DuranteJames Francis "Jimmy" Durante was an American singer, pianist, comedian and actor. His distinctive clipped gravelly speech, comic language butchery, jazz-influenced songs, and large nose helped make him one of America's most familiar and popular personalities of the 1920s through the 1970s...
, musical performer and entertainer - Red SchoendienstRed SchoendienstAlbert Fred "Red" Schoendienst is an American Major League Baseball coach, former player and manager, and 10-time All-star. After a 19-year playing career with the St...
, Baseball Hall of Fame member - Joe NuxhallJoe NuxhallJoseph Henry Nuxhall was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball, mostly for the Cincinnati Reds. Immediately after retiring as a player, he became a radio broadcaster for the Reds from 1967 through 2004, and continued part-time up until his death in 2007...
, pitcher and broadcaster - Arnold PalmerArnold PalmerArnold Daniel Palmer is an American professional golfer, who is generally regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men's professional golf. He has won numerous events on both the PGA Tour and Champions Tour, dating back to 1955...
, golfer - Johnny LongdenJohnny LongdenJohn Eric Longden was an American Hall of Fame jockey. He was born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, England but his father wanted to build a better life for his family so in 1909 emigrated to Canada, settling in Taber, Alberta. By 1912 Longden Sr. had saved enough money to send for his wife and young son...
, jockey, Honorary Lifetime Member - Joe FossJoe FossJoseph Jacob "Joe" Foss was the leading fighter ace of the United States Marine Corps during World War II and a 1943 recipient of the Medal of Honor, recognizing his role in the air combat during the Guadalcanal Campaign...
, WWII "ace" pilot, first commissioner of the AFLAmerican Football LeagueThe American Football League was a major American Professional Football league that operated from 1960 until 1969, when the established National Football League merged with it. The upstart AFL operated in direct competition with the more established NFL throughout its existence... - Jim HoustonJim HoustonJames Edward "Jim" Houston is a former American football linebacker who played thirteen seasons in the National Football League with the Cleveland Browns. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006....
, College Football Hall of Fame member - Jim CrowleyJim CrowleyJames Harold "Jim" Crowley was an American football player and coach. He gained fame as one-fourth of the University of Notre Dame's legendary "Four Horsemen" backfield where he played halfback from 1922 to 1924. After a brief career as a professional football player, Crowley turned to coaching...
, College Football Hall of Fame member, one of the Four HorsemenFour Horsemen (football)The Four Horsemen of Notre Dame comprised a winning group of American football players at the University of Notre Dame under coach Knute Rockne. They were the backfield of Notre Dame's 1924 football team... - Jerry QuarryJerry QuarryJerry Quarry , nicknamed "Irish" or “The Bellflower Bomber,” was an Irish-American heavyweight boxer. Quarry was rated by Ring Magazine as the most popular fighter in the sport, 1968–1971, and was one of the biggest stars of arguably the greatest era in the history of the heavyweight division.-...
, boxer - Danny ThomasDanny ThomasDanny Thomas was an American nightclub comedian and television and film actor, best known for starring in the television sitcom Make Room for Daddy . He was also the founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital...
, producer and entertainer - Dennis DayDennis DayDennis Day born Owen Patrick Eugene McNulty, was an Irish-American singer and radio, television and film personality.-Early life:...
, singer and entertainer - Frank FontaineFrank FontaineFrank Fontaine was an American comedian and singer.Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he is best known for his appearances on television shows of the 1950s and 1960s, including The Jackie Gleason Show, The Jack Benny Show, and The Tonight Show.One of his earliest appearances was on the radio show,...
, actor - Bob GrieseBob GrieseRobert Allen "Bob" Griese is a former American collegiate and Professional Football quarterback who earned All-American honors with the Purdue Boilermakers before being drafted in 1967 by the American Football League's Miami Dolphins...
, Super Bowl winning quarterback - Art RooneyArt RooneyArthur Joseph "Art" Rooney, Sr. , often referred to as "The Chief", was the founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers American football franchise in the National Football League.-Family history:...
, founder of the Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... - Earl MorrallEarl MorrallEarl Edwin Morrall is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League. Morrall, who also occasionally punted, played 21 seasons in the National Football League as both a starter and reserve. In the latter capacity, he became known as the greatest backup quarterback in NFL...
, NFL Most Valuable Player 1968 - Warren SpahnWarren SpahnWarren Edward Spahn was an American Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He played his entire 21-year baseball career in the National League. He won 20 games each in 13 seasons, including a 23-7 record when he was age 42...
, Baseball Hall of Fame member - Roger MarisRoger MarisRoger Eugene Maris was an American Major League Baseball right fielder. During the 1961 season, he hit a record 61 home runs for the New York Yankees, breaking Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60 home runs...
, baseball player - Stan MusialStan MusialStanley Frank "Stan" Musial is a retired professional baseball player who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals . Nicknamed "Stan the Man", Musial was a record 24-time All-Star selection , and is widely considered to be one of the greatest hitters in baseball...
, Baseball Hall of Fame member
Jeffrey J Dunkel, Youngest Mayor in U.S. in 2001
Notable Auxiliary Members
- Bess TrumanBess TrumanBess Truman , was the wife of Harry S. Truman and First Lady of the United States from 1945 to 1953.-Early life:...
, wife of former U.S. President - Eleanor RooseveltEleanor RooseveltAnna Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. She supported the New Deal policies of her husband, distant cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and became an advocate for civil rights. After her husband's death in 1945, Roosevelt continued to be an international...
, wife of former U.S. President - Virginia GrahamVirginia GrahamVirginia Graham born Virginia Komiss, was a daytime television talk show host from the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s...
, radio and TV personality - Susan Wagner, wife of New York Mayor Robert WagnerRobert WagnerRobert John Wagner is an American actor of stage, screen, and television.A veteran of many films in the 1950s and 1960s, Wagner gained prominence in three American television series that spanned three decades: It Takes a Thief , Switch , and Hart to Hart...