Our Military & Veterans

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Written by Virginia Warfield

Three veterans from two West Central District lodges assisted 10-year-old Easton Thompson, grandson of St. Petersburg Elks Lodge #1224 members Tippy and Cindy Thompson, with his school project of interviewing local veterans about their experiences. Past State President Rudy Masi Sr. of St. Petersburg Lodge coordinated the lunch event for Easton and the veterans to discuss their time in the military. Easton was thrilled to hear their first-hand stories. World War II veteran Manny Maldonado from Tampa Lodge was a paratrooper serving in the Pacific Theatre. After the war, he was stationed in Japan. World War II veteran Malen Griep from Tampa Lodge was infantry serving in the European Theatre. His unit freed Dachau Concentration Camp. Tripp Baldwin of Holiday Isles Elks #1912 is 82 Airborne serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as a combat medic.

Pictured April 27 are Maldonado, Masi, Easton, Griep and Baldwin.

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Written by David McCranie, PER

On April 21, DeLand Elks Lodge #1463 donated more than $700 in support to Wreaths Across America. The event included dinner for more than 50 people from the community, music and a war memorabilia presentation by veterans. The Volusia Young Marines served the meal. Members of the Young Marines are between the ages of 8 and 18. They learn the importance of self-confidence, academic achievement, honoring veterans, good citizenship, community service, and being healthy and drug-free. The organization promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building and leadership and promotes a lifestyle that is conducive to being productive members of society.

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Written by Ken Fabiani, PER

On April 4, Nicolis Yancey moved in to his new home in Clearwater, Florida, after living on the street for more than three years. He was able to get housing, and with support from the Zephyrhills Elks Lodge Veterans Committee and the Welcome Home Kit, he was able to make his home much more comfortable.

Pictured are Yancey and lodge member Allen Turner.

Elias Granda, a Marine veteran, is the 242nd veteran to have their home furnished by the Zephyrhills Lodge Veterans Committee. He moved in to his new home in Brandon, Florida, April 5, with help from lodge members Larry Decena and Ken Fabiani, PER.

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Written by Virginia Warfield

On March 31, the St. Petersburg Ladies of Elks Auxiliary (LOEA) supported local veterans with three donations. They gave $2,000 to Bay Pines VA Hospital, $1,000 to the Army of Hope in memory of Peter Lopez, and $1000 to Heaven on Earth for Veterans, an organization that builds and provides housing for veterans.

Pictured are Farrah Pileggi, LOEA Vice President; Carol Barkalow, HOEV founder and Lodge Esquire; Virginia Warfield, LOEA President; and Marlene Evans, LOEA Treasurer.

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Written by Deborah Reedy, PER

Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 held its fourth annual military baby shower March 11 for 20 military families using the Elks National Foundation Spotlight and Gratitude grants, totaling $5,500. These funds were used to purchase gifts for the military mothers from their baby registries. More than $500 worth of diapers, wipes and other items were donated by members. Blue Star Families of Jacksonville provided books and several toys for each family. The USO, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and Fleet and Family Support Center were in attendance to share what services they offer military families. Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services therapist Rae Montgomery shared about their services and gave each mother a copy of “Advance My Baby,” written by two FECTS therapists, to help monitor their child’s growth and development. Volunteers Carmel and Karen provided fresh fruits and pasta salad, and Brent Reedy with Cooler Bear Heat & Air provided subs from Jersey Mike's Subs. After lunch, members played games with the moms, which had great prizes, and there were raffle drawings from Blue Star Families and the USO. The lodge provided a new highchair for a door prize. Each mom chose two sets of homemade bibs and burp cloths made and donated by Francis Fowler and baby blankets made by Deborah Reedy. The moms and families were overjoyed when they went to the room with all of their gifts. One mother expecting twins cried and said that she didn’t have nearby family here and having the shower and gifts meant so much to her!

Pictured are mothers looking at blankets and bibs.

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Written by Hollywood West Elks

On March 3, members from Hollywood West Elks Lodge #2365 set up a petting zoo from Cherokee Farm Trades LLC at the Alexander “Sandy” Nininger State Veterans’ Nursing Home property. The veteran residents and staff enjoyed this hands-on experience. 

Pictured is a collage of veterans and the petting zoo.