WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) today
praised the passage by unanimous consent of his bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to allow veterans and servicemen not
in uniform to salute the flag. Current law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not in uniform
should place their hand over their heart without clarifying whether they can or should salute the flag.
"The salute is a form of honor and
respect, representing pride in one's military ser vice," Senator Inhofe said. "Veterans and service members continue
representing the military services even when not in uniform. "Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to
whether veterans and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My legislation will clarify this
regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not.
"I look
forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this
is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the United States who have served in the military
and remain as role models to others citizens. Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned
this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others."
Published monthly, AirForces Monthly is devoted entirely to modern military aircraft and their air arms.
It has built up a formidable reputation worldwide by reporting from places not generally covered by other military magazines.
Its world news is the best around, covering all aspects of military aviation, region by region; offering features on the strengths
of the world's air forces, their conflicts, weaponry and exercises. AirForces Monthly presents an unrivalled combination of
news and reporting, aided by the best network of freelance reporters anywhere in the world.
America's Civil War 6 issues per year
Provides history enthusiasts with comprehensive and authoritative insights and analysis of the American
Civil War, with a strong emphasis on the military aspects of the war, its battles, strategies, leaders, and little-known facts
and facets.
Armchair General 6 issues per year
ARMCHAIR GENERAL Magazine lets you experience military history and strategy with a unique interactive approach.
We bring combat to life by positioning you, the reader at the core of history's momentous battles - on land, at sea and in
the air.
Civil War Times 6 issues per year
Civil War Times magazine delivers the complete story of America's greatest internal conflict. Each issue
of Civil War Times magazine includes biographies, battles, period photos and more.
GI Jobs 12 issues per year
Whether you are leaving the military soon or have already separated from the service, GI Jobs magazine is
the transition guide that gives you lists of companies looking for your skills! In addition, GI Jobs' expert columnists keep
you informed every month on how to make a successful transition.
MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History 4 issues per year
This is an award-winning, exquisitely illustrated journal that takes readers on an exciting journey through
world history from a military perspective- from the origins of armed conflict up to the present day. Distinguished authors
bring the world of war to the forefront.
Military Heritage 6 issues per year
This magazine is unparalleled among its peers, with exquisite art from the imperial war museum in London,
The National Archives, and the Australian War Memorial among others. It offers only the most thoughtfully written, well researched
articles by the top historians in the field.
Military History 6 issues per year
Military History magazine provides authoritative in-depth articles on the history of warfare from ancient
times to the 20th century. Military History magazine is written for serious students of military tactics, strategy, leaders
and campaigns.
Military Machines International 12 issues per year
Military Machines International magazine caters for everyone, from those wanting to invest in this absorbing
hobby seeking information on which vehicles are available, to those who already have their own Private Army. Inside you will
find everything from Jeeps and Land Rovers to Tanks, Armoured Cars and Artillery.
Military Spouse 12 issues per year
Military Spouse magazine is the only national magazine that is by, for, and about U.S. Military Spouses.
Military Spouse magazine incorporates all aspects of life in the military.
Raider Magazine 12 issues per year
Launched in April 2008, Raider has rapidly become the magazine of choice for elite forces and special operations.
Each issue will uncover the units, the gear and the stories with high-quality, expert content.
Special Weapons for Military & Police 6 issues per year
Special Weapons for Military & Police magazine is a bi-monthly periodical that features articles about
both the exotic and the ordinary weapons of military and police. Recent issues have profiled stateside American law enforcement
and military.
Tactical Weapons 6 issues per year
Tactical Weapons is the exciting bi-monthly publication that is much more than a gun-test driven magazine.
Each issue covers the new guns and weapons of our military and law enforcement specialists and at the same time provides profiles
and tactics of the men and women who use the weapons
SOLDIER OF FORTUNE TYPE MAGS
Soldier of Fortune (SOF), The Journal of Professional Adventurers, is amonthly magazine devoted to world-wide reporting
of wars, including conventional warfare, low-intensity warfare, counter insurgency, and counter-terrorism. SOF magazine
is published by the Omega Group Ltd., in Boulder, Colorado.
Soldier of Fortune magazine was founded in 1975, by Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army
Reserve, (Ret.) Robert K. Brown, a Green Beret who served with Special Forces in Vietnam. After retiring from active duty, Brown began publishing a
“circular” few-page-magazine with information on mercenary employment in Oman, where the Sultan Qaboos had recently
deposed his father, and was battling a communist insurgency. Brown's small circular soon evolved into a glossy, large-format,
four color magazine. Significant to the early development of SOF magazine was its unprecedented, successful recruitment
of foreign nationals to serve in the Rhodesian Security Forces, during the Rhodesian Bush War (1964–79). During
the late 1970s and the 1980s, the success and popularity of a military magazine such as SOF led to the proliferation
of like magazines such as Survive, Gung Ho!, New Breed, Eagle, Combat Illustrated, Special Weapons and Tactics, and Combat Ready
Defense Media Network Military news and history regarding the air force, navy, army and special operations.
Defense News Find late-breaking defense news from the leading defense news weekly.
Defense Update International magazine providing news and information about new systems and military export, covering primarily Israeli
industries.
Defense World Features defense market news analysis, contracts & procurements news, defence market dresearch.
Eye Spy Magazine covering intelligence, espionage, and covert operations.
Federation of American Scientists (FAS) Covers wide range of military topics and hosts various organization's projects such as Biological Weapons, CyberStrategy,
Military Analysis, Nuclear Weapons, and more.
GI Money Addresses the unique needs of veterans, service members and military families.
G2mil Independent military magazine covering technology, weapons, tactics, future warfare, and military news.
Jane's Information Group Premier source for defense and geopolitics news and information. Full articles available only for subscribers.
Leatherneck Magazine of the Marines covering their operations, equipment, training, and history.
Soldier of Fortune Selected articles from infamous magazine covering military and intelligence operations from around the globe.
Soldiers for the Truth (SFTT) Grass-roots organization of veterans seeking to inform the American public on the decline in readiness of armed forces.
Produces online magazine DefenseWatch.
Space War Daily news about military-space and nuclear-weapon technology and policy.
War Times Journal Free access online magazine covering all periods of military history and military science. Presents articles and archives
relating to wars, with an emphasis on eyewitness accounts and personal experiences.
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SOTTILE PARK
In the Heart of Downtown
In The True Heart of The Berkshires
Pittsfield Massachusetts
WHITE 750
THE JACKIE & SHADOW STORY
THE BIG BEAR BALD EAGLE STORY
"JACKIE & SHADOW"
The Big Bear bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow, have been nesting in Big Bear Valley since 2013, This is the first time
in three years that they have successfully hatched eaglets. In 2019, they had two chicks; and in 2022, they had one. This
year they had three eaglets, but one of the three eaglets that hatched in early March did not survive a storm. It passed
away on March 13, 2025.
NAMING CONTEST
The "Friends of Big Bear Valley" (FOBBV) are hosting a naming contest for the two surviving eaglets.
The Friends are inviting the public to submit name suggestions until March 28, 2025.
The FOBBV is asking for gender-neutral name suggestions and is accepting donations of $5 for one entry, $10 for three entries,
or $25 for 10 entries. The final names will be chosen by Big Bear Valley elementary school students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th
grades. The winners will be announced on April 1, 2025.
EAGLE CAM
The FOBBV operates a 24/7 live webcam of Jackie and Shadow's nest, which has drawn thousands of viewers worldwide.
The organization relies on donations to maintain the livestream, which is free from advertisements. Donations are appreciated!
The Bald Eagle is a large, powerful bird that has been the national symbol of the United States since 1782. It is a member
of the Accipitridae family and is found near large bodies of water throughout North America. Here are some key facts about
the Bald Eagle:
EAGLE BEHAVIOR & HABITAT
SIZE: 3 feet in length, 6-7 feet in wingspan, and 10-14 pounds in weight.
HABITAT: Found near large bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and coastlines.
DIET: Primarily feeds on fish, but also eats other small animals and carrion.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Listed as a species of Low Concern, but was once endangered due to habitat destruction, hunting, and
pesticide use.
INTERESTING BEHAVIORS
Bald Eagles are known for their impressive eyesight, which allows them to spot fish up to a
mile away. They are also skilled thieves, and have been known to steal food from other birds.
NESTING: Bald Eagles build large nests, called eyries, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and measure 10 feet wide and 6 feet
deep. These nests are often used for many years and may be added to over time.
MATING: Bald Eagles form long-term monogamous relationships, with some pairs staying together for up to 20 years.
BREEDING: Bald Eagles typically breed between March and May, with the female laying 1-4 eggs per clutch.
HUNTING: Bald Eagles are skilled hunters, using their sharp talons and strong wings to swoop down on their prey. They can
also steal food from other birds, such as osprey and hawks.
MIGRATION: While some Bald Eagles are migratory, others are resident birds that stay in their year-round territories.
Some Bald Eagles migrate from Canada and Alaska to the contiguous United States each winter, while others remain in their
year-round territories. Those that migrate typically travel in large groups, often with other species such as osprey and hawks.
HUNTING TECHNIQUES: Bald Eagles are skilled hunters, using a variety of techniques to catch their prey. Some of their methods
include:
DIVING: Bald Eagles will swoop down from high altitudes, using their sharp talons to snatch fish right out of the water.
PERCHING: Bald Eagles will perch above a body of water, scanning for fish and other prey below.
STEALING: Bald Eagles will steal food from other birds, such as osprey and hawks.
PREY: Bald Eagles primarily feed on fish, but will also eat other small animals such as; rabbits, squirrels, mice, and
carrion.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and The Migratory Bird Treaty Act Overview
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) and The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) are two federal laws of the United
States that protect birds, including eagles. Here's a brief overview of each act:
BALD EAGLE CONSERVATION STATUS
The Bald Eagle is no longer considered an endangered species in the United States. In 2007, the federal government removed
the Bald Eagle from its endangered species list, and in 2024, New Jersey removed the Bald Eagle from its endangered species
list, citing a remarkable comeback for the species.
Regardless, the Bald Eagle's status remains of "special concern" in New Jersey, and the species is still protected under The
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has
proposed listing three subspecies of the Bald Eagle as endangered and two species as threatened under The Endangered Species
Act.
It's worth noting that while the Bald Eagle is no longer considered endangered, conservation efforts are still necessary to
protect the species and its habitats. Ongoing monitoring, habitat preservation, and public education are key to ensuring the
species' continued success.
THE PROTECION LAWS: Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA):
was enacted in 1940 to protect Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles
The Law prohibits the taking, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transportation, and exportation of bald and golden eagles,
including their parts, nests, and eggs
The Law allows for certain exceptions, such as: •
Permits for scientific research, education, and conservation
• Permits for Native American tribes for cultural and spiritual purposes • Permits for the use of eagle parts
in traditional crafts and ceremonies
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA):
was enacted in 1918 to implement international treaties with Canada, Mexico, and Japan to protect migratory birds
The Law prohibits the taking, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transportation, and exportation of migratory birds, including
their parts, nests, and eggs
Covers over 800 species of birds, including waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and game birds
The Law allows for certain exceptions, such as: • Permits for hunting and trapping under specific regulations •
Permits for scientific research, education, and conservation • Permits for the use of bird parts in traditional crafts
and ceremonies
KEY PROVISIONS & PENALTIES
Both acts have similar provisions and penalties for violating the laws. Some key points include:
Penalties: Up to $100,000 in fines and/or up to one year in prison for individuals, and up to $200,000 in fines for organizations
Permits: Required for activities such as hunting, trapping, and possession of bird parts
Reporting: Required for the sale, purchase, and transportation of bird parts
Import and Export: Prohibited without a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service
Sottile Park Online Worldwide (SPOW) is a virtual cybercast park, offering users the ability to explore various locations
around the world through established web links. The cyber portal is named after Anthony W. Sottile, civic leader & family
man from The Heart of The Berkshires of New England. Virtually located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, SPOW! allows users to
"travel around the world in one day" or "visit the world in 80 seconds." The website provides media links, add-ons, and promotional
tools for users to enhance their knowledge and experience, online.
Copyright 2010 to Present JDS / John David Sottile
