Our Military & Veterans

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Written by Diane Ellison

Zephyrhills Elks Lodge #2731 donated a 65’’ television for the residents’ activity room at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital domiciliary. Coffee was provided as well. These gifts were purchased using funds from lodge 50/50 raffles and generous members. Pictured at the presentation are Roy Leonard, RN, nurse manager; Judy Osgood, Elks National Foundation chairman; Alexandria Novognodsky, clinical coordinator; and Ken Fabiani, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Irene Chandler

New Port Richey Elks Lodge #2284 participated in the Wreaths Across America program Dec. 15. In coordination with American Legion Post #79, lodge officers participated in a program honoring all branches of the military, and members placed Christmas wreaths on the graves of over 600 veterans at Pine Hill and Meadowlawn cemeteries.

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Written by May Graci

On Dec. 23, St. Petersburg Lodge volunteers shared Christmas joy with Heaven on Earth for Veterans (HOEV), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in March 2013 which provides quality living, low-cost, safe living spaces for veterans in need. One of the founders is Esquire, retired Army Colonel Carol Barkalow. Volunteers put together 27 veterans’ essentials kits for HOEV residents. Donations were collected from family, friends and lodge members to average $15 per veteran. Essentials collected were shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, razors, deodorant and snacks. Publix donated reusable shopping bags. HOEV board member Ian O’Connell picked up the kits from the lodge and was thrilled to also pick up Christmas food boxes for HOEV’s eight veteran homes. The $20 Publix gift cards which were included in the Christmas food baskets were immediately used for meat purchases so the veterans would receive their complete Christmas dinner.

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Written by Mary Kay Burns

Arcadia Elks Lodge #1524 partnered with Operation Outdoor Freedom (OOF), a program under the Forestry Department, to provide a special dinner at their recent hunt at the Peace River site. This opportunity was funded by an Elks National Foundation grant. OOF provides recreational opportunities to wounded veterans. Areas of Florida state forests dedicated to this effort are fully equipped to accommodate the needs of wounded veterans, providing a unique opportunity for recreation and rehabilitation. This is the second time the lodge has partnered with OOF; last year, the grant provided not only a great evening and meal but a beautiful table and chairs for their gathering place. Arcadia Lodge is also planning another event for 2019.

Pictured at the Arcadia Lodge and Operation Outdoor Freedom event are Mike Porter of OOF, Mary Kay Burns, Ken Katter of OOF, PSP Brian Burns, Nancy Higginbotham and Rodney Morgan.

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Written by Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks

On Nov. 13, Tom Sweeney, Chairman of the Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge Veterans Committee, presented a check for $5,000 to Homes for our Troops for the build project of Army Specialist Michael Monthervil. The funds were raised at a Hawaiian luau held at the lodge. Over 200 people attended and heard from Monthervil how greatly their support is appreciated. His home will be built in Wimauma and will be specially adapted to meet his specific needs. He was injured in Afghanistan and lost the use of his legs and dexterity of his hands. He has limited movement where he is living now and is looking forward to regaining some of the independence he had before his injury.

Deb Kehoe, Homes for our Troops core ambassador, accepts a donation of $5,000 from Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge presented by Veterans Chairman, Tom Sweeney, and Kathi Skelton.

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Written by Brandon Elks

On Dec. 16, a group of elves and helpers from Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 arrived at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital spinal cord injury unit bearing gifts. The Brandon Ladies of Elks and lodge members put together 100 gift bags with mugs, socks, candy, gift cards, pens, pads, Rubik’s cubes and ballcaps. They also took the time to visit with the veterans.