Our Military & Veterans

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Written by Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks

On Nov. 17, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 participated in a poker run in Sarasota to raise money for Wreaths Across America. The stops included American Legion Post 312, Ruskin Eagles 4351, Kirby Pelot Stewart American Legion Post 24, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge and the Farm Bureau Pavilion. The event raised $2,806, which will provide 249 wreaths for fallen veterans to be placed at Sarasota National Cemetery.

Pictured are members from Ruskin Eagle Riders #4351, Bradenton Elks Riders #1511, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elk Riders #2855, American Legion Post 312, Disabled Veterans Chapter 18 and American Legion Riders Chapter 30.

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Written by South Hillsborough Elks

On Nov. 8, South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #2672 donated its $1,000 Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant to Wounded Warriors in Action in Apollo Beach. The organization helps the nation’s combat-wounded Purple Heart recipients by offering outdoor sporting activities to encourage independence and connections with communities and to promote healing and wellness through camaraderie and a shared passion for the outdoors.

Pictured are John McDaniel of WWIA and Mary Ellen Maurer, Lodge Grants Coordinator.

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Written by Deborah Reedy, PER

Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 delivered its 16th Welcome Home Kit Oct. 11 to U.S. Navy veteran Kenneth. He was most appreciative to receive the basic food and household items, along with furniture pieces. Members David Graham, PER and Rick and Tamy Branch delivered the larger pieces of furniture. Kenneth transitioned from Five Star Veterans Center. Items included a new queen bed, pillows, bedding, blankets, dishes, pots and pans, kitchenware, towels, toiletries, shower liner and rings, paper goods, light bulbs, trash can and bags, cleaning supplies, laundry basket and detergent, coffee maker, and toaster. In addition to the $490.15 spent on kit items, the lodge donated $25 to be used for a food donation for this veteran.

Pictured are Kenneth and kit items as well as David Graham, PER and Rick Branch.

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Written by Ken Fabiani, PER

On Sept. 24, the Zephyrhills Elks Lodge Veterans Committee donated 15 lap blankets to Rose Castle Nursing Home in Zephyrhills. Lodge members and volunteers make the blankets with donated yarn. With each blanket they add a note thanking the veterans for their service and finish the note saying that they were made by the Happy Hookers from Scotland Yard.

Pictured are volunteer Dave Greene and Rose Castle director Keith Brown. 

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Written by Live Oak Elks

On Aug. 10, Live Oak Elks Lodge #1165 donated two $500 gift cards to the Robert H. Jenkins Jr. State Veterans’ Domiciliary Home in Lake City. The funds were from the Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant and were presented to Karen Kraszewski, activity therapy aide. One of the gift cards is for bimonthly trips for the veterans to a local cinema and the other is for a return trip to the Tallahassee Auto Museum. The veterans enjoyed the trip so much last year that they asked for sponsorship again this year. The lodge also participates in the Adopt-a-Vet program and sends a monthly check to help cover expenses of a veteran who has been assigned as their adoptee.

Pictured are William Koenigh and Gary Moore, veterans of the domiciliary; Terry Strayer, Secretary; Andy Hillhouse, PER; Janet DaSilva, PDD, VA volunteer of Lake City Elks Lodge #893; Donald Watson, PDD; and Lori Watson, Grant Coordinator.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On Aug. 12, Green Cove Springs Lodge donated $1,318 from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to K9s for Warriors, an organization that trains and provides service dogs to veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury and other challenging conditions. The lodge's Past Exalted Rulers charity bingo also donated $1,000 to support their work.

Pictured are Jennifer Parker, Exalted Ruler; Ed Weston, PER Chair; Rick Kunze, PER, Veterans Chair; Penny Kunze, member; Carol Thorsen Hood, K9s for Warriors puppy raiser, with Ellie; and Stephanie Vogt, K9s community relations manager.