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Our Military & Veterans
Fort Walton Elks Take Part in Annual Wreaths Across America Event
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- Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER
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On Dec. 13, Fort Walton Elks Lodge #1795 participated in the Wreaths Across America event at Beal Memorial Cemetery in Fort Walton Beach. The lodge donated $3,000 to sponsor approximately 400 wreaths to the local Wreaths Across America organization. The remembrance wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves at Beal Memorial Cemetery and each veteran’s name is said aloud.
Pictured in the front are Rob Parks, PER; Mark Wynn, Loyal Knight; Michael “Taz” WrightReynolds, PER, trustee; Marcia WrightReynolds, Exalted Ruler; and Susan Henry, member. In the back row are members Dennis Henry; Janet Baxter; and Tom McLaughlin, PER, Esquire. Taz WrightReynolds is also pictured saluting his veteran father during the wreath presentation.
Naples Elks Serve Monthly Breakfast to Veterans
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- Written by Brian Kamp
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Naples Elks Lodge #2010 has been serving a hot breakfast to veterans at Gulf Coast Veterans & Friends in Naples once a month for the past year. The lodge pays a veteran-friendly diner to cook and deliver the breakfast. The lodge also pays for fresh fruit and all needed supplies. From January to April, more than 100 veterans were served each month, and for the rest of the year, approximately 80 veterans were served each month. The lodge approved $1,000 for this project.
Members pictured Dec. 13 are Brian Kamp of the Lodge Community Engagement Committee; Krystal Yoder; Greg Clifford; Nicole Yacobacci, Loyal Knight; Lisa Frey; Bob Costello, Exalted Ruler; Frank Garofalo; and Paula Keaton.
Brandon Elks Continue 25th Year of Partnerships to Serve Thanksgiving Dinner to Military Families
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- Written by Brandon Elks
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On Nov. 20, for the 25th year, Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 partnered with Altria Group Inc. (previously known as Phillip Morris Companies) and Association of the United States Army to serve more than 200 Thanksgiving dinners to MacDill military members and their families. Altria and AUSA sponsor this event each year, and Brandon Lodge supplies the use of its facilities and members to cook the meal. The evening included ROTC Middleton High School Honor Guard. There was music and entertainment for the children, including a clown and other activities. A professional photographer was available to preserve the memories for each family.
Pictured are the kitchen crew: Kitchen Crew: member Pat Lavoie, Ladies member Carolyn Thomas, Past Lady President Ann Fox, member Bob Florentino, Past Lady President Grace Weigand, member Jeff Lavoie, and Rick Weigand, PER.
Perry Elks Participate in Veterans Park Cleanup
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- Written by Perry Elks
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On Nov. 1, Perry Elks Lodge members Jim Day; Arron Portwood; Amy Cope; Felisa Calhoun, Exalted Ruler; Tasha Smith, Treasurer; Al Smith, trustee; Marie O'Steen; Jennifer Day; David Harden, Esquire; Susan Lynn, PDD; Earline Neeley, Secretary; and Tommy Maulden, PER, assisted in a cleanup day at their Veteran’s Memorial Park. This park honors veterans and provides details about conflicts starting with World War I.
Perry Elks Share Gifts with Veterans for Thanksgiving
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- Written by Perry Elks
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On Nov. 23, Perry Elks Lodge #1851 delivered seven boxes overflowing with nonperishable food items and a $50 gift card to a local grocery store for veterans for Thanksgiving. Every item was donated by members.
Pictured is Felisa Calhoun, Exalted Ruler.
Perry Elks Help Serve Lunch to Veterans
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- Written by Perry Elks
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On Veterans Day, Perry Elks Lodge members Tommy Mauldin, PER; Leslee Sunderland; Felisa Calhoun, Exalted Ruler; Earline Neeley, Secretary; Tasha Smith, Treasurer; and Bridgette Robertson helped serve the annual lunch to approximately 150 veterans at the Forest Capital Hall, located within Forest Capital Museum Stat Park in Perry. The event was a collaboration of local civic organizations and businesses.
Jacksonville & Orange Park Elks Take Part in Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade
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- Written by Deborah Reedy, PER
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On Nov. 11, approximately 26 members of Jacksonville and Orange Park Elks lodges participated in the City of Jacksonville's Veterans Day Parade. They had a float filled with members and there were two convertible cars, one of which carried Elroy the Elk. Members distributed candy and other fun items to parade spectators.
Hearts & Homes for Veterans Receives Donation from Fort Myers Elks
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- Written by Diane Hendrick
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Fort Myers Elks Lodge #1288 donated $1,000 Dec. 3 to Hearts & Homes for Veterans Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to ending veteran homelessness by providing housing, food and essential support.
Pictured are David Lake, PSP, Esquire; CEO of Hearts & Homes for Veterans; and Mike Grafe, Exalted Ruler.
Naples Elks Present Donation to Got Your Six to Support Veterans' Service Dogs
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- Written by Naples Elks
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Naples Elks Lodge #2010 donated $2,000 Dec. 10 to Got Your Six, whose mission is to provide veterans with service dogs at no cost to them, giving veterans independence, stability and a trusted partner. They ensure each dog receives lifelong support from training and placement through their working years into retirement.
Pictured are Bob Costello, Exalted Ruler; Lisa Frey, founder of Got Your Six, with a service dog; Brian Kamp, Lodge Grants Coordinator; Arlene Hansen, Lodge Secretary; and Kim LeBetz, Lodge Treasurer.
South Hillsborough Elks Present Grants to Wounded Warriors in Action
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- Written by South Hillsborough Elks
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On Oct. 23, South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #2672 donated a total of $4,500 from its Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant and its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to Wounded Warriors in Action. Purple Heart recipients were treated to dinner and entertainment after the check presentation. WWIA, a 501(c)(3) organization in Apollo Beach, serves the nation’s combat wounded Purple Heart recipients by providing world-class outdoor sporting activities to recognize and honor their sacrifice, encourage independence and connections with communities, and promote healing and wellness through camaraderie and a shared passion for the outdoors. The veterans are flown to Duluth, Minnesota, and go to the woods to hunt and fish for three days. They begin with a meet and greet to bond with fellow wounded warriors. If walking is an issue, ATVs are on-site to assist. These trips mean a lot to those they help. C. Ohmer, USMC, Purple Heart recipient, says, “Thank you so much for everything you do to put these events on. Thank you for tricking me into thinking I was going on a hunting trip when in reality you brought me on a bonding trip. With all these trips you do, you are doing so much good healing for vets. This has been such a great bonding and healing weekend, spending time with brothers. It was so wonderful to be able to cut loose and laugh and be able to shut off the constant alertness and be able to relax. I can’t thank you enough for this healing experience.”
Pictured with John McDaniel of WWIA are members Mary Ellen Maurer and Grace Bibisi.
Cocoa Beach Elks Distribute Supplies from Space Coast HR Association Board of Directors for Unhoused Veterans
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- Written by Susan Janes
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On Nov. 1, the Space Coast HR Association Board of Directors members donated 50 backpacks full of toiletries and personal care items to Cocoa Beach Elks Lodge #2387. Lodge members then distributed them to veterans who are unhoused.
Pictured are Mary Ladwig, Veterans Chair; member Jim Dickson; and SCHRA board members Michelle Tatum Bush, Jennifer Dickson, James Crook, Suzanne Witenhafer, and Jessica Beck.
Palm Coast Elks Veterans Committee Supports Gratitude America
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- Written by David Valinski
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On Nov. 8, the Palm Coast Elks Lodge Veterans Committee donated $2,500 from its fundraising efforts to Gratitude America during its quarterly Veterans Retreat dinner at the lodge. Gratitude America, which supports veterans coping with PTSD through counseling and wellness retreats, accepted the donation before an audience of about 100 attendees. Anthony shared a presentation on Gratitude America’s programs and presented the lodge with a statue featuring the organization’s flag.
Pictured are Gratitude America members Steve Gallagher and Michael Anthony, Exalted Ruler Pete Lehnertz, and Veterans Committee member Sean Reardon.