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P.O. Box 49
Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
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Our Military & Veterans
Gainesville Elk Riders Escort Wreaths Across America Truck to Cemetery
- Details
- Written by Gainesville Elks
The Wreaths Across America 2020 event took place Dec. 19 with the presentation of wreaths at veterans' cemeteries. The Gainesville Lodge #990 Elk Riders along with other groups honored veterans by escorting the Wreaths Across America truck from the Walmart distribution center in Alachua, Florida, to the Forest Meadows East Cemetery in Gainesville, Florida. Pictured are Louis Mallory, Charles Britt, Dave Kaufman, Pete Hamilton, Charlotte "Charlee" Baumann-Rodgers (Bill Baumann’s granddaughter) and Bill Baumann.
Three Organizations Pull Together to Secure Housing for Army Veteran
- Details
- Written by Frank Kuczkowski, PER
Port Orange Elks Lodge #2723 combined resources with The Messengers for Homeless Vets Inc. and the Port Orange VFW to secure permanent housing for Army veteran Akeya Pullen. The lodge used $900 from its Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant. Pictured Jan. 9 with Pullen as she receives the keys to her new apartment are Lakish Morgan, friend; Jim Preston, Port Orange VFW service officer; Frank Tamberelli, PSP-NC and Jerry Peterson, PER, lodge members; and Chaz Brown, Messengers for Homeless Vets officer.
Bay Pines Veterans Receive Gifts from Holiday Isles Elks
- Details
- Written by Kim Debois
On Jan. 11, Holiday Isles Elks Lodge #1912 donated single-serve food items, men's clothing and 10 pairs of men's shoes to the Bay Pines VA. The value of the donation was $310.
K9s for Warriors Receives Donation from Green Cove Springs Lodge
- Details
- Written by Green Cove Springs Elks
Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 donated $1,000 from the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to K9s for Warriors, an organization that trains and provides service dogs for veterans. Dr. Rick Kunze, Lodge Veterans Services Chair, presented the check Nov. 24.
Lake Okeechobee Lodge Uses Unique Methods to Find Veterans in Need of Help
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- Written by Lake Okeechobee Elks
During December, Lake Okeechobee Elks Lodge used nearly $1,000 of its Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to put together Christmas baskets of hams and many essential goods for local veterans in need. Recipients were located through calls to the local radio station running community service announcements and coordination with Okeechobee County Veterans Coordinator, Sarah Gilbert. Lodge members also had a list of names from previous Stand Downs. The baskets were delivered to veterans’ homes who are shut in.
Veterans Organization Receives Donation from Eustis Elks
- Details
- Written by Eustis Elks
On Nov. 15, Eustis Elks Lodge #1578 donated $500 from its Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant to Veterans Helping Veterans USA, an organization in Ocala, Florida, that assists with financial and social counseling. They also provide clothing and a food bank. Pictured at Veterans Helping Veterans USA are Jim Stock, Veterans Committee Chair, and Bo Borwegen, Exalted Ruler, presenting the check to Hank Whittier, Executive Director.
Bay Pines Hospital Receive Gifts from Sarasota South Lodge and Knitting Club
- Details
- Written by Sarasota South Elks
Early in December, Sarasota South Lodge’s Larry Hildebrand, PER and Red Malone delivered over $5,000 worth of socks, underwear and personal hygiene items to the residents at Bay Pines Hospital. Included in that delivery were 15 lap blankets donated by Britannica Knitting Club. They have been donating their lap blankets to the lodge for the veterans for over 10 years. Each lap blanket is unique and handmade by the members. Pictured are Judith Christiansen and Liz Barth, members of the lodge and the Britannica Knitting Club.
Sarasota South Lodge Veterans Recognized at Lodge Dinner
- Details
- Written by Sarasota South Elks
On Nov. 9, Sarasota South Elks Lodge #2495 hosted a spaghetti dinner for veterans in honor of Veterans Day. Bruce Shelly volunteered entertainment and those present got to dance to their favorite ‘60s songs. A special challenge coin was given to each of the 24 veterans in attendance. Pictured is Michael Wujcik CWO4, USN (Ret) receiving his challenge coin from James Lamb, PDD, MSGT USAF (Ret).
Bradenton Elks Riders Serve Dinner to Veterans
- Details
- Written by Bob Erwin, PDD
On Nov. 11, Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 held a dinner in the lodge dining room for 67 local veterans. The meal was sponsored by the Bradenton Elks Riders using funds from their veterans’ fundraising events.
Clewiston Elks Honor their Veteran Members
- Details
- Written by Clewiston Elks
Clewiston Elks Lodge #1853 held a veterans’ appreciation ceremony and dinner for their veteran members and families with 65 veterans, members and guests in attendance. To open the ceremony, Danielle Soles, Exalted Ruler, introduced local Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts for the presentation of the flag. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the scouts presented the lodge with the folded flag and asked that they fly it over their lodge in honor of their veteran members, both past and present. Lodge member and veteran James McWhorter shared his memories and thoughts on being a veteran and noted that veterans are a special group because they have a tremendous amount of responsibility at a young age. Kayleigh Torres sang, “I Won’t Let Go,” by Rascal Flatts. Everyone was invited to stay afterward for a meal.
Delray Beach Elks Donate to and Pack Boxes for Troops Overseas
- Details
- Written by Delray Beach Elks
Delray Beach Lodge donated $1,200 to Project Holiday/Pack for Troops Nov. 21 and Dec. 14. Volunteers packed boxes to be delivered to troops overseas. Pictured is Delray Beach mayor and lodge member, Shelly Petrolia.
Scout Troop #512 Assists with Pompano Beach Lodge Veterans Day Service
- Details
- Written by Pompano Beach Elks
Scout Troop #512 assisted the officers of Pompano Beach Elks Lodge #1898 by presenting the flags of the armed services at the lodge’s Veterans Day Service. Scoutmasters Jeff Early and Scott Slinko of Oakland Park Elks Lodge #2407 were present. Several veterans attended the service as guests and were introduced, stating their rank and period of service.