Flight of the Eagle
About
Mission Statement
Flight of the Eagle is a tax-exempt organization under regulations of Federal tax provisions found in Chapter 501, US Tax Code. It is founded to recognize and salute the gallant and unselfish service of Native American soldiers, sailors and airmen in the Vietnam Conflict, and through such recognition to raise, manage and disperse charitable donations benefiting Native American youth on the reservations of the United States of America.
Presidents Message
For more than two decades, Anne D. (Andy) Lawrence has been a friend of our Native Americans. She has gathered Christmas toys, food and medical supplies and carried them to the reservation for Native American children. She has opened her arms to Native American youth, making her home available to them as a foster parent. She has given unselfishly of her time, talent and resources to make this a better world for these forgotten Americans.
Now, Andy has hit upon the idea of honoring Native American heroes of the war in Vietnam as a means of raising awareness and resources for Native American children. Flight of the Eagle, a 501 (C) (3) non-profit corporation, is being founded to bring attention to our un-sung Native American heroes of the war in Vietnam, and through that recognition, to raise funds and resources for Native American children on the reservations of the American West.
I was a company commander in the 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam during the period January to October 1969. During that time I was fortunate enough to have several Native American soldiers under my command. They were uniformly the very best. At a time when resentment of our government's policy in Southeast Asia seethed at home and often became a cause celebrate among our troops, and when these men had every reason to be hostile toward a government that had historically given their forbears short shrift, these fine young men were the best of soldiers. Loyal, resourceful and heroic, they honored their ancestors by their service.
One, Daniel Two Crows, was recognized for gallantry in combat with the Distinguished Service Cross, second only to the Medal of Honor. At least two others that I can recall earned the Silver Star for Gallantry. Among the several who served in my command, at least three of them received Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat. In short, they were exemplary soldiers.
Now, Andy has called on me to serve as a member of the board of directors of Flight of the Eagle, which I am honored and flattered to accept. I urge all patriotic Americans to step to the foreground and add their voices to support this most worthy cause.
Respectfully,
Gerald L. Sewell