Rolla ND Fred C Wagner Legion and Auxillary # 235
Delivered a carved Eagle to the post in oct 2025. The journey started in early 2024 with James McCain talking with Carol Leavey. They had agreed to the donation of an Eagle to the post. at that time I had just finished my time in Maine with John and wanted to carve and hand deliver the eagle to ND because I have family very close by there and could deliver a Eagle to the post while also visiting family.
This was going to be an interior displayed carving, so basswood it was. the carving took over 4 months to complete mostly due to life getting in the way!
Early in October I headed from Pittsburgh to ND with my pup Manny, a mixed breed terrier who lives up to the terrier styrotype!
Two days travel and a few days spending time with my niece and nephew, I headed towards Rolla.
I meet with Carol and her family, spending a few hrs in her Mothers home. A beautiful woman in her 90’s talking about what we have been carving and a recent show of a famous carver talking place in MN.
We then drove to the Legion hall, a newly built building which replaced what I wish I could have seen, a old log cabin Lodge that recently caught fire.
The new lodge was clean and huge with a large amount of members streaming in. Once the meeting was called to order the first order of business was honoring veterans with “Quilts of Valor” a group of talented individuals donating handmade quilts to veterans. Each veteran had their career read aloud and presented a quilt. I was honored with a quilt of my own made by the gifted Carol. No words really describe the honor to receive a quilt. Standing shoulder to shoulder with other veterans from other wars, Vietnam,Korea and dessert storm. One dosen’t compare ribbons or prestige but just the desire to serve ones country and the fellow veteran next to him.
Next was the honor to present the carved Eagle to the group. I said a few words but was already choked up with the dedication and sacrafice from the previous individuals.
After the dedication I was able to hang the Eagle in its final resting place. And I can’t say for a fact after as I was not without a drink or 4 the rest of the night. The gratitude was flowing through endless gifted beers!
Since I have been home I have had numerous veterans from that night write letters in the appreciation. I was awkward that night and continue to be,All I can say is its a honor to donate.
Some gave all, all gave some.