Our Military & Veterans

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Written by Deborah Reedy

On Sept. 1, Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 partnered with local organizations Operation Barnabus and Mercy Automotive Charitable Foundation to help purchase a vehicle for Dee, a Navy veteran, and her family; she has been going through difficult times dealing with PTSD. The lodge used $500 from its Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant. Dee, the mother of three children, ages 17, 12 and 10, was introduced to Operation Barnabus several months ago through local veterans she had met. She has received help and support from volunteers at Operation Barnabus who have helped her overcome her struggles with PTSD. This support, along with the strength and power of faith, has empowered her to move forward with her life in a positive way. In Dee’s words, time and time again, “God is good!” Operation Barnabas is a faith-based nonprofit organization assisting military veterans and first responders who struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As stated on their website, their “purpose is to provide hope, encouragement and mentorship to at-risk Clay County veterans and first responders through outreach and resources in a swift and timely manner.  By providing sanctuary, meeting physical needs, and linking resources, we endeavor to ignite a positive transformation in those striving to find purpose and meaning.” Mercy Auto provides high-quality affordable vehicles that have been inspected and are reliable to anyone working on more self-sustainability.

Pictured are Karla, owner of Mercy Automotive Charitable Foundation; Dee, Navy veteran; Pastor John Green, operations officer of Operation Barnabus; Robin Pipkins, Elks National Foundation Grants lodge chair; and Deborah Reedy, PER, Lodge Secretary.

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Written by Harriet Gossett

On Aug. 21, Pensacola Beach Elks Lodge #497 donated $2,000 from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant and $1,000 from the lodge charity account to AHERO (America’s Heroes Enjoying Recreation Outdoors), an organization dedicated to the prevention of suicide of retired military personnel. Pictured are Dan Smith, Exalted Ruler, and Sandra Milburn, lodge grant coordinator, presenting the check to David Glassman, AHERO program director.

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Written by Brian Estus, PER

On Aug. 7, the West Citrus Elks Lodge #2693 Veterans Committee honored patriots of the Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 Military Order of Purple Heart by hosting the annual Purple Heart breakfast. This is the 12th year the Elks have honored fallen heroes and wounded warriors. This event commemorated the 239th anniversary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Pictured are Joanne Hepner, Veterans Chair, and Curt Ebitz of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

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Written by Titusville Elks

Catherine Simkins, Titusville Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler, presents $2,500 from the lodge’s Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant Aug. 13 to George Taylor Jr., president of National Veterans Homeless Support, to help provide services for veterans needing supplies or housing support.

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Written by Tom Sweeney

On July 29, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 donated its Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant of $2,000 to Turning Points’ Yellow Ribbon Veterans Program in Bradenton, Florida. The program’s mission is to assist veterans and families through their individual needs, providing a “housing first” philosophy that is not enabling. Pictured from Turning Points are Michelle Scott; Kathleen Cramer, executive director; and Andy Guyre. Elks pictured (in blue shirts) are Deb Kehoe, Tom Sweeney, Frank Iannello, Charlotte Madar and Jack Jernigan.

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Written by Bobbie Vance

As of June 30, Cocoa Beach Elks Lodge #2387 has taken 504 homeless veterans shopping for Welcome Home kits valued at $122,000 since the program began in 2016. Twice a month, a group of Elks gather at the Dollar General store at 595 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. They are each paired with a veteran and shop for $300 worth of items needed to set up their household including paper products, kitchen supplies, personal hygiene items, and bed and bath linens. The store manager has been more than supportive of the efforts and is greatly appreciative. The lodge has partnered with two local veterans organizations — Volunteers of America (VOA) and Support Services for Veterans Families (SSVF). The VOA manages an 80-bed transitional housing facility which prepares veterans to move from homelessness to permanent housing. SSVF is a service of the Veteran's Administration that re-houses homeless veterans and prevents homelessness for those at imminent risk due to a housing crisis. Once the VOA and SSVF interview and screen potential veterans for eligibility, they connect them with the lodge to go shopping for needed items. Pictured June 9 after shopping are lodge members Jean Greco and Walther Little with two veterans.