Kris Eggle Newsletter

KRIS EGGLE NEWSLETTER
Issue No. 7 / July/August/September 2003
CONTENTS
******
Contacts...... 1
Interviews & Articles...2
Events...... 5
Reminders & Updates.....6
In Closing...... 6 / MISSION STATEMENT
As citizens of the United States, we seek to focus public awareness on America’s serious border problems and to encourage support and respect for the many federal, state, and local Law Enforcement Officers who risk their lives daily in the protection of our nation.
Our efforts are dedicated to the memory of
Kristopher William Eggle.
FOREWORD
“We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom—what’s left of it—
but we cannot defend our freedom abroad by deserting it at home.”
—Edward R. Murrow
As we all continue forward as “life” expects us to, the murder of our son/brother Kristopher still has not dimmed from our hearts and minds. His unnecessary and brutal death will remain with us forever. For us to remain on a forward course, it is absolutely necessary to keep working on this mission in Kris’ memory. The public needs to be constantly reminded about the lax governing bodies that control our country and they need to be shown which politicians are truly on our side—on the side of what is right for the United States of America. The unsecured borders are still unsecured; the illegals still are invading; the Law Enforcement Officers/Rangers/Agents are still not “beefed up” enough to take care of these tragic situations. Sad to say, many members from both sides of the aisle fail miserably in this test.
As the months have passed to a year and then to almost 15 months, we continue to ask for the guidance, support, encouragement, and prayers of our family, friends, and people all across this country who have joined us in this cause. We want to remind everyone that Kris belonged to us, but yet he also belongs to all of you too. His story could be anyone’s story. His fate could be anyone’s fate, and that, to us, is absolutely unacceptable.
Please remember that if (in both the past and present administrations) our leaders in the Appropriations subcommittee for the Department of the Interior, all members of Congress, the Administration, the heads of the Department of Interior and National Park Service had been more concerned about the safety of the young men and women working in the National Parks, especially those on the borders, Kris would probably still be alive today. To know that is the most troubling news of all. Instead of the paralyzing grief that we have felt for the past 15 months, we should have been able to celebrate his life, his successes, his plans, and to see much happiness for his future. Now we have only memories—no future at all with Kris, at least here on earth. Now is the time for our involvement as a grassroots effort to keep the pressure on those who seem to differ with what the majority of the public really wants. Some people are not looking at reality—and it isn’t us.
INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES
ABC 20/20 NEWS—July 25, 2003
John Bilotta and Brian Hale, Producer and Associate Producer for ABC News Magazines, did an in-depth study into the crime in National Parks entitled “Trouble in Paradise.” Chris Cuomo was the interviewer for this piece. There were several segments on different types of crime, but one part focused on Organ Pipe Cactus and the crime of the drug smuggling and the illegal aliens. Bob and I were both interviewed in Arizona and here at home in Cadillac, and several of Kris’ friends were also asked to give information. All of us wished that more time had been allotted to the drugs/weapons/human smuggling that goes on daily at the Park, but we were pleased to have the coverage and to know that millions of viewers were learning about the dangers in the National Parks for the first time. Our special thanks go to both John and Brian for the time they gave to ensure that the program would be a success. They can be emailed at or for comments or for future ideas.
WPBN-WTOM TV 7/4—July 11, 2003
On July 11, 2003, Alissa Havens, Cadillac reporter for TV 7/4 News, did a piece with Bob and I talking about how we were coping since Kris’ murder. We also discussed the year’s anniversary of Kris’ death and what Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument’s plans were going to be. We appreciate Alissa and all that TV 7/4 News has done to cover our family’s walk through grief since last August 9th, 2002. Their website is www.tv7-4.com and Alissa’s email is .
THE ARGUS PRESS (OWOSSO, MI)—July 24, 2003
This article, entitled “Slain Guard has an Owosso Connection,” tells of Kris Eggle’s death in the line of duty. The Press also reported about the upcoming News Magazine report on ABC, “Are America’s National Parks Becoming Havens for Criminals and Terrorists?”
CADILLAC NEWS—July 31, 2003
Staff writer Mardi Suhs visited at our home for an afternoon. We had previously emailed many notes back and forth and this afternoon was a culmination of many thoughts, many questions, many answers, and many what ifs. Her article, “It Keeps Sinking In,” highlighted how the pain was still as intense because reality had really set in about Kris’ death. She focused on the day of Kris’ murder, the one year anniversary of his death, and how the family has dealt with daily tasks, even though our thought still seem to revolve around the memories and what was stolen from us. Mardi recounts the numerous television, radio, newspaper, and magazine interviews the family has done and how the Kris Eggle Newsletter has evolved from a very simple plea for help to a professional document filled with information of each month’s activities. Bonnie commented that, “It was as though this story was not supposed to die. Even though Kris is dead, his life is living through this story.” Bob is also quick to point out that this is not what he had wanted to do with his life. “All I wanted to do was to retire and backpack with Kris. I was keeping fit because of the things we had planned to do. I didn’t want notoriety. I didn’t want to have my picture taken. I’d rather have my son back.” Bonnie stated that many people have encouraged her to stop, to quit, and go back to her life. “That troubles me,” she said, “because this is part of my life now. I think maybe we were meant to do something like this. Who would have thought we would be speaking to Congress and traveling to speak on national TV? We didn’t really want this. We just wanted to have our family together.” Our sincere thanks go to Mardi for her heartfelt interview and for the beautiful writing that she did to portray this family still in pain, but trying to make the best of each day.
THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS—July 31, 2003
Olivia Munoz did a phone interview with Bonnie to get comments on the fact the President George Bush had just signed into law a bill that will name the center at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument after Kristopher Eggle, the NPS Ranger who died in the line of duty on August 9, 2002. Bonnie told Ms. Munoz that “part of our future is gone because of Kris’ murder. This tribute is a humbling one to our son, a young man who loved his country and his job.” Our thanks go to the G.R. Press and Ms. Munoz for their coverage of this upcoming event.
ARIZONA DAILY STAR—August 1, 2003
Michael Marizco wrote an article entitled “Organ Pipe Center to be Named for Slain Ranger”. In the year since Kris’ murder, there have been a few more rangers hired at the monument, and a barrier to block entry of vehicles into the park is being planned. An exhibit describing the circumstances of Eggle’s death will be displayed at trailheads and at the center. The family has been humbled by this honor being given to their son and also feels hopeful that something will NOW be done about the borders. Bonnie stated, “I hope that President Bush remembers that this young man died, was murdered, because of illegals/lawbreakers (people who do not have American citizenship) coming across the border.” A special note of thanks is being sent to Michael Marizco. His email is .
TRAVERSE CITY RECORD EAGLE—August 1, 2003
Staff writer Tom Carr and photographer John Russell visited the Eggle home to do an article about how the National Park Service, Congress, and the President were giving honors to fallen ranger Kris Eggle. Bob, Bonnie and Jennifer are grateful and humbled, but know that Kris would never have wanted these accolades. Bonnie said, “The renaming is important for the fact that other people are going to find out who Kris was, what kind of life he lived, and how he died.” Kris became a park ranger because of his love of the outdoors. He previously worked at South Manitou Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore, Michigan, Canyonlands in Utah, Great Smokey Mountains in North Carolina, and then at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona. John’s poignant picture of Bob at Kris’ grave shows the reality of the family’s loss.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE—August 3, 2003
Hugh Dellios, foreign correspondent, spent time with Border Patrol agents as they were examining signs of illegals traveling through the Sonoran Desert. These agents have become expert in finding desperate border-crossers before they collapse from thirst or die from heat exhaustion. The combination of U.S. policy and security crackdowns contributes to people trying other means of illegally crossing in dangerous portions of the desert. There are 24-hour lookouts posted near the most traveled “roads” and through what people call “the corridors of death.” These men find empty water jugs, stashes of food, radio batteries, clothing, shoes, jewelry, garbage, discarded food containers, feminine products, bodily wastes and other items. They also find hundreds of wrecked and discarded vehicles, left for government agents to remove at a hefty expense to the taxpayers. The Federal Officers work hard at tracking, and when they find their “prey”, they feel very good about it. Hugh did a good job of following these men and observing their daily activities in the scorching sun.
CADILLAC NEWS—August 9th and 10th, 2003
Matt Whetstone has continued following the journey of our family through the year since Kris’ death. Since that time, lives have been changed and the country has become somewhat more aware of the dangers facing Rangers, Agents, and Officers who are sent to protect America’s borders. Dale Thompson, former Chief Ranger at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument said, “There needed to be a greater recognition around the county. People who live in heartland America see it as a problem, but they don’t see it as their problem.” Bob and Bonnie both mentioned that change comes slowly in the government, but they will continue to work toward increased border security, law enforcement staffing and safety improvements. This article, “Kris Eggle—One Year Later,” was a good coverage of events through the year and the memorial in Arizona.
ARIZONA DAILY STAR—August 10, 2003
“Park’s Dangers on the Rise” was the title of the article Michael Marizco wrote. Since Kris Eggle was murdered a year ago in the cross-border gunfight, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument has seen fewer visitors, while drug smugglers and illegal border crossers doubled from what were already staggering numbers. The park, labeled “Most Dangerous National Park” for 3 years in a row by the Fraternal Order of the Police, still harbors the dangers that were present the day Kris was killed. On August 9, 2003, family and friends gathered as sunlight glittered from the badges of Rangers and Officers who honored Eggle with the unveiling of a memorial in front of the Visitors’ Center at Organ Pipe. These people shared memories of Kris: his striking smile, his optimism, his love of church and his faith, his physical fitness, his love and kindness toward all mankind. These friends also talked of the dangers and that there are no illusions about what may possibly happen again if more safeguards are not put in place immediately. Michael can be reached at .
CADILLAC NEWS—August 11, 2003
A memorial plaque was placed at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in tribute to Kris Eggle, murdered NPS Ranger. The plaque described the young ranger who was killed protecting the park, the visitors, and the citizens of America and why National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers are so very important. Friends, co-workers, and family members attended the dedication ceremony held on the anniversary of Kris’ death. The family has appreciated Cadillac News for making this information available to our local population.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE—August 19, 2003
The Tribune’s foreign correspondent, Hugh Dellios, wrote another article entitled “Cross-Border Traffic Ravages Desert Park.” For a tract of desert wilderness that is supposed to be left alone by humans, Organ Pipe is a mess, he stated. “This park used to be a beautiful, quiet little place, but now the cross-country traffic of vehicles and humans has gotten so out of control. It is everywhere. The damage here has gone to such a severe state that it is almost at the point of not being repairable,” said Charles Conner, a National Park Service technician. The problem is not just limited to Organ Pipe’s 330,000 acres, but also the five other parks that lie along the border. Drug runners and weapons’ smugglers continue to push hard to move their product into the U.S. Kris was the first NPS casualty in this war, but sad to say, he will probably not be the last.
READER’S DIGEST—July 2003
Mark Wheeler wrote about “The Man Hunters”, the world’s best trackers—an all-Indian patrol known as the Shadow Wolves, using time honored techniques to trap drug smugglers. The team, formerly U.S. Customs Patrol Officers, search through the barren desert for the clues left behind by the smugglers. These men are the Shadow Wolves who are now being “rolled over” into the Border Patrol through the new Homeland Security Department. Many people are very concerned that these brave and dedicated “soldiers” are going to be given different job descriptions and not able to be focus on the job they love—tracking criminals. Without this amazing group of Officers, smugglers will bring drugs over the border (as one officer put it) “in caravans.” Please continue to contact members of the Homeland Security Department and Congress to voice your support for keeping the Shadow Wolves as an intact unit, helping to wipe out the scourge of drugs in our country.