Sunday, May 25, 2014

Eagles Healing Nest, Sauk Centre, MN

Their motto:  "Through the determination of a mother's love, building a place to heal with honor, and finding the strength to heal her heroes and our families!"Having met Tim Milo, I was introduced to a world of recovery that I did not even know existed. Located in Sauk Center, Minnesota, Eagles Healing Nest refuses to accept statistics of failure when it comes to reimmersing veterans back into civilian life.  "Coming home" is more than getting on an airplane and coming back to the world, as the transition is not an easy one either for the veterans or for their families.  Melody Butler (Chair and Director), a crew of core volunteers, as well as many others who donate their time and efforts are attempting to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served our country.  Their approach is different and therefore often under scrutiny. Their intentions are honorable, results are tangible, and the message needs to be spread across to those who wish to also contribute to making a tangible difference. If you want to make a difference you need to get involved with your time, energy and financial resources. I have been humbled by my visit here, humbled by the challenges that lay ahead, humbled by what confronts our veterans and humbled by what they must go through to get the help promised to them by our government.
Tim Milo
 After multiple deployments, Tim Milo has found his way home to a loving wife and a child yet to be born, and as a proprietor and owner where they make the best coffee and the finest chicken salad sandwiches in Minnesota.  Thank you for the lead; I will be staying at Eagles Healing Nest due to the graciousness of Melody Butler.  It was a pleasure meeting you...stand tall.

Dan from Lakeville, MN
 Two tours in Iraq and one in Afganistan
 Dan passed along his 4th Div patch to be carried on this journey across United States to honor his unit, its members, and the memory of those who didn't make it home.


Jay
 It does not matter how many times you fall...it's how many times you're able to get up, according Jay.  You give what you can, contribute where you might, and just move on doing all the good you can, wherever you can. We all stumble, we are all not steady on our feet, having the courage to ask for help, but finding the strength to stand tall and moving on is what life is all about.


Linda Hines

Linda cares for the needs and vulnerabilities of the soldiers at Eagles Healing Nest... She listens, soothes, and works with their souls and on their bodies. A most impressive lady!
  Jamie Stowe, Dan Klutenkhmper, Mark Roberson and me at one of Eagles Healing Nest's facilities that is dedicated to "promises made."
 Yet another of the facilities that is dedicated to "promises kept."  Taking actions that give tangible results to help our returning veterans resume their lives and pick up where they left off as best they can.
  This bracelet, made for me by Jamie Stowe and presented at Eagles Healing Nest, will serve as a reminder that I, too, have a responsibility to my fellow veterans. Just as we cared for one another in war we must care for one another in peace... No one will be left behind. I will do my part to see that Eagles Healing Nest receives the support that it needs to carry on its very important mission.
 

5 comments:

  1. What an honor to meet you Steve ! I know the guys too will not soon forget your visit. Whether you noticed or not, they lit up as they talked with you. Your presence was truly a gift to all who shook your hand at the Nest. May your journey be filled with wonderful surprises. Let the pedaling continue...
    Sincerely & Respectfully, Linda from Black Stone.

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  2. The honor was all mine... I was truly humbled by all that I saw and the people that I met. Thank you for the work that you do, God bless and thank you for sharing.

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  3. "We cherish too, the Poppy red
    That grows on fields where valor led,
    It seems to signal to the skies
    That blood of heroes never dies."


    Inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields" Moina Michael penned these words in 1915 as a tribute to those who have died in service to our country. As I read them this morning I thought of you Steve and the memories of those you carry with you. Thank you for your service and God Bless you and all who have served this great land and paid the ultimate price. Ride on!

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    1. Thank you Brad. Your comments are especially poignant after my visit to Eagles Healing Nest... The work being done there humbles me.

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  4. It was a blessing to meet you. Thank you for the inspiration. Prayers for a safe and memorable journey.

    T. Milo

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