Eagles Nest Of Mannford Oklahoma

The Story Of Eagles Nest

Eagles Nest began some 5 years ago in Mannford Oklahoma when Scott and Iona Gilliam decided they needed a place to gather with friends to throw back a few and swap some tall tales.

So Scott acquired some property just outside of Mannford and began Eagles Nest Rallies. The Rallies quickly grew to number 2 rally in Oklahoma and it wasn't long before it outgrew it's accommodations. This brings us to 2009 and the Rally being moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. April 23 weekend marks the first Rally (Thunder In The Mountains) scheduled of many to come.

While sleeping one night some years ago Scott was woke from a vision that he needed to help veterans some how some way. The result has been nothing short of phenomenal. Scott and Iona along with many friends of Eagles Nest have raised thousands of dollars for Veterans. It has grown every year since and continues to amaze everyone on the size it is becoming.

Eagles Nest and Eagles Nest (IMB's) have dedicated themselves to helping Veterans and their families. They have made it their mission that all of their functions and the money raised has a portion set aside for Veterans.

The Hero Ride

Every year for the last five years on Memorial day weekend, Eagles Nest makes a vigil from Tulsa Oklahoma to the Veterans spinal hospital in Memphis Tennessee. This ride has over 100 riders and travel 400 miles through some of most scenic country in America to deliver proceeds collected throughout the year.

So far they have raised enough money to give the Veterans cable TV, new recreation center and helped them get to special Olympics. While in Memphis they provide dinner, music from bands that accompany the ride and personal medals of thanks for each of the wounded veterans. The Hero Ride was filmed last year and has gone on to win two film festival awards. You can see a trailer of this video on the event page of this website.

Quarters For The Hero's

Some time back our sponsors started collecting quarters in a jug at each of their business's and to everyone's amazement they have continued to collect large sums of money for Veterans. This money goes along with all the other money that goes to veterans during the Hero Ride. Eagles Nest thanks you and our hero's thank you all.

Rick Z

Rick Z a tireless supporter and worker for Eagles Nest.  From a personal tragedy so intense he arose like a phoenix and has been instrumental in helping to build  Eagles Nest.

Rick, Scott and Iona are true champions and hero's in every sense of the word.

They along with the many friends of Eagles Nest give selflessly to Veterans and their families.  Day after day they go about making it possible for American Veterans to have just a little bit more.  We salute you all at Eagles Nest and look forward to many more years of helping our hero's. (The American Veterans)