Our Military & Veterans

Details

Written by Carol Lee Spages

On June 12, New Port Richey Lodge members donated 150 veteran's creed cards, American flag pins and stars cut from retired American flags mounted to thank you cards for a public veterans' pinning ceremony, which was held at a local funeral home. These were given to all the veterans attending the ceremony, and the remaining items were distributed to veterans in local long-term care facilities. The lodge was the only organization besides the funeral home to donate something and was publicly acknowledged for the contribution. Many veterans and members of the public attended. Veterans received a certificate of honor and two pins. The Young Marines presented the colors and government and military dignitaries made speeches. It ended with the playing of taps and was followed by a catered lunch.

Pictured are Elizabeth Groves, lodge member; veteran Victor Pence; and Fred Spages, PER. All are Air Force veterans.

Details

Written by Ken Fabiani, PER

Zephyrhills Lodge has been furnishing veterans’ homes since 2019. On May 12, Army veteran Aaron Harrison moved in to his new home in Tampa, Florida, which he obtained with help from the HUD VASH program. The Zephyrhills Lodge Veterans Committee has been working with this program. Harrison is the 253rd veteran to have his home furnished by the lodge. Member Jim Cross, volunteer Howard Lundsford, and Ken Fabiani, PER, assisted with the move.On May 15, Navy veteran Bernard Lewis was the 254th veteran whose Tampa home was furnished by the lodge. All furniture and items were purchased with more than $3,500 through the Elks National Foundation Welcome Home Kit. Assisting in the move were volunteers Howard Lundsford and Nick Stritzinger and Ken Fabiani, PER. On May 24, veteran Vincent Chisholm, with help from his caseworker from HUD VASH and lodge member Larry Decena and volunteer Howard Lundsford, moved in to his new home in south Tampa, furnished by the lodge. On May 26, Marine veteran Ismael Rodriguez is the 258th veteran to have a new home furnished, after receiving his house with help from St. Vincent de Paul. 

Pictured is Ismael Rodriguez.

Details

Written by Judy Hopkins, PER

On May 12, Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge #2781 and VFW Post 4353 held a joint event at the VFW to celebrate the 103rd birthday of World War II veteran Wilbur Riepel, who lives on the island. In attendance were Pine Island Elementary students, teachers, public servants, businesspeople and veterans.

Pictured in the front row are Wilma Desmarais; Jack Rovaldi, PER; Corporal Wilbur Riepel; and George Smith, PER. Pictured in the back row are Raymond Desmarais, Darleen Wisniefski, Ed Wisniefski, Suzanne Kramer, Donna Stone and Ed Kiser.

Details

Written by Port St. Lucie Elks

On April 19, approximately 14 members of Port St. Lucie Elks Lodge #2658 and 25 nonmembers put on a talent show of singing, playing music, dancing and comedy for veterans living at Ardie R. Copas Veterans’ Nursing Home. People with special needs who sing and play in a band at Special Java Café participated as well. Kathy Borelli, Lodge Veterans Chair, coordinated this event.

Details

Written by Fort Pierce Elks

Fort Pierce Elks Lodge #1520 provided lunch for the 40 nurses at the Ardie R. Copas State Veterans' Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie, Florida, May 12. 

Pictured with several nurses are Rod Dally, PER, Lodge Veterans Co-chair, left; member Gail VanHorn, third from left; and Bev Dally, Lodge Veterans Co-chair, right. Not pictured are Ann Smith, Exalted Ruler; Richard Smith, trustee; and members Leslie Briganti and Don Pritchett.

Details

Written by Heidi Vargas

On May 7, Viera Lodge and the Antlers, its youth lodge, donated and distributed 150 lunches and drinks to veterans and their guardians prior to their Honor Flight. The Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization that flies veterans who served in Korea, Vietman and World War II to Washington, D.C., where they spend the day visiting memorials and then spend the night and return the next day. The trip is free of charge to the veterans. This opportunity allows them to share their stories and experiences with comrades and remember the fallen.

Antlers pictured with Bill Orblych, PDD, third from left, are Bella Wessel, Janey Vargas, Jake Vargas, Kody Wessel and Evan Enrique.