Our Military & Veterans

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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Written by Carol and Joe Palowich

On April 29, Vero Beach Lodge donated $500 to DoYouGiveARuck, an Indian River veterans group that assists veterans who are homeless.

Pictured are Darlene Short, PER; Charlie Jackson, executive director of DoYouGiveARuck; and Jack McClurken, PDD-NY, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Carol and Joe Palowich

On April 17, the Vero Beach Mah Jongg Club donated $8,000 from its annual tournament to the Indian River Vietnam Veterans organization for their work housing veterans who are homeless. The club is run by Elks members but is open to the public. 

Pictured are Melody Gabriel and Carol Unger, co-chairs; Vic Diaz, Veterans Lodge Chair; Karen Guidry, co-chair; and Jack McClurken, PDD-NY, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Chuck Stieb, PER

On April 22, South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #2672, in coordination with the national Our Community Salutes organization and the DeSoto Masons, participated in a greater Tampa Bay ceremony at the Egypt Shriners temple to honor the nation's newest upcoming service members. Our Community Salutes recognizes and supports high school seniors who plan to enlist in the military immediately after high school graduation. OCS also provides the seniors with resources that aid in their transition into military service. There were 146 high school seniors who were recognized. Guest speakers included some from OCS, military retirees and a Brigadier General, who also performed a mock oath of enlistment. All the services were represented. There were more than 300 people attending, including parents, guardians, families, friends, OCS, Elks and Mason members.

Pictured in front is Steve Conrad, PER, trustee. In the back row are Tom Anderson, member; Chuck Stieb, PER, trustee; Sugar Conrad, Exalted Ruler; Bev Wohlrab, member; Brigadier General Cogbill; John Wohlrab, member; Ryan Wentworth, chaplain; and Janet Meyer, trustee.