On Dec. 19, Pensacola Elks Lodge #497 utilized its Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant of $3,000 and added monies from the lodge charity account for a total of $4,689 to provide more than 100 gifts to the veterans and their spouses residing in four assisted living facilities — The Blake at Pensacola, The Waterford at Carpenter’s Creek, Bayside Health & Rehabilitation Center, and The Camellia at Gulf Breeze. This partnership and lodge commitment with these facilities will continue throughout the year, including monthly visits to have coffee and doughnuts with the veterans. The lodge is also working with the facility directors for specific needs.
Pictured are Clyde Losey; Charline Wetzel Blake, activity director; Col. Pam McGinty, USAF ret.; Michael Smith; Libby Mayhugh; Amy Loranger; Stanley Tarter; Ken “KB” Branch, PER; Jack Countryman; Shelli Branch; Les Darbyshire; Betty Hooper; Billy Bush; Will Berry; Sgt. Smith, U.S. Army; Capt. A.J., USMC; Kim Taylor; and Carey Seigle. Also pictured are Virginia Tew, 101, who worked at the Pentagon in World War II, and Ken “KB” Branch, PER, and Libby Mayhugh and Col. Pam McGinty, USAF ret.