On Feb. 22 at the lodge, Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 held its third Honor Our Veterans event, using funds from the Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant. Eleven organizations participated – including The Vietnam Veterans, City of Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Dept., Operation New Uniform, Jacksonville National Cemetery, DAV, UF Health, and First Coast Honor Flights. The First Coast Hight School NJROTC Honor Guard opened the event with the presentation of colors and the national anthem. There were speakers from all organizations who shared topics such as veteran benefits, support for veterans in crisis, brain health resources, and assistance an agency’s service officer can provide. Close to 40 veterans from all services attended to take advantage of the valuable information available. Following lunch, which was served by House Committee members, veteran attendees had time to visit organization tables to obtain information they desired. Organizations were asked to drop their business cards in a bowl for a 50/50 raffle, collecting $130. Half the winnings went to a veteran holding the winning ticket and the other half went to NE Florida Women Veterans, whose business card was pulled. Goody bags for 50 veterans were assembled, which included personal care items — pocket tissues, portable first aid kit, manicure set and lip balm. Using remaining Freedom Grant funds and funds donated by the lodge, the lodge purchased several hygiene supplies that fulfilled many items on Lake City VA Medical Center’s wish list. They delivered toothpaste, bodywash, shave cream and razors, and lotion. They also filled 24 toiletry bags with travel care items for the Women’s Clinic. The rest of the empty toiletry bags were filled and distributed to the Community Living Center/Hospice Unit within the VA Center.
Pictured is lodge member and veteran Jacqueline Moise visiting one of the tables at the event.