Our Military & Veterans

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Written by Rita Smith

On Nov. 19, Tampa Lodge hosted Pastor Tom (back left, standing) and veterans from New Beginnings, a housing and rehab facility in Tampa, Florida, for veterans experiencing homelessness. Funds from the Lodge Veterans Committee paid for the meals. Pictured with the veterans are Debbie Brennon (front left), committee secretary; José Remon (back center, standing), committee chair; and Evelyn Hemingway, committee member.

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Written by Linda Califf and Dayna Miller

On Nov. 22, Gainesville Lodge hosted several veterans and their social workers for an appreciation luncheon. The veterans received Welcome Home kits, which are intended to serve veterans who are exiting homelessness and entering permanent housing. The kits included linens and bedding items, dishes, pots, pans, towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, laundry baskets and detergent, mops, brooms, dustpans, and a wide variety of other items. Seven veterans were chosen by their social workers to participate in the program and provided the lodge with specific wish lists to meet their immediate needs. Requests ranged from dishes and silverware, shower curtains, and washcloths to chairs, couches and beds. The lodge worked with local furniture company Walker Furniture, who donated several pieces of furniture for the veterans, and additional items were donated by lodge members. The lodge also utilized the Elks National Veterans Service Commission Welcome Home Kits program. All items were delivered to the veterans at their new homes by Elks volunteers. The veterans were extremely grateful, but the Elks were more grateful for their service. The event was featured on a local news channel.

Pictured are a social worker whose name was unavailable, veteran Peter Jones, veteran Lisette Orelleno Rolon, social workers Susanne Fischer-Martinez and Sue Lassin, veteran Dean Herman, and Elks Lynne Meyers and Linda Califf. Also pictured is a selection of items for the veterans.

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Written by Cristin Rumler

On Nov. 28, Sanford Elks Lodge #1241 hosted a Spaghetti for Soldiers fundraiser to benefit the Army of Hope, the Florida Elks project that assists active-duty military members and veterans and their families. The event was open to the public and had a great turnout. In total, the lodge raised $1,321.

Pictured are lodge members enjoying the homemade spaghetti.

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Written by Rita Smith

For the last several years, Tampa Elks Lodge member Shelagh Gombarcik, PER has partnered with Pat Pastore, the Poppy Chair from American Legion Auxiliary Unit 139. The auxiliary provides perfume baskets to use in the fundraising. Anyone who donated to the Poppy Fund received their poppy as well as a raffle ticket for the perfume baskets. The drawing took place Veterans Day; Tracy Horrell, PER and House Committee member Kim Benzing won the baskets. This year, Gombarcik raised $735 for the American Legion Poppy Fund. By Legion rules, this fund is only for veterans, active-duty military members and their families.

Pictured are Jacquie LoCicero, Tampa Ladies of the Elks President; Shelagh Gombarcik, PER; Pat Pastore, Poppy Chair; and Dee Wilson, American Legion Unit 139 President. 

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Written by JoAnn Reddy

The Veterans Committee of Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge hosted a dinner and cabaret show Oct. 22 to raise funds for Homes for Troops. The event raised $5,400 and will help build a home for a wounded veteran.

Pictured is Deb Kehoe, event organizer, holding a picture of Chad Rozanski, one of the past veteran recipients of a home.

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Written by JoAnn Reddy

On Nov. 25, Tom Sweeney, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge Veterans Committee Chair, presented a $2,000 from the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to Andy Guyre, Director of Veteran Services at Turning Points. The money will be used for basic needs of the 20 veterans living in the facility.