The eagle has landed —Legion Riders’ eagle raffle celebrates 250th anniversary, benefits local veterans
Photos by Walter Sprague/NLJ Members of the American Legion Riders unload a carved wooden statue at Pinnacle Bank on Monday. The statue, a 250th Birthday Eagle, celebrating the semiquincentennial birthday of the United States, was carved by Conrad Sandoval and was auctioned off on July 4 with Pinnacle Bank holding the winning ticket.
On May 19, John Sandoval approached members of the American Legion Riders, Post No. 3, with a patriotic vision to honor America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. He proposed raffling a massive chain-saw-carved American Eagle, complete with the Stars and Stripes and the inscription “250th Anniversary–1776-2026.” The group enthusiastically approved the project.
Conrad Sandoval, John’s brother and a talented wood carver, completed the impressive sculpture in just one week. With the stand, it measures a bit over 7 feet tall. By June 1, the group had printed 500 raffle tickets priced at $20 each or six for $100. Demand was strong; all tickets sold out by June 30.
The drawing took place on Saturday, following a reenactment of a Teddy Roosevelt speech on the steps of the Weston County Courthouse. Pinnacle Bank emerged as the lucky winner.
On Monday, the Riders delivered the eagle — mounted on a sturdy stand — to its new home in the bank’s lobby. The lobby was already decked out with numerous American flags, including one very large flag displayed prominently over the teller’s desk, showing the bank was already in a strong patriotic spirit. Bank President Justin Tystad welcomed the group and reflected on the carving’s significance.
“I was going to place it elsewhere, but the Riders want it to stay in the bank,” he said. “So I guess, for quite a while, it has a home here.” Tystad added that the eagle “really is a great display of what the 250th July 4th celebration is about. It reminds me of the price paid and the sacrifices made by our servicemen, so that we have the freedom to celebrate things like this.”
The project carried deep meaning for the Riders. The group initially donated $1,000 toward the carving. Conrad normally would charge around $4,000 for such work, but offered a substantial discount for the cause. Ticket sales generated more than $8,000, which will directly support Weston County veterans facing hardship.
John Sandoval expressed pride in his brother’s craftsmanship and satisfaction with the outcome.
“We all pray that this statue stays in Weston County, and since the bank won it, it’s just a perfect place for it,” he said. “This was the best raffle we’ve ever done. This will go a long way in providing help.”
The striking eagle now stands at Pinnacle Bank as a proud symbol of patriotism, community spirit and support for those who served, and those that work at the bank are proud to have such a masterpiece on display there.