Gathering of Eagles
Posted by Lex, on November 5, 2007
If you’re on the east coast you’ve got a special opportunity coming up this weekend – a gathering of American heroes from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq at the Renaissance Washington Hotel. In attendance:
Iraq/Afghanistan
Sgt. Marco Martinez – Ex-gang member joined Marines and received the Navy Cross. Author “Hard Corps” – How a young man changed his life and became a hero.
SSgt. David Bellavia – Nominated for Medal of Honor for Fallujah in 2004. Co-founder of Vets for Freedom (pro-mission advocacy group). Author of new book “House to House.”
Maj. Kim Campbell – Female pilot decorated with Distinguished Flying Cross for flying her damaged plane through heavy fire in the initial attack into Iraq. Her call sign and nickname is “Killer Chick.”
Maj. Jason Amerine – Army Special Forces. Was already in the Middle East training forces on 9/11. Worked directly with Karzai during overthrow of Taliban in 2001. Featured in new video game produced by the Army on America’s heroes.
Vietnam:
Vets from “We Were Soldiers” – Well-known Vietnam veterans, due to movie and book. Hal Moore (played by Mel Gibson), Joe Galloway (Barry Pepper) and Bruce Crandall (Greg Kinnear).
B.G. Burkett – Authored “Stolen Valor: How the Vietnam Generation Was Robbed of Its Heroes and Its History.” Helped identify fake heroes in Vietnam and Iraq.
Korea:
Capt. Tom Hudner – Medal of Honor recipient; saved Jesse Brown, Navy’s first black pilot.
WWII:
Veterans of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team – Japanese American unit, formed from interned Japanese-Americans.
The Band of Brothers – Portrayed in the series.
Tuskegee Airmen – Legendary unit of America’s first black pilots.
Iwo Jima/Flags of Our Fathers – Vets from platoon that took Mt. Suribachi and raised the flags.
I needn’t add that this kind of opportunity might not come again, especially for our World War II veterans.
Further information and registration info can be found at the American Veteran’s Center’s website.