Our Military & Veterans

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Written by Karen Tracy

In mid-March, members of Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 delivered Welcome Home Kits to Navy Hospital Corpsman Crystal and Mess Management Specialist Daphney when they moved into their own apartments from Women Veterans Ignited. Both women are currently working in fields that are very similar to their Navy specialties, and both are in school to further their knowledge. David Graham, Frank Varnado and Brian Pastorini delivered their kits, which included pillows, bedding, blankets, dishes, pots, pans, kitchenware, towels, toiletries, shower liner and rings, toilet paper, paper towels, light bulbs, trash can and bags, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, broom, mop, bucket, sponge, laundry basket, detergent, coffee maker, toaster, and microwave, as well as two new beds. These items totaled $983.43 and the funds came from in-kind donations and funds from the Welcome Home Kits ENVSC program.

Karen Tracy, Veterans Chair, is pictured with Daphney and Crystal.

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

On April 10, Holley-Navarre Elks Lodge #2787 donated $1,000 from its Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant to the United Services Organization (USO) center at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport. The center provides free internet services, program information, snacks and drinks to service members and their dependents. The amenities at this location also provide CAC readers, charging stations, computers and laptops, Wi-Fi, multimedia and gaming, TV and cable, an air-conditioned lounge to rest, toiletries, and an information desk.

Pictured are Bill White, PDD, Treasurer; Lori Mann, USO Destin-Fort Walton Beach Center operations specialist; and Tom Stevens, PDD, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Cathy Walsh

On March 25, St. Augustine Elks donated two Welcome Home Kits to Veterans Village, bringing their total kits donated to local veterans this year to 16. Pictured are Cathy Walsh, lodge charity chair, and Mary Cooke, Home Again St. Johns Veteran Village coordinator.

Additionally, the lodge partnered with the residents to collect 4,429 pop tabs to donate to Ronald MacDonald House in Jacksonville. Ronald McDonald House recycles them for cash to help provide housing for families in the Jacksonville area while their children undergo treatment at local hospitals. 

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Written by David Valinski

The Palm Coast Elks Lodge #2709 Veterans Committee conducted a gun raffle fundraiser drawing Feb. 9. The fundraiser made a profit of over $4,000 for local programs supporting veterans who are disabled or have PTSD or are experiencing homelessness. The lodge’s veterans information program was also a recipient of funds. Tickets were also sold at local businesses.

Pictured are Exalted Ruler Pete Lehnertz and Veterans Committee members Sean Reardon, David Valinski and Jerry DiMenna (with microphone) as they draw the winning ticket.

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Written by JoAnn Reddy

On March 22, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 held a fundraiser for a program for veterans with guide dogs, sponsored by  Dogs Inc. Special guest Tommy John, former professional baseball pitcher, donated signed baseballs, caps and other baseball items for the auction. Over $2,500 was raised.

Pictured are Tommy John and Tom Sweeney, Lodge Veterans Chair.

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Written by brad

On March 23, Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 provided a 4-hour offshore fishing trip for 17 veterans, pictured, using $2,500 from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant. The company they use is Florida Fishing Fleet, which has max occupancy of 17 plus two crew members. After the trip, they went to Slicker’s Eatery, where Bob Slicker and staff cooked their fresh catches and served them lunch.