WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii - U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) is welcoming a new member to the marketing team: "Eddie the Eagle."
The eagle, which already serves as the national bird and emblem for the U.S., has been assigned an additional duty: to serve as the official mascot of FMWR, here, personified as "Eddie the Eagle."
"I flew in to support and lift the spirits of Soldiers and family members," he said.
Eddie's energy and eagerness to get started was on display during his first appearance at the Suicide Awareness "Run for Life" event, Tuesday at Sills Field, here.
While gliding across the field, he spoke of his long journey from the cold, upper regions of Alaska to the islands.
"They lost my paperwork in Seattle, and I got stuck in quarantine," he said, "but I am glad to be out now - been stuck there since July."
After officially being taken off the Federal List of Endangered Species, in June 2007, Eddie started looking for other ways to serve his country and spread his wings.
"I'm looking forward to digging my talons into some sand instead of the snow. I'm tired of salmon, and I hear the ahi here is good," he said, although, he is not too certain about the Spam.
Most importantly, Eddie wants to meet the community.
"I am very excited to start attending all of the FMWR events, and I can't wait to meet the Soldiers and families."
According to FMWR marketing specialist Katy Kluck, Army Hawaii communities can keep an eye out for "Eddie the Eagle" at special events like the Soldier Show and Operation Rising Star. He will also regularly soar in to welcome home Soldiers at redeployment ceremonies and other garrison events.
"I would also like to visit with our wounded warriors at Tripler Army Medical Center and the Fisher House," he added.
In between all the paperwork and in-processing, Eddie has found some time to explore the islands.
"I was told a visit to Pililaau Army Recreation Center and Kilauea Military Camp, on the Big Island, were a 'must' before getting too busy ... that volcano is awesome. I'm looking forward to hitting some more beaches, cooling off with some shave ice, and maybe taking in a luau."
Right now his biggest concern is getting into some slippers that will fit.
"Couldn't find anything at Wal-Mart ... haven't had a chance to hit the PX, yet."
If you are hosting an event and would like "Eddie the Eagle" to attend, contact Katy Kluck, FMWR Marketing, at 656-3326 or <a href="mailto:katy.kluck@us.army.mil"> katy.kluck@us.army.mil</a>.
All requests must be made 30 days in advance. Eddie is not available for personal appearances or private parties.
"Eddie the Eagle" fans can follow him at <a href=" http://www.twitter.com/FMWR_Eddie">Twitter</a> or on <a href=" http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/profile.php'id=1531251805&ref=profile">Facebook</a>.
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