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Veteran overwhelmed by response to stolen eagle

Posted at 9:12 PM, Jun 02, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-10 06:27:36-04

ANDERSON, Ind. -- An Anderson veteran says he's been "overwhelmed" by the outpouring of support after an RTV6 story about a 50-pound eagle stolen from his yard.

71-year-old Richard Whitaker and his wife were at church Sunday when someone stole the eagle statue from his front yard. 

MORE | 50-pound concrete eagle stolen from Anderson Air Force veteran

A neighbor told the couple about the theft when they returned home.

The eagle statue had stood watch outside Whitaker's home for ten years.

"I got no hard feelings toward him I just want my eagle back. I don't want no charges pressed against him who knows why after 10 years he felt the need that he had to have it. If I could buy one for him I would," Whitaker said.

After RTV6's story aired, Whitaker said his phone began ringing "off the hook."

"It's remarkable," Whitaker said.

The story caused Edward Zlaty to call him and offer a granite version of the eagle he has at home.

"I think it's all of our responsibility," Zlaty said. "We're extremely blessed to have the things we have, and it's our job to pay it forward."

Whitaker ultimately accepted the generosity of Darren McWilliams, the manager of Indiana Mulch and Stone. He sent him a choice of eagles he can have in a catalog, or a granite bird that was on the lot.

"I just feel like we are doing what we are supposed to," McWilliams said. "Look out for each other."

Whitaker, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1964-1968, said he would like to thank everyone who offered to replace his eagle.