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Foreword
We truly have been blessed by the countless
calls, cards, letters, prayers, and words of encouragement that we have
received from all our many wonderful family members and friends everywhere.
Our grassroots campaign of seeking justice for Kris, of helping to improve
working conditions for Law Enforcement Officers in our National Parks,
and of collecting and distributing materials about the seriousness of
our lax immigration policies is continuing.
Media Contacts
Traverse City
Record Eagle - December 8th
Editor Bill Thomas wrote an excellent article about Kris and the tragic
end to his life. Because of problems that were not corrected by the Department
of the Interior/ National Park Service, Kris was murdered. Bill lived
in New Mexico for years and has a greater understanding of the border
crisis than most Michigan residents. He has asked us to keep him updated
on any new developments as we continue our campaign. Our gratitude is
extended to him for feeling our story was worthy of telling to his audience.
Bill's email address is bthomas@record-eagle.com.
Letters to
the Editor - December 9th, 12th, 17th and 20th
A suggestion was given by an email friend to write some Letters to the
Editor for the Arizona papers, three of which have been published. The
Arizona Daily Star published most of the letter, the Sierra Vista Herald
used some of the letter and did a phone interview as a follow-up, and
the Tucson Citizen published the complete letter. This is another good
way to get our message to different audiences. Another piece, entitled
"The Spotlight is Now on the Border," was published by the Sierra
Times on their website (www.sierratimes.com/02/12.18/edbe121802.htm).
WTCM NewsTalk
580 AM - December 11th
Ron Jolly, morning talk show host for WTCM, invited us for a live interview.
Ron was prepared with information pertinent to our discussion. We were
able to tell about Kris as a young boy, about his character and his leadership
traits, and about his ability to make friends wherever he went. We discussed
Kris' training for serving his country as a U.S. Park Ranger, and also
how this job became more of a military mission as time went by. Ron is
also a strong proponent of securing the borders, enforcing immigration
laws, and using the military to help gain the control that is so desperately
needed. Again, we want to thank him for allowing us to tell Kris' story,
and making more people aware of the dangers facing our young people working
on the border. Ron's email address is talk@wtcmradio.com.
FHM (For Him
Magazine) - December 15th
Shanti Sosienski, a freelance writer from Los Angeles, contacted us for
information on the Law Enforcement aspect of the National Parks. She has
been an avid supporter of the parks and is saddened by how Law Enforcement
Rangers have now been put in such defensive positions. She has read many
of the studies and reports and sees how slowly the government works in
changing policies. We also discussed how we now feel about the parks,
if Jennifer planned to continue to work for the NPS, and if we foresee
any positive changes in the future. The focus for her article is going
to be Rangers and parks around the country, with Kris' story as a part
of the bigger picture. This should be an excellent article with the readership
being the people who use the National Parks regularly. Thank you, Shanti,
for including our son Kris as a reference for your article! This should
be on the newsstands in April/May. Shanti's website is http://www.mediabistro.com/shantisosienski
and her e-mail address is Shantisos@aol.com.
KRLA AM 870
Talk Radio from Los Angeles - December 22nd
Terry Anderson interviewed us for his program, the Terry Anderson Show.
He began a mission of informing people about our border problems and terrible
immigration policies a few years ago because of the lack of information
coming from any media source. He chastised members of our government about
not caring for Americans' needs (health care, education, Social Security),
but instead, making plans with Vincente Fox to extend our Social Security
policies for Mexicans who work here. Fox is still upset that the full
amnesty plans were stalled after the 9-11 terrorist attacks, so he wants
Bush to appease him with this plan. It sounds as though things are moving
in this direction. If you feel this is a travesty to OUR citizens, read
up on the situation and voice your concerns. Terry also cited many cases,
including Kris' murder, of how illegal aliens have killed, raped, plundered,
burglarized, and left debris and garbage everywhere as they travel illegally
into our country. Why should we tolerate this? How many more Americans
have to be injured or murdered before our government obeys the Constitution
and protects the U.S. citizens? Terry is an amazing orator and host and
we really appreciated him allowing us the time to tell some of Kris' story
to his audience. His website is http://www.theterryandersonshow.com. He
is going to put our email address and our website on his page also. Terry
wanted to assure us he would help send out our message the best he could.
God Bless You, Terry, for caring enough to do something so gracious for
our family.
Association
of National Park Rangers (ANPR) Magazine - Late December 2002
Kevin Moses, a Law Enforcement Ranger and friend of Kris' has written
an article - a letter to Kris. We will be very anxious to read this because
we know how much these fine young men had connected with each other, even
for a very short time. Kevin also addresses all Rangers on what their
responsibilities will be to help bring about changes that are desperately
needed. This promises to be a worthwhile read. Our friend Kevin and his
family have a standing invitation to come visit us at Cadillac when the
weather warms in the spring or summer. Thanks for caring and sharing your
heart with us, Kevin. We appreciate you and all you've done in the service
of your country.
Michigan Runner
Mgazine - November/December 2002
Dave Foley, Kris' Cross Country coach and dear friend, wrote a remembrance
article about Kris. It was very touching because it again pointed out
the true character of our son/brother. Dave stated that even though Kris
was a great runner, he never sought attention. He was always looking out
for the other guy, for the team, and if he did not have a good race, he
always felt bad that he let his friends down. " Kris was a caring
person who made the rest of us feel good about ourselves, and made us
all want to be better people." Simply put, Coach Foley knew him almost
better than anyone else, and they remained dear friends throughout Kris'short,
but inspiring life.
National Parks Magazine
- November/December 2002
Tim Vanderpool, a writer from Tucson who concentrates on environmental
and border issues, did a piece in the National Parks Magazine. He highlighted
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Big Bend National Park, Padre Island
National Seashore, and Saguaro National Park. In his investigations, he
noted that the parks are woefully understaffed along the Southern border
and that they have become targets of drug and people smugglers. These
illegal border crossers have left behind a trail of trash, destruction,
and in some cases, death. Tim stated that nowhere is the situation more
pressing than at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument where Kristopher
Eggle was gunned down by a Mexican outlaw. This is a must-read article.
Thank you, Tim, for again bringing this horrendous problem to the attention
of your many readers.
Events
Michigan Concerns
of Police Survivors (MI-COPS) Banquet - December 8th
Our family was invited to a Christmas banquet in Lansing where the survivors
of fallen officers from Michigan (federal, state, and local) were honored
and treated to a beautiful afternoon of memorials, entertainment, networking
with other surviving family members, and a catered meal. We were given
a blue ornament with our loved one's name painted on it, and then we each
hung ours on a tree covered with blue lights. MI-COPS is a support group
for survivors, and there are monthly meetings in different areas of the
state. We will try to attend a few in the Grand Rapids area. We are so
thankful for the National Cops Organization and for our local organization,
under the leadership of Lin Emmert from Suttons Bay.
Cadillac Area
Sports Hall of Fame - December 13th
Kris was inducted into this special Hall of Fame in two different categories.
In 1990, his 2 Mile Relay team placed 2nd at the Track and Field State
Meet. It was the best Cadillac had ever done, and so that team (Mike Frederick,
Ryan O'Neal, Paul McMullen, and Kris) was chosen for this honor. Kris
also was inducted for his athletic abilities in Cross Country and Track
in 1991. Part of this recognition was for winning the indoor 2- mile state
championship at University of Michigan as a senior. Because of his untimely
death, Bob and I were his representatives and were presented with the
award for him. This was an extremely difficult time, but also a wonderful
celebration of his accomplishments, as well as of all the other inductees
that were honored. Our congratulations go to every award winner.
Other Information
Special Visitors
at the Eggle Home
Two of Kris' dear friends from Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument have
visited us this winter. Bo Stone came for part of the hunting season and
spent 12 days at our home. It was rewarding for us to be able to spend
quality time with a young man who had spent over a year working side-by-side
with Kris. They were so closely bonded and that broken link has been extremely
difficult for Bo. We shared many memories about Kris and that was rewarding
for all of us. In mid-December Brian Fields, a housemate and close friend
of Kris, visited for a few days. He wanted to spend time with us and at
Kris' special places, such as the farm, the lake, and Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Brian has taken a new position in Florida and will start in January. We
are so thankful Kris' friends have become our friends and they are always
welcome at our home. Our daily prayers continue to go out for protection
and safety for our dear friends at Organ Pipe and other Parks. We feel
they now have a guardian angel watching over them.
A Lovely Christmas
Tribute to Kris
After the Ron Jolly radio interview on December 11th, we were contacted
by a family from the Mesick area. They had made a decision to help a family
this Christmas. After they heard the Ron Jolly program, the family they
chose was us. Their plan is to write letters to Congressmen and in turn
go visit 20 of their friends and ask them to do the same. Working together
for the common good of our country is a wonderful thing to do. What is
more precious than our freedoms? More people need to take that stand to
show they believe changes should be made to make our country safer, so
there will be no more Kristopher William Eggle's who have to die needlessly.
Thank you, friends, for showing the true Christmas spirit of giving and
helping others in need. May God Bless You.
Michelle
Malkin
Michelle appeared on C-Span, December 8, 2002, on the Book Notes program.
She was able to give some background on why she became an investigative
writer. She stressed that citizenship is a privilege and not a right and
for those who want to come and become American citizens, that privilege
must be earned. She stated case after case of how the government agencies
let the LEGAL American citizen down by not following through with laws
regarding these illegal aliens, all of whom were criminals. She also appeared
on the Terry Anderson Show in Los Angeles three weeks ago to do a live
interview and question and answer time. She is a vibrant, brave young
lady, and again we encourage you to read her book INVASION. It has now
made the New York best-seller list. Congratulations, Michelle. We knew
you could and would do it and we are so proud of you.
WWTV-WWUPTV
- 9 & 10
One of the reporters for 9 & 10 News, Jennifer Ranville, had contacted
our family to do a follow-up on our grassroots campaign. Because of a
serious ice storm, we had to cancel our interview, but will hopefully
be able to complete that in the near future.
Reminders
Project Blue Light is still continuing. We plan to leave our blue lights
up for at least another month. This is a way of raising community awareness
for Law Enforcement Officers who have given their lives in the line of
duty. It is also a sign to show respect and support for those officers
(federal, state, local) who serve us 24 hours a day. Consider how meaningful
this is for the living officers who can see the glow of blue from windows,
see blue ribbons on car antennas or the blue ribbon pins which are also
being worn by many.
The Wexford Historical Museum will be displaying Kris' memorabilia for
a while longer, so if you are interested in seeing the representation
of part of his life, contact the museum for their winter hours. Their
number is 231-775-1717.
The American Police Beat Magazine has an article in their November edition
about Kris. It was written by one of his good friends from FLETC, Derek
Anderson.
National Geographic Adventure's article by Tom Clynes and Outside magazine's
article by Bruce Barcott will be on the stands soon. These will be the
February editions, and will be at newsstandes mid-January. When you see
them, buy a few and spread around to your friends.
The Tucson Weekly newspaper story by Leo Burns has just been printed.
It is an excellent piece on the plight of the Arizona farmers and ranchers
and how they are trying to deal with this invasion of illegals. Kris'
murder is mentioned as what can happen when controls are not in place.
You can read this at their website - www.tucsonweekly.com.
Memorials and Updates
Since our last newsletter, an additional amount of $2,580.00 was donated
from the Chief Rangers' Convention in Utah. This will be added to the
existing $3000.00 for Youth Ministries in Ajo, Az. Thank you, Chief Rangers
and families, for your loving kindness shown in Kris' memory. May God
richly bless you.
Another donation of $600.00 was received for the Kris Eggle Memorial
Fund and we made the decision to use it for needy families in the Cadillac
area. Some was given to the Shepherd's Table and Pantry and another amount
was given to Project Christmas.
Contacts
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www.kriseggle.org - The website is filled with information,
but still under construction. We are continuing to work on those updated
addresses for the Congress members' home office addresses. Hopefully this
may speed up the process of delivery of our mail. They should be on the
website very soon.
Also remember to continue sending us copies (mail, fax, email) of responses
you receive from any of the officials you write to. Some are doing a good
job responding, but others are playing the "I never saw that document"
game.
We are cautiously optimistic that our "words"
are being heard in many areas around the country, including Washington,
D.C. We have heard back from some Senators and Representatives and from
the Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and National Park
Service (Director Fran Mainella, Deputy Director Don Murphy, and Regional
Director Karen Wade), The F.B.I., and the State Department. We must continue
with our work in this crusade because actions still speak louder than
words.
We are also very troubled to think that our government has made plans
to tighten up the Afghanistan/Pakistan border and still won't consider
securing our own porous borders with military. The plans are to spend
at least $500,000,000, put 177 lookout towers along the length, and send
thousands of troops to assist in guarding these areas. Medical facilities
and housing quarters for our soldiers will also need to be built.
Once again, we express our gratitude for all your thoughts, prayers,
and actions on our behalf. We hope you will continue to help our family
in this crusade of justice for Kris' memory and for the rest of our Law
Enforcement Officers doing these dangerous jobs without all the support
they need and deserve. Please keep encouraging your senators and representatives
and others in leadership roles to remember the laws of our land and our
Constitution. There are many errors of the past that need to be corrected
with our borders and immigration policies.
We encourage you to keep writing. As you voice your concerns to Congress
members and government agency leaders, we suggest for you to articulate
this concept. Our immigration policies are in chaos. American citizenship
has been historically a privilege to be earned by an immigrant through
legal processes. Now it has become an entitlement to be just" handed
out as candy", without due process. Congress must control this and
immediately reinstate original citizenship processes.
Please remember that the only thing necessary for evil to triumph, is
for good people to do nothing. Our mission is just beginning.
God Bless You All and have a Happy New Year.
Bob, Bonnie, and Jennifer Eggle
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