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Our Military & Veterans
Veterans Receive Furnishings from Zephyrhills Lodge for their New Homes
- Details
- Written by Diane Ellison
On July 1, Zephyrhills Elks Lodge #2731 and the Veterans Committee furnished their 118th and 119th veterans’ homes. Mario Gallon was overwhelmed with all the furnishings for his new home. He is pictured on the right with lodge member Larry Decena. On July 19, Anthony Ferguson was surprised with all the home furnishings he received from the Lodge Veterans Committee as well. He is pictured with Ken Fabiani, PER, Veterans Committee chair.
Sarasota South Elks Participate in Stand Down for Veterans
- Details
- Written by Sarasota South Elks
On June 26, Sarasota South Elks Lodge #2495 participated in a Stand Down for veterans who are homeless. With funds from the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant, they filled 96 backpacks with personal hygiene supplies, baby wipes, first aid kits, blankets, flashlights and more. The event was organized by the Jewish Family and Children Services (JFCS), with more than 35 agencies participating, including Infinite Wishes, Turning Point, License on Wheels and Streets of Paradise. This was the ninth Stand Down and approximately 93 veterans attended. The goal of the event was to register as many veterans as possible with the VA and see if they are eligible for medical, dental and legal services. Veterans were also treated to food and hot showers. Pictured are lodge members Richard Bouchard, PER; Terry Haberle and Steven Coyne.
Silver Star Awarded to New St. Petersburg Lodge Member
- Details
- Written by May Graci
New St. Petersburg Lodge member John Kieffer, a Vietnam War veteran who led a mission that saved his combat veterans' lives, was awarded the Silver Star May 31, Memorial Day, at War Veterans Memorial Park at Bay Pines by Congressman Charlie Crist. Kieffer served as a platoon chief and was accountable for working with tanks. During a mission, a tank was attacked and he took management of the situation, which is the mission he is being acknowledged for 50 years later. During his military service, which included active and reserve duty, Kieffer attained the rank of Major. The Silver Star is the United States Armed Forces' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat and is awarded primarily for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. The ceremony began at 10 a.m. and was open to the public; a private celebration was held at the lodge afterward.
Zephyrhills Lodge Furnishes 117th Home for Veterans
- Details
- Written by Diane Ellison
On June 2 using the Elks National Foundation “Welcome Home” fund, Zephyrhills Lodge helped furnish veteran Gary Wayne Savage’s new home. Lodge members Ron Ellison, Larry Decena, and Ken Fabiani, PER, Veterans chair, helped with the move.
The Zephyrhills Lodge and Veterans Committee furnished two more veterans’ homes in June. Members Larry Falaas and Ken Fabiani, PER, Veterans chair, furnished the home of Donald Tailor June 11 and the home of Michael Ray Beason June 15. Beason is the 117th veteran whose home the lodge has furnished.
Veteran Starts Over in New Home Furnished by Zephyrhills Elks
- Details
- Written by Diane Ellison
On June 2, the Zephyrhills Lodge Veterans Committee used grant funds from the Elks National Foundation for a “welcome home” package for veteran Merla McDaniel as she begins her life in her new home. The lodge completely furnished her home with everything from bedroom to living room to kitchen. Lodge members Larry Decena, Ron Ellison, and Ken Fabiani, PER, Veterans Chair, assisted with this project. Pictured are McDaniel and Fabiani.
P.E.S.T. Relief International and St. Petersburg Lodge Donate Supplies to Veterans without Homes
- Details
- Written by May Graci
P.E.S.T. Relief International (Professionals Empowering, Sustaining and Transforming), a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2013 by Andrea Hancock after a mission trip to Honduras, is comprised of professionals in the pest management industry who bring comfort and relief to those experiencing homelessness through safe shelter, nutrition, education, and physical and emotional health. On June 17, P.E.S.T. donated 100 backpacks with hygiene kits to St. Petersburg Lodge which in turn distributed them to C.W. Bill Young Veterans Hospital to issue to the veterans. The kits contained essentials such as soap, washcloth, deodorant, shaving cream and razors, toothpaste and toothbrush, socks, nutritional health bars, and a face mask. Each backpack is waterproof and may be the only item a veteran has to put their belongings into while in transition. The value of the backpacks was $2,600. Pictured are Jewels Warren of P.E.S.T.; Toni Goodrich, PDD, Lodge Secretary; and Andrea Hancock, P.E.S.T. founder.
Palm Coast Elks Hold Community Event for Army of Hope Fundraising
- Details
- Written by Gerard O'Gara
On May 15, Armed Forces Day, Palm Coast Elks Lodge #2709 conducted a picnic to fundraise for the Florida Elks’ Army of Hope and conducted a jobs-like fair to recruit volunteers in the lodge and community. In attendance were Rudy and Dolly Masi, Florida State Elks president and first lady; Vic McClellan, Army of Hope Grants Chair, and his wife, Peggie; Melissa Holland, Palm Coast mayor; and George Hanns and Greg Hansen, county commissioners. Table were set up for the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Operations Center, Flagler Cats, and every Elks national and state major project. Also in attendance were Alexandra Perez, Florida Elks state Hoop Shoot champ, and Communications Specialist McKenzie Davis, Florida Elks’ First Responder of the Year in the Support Services category. Coastal Florida Police and Fire Pipes and Drums and the Florida Elks Drug Awareness trailer were also on hand.
West Palm Beach Elks Donate Supplies to VA Hospital
- Details
- Written by West Palm Beach Elks
On May 5, West Palm Beach Elks Lodge #1352 donated backpacks filled with canned goods, socks, underwear, toothpaste, toothbrush, gift coupons and other accessories to the VA hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida. These were purchased from the Elks National Foundation Focus Grant. Pictured are Mr. Jones, VA helper; Tim Hadsell, lodge member; and Minia Cain, Exalted Ruler.
Delray Beach Lodge Celebrates National Women's Veterans Day
- Details
- Written by Delray Beach Elks
On June 12, Delray Beach Elks Lodge #1770 hosted an event celebrating National Women’s Veterans Day. Two World War II veterans were given special honors, and several more deserving women joined in the ceremony. They all received a framed plaque commemorating their service to the country. The Atlantic High School Junior ROTC and the Mayor of Delray Beach participated as well, and speeches were made. A motorcycle brigade accompanied the distinguished guests. Most of the lodge’s officers attended, too. Pictured are the Atlantic High School Junior ROTC in the back and the women veterans from Delray Beach and neighboring communities.
Englewood Ladies of Elks Crochet 66 Blankets for Veterans Homeless Coalition
- Details
- Written by Englewood Elks
On June 15, Paul Colicci, Englewood Lodge Veterans Chair, and Joyce Sousa delivered 66 blankets that were crocheted by the Englewood Ladies of Elks for the Veterans Homeless Coalition in Port Charlotte, Florida. They were warm and colorful and they were gratefully accepted by staff member Mary Lou and another member of the staff. Pictured are Mary Lou, Colicci and Sousa.
Englewood Elks Deliver Ice Cream to Veterans in Facilities for Memorial Day
- Details
- Written by Englewood Elks
Paul Colicci, Englewood Elks Lodge’s Veterans Chair, and Joyce Sousa delivered 3 gallons of ice cream plus toppings for veterans at each of the area facilities on Memorial Day, May 31. Because of the pandemic, the veterans could not come to the lodge for their regular luncheons, so the activities directors and some of the veterans accepted the treats at the residences, and they were very grateful, as always. Pictured are deliveries at Sunset Village in Venice, Heritage Oaks in Englewood, Englewood Rehab, Grand Villa in Englewood, Brookdale Assisted Living in Rotonda West and Springs of Biscayne in North Port.
South Hillsborough Elks Donate to Surviving Children of Special Operations Personnel
- Details
- Written by South Hillsborough Elks
Using funds from their Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant, South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #1676 donated backpacks to the Special Operations Wounded Warrior Foundation (SOWW). Also, $1,300 was donated to the fill the backpacks. This organization is dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of Special Operations personnel of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. who have lost their lives in the line of duty or are severely wounded and hospitalized because of wounds sustained in combat. They do this to ensure that the surviving children have assistance with their education and scholarships. Pictured are Joyce Domnick Schaefer, lodge grant coordinator; Gary Aquno, director; Edith Rosenthal, scholarship director; Steve Conrad, Exalted Ruler; and Ned Letts, lodge grant project manager.