The
stories of the Superstition Mountain and the Lost Dutchman Mine
continue to conjure up tales of death, deception and greed. Yes, there
are individuals who contribute to such stories. However, the majority of
people who visit the Superstition Wilderness do it to enjoy the beauty
and solitude of the region. There are those who search for gold and
follow a dream, and some of these individuals are real American heroes.
One such individual was Ronald A. Rousseau, better known as Ron Eagle de
Andre II.
Born in Concord, New
Hampshire, Ron Eagle arrived in the Apache Junction area in 1974. He had
served as a member of the U.S. Army 1st Air Cavalry Division Medcap
Unit in Vietnam and had been severely wounded. Ron wanted to forget the
war in “Nam” and he immediately began to pursue the treasure legends of
Superstition Mountain with a couple of his Vietnam buddies.
When I first met Ron Eagle he
was exploring the area around Coffee Flat and Miner’s Needle in 1974.
Clues and other information finally led him to the northwest end of
Superstition Mountain by 1977. He established Camp Eagle on U.S. Forest
Service land near the Lost Dutchman State Park. Ron and his friends
searched, dreamed and thought about the weeks, months, and years that
lay ahead. Ron organized ATLAREP Inc. a non-profit organization he
called the Superstition Wilderness Research Foundation. The purpose of
this organization was preserve all historical artifacts found for future
generations of Americans to enjoy.
While conducting his research
on antiquities and treasures in the Superstition Mountains, Ron also
found time to be patriotic and support the role of veterans and service
men throughout our state. He was involved with 187th ARCT (Airborne
Regimental Combat Team) color guard with some of his friends. The unit
has marched in dozens of parades since 1986. He has carried the plight
of Vietnam veterans to all levels of government, which eventually lead
to him becoming commander of the AmVets. He was actively involved in the
fund raising for the Arizona Vietnam Memorial in Phoenix. He has worked
diligently in many organizations to achieve equally for all veterans.
Ron is a very sincere,
gregarious individual when it comes to the legends and stories of
Superstition Mountain or the rights of Vietnam veterans. He served three
tours of duty in Vietnam and received three Purple Hearts and numerous
other decorations for his service to this country. While recuperating
from wounds received in combat, he served as an advisor/ trainer for the
filming of the “Green Berets” starring John Wayne. I recall sometime
ago perusing a photograph of Ron standing next to John Wayne during the
filming of this motion picture (see above). Ron helped train actors for
the motion picture “Green Berets” at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1967.
I may not agree with all his
stories about Superstition Mountain, but he has every right to stand up
and be counted. No one can deny the sacrifices he has made for all of
us, and he has certainly earned the right to search for the gold he
believes lies in the Superstition Mountains.
This story brings together
the legend of the mountain and the life of a man filled with so much
patriotism that we should be proud to know him. During the mid 1970’s
Ron was known for his prospecting camps near Superstition Mountain where
the American flag always flew high above his camp. Since I have known
Ron, he has always advocated patriotism in some form or fashion whether
it was popular or not. Ron Eagle has always flown his American Flag and
proclaimed his love for the American way of life. I cannot judge how
successful he has been with his advocacy for veterans, but I do know he
has always been dedicated to veteran causes and he loves the stories and
legends of Superstition Mountain.
Ron
Eagle epitomizes those many men and women who are willing to sacrifice
their lives for our freedom and safety. It is important we honor all
veterans on Memorial Day and Armistice Day each year. Thank a veteran
for all the rights you have in this wonderful country of ours. We must
remember it takes all kinds of personalities to protect our rights and
freedom from tyranny. God Bless our Veterans and America.